Conservative America's False doctrine (1800's dispensationalism) Support of Israel
- Thread starter Titus
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jeremiah1five
Active Member
Saul was not trying to not offend. Jews knew he was a follower of the Way and belonging to that sect of Judaism that was already under persecution as he was the one who participated in Stephen's death, the first recorded death of Christians at the hands of Jews. The people could spot a fake and his genuine obedience to the Law of Moses was clearly on display in every aspect of his life which is why the Jews respected him being a leader of that "troublesome sect."
Saul did not "at times refused to keep the Law when the Jews tried to make the Law binding." It was ALREADY BINDING on the people. Saul was a rabbi and a practicing Pharisee, and he remained rabbi and Pharisee throughout his life. You are interjecting your own opinions into the text that is simply not supported by the text. When Saul said, "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" (Acts 24:14), was a confession of his Judaic nature as a rabbi and Pharisee. He said, "THIS I CONFESS!" If he was lying or deceiving the Jews he would have been brought up as a liar and blasphemer knowing full well all that was needed was the "testimony of two or three witness" to charge him under the Law. You are making things up and not being honest with Scripture and to me very disingenuous with the Word of God in order to trying to find some straws - any straws - to justify your antinomian, antichristian beliefs about a God who does not change and neither does His Law. Jesus' fulfillment of the Law, especially the Ceremonial Law, was our fulfillment under the Doctrine of Justification. He paid a debt He did not owe; we owed a debt we could not pay. And on His account God honored His sacrifice and applied its fulfillment to our ledger and we have been declared "NOT GUILTY!" from the God of Abraham. Jesus was right. Moses was glad to see this day arrive, as barbarous as it was for Jesus being seen by the people as a "visage so marred" one could not recognize there was a man on that cross.
That is true. The Jerusalem apostles and elders - even born-again elders of the Sanhedrin - gave no such commandment to being circumcised. Jewish males were already circumcised. It was the mixed-race Jews of the Diaspora who were uncircumcised and grew up as Gentiles that became born-again by the Holy Spirit of Promise PROMISED TO ISRAEL when the question came up. This was why Saul went to Jerusalem to consult with the leadership there. James, Peter - true Judaizers and circumcised males knew circumcision wasn't even an issue with true born Jewish males. But as Saul said in Galatians 3:1 "O foolish Galatians, who hate bewitched you" the word "WHO" is singular, meaning there was one man that followed Saul and Barnabas around who came from Jerusalem and ignorantly tried to teach circumcision to these Gentile-raised Jews of mixed heritage who became born-again and taught the new brethren in Christ circumcision to participate in the Abraham Covenant. It was a valid question. While it only applied to uncircumcised mixed-race Jews who became born-again the core of all born-again Jewish males was a question that had been answered eight days from their birth where the Law commanded circumcision of all males born to Hebrew parents. But what of those of mixed-race unions or circumstances of rape or slavery or concubinage which was the result of Israel's both kingdoms conquest by Assyrians and Babylonians in their history.
These Galatian quotes were addressed to Jews and Jewish Christians, NOT Gentiles, which is your habit of misinterpreting the New Covenant writings like Saul's letter to Jews and Jewish Christians in the Galatian region.
So, let's bring this to correct understanding of what Saul wrote:
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:1–2. --- Saul is clearly writing to Jews.
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Galatians 3:6–7.
---- Saul clearly writing to the "children of Abraham" or Hebrews/Jews.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8. ---- "Heathen" meaning mixed-race Jews of the Diaspora. It doesn't say "Gentiles." Otherwise the word "ethnos" in some cases depending on the context would be the word Saul would have used. But Saul is writing to Jews in this letter.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Galatians 3:10. ---- More proof Saul is writing to Jews and mixed-race Jews for Gentiles would know NOTHING about what is written in the "BOOK OF THE LAW." Here, Saul is making comparison between salvation through "works" or "deeds" under the Law and JUSTIFICATION by faith in God to save based on the finished work of Jesus the Messiah on His cross. "FOR AS MANY AS ARE OF THE WORKS OF THE LAW ARE UNDER A CURSE" means every Hebrew and "children of Abraham" = the Jews.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13–14. ---- Gentiles would not understand the Law that states 'everyone that hangeth on a tree' is cursed. This is NOT something Gentiles taught their children at school. Nor in their homes. They taught their Gentile children about Jupiter and the gods of agriculture and weather and of the sun. BUT look at what else Saul says: "THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT." That promise came by way of Joel and his prophecy to the southern kingdom tribes. The SPIRIT of God was PROMISED TO ISRAEL - more proof Saul is writing to Jews. CAN YOU PROVE TO ME JOEL PROMISED GOD'S SPIRIT TO NON-HEBREW GENTILES? Go on and state your case God promised His Spirit to Gentiles. I think you're going to ignore this challenge.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Galatians 3:18. ---- Saul speaking of the Law and the Promise which non-Hebrew Gentiles know NOTHING about.
