Summary of Bible references on the Rapture
- Thread starter ZNP
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
The path we must take
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
This is important to remember, and don't forget, Luke is getting this from Paul. Who else could have told Luke that it was Saul (Paul) who went and asked for letters to bring these people bound to Jerusalem? Why is this important? Because this is how Paul's (Saul) journey begins, Acts also shows us that it ends with Paul being brought bound to Rome. As you have done it will be done to you. Remember how you treated Christians prior to getting saved before complaining to God that "this is unfair". Prior to my getting baptized I thought 'Christians were weak and whiny and I could live the Christian life if I wanted to, I just didn't want to.' It is good to remember that every time I am about to say "woe is me". Am I now the "weak and whiny" one? I wasn't like Saul, I wasn't interested in going after Christians to bind them, on the contrary I didn't want anything to do with them. So I should be able to empathize with unbelievers who don't want anything to do with Christians.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
This is a great question. Look at Minnesota, ICE agents are there trying to arrest criminals. So why are these liberals persecuting them? I think a great way to understand this is the movie "The Insider". Why were they persecuting him? He used to be a very important scientist working for the Tobacco industry, then he resigned. So why were they persecuting him? At first they were paranoid he was going to become a whistleblower. He had a NDA with them that was not legal. They threatened him and he did not like being threatened. But the bottom line is they were persecuting him because he might reveal the truth and they were doing everything in their power to conceal the truth. In the movie they have this incredible exchange between the 60 minute lawyer and the 60 minutes producer. He tells her that their job is to speak the truth and she tells him that "the greater the truth the greater the liability". Her point is that if they air a story that exposes corruption and causes the cigarette company to lose billions (which is what happened) then they in turn can sue 60 minutes for costing them billions! In other words they are not accountable for their sins and crimes, rather, 60 minutes is accountable for shining a light on their lies and crimes. Saul of Tarsus is outraged that the Christians are shining a light on the sins and failings of the Jewish religion and now Jesus shines a light on him, why are you persecuting Jesus? Because He is shining a light on your sins.
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Saul thought he was a spiritual warrior fighting for his god only to learn he was in darkness thinking that fighting against Jesus was service to God.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
This is the problem with Christianity. They think that the commands in the New Testament to be a witness for the Lord is more of a suggestion, what the Lord would have you do. Whereas is if you listen to the Lord it is not a suggestion, it is what you must do. Saul of Tarsus is a sinner, a great sinner. Jesus is going to rescue him from his sins. But at the moment of rescue he is in a very deep pit and so he must walk the narrow path that leads to life. That path includes being stoned, being beaten, being imprisoned, and being taken bound to Rome. But, that is the path that leads to life, that is the path Paul must take if he wants to have a crown.
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
This is important to remember, and don't forget, Luke is getting this from Paul. Who else could have told Luke that it was Saul (Paul) who went and asked for letters to bring these people bound to Jerusalem? Why is this important? Because this is how Paul's (Saul) journey begins, Acts also shows us that it ends with Paul being brought bound to Rome. As you have done it will be done to you. Remember how you treated Christians prior to getting saved before complaining to God that "this is unfair". Prior to my getting baptized I thought 'Christians were weak and whiny and I could live the Christian life if I wanted to, I just didn't want to.' It is good to remember that every time I am about to say "woe is me". Am I now the "weak and whiny" one? I wasn't like Saul, I wasn't interested in going after Christians to bind them, on the contrary I didn't want anything to do with them. So I should be able to empathize with unbelievers who don't want anything to do with Christians.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
This is a great question. Look at Minnesota, ICE agents are there trying to arrest criminals. So why are these liberals persecuting them? I think a great way to understand this is the movie "The Insider". Why were they persecuting him? He used to be a very important scientist working for the Tobacco industry, then he resigned. So why were they persecuting him? At first they were paranoid he was going to become a whistleblower. He had a NDA with them that was not legal. They threatened him and he did not like being threatened. But the bottom line is they were persecuting him because he might reveal the truth and they were doing everything in their power to conceal the truth. In the movie they have this incredible exchange between the 60 minute lawyer and the 60 minutes producer. He tells her that their job is to speak the truth and she tells him that "the greater the truth the greater the liability". Her point is that if they air a story that exposes corruption and causes the cigarette company to lose billions (which is what happened) then they in turn can sue 60 minutes for costing them billions! In other words they are not accountable for their sins and crimes, rather, 60 minutes is accountable for shining a light on their lies and crimes. Saul of Tarsus is outraged that the Christians are shining a light on the sins and failings of the Jewish religion and now Jesus shines a light on him, why are you persecuting Jesus? Because He is shining a light on your sins.
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Saul thought he was a spiritual warrior fighting for his god only to learn he was in darkness thinking that fighting against Jesus was service to God.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
This is the problem with Christianity. They think that the commands in the New Testament to be a witness for the Lord is more of a suggestion, what the Lord would have you do. Whereas is if you listen to the Lord it is not a suggestion, it is what you must do. Saul of Tarsus is a sinner, a great sinner. Jesus is going to rescue him from his sins. But at the moment of rescue he is in a very deep pit and so he must walk the narrow path that leads to life. That path includes being stoned, being beaten, being imprisoned, and being taken bound to Rome. But, that is the path that leads to life, that is the path Paul must take if he wants to have a crown.
