Confusing Scripture From the Apostle Paul

[p_rehbein]

Acts, Chapter 26:

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.

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.


Appreciate any thoughts/insights

 

[kennethcadwell]

What kind of insights are you needing from this ???

For this scripture is clearly saying that they were being sent to open our eyes by giving us the word of God, the good news of salvation. Turning us from being under the power of satan because of our sins. If you obey and stay in your sins your master is satan, and you are a slave to him. We are now to become under our God, by faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive the inheritance of heaven, which is salvation, by receiving forgiveness of our sins through the faith we have in our Lord by repenting of them.
The Jews and surrounding areas were first preached the good news, then Paul was charged to carry the good news to the rest of the gentile nations. Which has still be ongoing to today.

 

[ChristIsGod]

Doing works worthy of repentance (axia tēs metanoias erga prassontas). Accusative case of present active participle prassontas because of the implied autous with the present infinitive metanoein (repent) and epistrephein (turn), though the dative prassousin could have been used to agree with ethnesin (Gentiles). Cf. Mat_3:8 for similar language used of the Baptist. Paul, the greatest of theologians, was an interesting practical preacher. [A.T. Robertson's W.P.]


repent: Act_2:38, Act_3:19, Act_11:18, Act_17:30, Act_20:21; Jer_31:19-20; Eze_18:30-32; Mat_3:2; Mat_4:17, Mat_9:13, Mat_21:30-32; Mar_6:12; Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5, Luk_15:7, Luk_15:10, Luk_24:46-47; Rom_2:4; 2Co_7:10; 2Ti_2:25-26; Rev_2:5, Rev_2:21, Rev_3:3, Rev_16:11


turn: Act_9:35, Act_14:15, Act_15:19; Psa_22:27; Lam_3:40; Hos_12:6, Hos_14:2; Luk_1:16; 2Co_3:16; 1Th_1:9


and do: Isa_55:7; Mat_3:8; Luk_3:8-14, Luk_19:8-9; Eph_4:17-32, Eph_5:1-25, Eph_6:1-9; Tit_2:2-13; 1Pe_1:14-16, 1Pe_2:9-12, 1Pe_4:2-5; 2Pe_1:5-8 [TSK Cross-References]

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That's the answer.



Thread locked.


Hey, read SoulWeaver's signature --- it's a riot!

 

[CRC]

Paul was witnessing to King Agrippa about his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and his subsequent conversion and determination to continue to bear witness to that light and the hope that it held out to Jews and Gentiles.

 

[Hizikyah]

Acts, Chapter 26:

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.

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.


Appreciate any thoughts/insights

"sanctified by faith"

"do works meet for repentance"

Be set apart by your faith and walk righteously as is befitting a follower of Messiah.

Are both stated as proper actions in the same passage.

To me the simplest example is this:

Deuteronomy 18:18-19, "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him. Whoever will not listen to My words, which He speaks in My Name, I will judge him for it"

"listen" is word #8085 שָׁמַע shama` {shaw-mah'}

Brown-Driver-Briggs (Old Testament Hebrew-English Lexicon)
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.)

Hebrew Word Study (Transliteration-Pronunciation Etymology & Grammar) - 1) to hear, listen to, obey


"shaw-mah" is

faith+works

belief+action

 

[p_rehbein]

Ok..........the responses are sort of what I was thinking..............the confusing part was "and do works meet for repentance...."

We know that works will not provide us with salvation........that is by the Grace of God.........so, if I understand correctly.....this is saying do works "worthy of" or some such, of repentance...........In other words, we would be doing the work that God purposed us for when He saved us through His Grace? And, if I am still understanding, the "sanctified" or "Church" are purposed for "works meet for repentance?"

Don't want to put words in anyone's mouth.........so I'm just asking........

 

[kennethcadwell]

Ok..........the responses are sort of what I was thinking..............the confusing part was "and do works meet for repentance...."

We know that works will not provide us with salvation........that is by the Grace of God.........so, if I understand correctly.....this is saying do works "worthy of" or some such, of repentance...........In other words, we would be doing the work that God purposed us for when He saved us through His Grace? And, if I am still understanding, the "sanctified" or "Church" are purposed for "works meet for repentance?"

Don't want to put words in anyone's mouth.........so I'm just asking........