23 But before faith came, we [JEWS] were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our [JEWS] schoolmaster to bring us [JEWS] unto Christ, that we [JEWS] might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:23–24. ---- NOTICE Saul is addressing JEWS. JEWS were under a "schoolmaster" and that "schoolmaster" was the Law. Gentiles were NEVER UNDER THE LAW. Say it with me, "Gentiles were NEVER under the Law." Again: "Gentiles were NEVERT UNDER THE LAW" Say it again: "GENTILES WERE NEVER UNDER THE LAW" and this means Saul is addressing JEWS WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW." But you change the meaning of Saul's letter and substitute Gentiles for Jews and this is where you are WRONG!
That's enough. These points I've brought attention to anyone can clearly see Saul's Galatian letter was written to Jews and Jewish Christians and mixed-race Jews who were born-again and lived in this Gentile town.
No,, Saul is say the "handwriting of requirements that was against us Jews" was contrary to us IF WE TRIED TO USE IT TO JUSTIFY OURSELVES BEFORE GOD." But notice what Saul does say, "nailing it to the cross." WHAT does that mean? That as Jesus died so did the Law? Is that your interpretation? Well, let's take what happened on Jesus' cross to its reasonable conclusion. Jesus died on the cross, right? So, the Law died on the cross, right? Jesus resurrected from death, right? Tell me -- WHY DO YOU keep the Law in the tomb? Why don't you resurrect the Law as Jesus was resurrected???? That's because YOUR REASONING IS FLAWED. Jesus resurrected from death and so did the Law. To the Jew natural Olive tree Israel BECAME spiritual Olve tree Israel with the giving of the SPIRIT OF PROMISE that was PROMISED TO ISRAEL - NOT Gentiles. I'm still waiting for you to show me in Joel's prophecy who spoke to the southern kingdom tribes of Judah and Benjamin where Joel promises the Spirit of Promise was promised to Gentiles. Go ahead. Prove it.
The good thing is that "you" are married to another WOMAN and NOW A MAN and there would be NO complications. The Law was nailed to Jesus' cross and Jesus was nailed to Jesus' cross. When one resurrected so did also the other resurrect together, and neither can be separated from each other. When Christ enters a person the Law of God enters a person, and the person obeys the Law from within. He's already been justified so any sin or failure to obey the Spirit of the Law in your conscience Jesus doesn't resurrect again for every sin, but unrepentant sin does have consequences. It affects your relationship with God. It doesn't affect your justification for that is a ONE-TIME thing that occurred at the cross when God resurrected the Law and Jesus at the same time for a special purpose. And that purpose is stated here by Jesus Himself:
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:6–11.
There are only TWO - NOT THREE - things here that are judged: sin and righteousness.
And the prince of this world is man. Not Satan or the devil or Lucifer. Unlike many others who give Satan more glory than is due to him as a captive angel awaiting judgment. He can't be the "prince" because like Maduro, he's in jail. Maduro is no longer discharging the office as "President-Dictator" for life in Argentina, so don't cry for him, Argentina.
And look at this:
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17.
