Summary of Bible references on the Rapture

[ZNP]

Are you cheerful?

In Acts 24:10 Paul makes his legal defense by first pointing out that he is the more cheerful. The word he uses is unique to the book of Acts and so gives us a perspective on the unique agenda of this book of the Bible.

The context of this word is that the prosecutor has made his opening statement by portraying Paul as angry and bitter. According to them he is trying to stir up strife, he is a "mover of sedition", and he is a ringleader of this angry sect of the Nazarenes who are still angry and bitter over Jesus being put to death over twenty years ago. They still just can't get over it, and of course that was the Romans who put Jesus to death. This is how Satan wants to portray Christians.

Take a look at all protestors around the earth whether in the US, or Iran, or China, or wherever. They are angry. They are focused on leaders who are corrupt, who lied, who took bribes, and who behaved unjustly. In every case they are focused on the faults of man who has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Paul and the book of Acts is making a contrast between them and Christians. We are not bitter over Jesus' being put to death because we preach the resurrection from the dead. We are not focused on the failings of man, but rather on Jesus Christ who is Lord of all and that is why we are cheerful. We have seen the path that leads to victory and we are on that path. Paul was well aware of their failings and sins, he was calling on them to repent. But instead of being someone thrashing around in the water drowning, he is the one in the boat throwing them a life preserver.

 

[ZNP]

The whole world lies in the evil one

Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, 3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. 4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

We can speculate as to why Festus would not bow to the high priest. The situation has certainly changed from when Pilate agreed to crucify Jesus because of the high priests pressure. I can come up with several very plausible theories, but in every case Paul is not in any position to influence the outcome. Bottom line, we must abide in the Lord and under His protection. He is the one who can manipulate rulers like chess pieces. This is why we are instructed to pray that the Lord lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Behind the scenes there are many instances of Satan trying to operate unbeknownst to us.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

One flip side of the whole world lies in the evil one is that they are all very much aware of how these evil ones are operating. I think we can see by this that Festus sees right through the plots and snares of the High Priest.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. 7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

Remember the trap they had laid, they wanted Paul to prove he was not guilty. Instead Paul argued that they need to prove that he is guilty. We saw the same thing during the Pandemic. Those that didn't want to take the vaccine were charged with proving that it wasn't safe and effective. That is a trap. Instead argue that it is not my job to prove that it isn't safe, it is the drug companies job to prove that it is.

8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

Consider January 6th. Was it against the law to assemble and hold a rally? No.

Now there were roughly 1 million people at that rally and approximately 70 were arrested and thrown into prison. We can estimate that at most 100 people were guilty of trespassing or breaking and entering. so then, for 999,900 people they did not offend against the US capital building. It is reasonable to look at the 100 people that did offend and say they committed a crime, but if 99.99% of the people at a rally do not commit a crime, can we really describe the rally as an insurrection? Maybe it was a false flag? Maybe the 20+ people who were truly guilty, the ones who violently attacked the building, maybe they weren't even part of the rally. Also, the president of the US on January 6th was Donald Trump. So 99.99% of the people at that rally did not violate the law, they did not violate the buildings of the Federal government and they did not offend the President of the US.

The debate should not be about the 100 people who were guilty, it should be about proving the 99.99% who did not offend any law or government building or government office were in fact guilty of insurrection.

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

This is crucial. Why did Festus refuse the High Priest before? He was holding that card as a trump card and planned on playing it when it would be more valuable. If it is clear they are going to lose the case then it becomes twice as valuable that he delivers Paul up to them and so can demand twice as much in his quid pro quo. This is how the world works. This is why we say the whole world lies in the evil one. Everyone in the world is out for themselves, "what's in it for me?"

 

[ZNP]

The price of injustice

Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. 11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

We are not ignorant of Satan's devices and that means we know how Satan's kingdom works and what its weak pressure points are. Everyone is out for themselves, Festus is a politician in a land where Jews are a dominant special interest group. He wants to make them indebted to him as soon as he takes office. Letting them know they can't get to Paul without his assistance and then giving them Paul is his way of doing that. But his pressure point is that he serves Caesar, not the High Priest. He cannot be seen as doing anything that would be viewed as an insult or rebellion to Caesar. Do not be naive, the issue is not whether or not you have "the better case". If they bring Paul back to Jerusalem he'll be murdered.