Pray for a vision to see what great things you must suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
There are many times when you can have the experience of hearing the Lord's speaking to you. For example, you might be in a meeting listening to the pastor. You hear the message, the light is shining on you, it is convicting, and you are looking to the Lord what you should do. Others can be in the same meeting, heard the same word from the pastor, but it wasn't for them and they have no reaction. Why? I believe the difference is prayer. Later we learn in Acts that Paul's nephew saves him by revealing a plot to kill him to the Roman officer. Suppose it was Paul's brother or sister, the parent's of his nephew, that were saved first. Suppose they were the ones praying for Saul to get saved. If you look at Paul's life from his conversion to his being arrested in Jerusalem it seems he had almost no interaction with those in Jerusalem except for a meeting or two. However, his nephew must life in Jerusalem and was probably born about the same time that Paul was saved. I think someone was praying for Paul.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
Isn't that excellent? How great to be available to the Lord whenever He calls.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
This whole chapter is a great lesson on how to pray for the salvation of others. You can pray that the Lord shine on them, convict them of their sins, knock them off their high horse, let them know that they are blind. Pray that they get a vision, pray that the Lord send someone to them to touch them and lead them to salvation.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Think of how bold this is! Saul of Tarsus has come to Damascus to arrest anyone who believes in Jesus. So Jesus sends someone to him to say "the Lord Jesus has sent me to you"! Paul asked us in his ministry to pray that he would have this kind of boldness to speak as he ought to speak. This must have completely amazed him when Ananias came to him. Now suppose Ananias is a very timid brother! That would have been even more incredible.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Pray for a vision to see what great things you must suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
There are many times when you can have the experience of hearing the Lord's speaking to you. For example, you might be in a meeting listening to the pastor. You hear the message, the light is shining on you, it is convicting, and you are looking to the Lord what you should do. Others can be in the same meeting, heard the same word from the pastor, but it wasn't for them and they have no reaction. Why? I believe the difference is prayer. Later we learn in Acts that Paul's nephew saves him by revealing a plot to kill him to the Roman officer. Suppose it was Paul's brother or sister, the parent's of his nephew, that were saved first. Suppose they were the ones praying for Saul to get saved. If you look at Paul's life from his conversion to his being arrested in Jerusalem it seems he had almost no interaction with those in Jerusalem except for a meeting or two. However, his nephew must life in Jerusalem and was probably born about the same time that Paul was saved. I think someone was praying for Paul.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
Isn't that excellent? How great to be available to the Lord whenever He calls.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
This whole chapter is a great lesson on how to pray for the salvation of others. You can pray that the Lord shine on them, convict them of their sins, knock them off their high horse, let them know that they are blind. Pray that they get a vision, pray that the Lord send someone to them to touch them and lead them to salvation.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Think of how bold this is! Saul of Tarsus has come to Damascus to arrest anyone who believes in Jesus. So Jesus sends someone to him to say "the Lord Jesus has sent me to you"! Paul asked us in his ministry to pray that he would have this kind of boldness to speak as he ought to speak. This must have completely amazed him when Ananias came to him. Now suppose Ananias is a very timid brother! That would have been even more incredible.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Pray for a vision to see what great things you must suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
Ananias ushers in the ministry for both Peter and Paul
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Why is this brother named Ananias? That is the same name as the guy who lied to the Holy Spirit saying he was absolute for the Lord when in reality he was keeping part of the offering to himself? This is the mirror image of that Ananias, only this one is absolute. When the Lord calls, he is available. When the Lord sends him on a suicide mission, he goes. Earlier in Acts we see what happens if you are not absolute for the Lord and pretend you are. Here we see what happens when you truly are absolute for the Lord. The message to Paul is that he will have to be absolute to the Lord and that message can only be delivered by someone who is absolute for the Lord. In both cases Ananias was the one who ushered in the ministry of Peter and Paul, the two witnesses. In Peter's case he recognized someone who was lying to the holy Spirit because he had been that person. He had boasted that if all else abandoned the Lord he wouldn't. He knew the penalty for that was death. It was Dorcas being raised from the dead that caused him to also see that he died with Christ and also rose with Him. But Paul is different, he was absolute, his problem was that he was blind, he was walking in darkness. Before he thought he needed to cause Christians a lot of suffering in order to be absolute in his service to God. Now the Lord is going to show him that he will need to go through that suffering in order to be absolute in his service to Jesus.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Do you know that there are Christians who teach you do not need to be baptized for salvation? This is truly idiotic. The minute Paul was no longer blind he got baptized. Why? Because the Lord said to "believe and be baptized". Salvation means we no longer do what is right in our own eyes but we are obedient to Jesus Christ who is the Lord.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Why is this brother named Ananias? That is the same name as the guy who lied to the Holy Spirit saying he was absolute for the Lord when in reality he was keeping part of the offering to himself? This is the mirror image of that Ananias, only this one is absolute. When the Lord calls, he is available. When the Lord sends him on a suicide mission, he goes. Earlier in Acts we see what happens if you are not absolute for the Lord and pretend you are. Here we see what happens when you truly are absolute for the Lord. The message to Paul is that he will have to be absolute to the Lord and that message can only be delivered by someone who is absolute for the Lord. In both cases Ananias was the one who ushered in the ministry of Peter and Paul, the two witnesses. In Peter's case he recognized someone who was lying to the holy Spirit because he had been that person. He had boasted that if all else abandoned the Lord he wouldn't. He knew the penalty for that was death. It was Dorcas being raised from the dead that caused him to also see that he died with Christ and also rose with Him. But Paul is different, he was absolute, his problem was that he was blind, he was walking in darkness. Before he thought he needed to cause Christians a lot of suffering in order to be absolute in his service to God. Now the Lord is going to show him that he will need to go through that suffering in order to be absolute in his service to Jesus.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Do you know that there are Christians who teach you do not need to be baptized for salvation? This is truly idiotic. The minute Paul was no longer blind he got baptized. Why? Because the Lord said to "believe and be baptized". Salvation means we no longer do what is right in our own eyes but we are obedient to Jesus Christ who is the Lord.
The significance of Damascus
Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Damascus is mentioned 15 times in the New Testament and every time is a reference to Paul's salvation experience and his beginning except for one time, and that is in Galatians where Paul says he returned to Damascus. Paul's ministry is the New Testament ministry. Also, Jesus' ministry is depicted in two Old Testament types, David and Solomon. Jesus' earthly ministry is depicted by David and His heavenly ministry by Solomon. Paul "returning to Damascus" depicts the heavenly ministry beginning in Damascus and then at the end of the age, after taking a stand in Jerusalem, returning to Damascus. I bring this up because Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth, and as such signifies Methuselah. There was a prophecy that when Methuselah dies then the end will come. Methuselah died the same year and likely the same week that Noah entered the ark. I believe his death was a signal for Noah and his family to enter the ark. In Isaiah 17 it says that Damascus will become a ruinous heap, that would be equivalent in typology to Methuselah dying. Jesus said that the end of the age would be as the days of Noah and one of those days was the death of Methuselah, which in typology I believe refers to Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. The rapture is when the faithful children of God enter into the ark for seven days (seven years) prior to the flood coming and washing everyone away. The rapture marks the end of the church age. So then the church age begins in Damascus and ends with Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. One type of the rapture is when Samson pushes out the pillars. The church is the pillar and base of the truth. That is our job to speak the truth and to hold up the truth. When we are removed, it is like a Jenga tower collapsing. The church age began with the saints in Damascus holding up the truth in great boldness when they preached the gospel to Saul of Tarsus, and it will end in the collapse of the apostasy which has abandoned the role of holding up the truth.
Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Damascus is mentioned 15 times in the New Testament and every time is a reference to Paul's salvation experience and his beginning except for one time, and that is in Galatians where Paul says he returned to Damascus. Paul's ministry is the New Testament ministry. Also, Jesus' ministry is depicted in two Old Testament types, David and Solomon. Jesus' earthly ministry is depicted by David and His heavenly ministry by Solomon. Paul "returning to Damascus" depicts the heavenly ministry beginning in Damascus and then at the end of the age, after taking a stand in Jerusalem, returning to Damascus. I bring this up because Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth, and as such signifies Methuselah. There was a prophecy that when Methuselah dies then the end will come. Methuselah died the same year and likely the same week that Noah entered the ark. I believe his death was a signal for Noah and his family to enter the ark. In Isaiah 17 it says that Damascus will become a ruinous heap, that would be equivalent in typology to Methuselah dying. Jesus said that the end of the age would be as the days of Noah and one of those days was the death of Methuselah, which in typology I believe refers to Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. The rapture is when the faithful children of God enter into the ark for seven days (seven years) prior to the flood coming and washing everyone away. The rapture marks the end of the church age. So then the church age begins in Damascus and ends with Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. One type of the rapture is when Samson pushes out the pillars. The church is the pillar and base of the truth. That is our job to speak the truth and to hold up the truth. When we are removed, it is like a Jenga tower collapsing. The church age began with the saints in Damascus holding up the truth in great boldness when they preached the gospel to Saul of Tarsus, and it will end in the collapse of the apostasy which has abandoned the role of holding up the truth.
Sailing directly into the storm
Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
I don't think we appreciate how big and bold this was. The Jews crucified Jesus for blasphemy, to preach that Jesus is the Son of God would have gotten Paul killed for blasphemy. Now notice, he is not doing this in secret, he is coming to the synagogue to make this proclamation. This is crucial. He knew what he was doing could get him killed for blasphemy and he probably thought it would. So he wanted to make sure there was no dispute or confusion about why they were killing him. In football when you tackle someone you do it head on. In sailing when there is a huge storm you must sail directly into the storm.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
This is how you win the spiritual warfare, not by praying that your enemies will be destroyed, but by praying for people (who are not your enemies) that they would be saved, confess their sins, repent and bring forth fruit worthy of repentance.
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul was trained by Gamaliel, that was "little league". But now he is training for the pros. This is like a fighter sparring with others while training. All the Christians in Damascus were proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. But Saul was increasing the more in strength. Why? Could be his earlier training with Gamaliel. It could be that he spent more time in the word. It could be that each of us has our own function in the body of Christ and this was his function. You don't need to be Billy Graham or the Apostle Paul. But you should be increasing the more in strength as you grow in Christ. If you aren't there is something wrong with your spiritual walk.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Saul knew they would want to kill him for saying that Jesus is the Son of God. One benefit we have as Christians is that Jesus is omniscient, He knows all. Since that is true, pray for actionable intelligence from the Lord so that you can be given a heads up to their plans and also so that the Lord can reveal to you what you should do.
I had an experience similar to this. I stood up in a large meeting, over a thousand saints and all the elders of the church in that region were there. I am not going to go into the context of what happened, suffice it to say that all that were there understood what this testimony meant. I said that I had been praying to the Lord and told the Lord that He was being too hard on them. He then told me that "I will not let you go until I have utterly destroyed, not only Pharaoh but all of Egypt!" I responded "O Lord, you know I have always been faithful to you". Everyone understood I was throwing down the gauntlet. Everyone assumed I'd be "dead" in short order. I knew that, I knew what they were thinking, and I knew they would plan my demise. But I also knew that I had to be faithful to the Lord. I was simply delivering a message He had given me. Sure enough a year later He delivered on His promise.
25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
This verse demonstrates that this was a David vs Goliath battle. They had the soldiers, they were watching the gates, and Paul is the one in a basket like a small child. But this is the way the Lord deals with the proud and the arrogant. He holds them in derision. He uses the least of us to bring down the giants. I have told people this repeatedly, the Lord uses me because it proves He has a sense of humor.
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Don't you love the irony? This cannot be coincidence but Divine weaving of our stories. Barnabas was the one who gave all, Ananias was the one who was pretending to give all. So it is Barnabas that recognizes someone else who is giving all. Hypocrites are jealous of those who give all whereas those who know what is involved are appreciative of others who are giving all.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
I don't think we appreciate how big and bold this was. The Jews crucified Jesus for blasphemy, to preach that Jesus is the Son of God would have gotten Paul killed for blasphemy. Now notice, he is not doing this in secret, he is coming to the synagogue to make this proclamation. This is crucial. He knew what he was doing could get him killed for blasphemy and he probably thought it would. So he wanted to make sure there was no dispute or confusion about why they were killing him. In football when you tackle someone you do it head on. In sailing when there is a huge storm you must sail directly into the storm.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
This is how you win the spiritual warfare, not by praying that your enemies will be destroyed, but by praying for people (who are not your enemies) that they would be saved, confess their sins, repent and bring forth fruit worthy of repentance.
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul was trained by Gamaliel, that was "little league". But now he is training for the pros. This is like a fighter sparring with others while training. All the Christians in Damascus were proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. But Saul was increasing the more in strength. Why? Could be his earlier training with Gamaliel. It could be that he spent more time in the word. It could be that each of us has our own function in the body of Christ and this was his function. You don't need to be Billy Graham or the Apostle Paul. But you should be increasing the more in strength as you grow in Christ. If you aren't there is something wrong with your spiritual walk.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Saul knew they would want to kill him for saying that Jesus is the Son of God. One benefit we have as Christians is that Jesus is omniscient, He knows all. Since that is true, pray for actionable intelligence from the Lord so that you can be given a heads up to their plans and also so that the Lord can reveal to you what you should do.