It is saying that your works would show evidence that you have truly repented of your sins.
For instance if one says they repented of their sin of watching porn, but continue to watch porn did they really repent. No

Also once you have repented of your sins and dedicated your life to God, your works will show this because they will be done out of love for God. If you still show hatred, or unforgiveness toward others then your works will not be worthy of a true repentance. For the gospel message teaches love and forgiveness, not the opposite.

 

[p_rehbein]

So, our works are not the works God purposed us for?

 

[SoulWeaver]

It is saying that works are evidence of faith of Christ... if they still live a messed up lifestyle there was no change of heart and they were not born of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Colossians 1:29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

[phil112]

Ok..........the responses are sort of what I was thinking..............the confusing part was "and do works meet for repentance...."

We know that works will not provide us with salvation........that is by the Grace of God.........so, if I understand correctly.....this is saying do works "worthy of" or some such, of repentance...........In other words, we would be doing the work that God purposed us for when He saved us through His Grace? And, if I am still understanding, the "sanctified" or "Church" are purposed for "works meet for repentance?"

Don't want to put words in anyone's mouth.........so I'm just asking........

I turned to Clarke, as he has the ability to say things a little neater than I. This is what I read in that scripture and I concur with Clarke on his conclusion.

Verse 20. "But showed first unto them of Damascus" - He appears to have preached at Damascus, and in the neighbouring parts of Arabia Deserta, for about three years; and afterwards he went up to Jerusalem. See Gal. i. 17, 18; and see the note on chap. ix. 23.

"That they should repent" - Be deeply humbled for their past iniquities, and turn to God as their Judge and saviour, avoiding all idolatry and all sin; and thus do works meet for repentance; that is, show by their conduct that they had contrite hearts, and that they sincerely sought salvation from God alone.

Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 26

 

[kennethcadwell]

So, our works are not the works God purposed us for?

Yes they are, but the thing we must remember is that those works are not done automatically like some think and would say. We still have the conscious choice to walk in them, or not.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

[p_rehbein]

Ok, to all............BUT........still..........please define these "works" if possible.........

Someone said works worthy of repentance........or worthy of salvation I suppose............so it seems to me that these "works" have to be far more than just not doing what we used to do..............which would fit more with repentance than "works" I would think......

Wouldn't the "works" have to be "good works" to be fitting of our salvation..........??? I believe God saves us for a purpose, the purpose He purposed us for.......(wow......tongue twister by accident)....... and any purpose of His would have to be a "good" purpose for He is good..............ergo any "work" we do of His would have to be a good work........we do in His service.

I think we are purposed to serve God..........to do what He has purposed us for according to His will..........is this not the good works being spoken of by Paul in the Scripture?

If not, then I'm way off base I suppose..........sigh

 

[p_rehbein]

Brother Ken, you posted while I was typing..........thanks for the response...........

 

[Hizikyah]

So, our works are not the works God purposed us for?

The only works Yahweh accepts are those He instructs.

Many see this a different way, but this passage perfectly illustrates that thought:

Mattithyah 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me; Teacher! Teacher! will enter into the Kingdom of Yahweh, but only he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day; Teacher! Teacher! Have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and in Your Name performed many wonderful works? But then I will declare to them; I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who practice iniquity."

only he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven (not what I say, you say, a pastor says, only what Yahweh says)

Have we not... in Your Name performed many wonderful works? (but these people have claimed to do great works)

Get away from Me, you who practice iniquity (practicing iniquity is the reason given, so what is iniquity?)

iniquity is:#0458 anomia {an-om-ee'-ah} from G0459

Greek Word Study (Transliteration-Pronunciation Etymology & Grammar)
1) the condition of without law
1a) because ignorant of it
1b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

only he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven

(but they did works right? were they according to Yahweh's Instructions?)

Get away from Me, you who practice iniquity (iniquity#04581 the condition of without law)

 

[Hizikyah]

I turned to Clarke, as he has the ability to say things a little neater than I. This is what I read in that scripture and I concur with Clarke on his conclusion.
Verse 20. "But showed first unto them of Damascus" - He appears to have preached at Damascus, and in the neighbouring parts of Arabia Deserta, for about three years; and afterwards he went up to Jerusalem. See Gal. i. 17, 18; and see the note on chap. ix. 23.