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

Paul is a Roman citizen. This is under God's sovereignty and the Lord has already told Paul that He is going to send him to Rome. He has been called according to purpose. So the attempt by Festus to please the High Priest actually works out for good to Paul who has been called according to purpose because it lays the groundwork for him to go to Rome. What Satan hopes to use for evil God uses for good.

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

The richer and more powerful people are the more corrupt and fleshly they are. That may not be 100% true, but it is certainly true most of the time. This is not "Queen" Bernice, nor is she even the King's consort. King Agrippa flaunting this relationship is just his way of letting people know he is the king, nothing you can do about it and if you dare to say anything you will likely end up dead.

14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: 15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

This is the second time this chapter tells us that Festus waits many days before bringing up Paul. The truth is that the King has probably come because he wants to see Paul, but doesn't want to hint that this is what he wants, otherwise it will be giving Festus something he can do as a favor. In the world all favors come with a cost. But Festus knows the king is not going to hang around for many days unless he wants something.

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. 17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. 18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: 19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Notice how he doesn't ask him if he wants to see him. So this conversation can be written off as simply making small talk if the king were not interested, but given the opportunity he makes it clear that he is interested. This proves that from the least to the greatest everyone is still wondering about Jesus Christ and about Christians. This is how this chapter is relevant to the tribulation. After the rapture. the world will seem to be full of really evil and fleshly people. However, from the least of them to the greatest they will all be secretly harboring an interest in hearing more about Jesus Christ and the rapture. They will be reluctant to say this openly, but this chapter gives us a window into the minds of the elites of the day.

22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

This also brings up another point. Paul was probably aware that the king had been there and been there for many days. That is an opportunity to pray to the Lord that you would be given an opportunity to witness to the King concerning the Lord and to pray over this opportunity.

23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

Do not despise people, no one wants to hear the gospel from someone that despises them. But the "great pomp" reveals how insecure they are. Bernice does not have a title, this likely makes her very insecure and so she needs all this pomp to assuage her ego.

24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

This reminds me of th current day. People making all kinds of absurd claims that are totally disconnected from reality. Think about it, 99.99% of the people at the January 6th rally did not violate any law, did not offend any building, did not insult any government official and yet they called it "an insurrection". Does that make sense? The only people killed in the event were killed by Capital Police. None of the protestors was armed. How can this be an insurrection? People were thrown into prison for years for "trespassing" and yet the one person who clearly had committed a felony, the guy who planted the pipe bomb the night before, he was not arrested. Does that make sense?

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. 27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

I bet it seemed unreasonable, especially after Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. What exactly was his crime? The Jewish leaders said that Jesus had made Himself a king and therefore was rebelling against Caesar and so was worthy of death. I think Pilate could see for himself that the Jewish leaders were simply jealous of Jesus, but even so, what about King Agrippa? Caesar does not appear threatened by the Jews having a king. The hypocrisy is off the charts and I am sure that Pilate was every bit as aware of this hypocrisy as Festus is. But now, 20 years later the cost of unjust rulings has grown to the point that the Roman rulers are no longer simply going along with the Jewish high priest. It has become clear that he does not speak for all of the Jews, and maybe not even for the majority of the Jews. Back when January 6th took place it was easy to think that condemning the "insurrection" is what everyone was doing. But years later it has become clear that the mainstream media outlets who pushed that narrative have suffered greatly in the ratings and that the majority of Americans do not subscribe to the narrative that it was an insurrection. Many people may have thought that these people are causing us trouble, if we simply throw them in jail the trouble will go away. But that also is not true and on the contrary the protests and trouble has only increased and multiplied.

 

[ZNP]

Tom Horn / Hidden Essenes Prophecies /Jesus Imminent Return

 

[ZNP]

I think myself happy

Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

The word is not usually translated as "happy". It is usually translated as "blessed".

The first time we translate it as happy is John 13:17 If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. This is the second time it translated as happy. Why does the King and Bernice come into the trial with a lot of pomp? They are trying to tell the world that they are happy and blessed. Paul is responding to that. They claim to be happy and blessed, that must be very important to them, and here is a prisoner unjustly accused, you would think he is not happy and blessed. Why is he happy? Because he gets to answer for himself to the king. He doesn't say "unjustly accused", he simply states the facts that he has been accused and so is happy to answer the accusation. This is the right attitude. In sales you are taught that people who question you are actually interested. Paul sees that the accusations are proof that people are interested and the fact that the King is here is proof that he is interested. Also, anyone who is "king of the Jews" would certainly be expert in all the customs, this is the way kings are raised and trained.