I had an experience similar to this. I stood up in a large meeting, over a thousand saints and all the elders of the church in that region were there. I am not going to go into the context of what happened, suffice it to say that all that were there understood what this testimony meant. I said that I had been praying to the Lord and told the Lord that He was being too hard on them. He then told me that "I will not let you go until I have utterly destroyed, not only Pharaoh but all of Egypt!" I responded "O Lord, you know I have always been faithful to you". Everyone understood I was throwing down the gauntlet. Everyone assumed I'd be "dead" in short order. I knew that, I knew what they were thinking, and I knew they would plan my demise. But I also knew that I had to be faithful to the Lord. I was simply delivering a message He had given me. Sure enough a year later He delivered on His promise.
25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
This verse demonstrates that this was a David vs Goliath battle. They had the soldiers, they were watching the gates, and Paul is the one in a basket like a small child. But this is the way the Lord deals with the proud and the arrogant. He holds them in derision. He uses the least of us to bring down the giants. I have told people this repeatedly, the Lord uses me because it proves He has a sense of humor.
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Don't you love the irony? This cannot be coincidence but Divine weaving of our stories. Barnabas was the one who gave all, Ananias was the one who was pretending to give all. So it is Barnabas that recognizes someone else who is giving all. Hypocrites are jealous of those who give all whereas those who know what is involved are appreciative of others who are giving all.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Ask the Lord what He needs from you.
Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Paul's early ministry is very similar to David when King Saul was going about to slay him.
30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Paul learns very quickly that spiritual warfare involves the whole body. He would have been killed had not the saints in Damascus let him down in a basket. He would have been killed in Jerusalem had not the plot been revealed to the brothers. When Paul first got saved he thought he was supposed to go and speak to his brethren the Jews, only later does he learn that Jesus is sending him to the Gentiles.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
We pray for peace. The reason we don't have peace is not because of the enemy, he can do nothing to the church without the Lord allowing it. The reason we don't have peace is because the Lord also wants something. Think of Hannah, she had no peace because she didn't have a son. She prayed to the Lord to give her a son. But the reason she didn't have any peace is because the Lord also needed a man who would be absolute in the priesthood. Eli and his sons were corrupt. Hannah vowed that if the Lord would give her a son she would give him to the Lord. This is what the Lord wanted, she had a son, she gave him to the Lord and everyone had peace. Do not blame the Lord if you do not have peace and comfort, instead ask the Lord what He needs from you. In this case He needed a man who was absolute for Him to bring the gospel to the nations despite the suffering involved.
Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Paul's early ministry is very similar to David when King Saul was going about to slay him.
30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Paul learns very quickly that spiritual warfare involves the whole body. He would have been killed had not the saints in Damascus let him down in a basket. He would have been killed in Jerusalem had not the plot been revealed to the brothers. When Paul first got saved he thought he was supposed to go and speak to his brethren the Jews, only later does he learn that Jesus is sending him to the Gentiles.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
We pray for peace. The reason we don't have peace is not because of the enemy, he can do nothing to the church without the Lord allowing it. The reason we don't have peace is because the Lord also wants something. Think of Hannah, she had no peace because she didn't have a son. She prayed to the Lord to give her a son. But the reason she didn't have any peace is because the Lord also needed a man who would be absolute in the priesthood. Eli and his sons were corrupt. Hannah vowed that if the Lord would give her a son she would give him to the Lord. This is what the Lord wanted, she had a son, she gave him to the Lord and everyone had peace. Do not blame the Lord if you do not have peace and comfort, instead ask the Lord what He needs from you. In this case He needed a man who was absolute for Him to bring the gospel to the nations despite the suffering involved.
Peter needs Paul and Paul needs Peter
Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Sometimes we don't appreciate the amount of time that passes from one chapter to another. In Galatians we learn that there was a three year gap from Paul being saved in Damascus before he goes up to Jerusalem to see Peter. It is Peter who was very close to Paul. We see that Paul goes up to see him in Jerusalem. He doesn't say "James" who was the lead elder but Peter who was the leading evangelistic apostle. When you are the only one fighting on the front lines it can be exhausting and easy to quit, I believe Peter was thrilled to have a second witness join him on the front lines. I suspect Peter may have prayed to the Lord to provide him with help. These are the two witnesses in the book of Acts, Peter and Paul. When Paul had a problem with Mark Peter stepped in to mentor Mark and restore him to the ministry. When people attacked Paul Peter was the one defending him saying that his ministry was from the Lord. Meanwhile when Peter got off and needed correcting Paul was the one willing to step in and correct him in Galatians. When Peter brings the gospel to the nations it was Paul that picked up the torch and carried the gospel to the nations. I believe what we are seeing here in this chapter is that Paul stepping forward to the ministry was an encouragement to Peter and fanned his ministry back into flames. Palsy is where your heart is surrounded by fluid and can't beat properly. It depicts a root of bitterness that is suffocating you. You complain that everything is too hard. I think Paul coming to see Peter encouraged him so that everything was no longer too hard. He was probably confused at why the Lord would allow Stephen to be killed, but then seeing that out of that Paul got saved might have helped him forgive God and give Him praise and root out that bitterness.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
I'm sorry, isn't this what the Calvinists would call "works based salvation"? They aren't mourning her passing because twenty years earlier she had prayed for salvation, no, they are mourning her because her work of faith and labor of love was evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
I think this was Peter's experience. Ever since Stephen's death we don't hear from him, he has the palsy, his ministry is dead. Then Paul comes to visit and immediately he arises and makes his bed. His ministry is now walking in the resurrection life. The Lord told him to arise and he is simply sharing what the Lord told him to Tabitha. The word "Tabitha" is a female gazelle, the interpretation of this word Dorcas also means gazelle. In Song of Songs is describes the Lord as a hart leaping on the mountains. This is the point of this story, Peter is going to go through a lot of suffering, but go through it leaping like a hart on the mountains.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
