Acts 2.38 is to Israel not gentiles

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
Matthew 10:5-6
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.


And then later in the same book...

Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Both commands came from the Messiah, didn't they?[/QUOTE
It was Jesus who made the following statement: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14
" of the kingdom "
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,254
1,109
113
Matthew 10:5-6
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.


And then later in the same book...

Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Both commands came from the Messiah, didn't they?
Great points.

Glad you referenced Matthew 10:5. Jesus statement clearly pertained to a specific time period. We know this because both the Gentiles AND Samaritans abided by the God-inspired message initially given by Peter. (Acts 8:12-18, 10:44-48)
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
There was also something I read about confessing sins, where I was reminded of the Messiah's blueprint for prayer:

Matthew 6:12-13
12 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The Messiah said, "this is how you pray". If this was the blueprint for prayer then, in keeping with the model, aren't we to confess our new sins as part of those prayers? This view would appear to fit what John says about it. The shadow-picture we're given through the temple service also seems to fit this understanding:

Yes, the High Priest alone did the actual work of slaughtering the sacrifice and sprinkling the blood, but the household still had to confess their sins over the sacrifice first.

And in the fulfilled heavenly realm, no, we dont need to bring a sacrifice/blood but we still must confess our "acts that bring death" (i.e. sins). We're now just free to come boldly to the throne - without requiring the shedding of blood - and request His mercy and grace in our time of need (i.e. when we stumble).
Mat 6 is old testament to Jews .
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
Mat 6 is old testament to Jews .
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,254
1,109
113
To the same ! message ? which verse says this ? Why that message ?
Not sure if you read the entire post before asking your question. The following portion of my response is below.

"All were presented with the particulars of Jesus' sacrifice, repented and obeyed the command to be water baptized. And it was God who poured out the promised gift of the Holy Ghost."
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
There was also something I read about confessing sins, where I was reminded of the Messiah's blueprint for prayer:

Matthew 6:12-13
12 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The Messiah said, "this is how you pray". If this was the blueprint for prayer then, in keeping with the model, aren't we to confess our new sins as part of those prayers? This view would appear to fit what John says about it. The shadow-picture we're given through the temple service also seems to fit this understanding:

Yes, the High Priest alone did the actual work of slaughtering the sacrifice and sprinkling the blood, but the household still had to confess their sins over the sacrifice first.

And in the fulfilled heavenly realm, no, we dont need to bring a sacrifice/blood but we still must confess our "acts that bring death" (i.e. sins). We're now just free to come boldly to the throne - without requiring the shedding of blood - and request His mercy and grace in our time of need (i.e. when we stumble).
This is before the cross ?
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Acts 11 .
18¶When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19¶Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
This is before the cross ?
Spent all his ministry training them (months and months), commands them to go into all nations teaching others, but then after pentecost in Acts 10, He gives them new instructions for all nations on things like prayer? Does that logic follow?
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
Acts 11 .
18¶When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19¶Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Repentance unto life, though extremely necessary, isn't the same as discipleship (training up in the way).

It's simply a reinforcement of the two pillars that run throughout the NT even to the last book:

1) faith unto salvation (belief)
2) to do good works (obedience)

1) justification
2) sanctification
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,159
2,376
113
Gentile believers are never referred to as sheep. You can check out romans to Philemon
Excuse me, but Jesus referred to the Gentiles as sheep and as I pointed out.

"I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd."

Gentile believers (other sheep) are those whom Christ would call for the most part, through Paul. But let's revisit the scripture in question, shall we.

"Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

The original OP claimed that this scripture was for Israel/Jews only. So let's fact check that:

"Repent and be baptized"

Do you think that the above is only for Israel? I could site many, many scriptures to the Gentiles with the same command to repent and be baptized. All those "for all who are far off—whom the Lord our God will call" is referring to all other people other than Jews. Here is a post on this very subject from 'GotQuestions.com, which is in line with what I believe:

==============================================================================

To understand who the “other sheep” from John 10:16 are, we must begin with the context of the verse and examine the whole passage. We know from many Bible passages that sheep are a symbol of true believers who follow Christ, their true Shepherd. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. If He says that there are “other” sheep, then we must identify the original sheep that the “others” are different from.