The most fundamental and universal custom of the Jews

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

"The most straitest sect" is what we would today call "Ultra Orthodox". This is the heart of the case. The accusations are that Paul violated the religious customs. King Agrippa is an expert in the religious customs and an ultra orthodox Jew is also an expert in the customs.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

And when you look at the customs of the Jews they all rest on the promises made to Abraham, and all those promises are based on a covenant that gives you the hope of a coming Messiah. Remove the covenant with Abraham that had promises and a hope and the entire Jewish religion collapses. The most fundamental custom that all Jews have is to be circumcised and that was a sign of the covenant they had with God that He made with their father, Abraham.

 

[ZNP]

The Central Question

Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

This is a powerful question. Abraham is the father of faith because he had a son with Sarah when she was past the age of bearing children. Things that for man are impossible are the basis for the Jewish faith in God. Abraham sacrificed Isaac in a figure, and so the faith was passed down from Abraham to Isaac through an event that foreshadowed the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We can also see death and resurrection in the life of Jacob who becomes Israel and in the life of Joseph who is sold into prison only to come out of prison to rule and reign over Egypt.

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

We see this with Ishmael and his mother, we see this with Esau, Jacob's brother, and with Laban, and we see this with Joseph's brothers. Not only does the Bible describe many stories that prefigure the death and resurrection of Jesus but they also describe many stories of the children of Abraham thinking that they themselves ought to do many things contrary to these ones. David is an excellent example of how Saul, one of the children of Abraham, thought he was to do many things contrary to David.

10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

We know about Stephen but apparently many were put in prison and in addition to Stephen there seem to be more that he approved of them being put to death.

11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Before being saved he was "exceedingly mad against these believers" but now that he is saved he is "happy" and "blessed". Before he was like Ishmael, or Joseph's brothers and now he is like Isaac or Joseph. He used to be like King Saul persecuting David and now he is one with King David, this is why he is blessed and happy. He is experiencing the faith of his fathers.

Paul's Salvation experience

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Each one of us has an experience of being delivered from Darkness to light. Each one of us should share our testimony of being blessed and of being saved.

Paul's calling according to purpose

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Each one of us should have a calling on our life according to the Lord's purpose.

I was saved when I prayed to see the Lord return in the clouds in great glory. That was my confession of faith that Jesus was Lord. But after being saved I had a calling on my life to be a witness and a testimony to people living in darkness that they would see the inheritance given to those who are sanctified in Jesus. He told me "and furthermore I say unto you that you are a son of God". When I consider the key experiences of my life they all testified to this fact. Being a son of God includes a great inheritance and being governed, not by the power of Satan but by the power of God.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Everyone wants the inheritance, they all want the promised blessings. But the path is repentance, turn to God, be immersed into God, that will sanctify you, and then you can do works that are appropriate for your repentance. I never went to prison, but if I had gotten saved there a prison ministry would be meet for repentance. Each one of us did things contrary to the name of Jesus and that is where our repentance should begin.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

What Paul did was persecute Christians, throw them in prison, and testify against them that they deserved to die. Therefore this trial is a work of faith that is appropriate for his repentance. This is why he is happy and blessed. God has given him an opportunity to testify publicly that he was wrong about Jesus.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

This now brings us to the accusation that Paul is doing things contrary to the customs of the Jews, offending them. Yet in fact, he is not doing anything other than saying those things that Moses said would come.

 

[ZNP]

Much learning doth make thee mad

Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

Two words in this chapter are translated as mad. The first one is translated "mad" and the second one is translated "mad". The first one means "to rage against". The second time is a word used by Festus and it means "mania" or "raving lunatic". The Jews want to portray Paul as an angry, bitter man which is why he is attacking Judaism. This is projection, in fact they are the ones raging against Paul while he is happy and blessed. Likewise when Festus claims Paul is manic he is also projecting. King Agrippa is living in sin, people are afraid to call him out on it, but the fact is he is the emperor without any clothes on. As a result they (Agrippa and Bernice) are paranoid that everyone is laughing at them behind their back, hence the great pomp. Their life is a show and Festus has been roped into this, a performance of actors pretending to be very important, very happy, and very blessed. But in reality it is a frenzied mania. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The Jewish leaders have revealed where there heart is and Festus has revealed where his heart is.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

This word means to be a raving lunatic, someone who is not in their right mind. The first use is in John when they said of Jesus "He hath a devil, and is mad". The second was when the maid said Peter was at the door of the prayer meeting and they said she was mad. The last time is in 1 Corinthians 14 where Paul says if everyone in the church is speaking in tongues randomly and not in a good order visitors will come in and say you are mad.