This is where Peter is staying when he gets the vision of the sheet being let down and being told to rise and eat. Peter needed Paul to help him arise, and now Paul needs Peter to get the vision that the gospel is to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Sometimes we don't appreciate the amount of time that passes from one chapter to another. In Galatians we learn that there was a three year gap from Paul being saved in Damascus before he goes up to Jerusalem to see Peter. It is Peter who was very close to Paul. We see that Paul goes up to see him in Jerusalem. He doesn't say "James" who was the lead elder but Peter who was the leading evangelistic apostle. When you are the only one fighting on the front lines it can be exhausting and easy to quit, I believe Peter was thrilled to have a second witness join him on the front lines. I suspect Peter may have prayed to the Lord to provide him with help. These are the two witnesses in the book of Acts, Peter and Paul. When Paul had a problem with Mark Peter stepped in to mentor Mark and restore him to the ministry. When people attacked Paul Peter was the one defending him saying that his ministry was from the Lord. Meanwhile when Peter got off and needed correcting Paul was the one willing to step in and correct him in Galatians. When Peter brings the gospel to the nations it was Paul that picked up the torch and carried the gospel to the nations. I believe what we are seeing here in this chapter is that Paul stepping forward to the ministry was an encouragement to Peter and fanned his ministry back into flames. Palsy is where your heart is surrounded by fluid and can't beat properly. It depicts a root of bitterness that is suffocating you. You complain that everything is too hard. I think Paul coming to see Peter encouraged him so that everything was no longer too hard. He was probably confused at why the Lord would allow Stephen to be killed, but then seeing that out of that Paul got saved might have helped him forgive God and give Him praise and root out that bitterness.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
I'm sorry, isn't this what the Calvinists would call "works based salvation"? They aren't mourning her passing because twenty years earlier she had prayed for salvation, no, they are mourning her because her work of faith and labor of love was evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
I think this was Peter's experience. Ever since Stephen's death we don't hear from him, he has the palsy, his ministry is dead. Then Paul comes to visit and immediately he arises and makes his bed. His ministry is now walking in the resurrection life. The Lord told him to arise and he is simply sharing what the Lord told him to Tabitha. The word "Tabitha" is a female gazelle, the interpretation of this word Dorcas also means gazelle. In Song of Songs is describes the Lord as a hart leaping on the mountains. This is the point of this story, Peter is going to go through a lot of suffering, but go through it leaping like a hart on the mountains.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
This is where Peter is staying when he gets the vision of the sheet being let down and being told to rise and eat. Peter needed Paul to help him arise, and now Paul needs Peter to get the vision that the gospel is to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
Now consider the significance of this number 15 which we also can see is 14+1.
15 = 3x5. Three is the number of the triune God, five is the number of the work we do with our hands. Three x Five is the Triune God mingled with the work of our hands.
Now 14 is 7 x 2 = seven is the number of the church and two is the number of testimony. So fourteen is the church as a testimony of Jesus on this earth. Add 1, which stands for one God, and you get 15. And what is the fifteenth mention of Damascus?
Galatians 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
A type of the return of Jesus Christ.
So then this gives new meaning to Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. After the saints are raptured the church will be a ruinous heap with "no stone left upon another". Our faith needs to be on Jesus Christ, the incarnated word and the rock of our salvation, not on some other person, pastor, or teacher.
This also means that Methuselah also depicts the church, when she is raptured then the end will come.
Going the distance
She encourages those who are falling away. I have seen this, I began to actively be part of the watchmen community in 2020 and at first the internet was filled with "watchmen". It was a big job for me to go through what many different ones were saying each day. But now there are so few. Many have withered away.
Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
On the one hand it helps you appreciate the ones who have not withered away. But it reminds me of the greatest heavyweight boxer. Many will think of Mohammed Ali, or Mike Tyson, or even George Foreman. George hit the hardest, Mike was the fastest with his peekaboo style and Mohammed kept them at bay by jabbing and dancing. But none of those fighters was undefeated. The only heavyweight champion that was undefeated was Rocky Marciano. He was not the most talented, wasn't the fastest and didn't hit the hardest. But what made him the best was he was the one who prepared for a fight as though he were running a marathon. He could fight at the same intensity for all 12 rounds. No one else could do that. He learned after his first fight how exhausting it is and so he trained to use that to his advantage. Think about George Foreman, he had never gone 8 rounds when he fought Ali, he had knocked everyone out in the first few rounds. So he really had no idea about what a marathon fighting can be.
I can appreciate Rocky Marciano because I fought one 12 round boxing match when I was in sixth grade. We organized this ourselves, we didn't wear protection, we did it just like the pros. We had a ring, we had judges, we had a referee and we had a time keeper. 12 rounds, 3 minutes each. It was the most exhausting thing I ever did and I came the closest to dying during that fight than at any other time in my life.
But I like that this is so exhausting. It means there is a fellowship of suffering among those who have gone the distance.
One question I have struggled with quite a bit. I know that Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour of the rapture. That is fine. But if you interpret that word to be referring to the rapture then it isn't referring to when the two witnesses are killed. I can believe that the rapture of the church is not given to us in the holy convocations given to Israel. That is fine, but the killing and then resurrection of the two witnesses should be because that is what causes them to return to the Lord and say "blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord".
So I have had several thoughts on this.
1. Passover is a favorite choice among many because it says they are raised after 3 1/2 days. That seems very similar. It could also mean that after seeing that the Jews celebrate 2nd Passover a month later, confessing that Jesus is the Messiah who died for them.
The problems are 3 1/2 days instead of 3 days and two people are killed, not one lamb.
2. The 8th of Av -- I liken the two witnesses to the two spies who gave a good report: Joshua and Caleb. The problem is there is nothing to mark the rapture 3 1/2 days later and there is nothing to indicate in the shadows that the two spies are killed.
Then it hit me:
On the day of Atonement we do have two goats, one killed and one is the scape goat. The death of these two witnesses results in Israel no longer being the scapegoat. The death of the two witnesses is an atoning sacrifice that unites the Jews and Christians. Their resurrection is just like on the day of atonement when you learn whether or not God has accepted the offering.
But what about the 3 1/2 days? If the two witnesses are killed on the 10th of Tishrei then 3 1/2 days later would be the 14th of Tishrei. That is the day before the feast of tabernacles, the wedding feast. It is like the two witnesses are raised up just in time to lead the wedding procession for the marriage feast of the lamb!
Now if you consider their ministry includes their resurrection from the dead it would mean their ministry begins 3 days after the seven day feast of unleavened bread ends.