Jesus says the "world" that group of people many say "He so loved" in John 3:16 CANNOT RECEIVE THE SPIRIT. We also know that for one to be born-again the Spirit is necessary in that conversion from death to life. But Jesus says "the world cannot receive Him [the Spirit]," and if the world cannot receive the Spirit in order to be saved (born-again) then this means the "world" is not atoned for the Spirit is given in order to APPLY the salvation bought by the Son on His cross. This means non-Hebrew Gentiles are the "world" Jesus is speaking of here, the "world", that group of people many say He "so loved [the world]" in John 3:16 but doesn't pray for the "world" (John 17:9), and doesn't given them His Spirit in order to be born-again, so this means non-Hebrew Gentiles who were NEVER UNDER THE LAW NOR UNDER THE SANCTIFYING PRAYERS OF ISRAEL'S HIGH PRIEST DOESN'T EVEN PRAY FOR THEM AT A TIME WHEN JESUS ONE PRAYER WOULD CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF A CLASS OF PEOPLE DESTIONED FOR ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD AND DYING IN THEIR UNATONED SIN.
But "the world cannot receive Him [the Spirit.]"
Imagine that.
Titus
Active Member
Yes Paul did refuse the law of Moses as a binding law.
Paul taught the old law did not save and any jew trying to demand anyone must keep the old law to be saved was in error.
Paul said the error of keeping the law of Moses to be saved seperated them(jew or gentile) from Gods grace. Trust must be in Christ not the old law that could not justify any man.
Galatians 5:4,
- you who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ you have fallen from grace
Binding the old law means you must live by that law or you will be condemned by that law.
This is what the Jews believed and Paul had to correct their understanding of what really saves.
The law could not save and binding it guaranteed separation from grace as Grace is what saves not meriting salvation through law keeping.
If someone places themselves under the law of Moses that law becomes the standard of judgment. Therefore they will be judged by the old law rather than receive Gods Grace.
Romans 2:12-13,
- for as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without law and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law
If someone places themselves under the law of Moses that law becomes their judge.
Judged by law not by Grace
Verse 13,
- for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified
Paul is not teaching people can be justified by the law of Moses.
Paul later proves they cannot. Paul is saying the law demands PERFECT obedience if it is the chosen system.
Paul says so,
Galatians 5:3,
- for I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law
If you bind one part of the law then you are obligated to do all of it.
Galatians 5:4,
- Christ is become of no effect unto you, whoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace
The law of Moses brings judgment not life,
Galatians 3:10 ; Romans 3:20,
- for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse
- cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them
- by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight
He absolutely did.
You have ignored multiple examples I all ready gave.
Here again,
Paul openly admits he did not bind the law on himself when he converted to christianity.
1Corinthians 9:21,
- to them that are without law as without law... that I might gain them that are without law
Paul cannot live without law with them(gentiles) who are without law(law of Moses) to gain them over to Christ....
Paul cannot live without law and still be keeping the law!!!
Paul does not keep keep koser laws even teaching to disobey them.
Romans 14:14 ; 1Corinthians 10:25,
- I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself
- eat whatsoever is sold in the market place asking no questions for conscience sake
Paul directly violates koser law which forbids eating without inquiry.
Paul rejects sabbath keeping.
Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16
- one man esteemeth one day above another
another esteemeth every day alike
let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind
- Let no man therefore judge you in meat(koser) or in drink(koser) or in respect to an holiday or of the moon or of the Sabbath days
If Paul kept the Mosical sabbath this statement would be impossible.
Paul declares the law of Moses is no longer binding.
Romans 7:4 ; Romans 10:4,
- ye also are become dead to the law by the body(church) of Christ
- Christ is the end of the law for righteousness
Jews by their law WERE NOT ALLOWED TO EAT WITH GENTILES.
Peter knew he could eat with gentiles because the law of Moses was no longer binding.
But Peter played the hypocrite when Jews came to eat. Peter removed himself from eating with gentiles over to eat where the jews were eating.
Did Paul tell Peter he did right to stop eating with gentiles?
No, just the oppisite. Paul rebuked Peter to his face for not eating with gentiles when jews were present.
Galatians 2:11-14,
- but when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to his face because he was to be blamed
- for before certain came from James he did eat with gentiles but when they(jews) were come he withdrew himself fearing them which were of the circumcision
- but when I(Paul) saw that they(Peter and Barnabas) walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel(law of Christ not Moses) I said unto Peter..
before them all, if thou being a jew livest after the manner of gentiles and not as do the jews(Paul just said Peter was not living after Jewish law proving the apostles did not keep the law of Moses)
why compellest thou the gentiles to live as the jews
This proves Paul taught against keeping the Mosical law.