Always be closing

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

In sales there is an expression "always be closing". Every gospel message should be very pointed asking if the person believes. I would think Paul has not been speaking more than five minutes before he asks King Agrippa if he believes. This is a very good pattern for us.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

This word persuaded is used many times in the bible. The first use is when the Jewish leaders persuaded the mob to ask for Barabbas. It is often used in a way that suggests manipulation rather than the ministry of faith. It is often translated as "trust" as in trust in riches, or "obey" as in obey someone who told you to do something, or "have confidence in". This reveals a lot about King Agrippa. He is very concerned about being manipulated, being scammed, being cheated. What he is saying here is that Paul is a good salesman, but he doesn't trust salesmen.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

This is a powerful statement. What is Agrippa's biggest fear, what makes him paranoid? He thinks people are laughing at him. He is put on a pedestal and that is a very lonely place. Now here is someone who wants to embrace him and welcome him into the fellowship of the believers. In the Bible what person has to go around with a lot of pomp proclaimed before them and live in isolation? It is those who are lepers. Look at King Agrippa and see that he sees himself as a leper. To make a statement that you want to embrace a leper, that is a powerful testimony of love.

30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

 

[ZNP]

He has a very interesting theory which makes perfect sense. He says that Psalm 83 is like a generic prayer concerning the attacks that come at the end of the age and that Jeremiah 49, Ezekiel 25, Isaiah 17, Obadiah 1, Zephaniah 2 and Zechariah 12 are all referring to specific aspects of this. The reason this makes perfect sense is that according to Psalm 83 this hasn't happened prior to this and after this they are all like chaff in the wind and it won't happen again. So Psalm 83 can be seen as putting parenthesis around all the various battles, plots, schemes and wars. Meanwhile all these other prophecies focus on the specifics.

Psalm 83 Is Unfolding Now | Israel’s Peripheral Wars Explained | Bill Salus

 

[ZNP]

The Greatest Celestial Secret of All Time - Telling us the Time - Finally Revealed

 

[ZNP]

The church will be brought before the Antichrist

Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

This man will later save Paul's life when the other soldiers want to kill all the prisoners. Expect that every person you work with and come into contact with is sovereign of the Lord. Pray for them and share with them.

2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

How did Julius know that Paul had friends there? How had he come to trust Paul in such a short period of time. Obviously they talked and Paul had shared with him.

4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

Think of this trip describing the church age. Initially we were in one church, one boat, but since then we have switched to another boat. Catholic church has divided into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic, and ultimately that will shipwreck and we'll be put into the protestant reformation to arrive in Rome.

The Catholic Church officially split from the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054 CE, an event known as the Great Schism or East-West Schism. This rupture, fueled by centuries of cultural, political, and theological differences, became official when Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Michael Cerularius exchanged mutual excommunications in Constantinople.

Key details regarding the split:

• Cause: Major issues included the Roman Pope's claim to universal jurisdiction, the filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, and the use of leavened vs. unleavened bread in the Eucharist.
• The 1054 Event: Cardinal Humbert, representing Pope Leo IX, placed a bull of excommunication on the altar of the Hagia Sophia; Patriarch Cerularius responded by excommunicating the cardinal

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; 8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. 9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

In the same way the Catholic church was warned prior to the protestant reformation:

• Jan Hus: Known for his pre-Reformation critiques, Hus is often cited as a prophetic figure who anticipated the need for major church change.
• The "Third Frederick" Prophecy: Around the time of the Reformation, there were popular expectations, sometimes phrased as prophecies, regarding a "Third Frederick" who would restore order, which Luther himself thought might refer to Frederick the Wise.
• Voices for Reform: Throughout the 15th and early 16th centuries, various preachers and theologians called for structural and moral reformation, anticipating the shift that occurred.
• Zwickau Prophets: In the early years of the Reformation, figures like Nicholas Storch claimed direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit to oppose the church's reliance on exterior rituals, though they were quickly marginalized.