The feast of unleavened bread indicates that for the entire week, the entire seven days (signifying the church age) the church eats unleavened bread. This feast depicts the church age and the last day of this feast would depict the last day of the church age. That would be appropriate time for the rapture.
We also know that at the time of the rapture there are three days of darkness, the outer darkness where people who are not raptured are cast out into. When the three days are up that would be an excellent time for the ministry of the two witnesses to begin.
Now if we go 2,520 days from the day the two witnesses begin their ministry it would take us to 1 week before Purim. That would give everyone one week to be sanctified prior to the coronation of Queen Esther.
So I have had several thoughts on this.
1. Passover is a favorite choice among many because it says they are raised after 3 1/2 days. That seems very similar. It could also mean that after seeing that the Jews celebrate 2nd Passover a month later, confessing that Jesus is the Messiah who died for them.
The problems are 3 1/2 days instead of 3 days and two people are killed, not one lamb.
2. The 8th of Av -- I liken the two witnesses to the two spies who gave a good report: Joshua and Caleb. The problem is there is nothing to mark the rapture 3 1/2 days later and there is nothing to indicate in the shadows that the two spies are killed.
Then it hit me:
On the day of Atonement we do have two goats, one killed and one is the scape goat. The death of these two witnesses results in Israel no longer being the scapegoat. The death of the two witnesses is an atoning sacrifice that unites the Jews and Christians. Their resurrection is just like on the day of atonement when you learn whether or not God has accepted the offering.
But what about the 3 1/2 days? If the two witnesses are killed on the 10th of Tishrei then 3 1/2 days later would be the 14th of Tishrei. That is the day before the feast of tabernacles, the wedding feast. It is like the two witnesses are raised up just in time to lead the wedding procession for the marriage feast of the lamb!
Now if you consider their ministry includes their resurrection from the dead it would mean their ministry begins 3 days after the seven day feast of unleavened bread ends.
The feast of unleavened bread indicates that for the entire week, the entire seven days (signifying the church age) the church eats unleavened bread. This feast depicts the church age and the last day of this feast would depict the last day of the church age. That would be appropriate time for the rapture.
We also know that at the time of the rapture there are three days of darkness, the outer darkness where people who are not raptured are cast out into. When the three days are up that would be an excellent time for the ministry of the two witnesses to begin.
Now if we go 2,520 days from the day the two witnesses begin their ministry it would take us to 1 week before Purim. That would give everyone one week to be sanctified prior to the coronation of Queen Esther.
A poor man's definition of salvation
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
When you hear people condemning "works based salvation" they never talk about this verse. If you listen to them giving alms and praying are simply filthy rags. Cornelius was not saved, the gospel had not come to him, and so why does the Bible care that he is a "devout man", or that he gives alms, or that he prayed to God alway? The reason is that it does matter. It did not result in his salvation, but it did result in God sending Peter to him with the gospel.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
This is also how it matters. He isn't saved, but that doesn't mean he can't see a vision. It doesn't mean that an angel of God can't be sent to him to speak to him.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
How can this be? We can pray to God in the heaven because we are standing on the blood of Jesus. But what about Cornelius? One possible theory is that this is the same centurion that Jesus healed the servant. Another theory is that this centurion saw the crucifixion of Jesus. Even if neither of those is true we know that he would have heard what is going on, would have heard about the resurrection and crucifixion and miracles, and so he has heard the gospel. This message isn't so much about hearing the gospel as it is about Peter laying hands on them so that gentiles can enter into the church. The bottom line is we have a serious issue here, Jesus said no one comes to the Father but by Him. The prayers of Cornelius came to the Father, therefore we must assume they came by Jesus.
Now apply that to those who say we are not saved by baptism. OK, Cornelius wasn't saved by baptism either, but if you want to enter into the fellowship with the body of Christ you must be baptized. That is how Cornelius entered into the fellowship of the Body.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
God is working all things out for good. Everyone knows the keys of the kingdom were given to Peter. He is the one who must open the door to the Gentiles. Everyone knows that Peter denied the Lord when He was being tried and crucified. He has learned from that experience. He knows if you pretend to be absolute for the Lord you are lying to the Holy Spirit and it will result in spiritual death. So now the Lord is telling Him to open the doors to the Gentiles, he must be absolute for the Lord to do this because he knows this will bring intense persecution on him. He saw Stephen stoned to death so he knows very clearly that this could result in his being stoned to death. But he also knows that he must be absolute for the Lord.
Now it is very clear in the account that Cornelius and those with him fear God and do works of righteousness. What is not clear is if they have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord of all or not? Peter tells them this and the Spirit falls on them, but to be filled with the Spirit and to be clothed with the Spirit are two different things. Regardless of what the answer is we do know that Cornelius' prayers are a memorial unto God concerning the salvation of the Gentiles and the Gentiles becoming part of the church.
I see no reason to debate over whether or not Cornelius was already "saved". What we know for sure is that he was not clothed with the Spirit until Peter came, laid hands on them and baptized them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Which makes you wonder why people teach you aren't saved by baptism. OK, technically that may be true, but that means their definition of "being saved" does not include being clothed with the Spirit or entering into the fellowship of the Body of Christ. That is a poor man's definition of salvation where you are still on the outside looking in.
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
When you hear people condemning "works based salvation" they never talk about this verse. If you listen to them giving alms and praying are simply filthy rags. Cornelius was not saved, the gospel had not come to him, and so why does the Bible care that he is a "devout man", or that he gives alms, or that he prayed to God alway? The reason is that it does matter. It did not result in his salvation, but it did result in God sending Peter to him with the gospel.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
This is also how it matters. He isn't saved, but that doesn't mean he can't see a vision. It doesn't mean that an angel of God can't be sent to him to speak to him.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
How can this be? We can pray to God in the heaven because we are standing on the blood of Jesus. But what about Cornelius? One possible theory is that this is the same centurion that Jesus healed the servant. Another theory is that this centurion saw the crucifixion of Jesus. Even if neither of those is true we know that he would have heard what is going on, would have heard about the resurrection and crucifixion and miracles, and so he has heard the gospel. This message isn't so much about hearing the gospel as it is about Peter laying hands on them so that gentiles can enter into the church. The bottom line is we have a serious issue here, Jesus said no one comes to the Father but by Him. The prayers of Cornelius came to the Father, therefore we must assume they came by Jesus.