Galatians 2:14,
- why compellest thou the gentiles to live as do the jews
Paul refused Torah seperation rules which is why Jews repeatedly accused him of law breaking,
Acts 21:28,
- crying out, men of Israel help this is the man(Paul)who instructs everyone everywhere against our people THE LAW, and this place and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place
Paul:
Ate non koser food
Did not require Sabbath keeping
Rejected circumcision
Lived without law to bring gentiles to Christ
Condemned Peter for not eating with gentiles when Jews were present
Declared believers in Christ dead to the law
Opposed forcing Torah on gentiles
Yet he remained faithful to Christ. To His new testament gospel.
I'm not an antinomian. I believe we are all jew and gentile under the law of Christ today, Galatians 6:2.
You can falsely accuse me of not believing in law a thousand times. And after the thousandth time it will still be false.
You need to pay attention to the word instead of telling me I'm not following it.
Gods law does change.
If you think Gods law never changes then you better be circumcised.
If you think Gods law doesnt change then you better start building an ark.
If you thi k Gods laws never change then you better not eat pork, shellfish.
If you think Gods laws never change then you better not wear different fibers interwoven.
If you think Gods law never changes then you better have a levitical priesthood.
If you think Gods laws never change then you better be sacrificing animals.
If you think Gods laws never change then you better marry multiple wives.
God does not change in nature but He does change His laws when He changes His covenants.
Hebrews 7:12,
- for the priesthood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of law
Yes, the law was nailed to the cross.
When Jesus ressurected so did the old law? Where did you hear that?
Quote the verse that says what you teach?
That's not what Paul taught.
Colossians 2:14,
- blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us..and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross
Paul does not say:
Nailed temporarily
Nailed but later removed
Nailed but ressurected
Paul says it was AGAINST THEM so Christ TOOK IT OUT OF THE WAY.
If the law ressurected Paul could not say,
Colossians 2:14-16,
- let no man judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of holiday or in the sabbath days
Paul actually said the law ended not revived.
Romans 10:4,
- Christ is the END OF THE LAW for righteousness to everyman that believeth(faith)
Did you know that when the faith came which is the new testament gospel the old law ended?
Galatians 3:23-27,
- but before faith came we were under the (law of Moses) shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed
- wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith
- but after faith is come we ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER(law of Moses)
- for ye are all children of God by FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
after faith came the law ended!!!
Romans 10:4,
- for Christ is the END of the law for righteousness to everyone that BELIEVETH(faith came)
The law today is the new covenant the new testament the gospel of Christ,
Galatians 6:2,
- bear ye one another's burdens and so fullfil the law of Christ
1Corinthians 9:21,
- to them that are without law as without law being not with law to God but under the law of Christ that I might gain them that are without law
James 2:12,
- so speak ye and do as they shall be judged by the law of liberty
Romans 3:27,
- where is boasting then it is excluded by what law of works(law of Moses)
Nay, but by the law of Christ
How many passages do you need that says the opposite of your continuous one law to open your eyes?
How many passages do you need that says the law os dead to believe it is no longer binding?
Romans 7:4,
- wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body(church) of Christ...
The Greek word world in John 3:16 kosmos means:
Humanity as a whole
The world system in rebellion to God
The created order
John says Jesus died for all of mankind no distinction of ethnicity in John 3:16.
Who doesn't pray for the world in John 17:9 refer to?
The Greek word is the same but context controls meaning.
John 3:16 world is everyone.
John 17:9 world is unbelieving humanity, not ethnicity.
- I pray for them I pray not for the world(those who choose not to believe), but for them which thou given Me for they are thine
The world here is the world in rebellion to God.
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jeremiah1five
Active Member
I have no problem with Saul teaching the Law did not save anyone for the Law's purpose was never to save a soul except only after the Faith that was Promised to "appear" finally did appear in the Person of the Holy Spirit of Promise through which salvation bought by the Son on the cross was accomplished in obedience to the Law, specifically the Ceremonial Law instructing and commanding substitutionary sacrifice which served as the foreshadowing of the one ultimate sacrifice introduced by God Himself that would save through hat substitutionary sacrifice by God's own Son, Yeshua bar Yosef, the God-man.
The Law was given (Social and Moral Law) which was given by God to the Hebrew people in the desert at the time of Moses and the Tabernacle for "right-living" (the exact definition of "righteousness.")