11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. 13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

A Euroclydon is a North East storm. In the North East corner of Europe we had Germany where the Gutenberg Bible was first published. This is where the storm began for the church prior to 1500.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

Clauda is the femine form of Claudius. In latin it means lame, or crippled. But it can also mean safe haven. The Catholic church was crippled from this storm and the Protestant churches rose up as a safe haven. The Catholic church had killed anyone who went against them prior to Martin Luther, but Germany provided him with a safe haven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

Initially Martin Luther just wanted to make small changes, get rid of indulgences, etc.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

However, the split was forced by the Pope who excommunicated Luther. He was declared an outlaw by the Diet of Worms in 1521. This forced him to operate outside of the Catholic church.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

This is the Lord's sovereignty. He does not want the church to be the Catholic church. They have many man made traditions that are leaven and we should beware of them.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Think of being brought before Caesar as being brought before the ruler of this age. That was true at the start of the church age, as it was in the beginning it shall be in the end, the church will be brought before the ruler of this age again, this time it will be "The Antichrist".

 

[ZNP]

A brief picture of the Church age from the Protestant reformation to the first Great Awakening

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. 27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; 28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. 29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. 32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. 33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

After the Protestant reformation the church went through a "pietism" movement to purify themselves, similar to fasting. After that they had a revival, the first great awakening which included Charles Wesley, John Wesley, George Whitfield, etc. Like this story the church was anchored in Europe but the believers had to swim to England where global evangelistic ministries were launched. Think Hudson Taylor to China and George Whitfield to America.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. 39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. 40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. 41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Think of the Puritans coming to America like people fleeing a sinking ship.

 

[ZNP]

DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

Interesting insight into the populist movement vs the globalists. Persia, like the Nationalists, like Trump, want to build stability while Greece, like the globalists, like the Europeans wants to expand and make great by expansion.

Persia obstructs, Greece distorts. Persia blocks revelation and Greece distorts it by replacing prophecy with philosophy.

Bureaucratic stagnation -- Persia is dominant
Rapid ideological spread -- Grecia is dominant

 

[ZNP]

The Reformation moves to England

Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

The name may mean "honey". But it is a picture, they were in a large sailing ship, Catholic church, the ship broke up on the rocks (they split into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox) and everyone had to abandon ship (Protestant reformation) and eventually they escape to an island (The Great Awakening that we saw in England where the first evangelists went out from). The word "escape" means to be saved from perishing. This is what Martin Luther preached, saved by grace. Prior to that the Catholic church was teaching purgatory and having to give them money (indulgences) to get your dead loved ones out of purgatory.

2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

The reformers were excommunicated and vilified by the Catholic Church. In the past anyone daring to go against the Catholic church was killed. For example:

• Jan Hus (1369–1415): A Czech priest who criticized church abuses and was burned at the stake at the Council of Constance.
• Jerome of Prague (1379–1416): A close follower of Hus, he was also burned at the stake for his reformist teachings.
• Girolamo Savonarola (1452–1498): An Italian friar who preached against corruption in the Church and was executed in Florence.
• John Wycliffe (c. 1320–1384): While he died of natural causes, the Church condemned him as a heretic in 1415, later exhuming and burning his remains.
• Peter Waldo (12th Century): Although he died of natural causes, his followers (Waldensians) were severely persecuted, with many killed as heretics.

So the assumption was that if Martin Luther and others stood against the church they would be killed. But when they saw that Germany protected Martin Luther we saw other nations protect others as well and the Anglican church in England separated from the Catholic church as well.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

 

[ZNP]

A prototype of the Evangelistic ministries during the Church age

Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

As you can see all things worked together for good to those who love God and are called according to purpose. The ship was destroyed, everything on the ship was lost, so that is a good picture of the tribulation. If you belong to Jesus you will be saved and escape the judgement which is to come.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

From England the Great Awakening moved to America. Castor and Pollux refers to the twins in the constellations. The US and the UK have been "twins" in the evangelism of the Earth.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

The ending "cuse" means there was a salt mine at this location. The gospel of grace is seasoned with salt.

13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

This is a major Roman Port city. When the Puritans came to America they landed on Plymouth Rock but very quickly New York City was also established as a key port for the new land. It was settled by the Dutch in including the Huguenots which were French protestants. NY was settled by the Dutch East India company, so just like this boat was primarily used to transport goods and trade, we see that prisoners were also transported on the boat. We who are servants of the Lord are prisoners of Jesus Christ.