"That they should repent" - Be deeply humbled for their past iniquities, and turn to God as their Judge and saviour, avoiding all idolatry and all sin; and thus do works meet for repentance; that is, show by their conduct that they had contrite hearts, and that they sincerely sought salvation from God alone.




Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 26

"avoiding all idolatry and all sin"

So what is sin?

 

[p_rehbein]

I like that post Brother........thanks.......it helps.........and I see your analogy between God's purpose and our works......

 

[Hizikyah]

Yes they are, but the thing we must remember is that those works are not done automatically like some think and would say. We still have the conscious choice to walk in them, or not.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Free will.

We all have it.

 

[Hizikyah]

Ok, to all............BUT........still..........please define these "works" if possible.........

Someone said works worthy of repentance........or worthy of salvation I suppose............so it seems to me that these "works" have to be far more than just not doing what we used to do..............which would fit more with repentance than "works" I would think......

Wouldn't the "works" have to be "good works" to be fitting of our salvation..........??? I believe God saves us for a purpose, the purpose He purposed us for.......(wow......tongue twister by accident)....... and any purpose of His would have to be a "good" purpose for He is good..............ergo any "work" we do of His would have to be a good work........we do in His service.

I think we are purposed to serve God..........to do what He has purposed us for according to His will..........is this not the good works being spoken of by Paul in the Scripture?

If not, then I'm way off base I suppose..........sigh

The quick guide would be to study the words of "the prophet we must HEAR AND OBEY"(Deut 18:18-19) Yahshua the Messiah, His explanation of the Law of Yahweh (Instructions) is perfect, that is why Mosheh said(Deut 18:18-19) that about Him.

Deuteronomy 18:18-19, "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him. Whoever will not listen to My words, which He speaks in My Name, I will judge him for it"

"listen" is word #8085 שָׁמַע shama` {shaw-mah'}

Brown-Driver-Briggs (Old Testament Hebrew-English Lexicon)
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.)

Hebrew Word Study (Transliteration-Pronunciation Etymology & Grammar) - 1) to hear, listen to, obey

Mattithyah 5:19, "Whosoever, therefore, will break one of the least of these Laws, and will teach men so, he will be called the least in the Kingdom of Yahweh; but whosoever will do and teach them, the same will be called great in the Kingdom of Yahweh."

Mattithyah 22:36-40, "Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law? Yahshua said to him: You must love Yahweh your Father with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Yahchanan (John) 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

Mattithyah 5:18, "For truly I say to you; Unless heaven and earth passes away, one yodh--the smallest of the letters--will in no way pass from the Law, until all things are perfected."

Luke 16:17, "But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one yodh of the Law to fail."

Mattithyah 19:17-21, "But He said to him: Why do you question Me about righteousness? There is only One Who is the standard of perfection, and that is Yahweh; so if you would enter into life, keep the Laws of Yahweh. He then asked Yahshua; Which ones? Yahshua said: You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false testimony. Honor your father and mother, and; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The young man said to Him; All these things I have kept from my youth up; what do I yet lack? Yahshua said to him: If you want to come to the perfection of Yahweh, go and sell of what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and you will be walking in Yahweh's ways, and following Me."

 

[kennethcadwell]

When you look into scripture you will see works are divided between spiritual works, and works of the flesh.

Spiritual works = is any work done for the love of the Lord our God

This would include, following all of His commandments out of love for Him, helping others in need, producing good fruit, walking in an appropriate manner to God. These show that you are worthy of repentance.

Works of the flesh = any sin that you obey, and live in without turning from it.


[h=1]Galatians 5:19-21[/h]19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
( These show that one is not worthy of the repentance when they continue to do these things. )

 

[p_rehbein]

Ok, but now you are entering into the works of the Law and to me that is different that good works God has purposed us for......

We are called by Him for a purpose, we are saved for a purpose, we are sanctified for a purpose, His purpose for us according to His will are we not? I'm thinking of the gifts of the Spirit as an example here.........but good works are not limited to just those.....but such as some Preachers, Teachers, Evangelists........and so on, and so forth........but there are many good works that He may have purposed us for.......these are the works I'm asking about........

Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the widows and orphans, Prison Ministry, witnessing to the lost, helping one's neighbor in a time of need............many things that He may use us for.......