As Saul states clearly:
16 All scripture (The Old Testament Law, Psalms, and Prophets) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16–17.
Every commandment given in the "letter" (the written Law) has a deeper "spirit" (intent or spiritual application) that remains relevant even when the physical requirement has been fulfilled or changed. The Apostle Paul addresses this directly:
6 Who also hath made us able mministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6.
The "letter" refers to the specific, written statutes of the Mosaic Law. The "spirit" refers to the divine intent and the spiritual reality that the law was meant to point toward.
| Aspect | The Letter (Old Covenant) | The Spirit (New Covenant) |
| Medium | Written on tables of stone | Written on the fleshy tables of the heart |
| Nature | External, carnal ordinances | Internal, spiritual transformation |
| Effect | Condemns and "kills" by exposing sin | Gives life through the Holy Ghost |
| Outcome | The "ministry of death" | The "ministry of righteousness |
No one "places" themselves under the Law. It is God who "placed" the Hebrews under His Law directly after fulfilling His Promise to deliver them:
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Genesis 15:14.
Christians generally understand that while the legal obligation of many Old Testament laws (ceremonial or civil) passed away in Christ, the spiritual principle is eternal.
The Moral Law: Laws like "Thou shalt not kill" have a spirit that goes deeper. Jesus taught that the spirit of this law forbids even unrighteous anger or hatred (Matthew 5:21-22).
The Ceremonial Law: Laws regarding animal sacrifices were "shadows of things to come" (Colossians 2:17). While we no longer kill bulls or goats, the spirit of those laws is applied through the "one sacrifice for sins for ever" by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:12).
The Civil Law: Even obscure laws have spiritual applications. Paul uses a law about oxen to explain pastoral support:
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 1 Corinthians 9:7–10.
Following the letter without the spirit is what the Bible calls legalism or hypocrisy. The Pharisees were the primary examples of this; they meticulously tithed "mint and anise and cummin" but omitted the "weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith" (Matthew 23:23). Conversely, following the "spirit" does not mean discarding the "letter" as if it were unimportant. Rather, the spirit fulfills the letter. As Paul writes in Romans 8:4, the "righteousness of the law" is fulfilled in those "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Explained above.
Not every Law (of Moses/God) brings judgment. BUT every Law (of Moses/God) is for "training and admonition" that the "man of God be throughly furnished unto all good works." This is for theborn-again believer who has been justified ("Not Guilty!") by God "once and for all" (Jews) by the substitutionary sacrifice of the lamb of God and applied at the appointed time to each and every Prodigal who in covenant will be recipients of all God has promised through Law and Prophets.
Referring to the Diaspora Jews - millions of them - who were grown up as "Gentile" and "without Law." When these began to be born-again some Jews attempted to seek their circumcision who were uncircumcised because they grew up as Gentile. Still, the Promise of God was to Abraham's seed and whether they were full-blood Jews or mixed-race Jews, God's Promise extended to Abraham's seed:
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:7.
The "letter killeth, the spirit giveth life." As rabbi and Pharisee Saul still obeyed from the heart (spirit) the Law of Moses as a trained rabbi and Pharisee and after receiving "revelation" through study of Scripture with the illumination and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit who taught him.
You "speak" with forked tongue. Saul never rejected Sabbath-keeping. He says, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." This is not him "rejecting" the Sabbath (keeping.)
Saul never declared the Law of Moses "is no longer binding." He declares the "new man" under the New Covenant has had the "old" Law fulfilled by Jesus the Christ and applied by the Spirit of Christ upon the born-agin Jew. Christ IS the "end of the Law" for "right-living" (definition of Righteousness.) And with the Law "nailed to His cross" has in Him "put [His] law in their inward parts, and wrote it in their hearts; and [will be] their God, and they shall be my people. Jer. 31:33.
Meaning the Law as Person of the Holy Spirit now in the believer leads and guides the believer from within not from without. Each born-again Jew stands before His God with an Advocate, and Intercessor, and Comforter. The result is "Not Guilty!"
There is no specific verse in the written Law of Moses (the Torah) that forbids a Jew from eating with a non-Hebrew, or even a mixed-race Hebrew. However, in the first century, it was an established "law" of Jewish tradition. This explains the apparent contradiction between the Old Testament text and the statements made by Peter and Paul in the New Testament. When Peter enters the house of Cornelius (a mixed-race Jew), he says:
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.