Now apply that to those who say we are not saved by baptism. OK, Cornelius wasn't saved by baptism either, but if you want to enter into the fellowship with the body of Christ you must be baptized. That is how Cornelius entered into the fellowship of the Body.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
God is working all things out for good. Everyone knows the keys of the kingdom were given to Peter. He is the one who must open the door to the Gentiles. Everyone knows that Peter denied the Lord when He was being tried and crucified. He has learned from that experience. He knows if you pretend to be absolute for the Lord you are lying to the Holy Spirit and it will result in spiritual death. So now the Lord is telling Him to open the doors to the Gentiles, he must be absolute for the Lord to do this because he knows this will bring intense persecution on him. He saw Stephen stoned to death so he knows very clearly that this could result in his being stoned to death. But he also knows that he must be absolute for the Lord.
Now it is very clear in the account that Cornelius and those with him fear God and do works of righteousness. What is not clear is if they have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord of all or not? Peter tells them this and the Spirit falls on them, but to be filled with the Spirit and to be clothed with the Spirit are two different things. Regardless of what the answer is we do know that Cornelius' prayers are a memorial unto God concerning the salvation of the Gentiles and the Gentiles becoming part of the church.
I see no reason to debate over whether or not Cornelius was already "saved". What we know for sure is that he was not clothed with the Spirit until Peter came, laid hands on them and baptized them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Which makes you wonder why people teach you aren't saved by baptism. OK, technically that may be true, but that means their definition of "being saved" does not include being clothed with the Spirit or entering into the fellowship of the Body of Christ. That is a poor man's definition of salvation where you are still on the outside looking in.
Kill and eat, what God has cleansed call not unclean
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
There are several principles here. First, "kill and eat". The animals being killed in this vision depict Gentiles. It means that to enter into the church you must be crucified with Christ and that it is no longer you that live but Christ that lives in you. Second, do not call what God has cleansed unclean. Jesus blood was shed for all, both Jews and Gentiles. Now we have to receive that work of redemption, we have a free will and we can reject it if we choose. However, this does not resolve the issue as to whether or not Cornelius and the others were already saved or not. When God says "do not call what God has cleansed unclean" it could refer to them having confessed their sins and repented and received the blood of Jesus. Or it could mean that all animals, all people, were cleansed by the blood of Jesus, that the Lord's salvation is a sheet that includes everyone in the world. One thing is clear, they have not been killed yet. That means they have not beed buried in the likeness of Christ's death, which is what baptism is. The vision specifically is telling Peter to go and baptize them into Christ's death and resurrection. Finally this vision was repeated three times. The Bible says by the voice of two or three witnesses let a thing be established. Peter was given three witnesses.
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
We walk by faith, we believe in God, we don't believe in coincidences. We should all have a time of prayer and we should pray that the Lord give us a word for that day.
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
This word sounds exactly like the centurion in the gospels.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
This is a small gathering in a home, just like the church that met in homes.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
This is a very big point. There are some who say Christians are to keep the dietary laws in the Old Testament. If that is so then it would be unlawful for you to go into the home or keep company with people of other nations on this earth. Their kitchens are not kosher. Evangelists would have to tell everyone they were unclean and set themselves apart from everyone. There is no way to send the gospel to the four corners of the earth while at the same time claiming everyone is unclean and it is unlawful for you to have fellowship with them.
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
There are several principles here. First, "kill and eat". The animals being killed in this vision depict Gentiles. It means that to enter into the church you must be crucified with Christ and that it is no longer you that live but Christ that lives in you. Second, do not call what God has cleansed unclean. Jesus blood was shed for all, both Jews and Gentiles. Now we have to receive that work of redemption, we have a free will and we can reject it if we choose. However, this does not resolve the issue as to whether or not Cornelius and the others were already saved or not. When God says "do not call what God has cleansed unclean" it could refer to them having confessed their sins and repented and received the blood of Jesus. Or it could mean that all animals, all people, were cleansed by the blood of Jesus, that the Lord's salvation is a sheet that includes everyone in the world. One thing is clear, they have not been killed yet. That means they have not beed buried in the likeness of Christ's death, which is what baptism is. The vision specifically is telling Peter to go and baptize them into Christ's death and resurrection. Finally this vision was repeated three times. The Bible says by the voice of two or three witnesses let a thing be established. Peter was given three witnesses.
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
We walk by faith, we believe in God, we don't believe in coincidences. We should all have a time of prayer and we should pray that the Lord give us a word for that day.
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
This word sounds exactly like the centurion in the gospels.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
This is a small gathering in a home, just like the church that met in homes.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
This is a very big point. There are some who say Christians are to keep the dietary laws in the Old Testament. If that is so then it would be unlawful for you to go into the home or keep company with people of other nations on this earth. Their kitchens are not kosher. Evangelists would have to tell everyone they were unclean and set themselves apart from everyone. There is no way to send the gospel to the four corners of the earth while at the same time claiming everyone is unclean and it is unlawful for you to have fellowship with them.
Cornelius salvation prefigures how many of us were saved without hearing the gospel
Acts 10:29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
He is pointing out that what he is doing is "illegal" for a Jew but that God told him to come. He knows this is a major break from Judaism. Up till now the Essenes and now the church was simply a sect of the Jews, but this move here will completely separate the Church from Judaism.
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
So Peter coming to them is an answer to prayer. Did he pray for God to show him the way of salvation? Because that is what Peter presents to them.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Notice a couple of interesting things. He says that the word of the gospel of peace was published throughout all of Judea and he also says they know this. So it does support the idea that they have read this word and come to salvation by reading, believing and praying accordingly. When I was 12 I was seeking, no one preached the gospel to me, but I heard a verse from the Bible when they were reading the Bible at church and that led to me praying and getting saved. It is very likely that that is what has happened here.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
When I got saved I did not know anything about any of this. I simply prayed to the Lord Jesus and He answered that prayer. A few years later I got baptized and learned all of these things from the church I was in.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
They were astonished! Peter wasn't preaching the gospel to them, he was simply explaining who he is and what he is doing as an apostle of the Lord Jesus.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Why would you forbid them to be baptized? Jesus was baptized at the start of His ministry. Baptism is a ceremony that depicts us being clothed with Jesus Christ for ministry. You can't forbid people reading the gospel if it has been published everywhere. You can't forbid people believing and praying. But you can forbid laying hands on them and baptizing them into the Body of Christ. That is the significance of baptism. It is your entrance into the fellowship of the Body of Christ.