14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

In America this is how George Whitfield would travel and preach.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

Imagine, Paul had nothing to accuse the Roman nation or Caesar of? We know from history the level of corruption was easily equal to or exceeding the level we have today. Do not confuse being a social justice warrior with being a Christian missionary. Our ministry is to preach the gospel to sinners. The fact that our nation is filled with sinners just means this is a good place to preach the gospel.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

We should remember this, instead of always referring to it as "the gospel" we should also refer our preaching to "the hope of the nations".

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

Think about this, in Jerusalem, with a "home court advantage" the Jews thought they could convict Paul. But in Rome they knew they would have no chance and worse, it could cause Caesar to bring judgment against them. Learn from this, Satan is a "paper tiger". A lot of people don't understand that term. In High School you would make a big paper painting of your opponents mascot and then the football team would run onto the field and rip through that painting. The picture was that the team you were facing was simply a paper tiger that you could run right through.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Why do they want to hear from Paul? Because it is "everywhere spoken against". That is great advertising.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

This sounds like a small group meeting or a Bible study. It could be a blog, or a Youtube channel.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Don't get hung up on those that believe not. I have had many people mock me, say I'm crazy, etc. I just move on and now there are over 800,000 who have read this blog. Our job is not to convince people to believe. Our job is to be a witness and what people do with that is on them.

25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

The Jews were Paul's family. If your family rejects your testimony then it is the same, they heard, but they didn't understand. They saw but didn't perceive. That is not your fault, that is because their heart has waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and they have closed their eyes. But the fact is there are hundreds of thousands of people who will receive the word. Shake off the dust and move on!

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

 

[ZNP]

Summarizing C J Lovik @RockIslandBooks

1. Supernatural protection for Israel by Archangel Michael
2. World sees unprecedented trouble for Israel
3. Remnant of Israel is saved
4. Great resurrection of the dead
5. The ones who share this message will be glorified
6. The book of Daniel is sealed until this time
7. Knowledge will be increased with many running to and fro through the Bible.

 

[ZNP]

Do You Know Your Enemies When the Darkness Comes 2-3-26@4:00 PM Shared 2-4-26

 

[ZNP]

These are Pdfs anyone can download of all my posts and for the first time this includes the Book of Acts.

The Holy Bible -- King James Version

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggLlInqsXzE3k2f_2XahguwjP-2ZMvbW/view?usp=sharing

A Letter to those left behind after the rapture

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dM18beTF9Jka3w8XUk10ARkI-cYnltH5/view?usp=sharing

I based most of my letter on the Gospel according to Mark and the Book of Acts.

Index of Bible References volumes 1-5

I would have done this for all of them but ran out of time. However, it does help those who are interested in a particular verse to find the verse and what is said about it. One reason I did this was so I could look for verses that had not been referenced.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YK4mY8xfqh13sW00JjXqcusX3a4jqZPRBFvVXh12fVA/edit?usp=sharing

This is a reference of Bible verses in these four volumes. But anyone can download these Pdfs and create an index of the Bible references for all 13 of them.

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 1)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JvGt0moH2kzWMqdxBiO73Gaj7UxxqvfD/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 2)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAIgnWSGMkVw_Fawa_dbXyJTi1yOWwks/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 3)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dg9eD4It_H1V8XCMuAc7Im8G2UfuvEjV/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (volume 4)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RwFhRsl7Ww5ZAn1C3ro7VrNCo5baWqPN/view?usp=sharing

Look up your redemption draws near (vol 5)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/160buxQxCAsHjuN7qfTVY7dOQft8VA4L_/view?usp=sharing

Look up your redemption draws near (vol 6)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ewv-l-yh4A2KRcPnQmOJB_51S1HQ095X/view?usp=sharing

Look up, your redemption draws nigh (vol. 7)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l7FBpjTk2NNVgYBAATm-3Th3rfeXEDhG/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (8)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OkRHsPs36DZ-gFO-UgGUj-mVa63TI1vR/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (9)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xECKmu-anfa0J_Sxn9ysUtpQSG2HVvtt/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption Draws Near (10)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-3KMmo6qiJsAcP4hQGBbrNrT2Za0p3S/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your redemption draws near (Volume 11)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lc-CjfWlJPXc7D5H7ocz8WaF72zW3JqZ/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1li_fbCxYOZrWF7No3d2DiN7k1H1rPmx0/view?usp=sharing