Acts 10:28.
The Greek word used for "unlawful" here is athemitos, which refers to something "taboo" or "contrary to established custom," rather than a violation of a specific Mosaic commandment. Peter was referring to the Oral Law (the traditions of the elders), which had built a "fence" around the written Law to prevent any possible defilement.
While the written Law didn't forbid the act of eating together, it created practical barriers that made it nearly impossible for a devout Jew to share a meal with a Gentile:
Dietary Laws (Leviticus 11): A Jew could not eat "unclean" animals (pork, shellfish, etc.). A Gentile's table would almost certainly feature these foods or be prepared in vessels that had touched them.
Idolatry: Food at a Gentile's house might have been "sacrificed unto idols," which was strictly forbidden (Exodus 34:15).
Ritual Purity: The Law required Jews to maintain a state of ritual cleanness to participate in Temple life. Since Gentiles did not observe these washings or laws regarding "creeping things," they were considered perpetually "common" or "unclean" by association.
The written Law focused on preventing covenantal mixing rather than social contact. God commanded the Israelites to be separate so they would not be drawn into idolatry:
3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. Deuteronomy 7:3–4.
Again, association. Over time, Jewish leaders expanded this "separation" into a total social boycott to ensure the nation remained "holy" (set apart). The "Law" that Paul and Peter struggled with in the New Testament was the social application of the Law—the idea that even being in the presence of a Gentile was defiling.
The vision of the sheet in Acts 10 was God’s way of showing Peter that the "Spirit" of the Law was about holiness of heart, not the avoidance of people. As Peter concluded, "God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean" (Acts 10:28).
The written Law of Moses does not forbid a Jew from eating with a "mixed-race" person (such as a Samaritan). However, the "traditions of the elders" (the religious customs of the time) strictly forbade it.
The primary example of this "mixed-race" group in the Bible is the Samaritans. They were the descendants of Israelites who had intermarried with the various nations brought in by the Assyrians after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. In the first century, the social barrier between a "pure" Jew and a Samaritan was so high that they avoided sharing even a drink of water:
9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. John 4:9.
The phrase "no dealings" (from the Greek synchraomai) specifically implies that they did not share utensils, vessels, or food. This was not because a verse in Exodus or Leviticus forbade it, but because the Jews considered Samaritans "unclean" by birth and by their "corrupt" religious practices.
The written Law focused on Covenant Purity, not "racial" purity in the modern sense.
Conversion was allowed: The Law allowed "strangers" (Gentiles) to be circumcised and join the congregation of Israel. Once they did, they were to be treated as if they were home-born: "One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you" (Exodus 12:49).
Mixed Multitude: When Israel left Egypt, a "mixed multitude" went with them (Exodus 12:38), and they were integrated into the nation.
Famous "Mixed" Examples: * Rahab (a Canaanite) and Ruth (a Moabitess) were both non-Hebrews who married into the tribe of Judah. Not only was it lawful for Jews to eat with them once they joined the commonwealth of Israel, but they both appear in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1).
The reason Jews refused to eat with Samaritans was religious and political, rather than a direct command of Moses:
The Bloodline: Jews in Judea viewed Samaritans as "half-breeds" who had polluted the holy seed of Israel (Ezra 9:2).
The Temple: Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim and rejected all of the Bible except the first five books of Moses.
Purity Laws: Because Samaritans did not follow the strict Pharisaic interpretations of the Law, Jews considered their food, their water, and even their presence to be ritually defiling.
If a Jew followed only the "letter of the Law" given to Moses, they could eat with anyone who was ritually clean and not an idolater. But by the time of the New Testament, the "tradition of the elders" had turned the Law into a tool of total social separation. Jesus constantly challenged this by eating with "publicans and sinners" and speaking with Samaritans, showing that the "spirit of the Law" was about seeking the lost, not shunning the "unclean."
So, Saul's rebuke of Peter goes deeper than what the Law said and didn't say and more on the traditions of the elders which Peter feared.
Personal preference.
As every man is "persuaded in his heart."
Rejected Judaizers who wanted to circumcise mixed-race Jews who were born-again. It was unnecessary to circumcise the flesh when a heart/life had been circumcised.