For example, at conception life begins. You can receive Christ in secret, just as a baby begins in secret in the womb. But in order to be born the baby has to pass through the birth canal. We call that "birthday". So then if you define "salvation" as when you first believed that is conception. But if you are talking about being "born again" then you must also include baptism.
Acts 10:29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
He is pointing out that what he is doing is "illegal" for a Jew but that God told him to come. He knows this is a major break from Judaism. Up till now the Essenes and now the church was simply a sect of the Jews, but this move here will completely separate the Church from Judaism.
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
So Peter coming to them is an answer to prayer. Did he pray for God to show him the way of salvation? Because that is what Peter presents to them.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Notice a couple of interesting things. He says that the word of the gospel of peace was published throughout all of Judea and he also says they know this. So it does support the idea that they have read this word and come to salvation by reading, believing and praying accordingly. When I was 12 I was seeking, no one preached the gospel to me, but I heard a verse from the Bible when they were reading the Bible at church and that led to me praying and getting saved. It is very likely that that is what has happened here.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
When I got saved I did not know anything about any of this. I simply prayed to the Lord Jesus and He answered that prayer. A few years later I got baptized and learned all of these things from the church I was in.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
They were astonished! Peter wasn't preaching the gospel to them, he was simply explaining who he is and what he is doing as an apostle of the Lord Jesus.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Why would you forbid them to be baptized? Jesus was baptized at the start of His ministry. Baptism is a ceremony that depicts us being clothed with Jesus Christ for ministry. You can't forbid people reading the gospel if it has been published everywhere. You can't forbid people believing and praying. But you can forbid laying hands on them and baptizing them into the Body of Christ. That is the significance of baptism. It is your entrance into the fellowship of the Body of Christ.
For example, at conception life begins. You can receive Christ in secret, just as a baby begins in secret in the womb. But in order to be born the baby has to pass through the birth canal. We call that "birthday". So then if you define "salvation" as when you first believed that is conception. But if you are talking about being "born again" then you must also include baptism.
False Prophet Accusations: Key Points
Core Warning
(Based on https://www.mylovelyjesuschrist.com/_files/ugd/5eafa3_c940b212066347498e3ce7cad2cbdb0a.pdf)
Core Warning
(Based on https://www.mylovelyjesuschrist.com/_files/ugd/5eafa3_c940b212066347498e3ce7cad2cbdb0a.pdf)
- Be certain before accusing - Calling someone a false prophet is serious
- Pray first - Examine claims without preconceived notions (1 John 4:1-3, 13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 12:3)
- The test: "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken"
- Important: God didn't set a time limit for fulfillment
- Key distinction: "Follow not" vs. "come to pass" are different concepts
- Follow = go or come after something ahead
- Come to pass = result of a course of events
- Initial prophecy: Isaiah told Hezekiah he would die - unconditional statement (2 Kings 20)
- God's response: Added 15 years to Hezekiah's life after his prayers
- Result: The prophecy changed in timing, not ultimate outcome
- Conclusion: Isaiah was not a false prophet despite the change
- God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18)
- God doesn't change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:7; Revelation 1:8)
- Yet God can change His heart toward circumstances while remaining true
- God controls time and can alter timing, circumstances, people, or events (Ecclesiastes 1:9; 3:15)
- Speaks lies in God's or Jesus's name when not given by Him
- Leads people away from God and Jesus Christ
- Check their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20)
- Test thoroughly before making accusations
- Timing: Not time yet on God's clock
- Change: God Himself altered dates, circumstances, people, or events
- Truth will be revealed at the appropriate time
- You attack God's anointed (Psalms 105:15)
- You harm God's children (Matthew 18:5-7, 10; Mark 9:41-43; Luke 17:1-3)
- You risk God's wrath and curses
- You receive harsh judgment if you judge harshly
- Amos 7
- Jonah 3
- Genesis 18:16-33
- 1 Chronicles 21:15
- Jeremiah 26:18-19
- Deuteronomy 13:1-10
- Study God's Word to recognize truth
- Test and try spirits in Jesus's name
- Watch for fruit that leads toward or away from God
- Allow sufficient time before making judgments
- Seek God earnestly in prayer before accusing
- Line up claims with Scripture
- Don't follow those who speak presumptuously in God's name
- Don't follow those speaking in other gods' names
- Don't follow those not truly called by God
- Remember: Most prophecies don't happen immediately
- God is God, we are not
- Prophetic words may not occur as we assume
- God's timing differs from ours
- Be 100% certain and Spirit-led before calling someone a false prophet
The Hail To The Chief Dream - Dana Coverstone
I generally do not try to interpret these dreams, I believe it is a lot easier in hindsight. But this dream was given 3 years ago and now I think we can look back and get a clearer view.
In 2023 Biden was a puppet, we now know he wasn't actually in charge and that the orders were being given by the "autopen". I think that is what was being said, that at that time Biden was not the one in charge and if you fought against it they would jab you. This doesn't mean that the vaccine was a kill shot, but it does mean if they wanted it to be it could be. If you refused to go along with them you could simply have a bad reaction to the vaccine. Didn't Fetterman get a stroke from the vaccine? Isn't it interesting that the guy who is the most vocal concerning the Democrats having gone astray is the one that was almost taken out by that jab? If everyone is getting a shot then one or two bad reactions are to be expected. How easy is it for them to take out those they want to get rid of if everyone has to get a shot.
But then the second one we see is a girl gymnast from Asia with a flute, like the pied piper, only she seems military. That to me sounds like Tik Tok. We know that China is using it like a Pied Piper on the youth and that it is designed to target the youth.
I think this video also shows how the vast majority of our leaders have sold themselves out to these tyrants.
Finally the Lord steps in and says how amazing that all this happens before the US turns 250. That is a direct reference to July 4th 2026, our 250th birthday. So all this takes place before then, but the setting is the State of the Union address, which this year is February 24th.