Look Up, Your Redemption draws Near (vol. 13)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVVP6WWS5TrcniRSmT_8r8xsGcpeGzby/view?usp=sharing

Who is the Great Babylon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQatkwB8A2Xi6og2WRxNvfw3CEV0n2_n/view?usp=sharing

This Pdf goes through every verse in the New Testament and many in the Old referring to Babylon. I see which of the various interpretations fit. The main three are: Israel, Vatican and the US, though I also see if England fits any. I used to subscribe to the teaching of Darby and Watchman Nee on this, however, everyone should know that when they taught the US was not a superpower, Hollywood and Multinational corporations did not exist (true for Darby, Watchman Nee was around at the time of silent movies). The pandemic had not taken place and the apostasy in the US had not taken place. You could not compare the US to Sodom and Gomorrah at the time of Darby or Watchman Nee.

Does Christmas depict the rapture?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKs66qjobk-HihgNVW617poUoJ8kakOK/view?usp=sharing

This is 25 pages going through verse references in the Bible about the rapture that also appear to be describing Christmas.

James the Keel of the Church

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1coj11i6yERgYLhtCSrKkJP44dl-7a1IA/view?usp=sharing

1 Peter the Gospel of the 2nd Chance

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13UKCQIJq7GIQl20D86x_PFC9YbCeR6mH/view?usp=sharing

2 Peter -- Ministering an Entrance unto You

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11bM_yAsaMeh_T3s_X42Pt_NP-EOTz9Uf/view?usp=sharing

1 John

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e9bXQV7NsQQOYdfXePMD4AD57u864e7Y/view?usp=sharing

2 John

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lmrtn2bHjOp431KLTrdEVMhSm5hubwJG/view?usp=sharing

3 John

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tgZwMD5B-1VmGcEbZ9HjIoD6d0WgzieM/view?usp=sharing

Jude

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1oK68ijqTgfPACu31SXfHrfuYJrNDuf/view?usp=sharing

Matthew

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gao_VZffMPY7DNR0bMtx_UHATWPIwMbJ/view?usp=sharing

The Gospel of Mark

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13FdKKF_b_kuBBH3Q9Y-7vcRfKbg8x6ce/view?usp=sharing

The Gospel of Luke

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UEUSo6eRkUSj2bEM2pg9ApRc-H9k91Qv/view?usp=sharing

Here is the Pdf for the entire book of Revelation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WudDGTDeIra1nQPVOfxNKchdBtdxctrP/view?usp=sharing

The Book of Acts

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rXEh71RYqsUKEGfvc8Gk5mHQAkyHadCJ/view?usp=sharing

812,151

 

[ZNP]

How does the rapture fit into the gospel of God?