Live with the (spirit of) the Law to accommodate mixed-race Jews who grew up Gentile and would have had difficult time being "relative" with a Jew not grown up as a Jew.
Explained above. There is nothing in the Law of Moses that forbade a Jew eating with a non-Hebrew or a mixed-race Jew. It was about association.
But alive to the Spirit who is the Law Personified.
And I would oppose forcing democracy on people. But these "Gentiles" were mixed-race Jews who were aliens of the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise.
If you mean New Covenant good news (gospel) Saul understood the New Covenant was the Mosaic Covenant fulfilled by Christ, and with Christ "in" a person the Law is instructed from within not from without, in the spirit and not in the letter.
You just don't know it because no one has ever challenged your erroneous understanding of the New Covenant and Christ fulfilling the Law. And no, Jew and Gentile are NOT under the Law of Christ, only a Hebrew is. It's their covenant and there is NO COVENANT between God and non-Hebrews in the Old Testament. NONE.
My heart/life has been circumcised.
Christ is my Ark.
As every man is persuaded in his heart. And I am allergic to seafood entirely.
My dress is limited to wearing Levi's and there is no commandment against wearing this garment. The Law does not forbid mixing any two fabrics (like cotton and polyester). It strictly forbids the combination of wool (animal fiber) and linen (flax/plant fiber) in the same garment. So, where I am concerned the Lord has given me protection from wearing anything from an animal and plant life. I do not use Hemp products. He has protected my conscience from any future revelation on this subject.
I am a priest. A royal priest. And child of the King.
Spirit of the Law not the letter. I don't kill animals and specifically abused animals of any sort is an infamia. It's Latin. Look it up.
God has always been a one-man, one-woman God. Need Scripture?
God's Law is spiritual and never changes. Instead, He changed us.
So, do you suppose Jesus' accusation nailed to His cross followed Him in new life? Today, we teach "He was numbered with transgressors," don't we?
Yes, we do.
Christ + Anointing" does not mean Jesus the man.
Instead of tying it to Jesus the man try understanding it as Holy the Spirit.
You are interpreting Saul's words to Jews and applying them to non-Hebrew Gentiles. That's typical of declared "Christian" who is infected by Gentile theology of a Hebrew covenant. You're trying to interpret a Hebrew religion with a Gentile mindset. You're infected with error.
If you're going to be so specific, then you'll also know that specifically the New Covenant is between God and the House of Israel and the House of Judah. Which of the twelve tribes do you belong?
James writes to the twelve tribes scattered. Which Diaspora tribe of the twelve do you belong?
Why does God "love the world" and then "NOT love the world"?
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15–16.
It would be hypocritical for God to tell His people to "not love the world" and then turn and "love the world."
The big God is a big sinner!
Shame on Him.
And on you for being told your error but you are compounding it by not knowing the truth and being set free by it.
Well, I'm not the Holy Spirit. I don't change "hearts." I merely plant and water. God gives the increase.
Rockson
Active Member
I could be wrong here — maybe God’s way of blessing and cursing nations is a lot more complicated than we can figure out on a forum. These discussions can go on forever, and it’s easy to quote verses, which is fine, but context really matters. For example, Genesis 12:3 says: "I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse" Lots of people point to this and say, “You have to support Israel no matter what.” But what does it really mean? Did it mean Israel would be protected automatically, no matter what they did? I don’t think so. Later in Deuteronomy 28, we see God clearly tying blessings and curses to Israel’s obedience — if they follow Him, they’re blessed; if they don’t, disaster comes. History seems to back that up. Look at the Babylonians in Jeremiah’s time: they destroyed Jerusalem, killed many people, and took the nation into captivity for decades. They “cursed Israel,” in a sense.
Did God immediately curse Babylon for that? No. They carried on as a major empire for a while.
And then there were the Romans. They oppressed Israel during Jesus’ time — taxing heavily, taking political control. They allowed the priesthood to continue, so the High Priest could present Jesus in the temple, but politically and economically, they were a burden. Later, in 70 AD, they destroyed the temple and scattered the people. But the Roman Empire? It went on for centuries after that. If every nation that “cursed Israel” automatically got judgment, how did Rome survive?
I think what this shows is that God’s purposes are bigger than immediate cause and effect. The promises of blessing and curse are tied to Israel’s obedience and covenant with Him, not a simple formula for how nations are punished or rewarded. Supporting Israel and caring about what happens there is important, but it doesn’t mean blindly agreeing with every political decision. God’s plan is larger and more complex than that. Genesis 12:3 is real , but we have to consider context, and history. That’s my take anyway .
Did God immediately curse Babylon for that? No. They carried on as a major empire for a while.
And then there were the Romans. They oppressed Israel during Jesus’ time — taxing heavily, taking political control. They allowed the priesthood to continue, so the High Priest could present Jesus in the temple, but politically and economically, they were a burden. Later, in 70 AD, they destroyed the temple and scattered the people. But the Roman Empire? It went on for centuries after that. If every nation that “cursed Israel” automatically got judgment, how did Rome survive?
I think what this shows is that God’s purposes are bigger than immediate cause and effect. The promises of blessing and curse are tied to Israel’s obedience and covenant with Him, not a simple formula for how nations are punished or rewarded. Supporting Israel and caring about what happens there is important, but it doesn’t mean blindly agreeing with every political decision. God’s plan is larger and more complex than that. Genesis 12:3 is real , but we have to consider context, and history. That’s my take anyway .
civic
Active Member
Well said my friend good to see you and I hope you are doing well. Happy New Year 2026. Maranatha- come Lord Jesus come !
Rockson
Active Member
Some to you Civic!
jeremiah1five
Active Member
Actually, discussions need not go on forever on these discussion forums. It would depend on the posters as to the length of discussion and whether or not they believe they have answered pertinent questions or even if they believe the truth of Scripture has been adequately submitted for consideration. The one thing to consider in all discussion is this:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:14–15.
1. Sanctify the Lord God in your [own] hearts/life.
2. be ready always.
3. Give an answer to every one that asks you a reason of the hope in you.
4. With meekness (reserved strength.)
5. With reverence to Scripture as the Word of Truth.
My own evangelistic method and purpose obeys these four things but in life outside these forums I am also instructed from Scripture to:
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
1 Thessalonian 4:11–12.
My call does not require me to go out on the streets or knock on doors to tell people about Jesus or to interact unrequested with others on my own initiative and begin "preaching" Jesus to others who are going about their own business. For me if no one is asking me about Jesus or if they perceive me as a "spiritual" or "religious" person because of something my behavior expresses and they say something in that order I will respond accordingly. But if no one has asked me about the hope in me then I say nothing.
The problem I see with many Christians and missionaries who fall over themselves to go into neighborhoods and even into other countries and witness to unbelievers about Jesus is they fail to respect 1 Peter 3:14-15. There are those - hopefully - who wait for their calling, study the Scripture, come under discipleship, and wait. But no, the immediacy that pastors who misunderstand the Scripture tell believers in the pews or otherwise is they must go find someone and tell them about Jesus has done much damage to Biblical Christianity. They teach a Christianity that does not follow the context in which it is given. And so, people who are minding their own business are interfered with by some who follow this erroneous instruction may cause an unbeliever to resent these interactions when they have not sought it out specifically themselves. I am reminded by JW's who are constantly after their church meeting has concluded and go out knocking on doors and push their religion on others who are at home doing whatever people do at home. It's been a while, but I haven't seen a couple of Mormons wearing white shirts over black pants on bikes "hitting the streets." In a neighborhood where I once lived, I'd see them from time to time. But in the area where I now live, I haven't seen them at all.
The covenant God has with the Hebrew people does come with blessings for obedience and cursing's for disobedience, but whether they are obedient or disobedient the bottom line is that they are a people possessing promises from God because of covenant. None of the three major national covenants between God and the Hebrew people have faith as a requirement, but obedience is required under the Mosaic Covenant. Not so for the Abraham Covenant or the New Covenant. And whatever people or nation of people have in attitude towards the Jewish people in the past and today is only fleeting. God is in control and if He chooses to use a people to chastise or punish His people is within the realm of His authority to do or not do a thing, such as what took place with the Assyrians and Babylonians or the Romes or Nazi Germany, when God is ready to punish a nation or a people that attack His people in the end is again within His business to attend to for His own purposes. In the end all nations and peoples must go by the wayside - even America - because only one rule is valid and that is the kingdom to come.
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