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Paul has three statuses here. He is a servant of Jesus Christ, His calling is to be an apostle, and he is separated unto the gospel of God. This word "separated" is used ten times in the New Testament and is also translated as sever or divide. Here it means that Paul has been set apart for the purpose of the gospel of God. This is not simply as an evangelist. When he became a prisoner that was to set him apart and he obviously could not hold tent meetings from prison. He was set apart to write his letters that form the doctrinal basis for the gospel. But he was also set apart as an example of God's saving grace that a man who was "less than the least" could be saved and become an apostle and a writer of the books of the New Testament. The word "apostle" means someone who is sent with a message. A modern word for Apostle would be "messenger". The word is used 81 times in the New Testament. There is a debate as to whether or not we still have apostles. So let's break this down, "the fellowship of the apostles has been once for all delivered to the saints". If someone is claiming to be a messenger from God with a new message that contradicts the fellowship of the apostles once for all delivered, then no, that person is a fraud. Likewise if someone is coming along and saying they have written another book to the New Testament, that also is a fraud. The New Testament is a legally binding contract, a covenant, that lays out our inheritance. You can't discover another book to a last will and testament that is written two thousand years later. So that person is a fraud as well. However, if your use of the word "apostle" means you have been sent with the message of the gospel for the purpose of raising up churches, well there is nothing wrong with someone who is bringing the message of the gospel saying they are a messenger. These three statuses are like three circles in a Venn diagram. The biggest and most inclusive is to be a servant of Jesus Christ. Every single believer should be a servant of Jesus Christ. However, we are not all called to be apostles. However, if the Spirit fills you and animates you then a gift will manifest itself. You will have one of the gifts of the spirit. Maybe you are a teacher, or a prophet, or an evangelist, or a shepherd, etc. Every genuine believer will have a calling on their life and they need to labor to fulfill that calling. So this is the second circle, Paul was called to be an apostle, within the big circle of being a servant there are many smaller circles and his was to be an apostle. But then within that circle he is separated unto the gospel of God. In Galatians Paul says that the gospel to the uncircumcision was given to him and the gospel to the circumcision was given to Peter. In order to prove from the Bible that the gospel was to go to the Gentiles required a great scholar, that was who Paul was. The church needed his expertise in the word of God, and so God separated him unto this task. He was arrested because he was about to sacrifice a bull. That was the confusion with the early church, not understanding that the dispensation had changed from the law to grace. Paul had to explain this to us and because he was put into prison for also being confused about this it helped him to focus on this all the more. Think about Joseph in the book of Genesis. He was "separated unto the gospel". He was sold as a slave into Egypt and then imprisoned in Egypt. But Joseph saw that this was God's sovereignty because He wanted to save people alive from the famine. Joseph also had a calling, a gift of the Holy Spirit, he could interpret dreams. Also he was the son if Israel, and as a son of Israel he was a servant of God. All of the sons of Israel were servants of God, each had their own gift from the Holy Spirit, but of the twelve only Joseph was separated unto the gospel to save the Gentiles (Egyptians) alive. So then we can see a very clear analogy being made between Paul and Joseph, but one more analogy is that Joseph knew that the day would come when the dead in Christ would rise and so he charged the Israelites that when that day comes to take his bones with them. Joseph knew that saving the Egyptians was an assignment from God, but that was not his destiny, ultimately his destiny was to dwell in the good land for eternity. This also gives us the key into understanding the writings of Paul. All of his writings are based on the word of God. He sees himself as "interpreting dreams" like Joseph only the "dreams" are the word of God of the Old Testament.

 

[ZNP]

The Gospel was promised in the Old Testament

Romans 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

He even gives you this clue. The gospel of God that he is going to share in Romans was promised by God's prophets in the holy scriptures. Do not confuse God's prophets with the section of the Bible called the prophets. Moses was a prophet. Israel was a prophet. But the clearest and most indisputable example of the prophets promising the gospel beforehand is Isaiah 53.

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

One of the promises was that the coming Messiah (anointed one) would be the seed of David.

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

There are many examples of this but the best is when Moses collects the rods from the leaders of each of the 12 tribes, puts them into the Holy of Holies for the night, and when he retrieves them the next morning Aaron's rod had budded. This was when Aaron was declared to be the High Priest by the resurrection power. So in these first four verses Paul refers to Genesis and the Patriarchs, he refers to the prophets and Isaiah, he refers to the history, and he refers to the Torah, the law. He just showed us that the gospel is woven into the entire Old Testament.

 

[ZNP]

The gospel is a person

Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Christianity emphasizes that we have received grace. We are saved by grace. But there are two sides to salvation, one is that we are saved by grace, the other is that we have a calling. Paul's calling was apostleship. His calling was to bring this message of the gospel to the world. However, if you understand that we are all witnesses of Jesus Christ, that means we all have been charged to share a message about Jesus Christ, not something we learned in school, but something that is a direct experience that we have had of Him. That message is our apostleship. We are not adding to or taking away from the fellowship of the apostles. But we are all messengers and delivering that message is each of our apostleships. We need both grace and our calling for obedience to the faith among all the nations. It required obedience on Martin Luther's part to share about being saved by grace, but that was the message he was given and so it also took obedience of faith for him to fulfill his calling. All of this is to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord. If you commit a crime, that does not bring glory to the name. If you think you must behave in a way that violates the law that does not bring glory to the name of Jesus. Now the exception to the rule is when the law tries to outlaw you fulfilling your calling. When they forbid Peter to speak in the name of Jesus that was a direct contradiction of the command he was given by the Lord. When you get contradictory orders you are to listen to the senior officer, which in this case is Jesus Christ, the Captain of the host and the Lord of all. The gospel has a purpose and if you are not witnessing and sharing the message that the Lord gave you then you are not walking in obedience to the faith. If you are not obedient to the faith then you nullify the grace given to you and you nullify the gift of the Holy Spirit.

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

If you want to argue Paul makes it very clear, he is not the only one who is called of Jesus Christ, we all are the ones who have a calling.

7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.