Beginning in chapter 9 of John, we find Jesus discoursing at great length with the Pharisees after He healed a man who was born blind. He compares the man’s simple faith with the unbelief of the Pharisees and condemns them for their willful spiritual blindness. He begins by denouncing the false shepherds of Israel—the blind, self-appointed leaders who drew the people away from the true knowledge and kingdom of their Messiah (John 9:39-41). Then in chapter 10, He explains at great length the nature of true sheep, those who follow the Good Shepherd, sent and appointed by God. True sheep are those who listen to the voice of the Shepherd (v. 3) and follow Him (v. 4) and know Him (v. 14). He can only be speaking here of the true sheep of Israel because, up to that point, His ministry was confined to the sheep of Israel.

In verse 16, Jesus refers to the “other sheep,” and those can only be sheep that are outside of Israel, in other words, Gentiles. But the Gentiles who would follow Him are no less sheep than the true sheep of Israel. In fact, Jesus makes it clear that the Gentile sheep would also hear His voice and follow Him, and, eventually, there would be only one flock and one Shepherd. This is the mystery of the universal body of Christ, the church, which Paul refers to in Ephesians 3:6, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” A mystery in Scripture is usually something not revealed previously, and this mystery—one universal church with both Jews and Gentiles brought together in one body in the Messiah—was so shocking to the Pharisees that they accused Jesus of being a demon-possessed lunatic (John 10:20-21).

Paul’s commission from Christ was to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) because the Gentiles, the “other sheep,” needed to be brought into the fold of the true Shepherd. Paul explains in Romans 11:16-36 the mystery of the church by using the imagery of a branch (the Gentiles) being grafted into the tree (Israel). Israel has been temporarily set aside until the “full number of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). This is occurring now in the Church Age, but eventually both Jews and Gentiles will live in glorious harmony in the Millennial Kingdom and then in eternity when all true sheep will follow their Shepherd forever as one body.

==============================================================================
 

laymen

Senior Member
Apr 6, 2014
680
102
43
faithlife.com
Spent all his ministry training them (months and months), commands them to go into all nations teaching others, but then after pentecost in Acts 10, He gives them new instructions for all nations on things like prayer? Does that logic follow?
Was not the woman at the well a gentile? If so then I think gentiles were already aware God was just sending someone to help them understand better in Act 10&11. He had been praying for it.
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
Not sure if you read the entire post before asking your question. The following portion of my response is below.

"All were presented with the particulars of Jesus' sacrifice, repented and obeyed the command to be water baptized. And it was God who poured out the promised gift of the Holy Ghost."
I don't think you understand what Peter is saying in acts 2 nor how we are saved today . You will not find that is the order in which we are saved. The way you have said .
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,159
2,376
113
He doesn't say gentiles .
You are correct in that Peter doesn't use the word 'Gentiles' but rather described them by saying "and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Jesus is first speaking about Jews referring to them as sheep. Then He says:

"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

The original sheep that He was speaking about is Israel, therefore, the "other sheep" is referring to those other than Israel, ergo, Gentiles. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles whom Jesus sent.

See post #230
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
Excuse me, but Jesus referred to the Gentiles as sheep and as I pointed out.

"I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd."

Gentile believers (other sheep) are those whom Christ would call for the most part, through Paul. But let's revisit the scripture in question, shall we.

"Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

The original OP claimed that this scripture was for Israel/Jews only. So let's fact check that:

"Repent and be baptized"

Do you think that the above is only for Israel? I could site many, many scriptures to the Gentiles with the same command to repent and be baptized. All those "for all who are far off—whom the Lord our God will call" is referring to all other people other than Jews. Here is a post on this very subject from 'GotQuestions.com, which is in line with what I believe:

==============================================================================

To understand who the “other sheep” from John 10:16 are, we must begin with the context of the verse and examine the whole passage. We know from many Bible passages that sheep are a symbol of true believers who follow Christ, their true Shepherd. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. If He says that there are “other” sheep, then we must identify the original sheep that the “others” are different from.

Beginning in chapter 9 of John, we find Jesus discoursing at great length with the Pharisees after He healed a man who was born blind. He compares the man’s simple faith with the unbelief of the Pharisees and condemns them for their willful spiritual blindness. He begins by denouncing the false shepherds of Israel—the blind, self-appointed leaders who drew the people away from the true knowledge and kingdom of their Messiah (John 9:39-41). Then in chapter 10, He explains at great length the nature of true sheep, those who follow the Good Shepherd, sent and appointed by God. True sheep are those who listen to the voice of the Shepherd (v. 3) and follow Him (v. 4) and know Him (v. 14). He can only be speaking here of the true sheep of Israel because, up to that point, His ministry was confined to the sheep of Israel.

In verse 16, Jesus refers to the “other sheep,” and those can only be sheep that are outside of Israel, in other words, Gentiles. But the Gentiles who would follow Him are no less sheep than the true sheep of Israel. In fact, Jesus makes it clear that the Gentile sheep would also hear His voice and follow Him, and, eventually, there would be only one flock and one Shepherd. This is the mystery of the universal body of Christ, the church, which Paul refers to in Ephesians 3:6, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” A mystery in Scripture is usually something not revealed previously, and this mystery—one universal church with both Jews and Gentiles brought together in one body in the Messiah—was so shocking to the Pharisees that they accused Jesus of being a demon-possessed lunatic (John 10:20-21).

Paul’s commission from Christ was to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) because the Gentiles, the “other sheep,” needed to be brought into the fold of the true Shepherd. Paul explains in Romans 11:16-36 the mystery of the church by using the imagery of a branch (the Gentiles) being grafted into the tree (Israel). Israel has been temporarily set aside until the “full number of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). This is occurring now in the Church Age, but eventually both Jews and Gentiles will live in glorious harmony in the Millennial Kingdom and then in eternity when all true sheep will follow their Shepherd forever as one body.

==============================================================================
My point is that Jesus is saying that there are other Jewish Sheep . He's not pointing towards the Gentiles .
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,159
2,376
113
Its 10 years after Acts 2 before Peter understand s that Repentence has been granted to gentiles. So he's still following the command Jesus gave him and tge the Apostles.
Mat 10.5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Acts 11
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18¶When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19¶Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
It doesn't matter. Jesus said that there were other sheep that were not of the fold of Israel and that He must bring them too. See post #230.
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
Was not the woman at the well a gentile? If so then I think gentiles were already aware God was just sending someone to help them understand better in Act 10&11. He had been praying for it.
Exactly. The Spirit moves whever it wills.

Remember the Roman centurion whose child was sick a long ways from them and he simply asked the Messiah to command that she be made whole. The Messiah commended him on his great faith.
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
You are correct in that Peter doesn't use the word 'Gentiles' but rather described them by saying "and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Jesus is first speaking about Jews referring to them as sheep. Then He says:

"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

The original sheep that He was speaking about is Israel, therefore, the "other sheep" is referring to those other than Israel, ergo, Gentiles. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles whom Jesus sent.

See post #230
Think about how far all these Jews and proselytes have travelled to attend the Jewish feast of pentacost.
Acts 2.1
1¶And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

5¶And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every NATION under heaven.

9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

So the promise that they heard was also for their children and for their fellow Jews in respective nations .
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
It doesn't matter. Jesus said that there were other sheep that were not of the fold of Israel and that He must bring them too. See post #230.
The other sheep are other jews . Different Jews. His whole ministry was to Jews . He was a jew .
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,159
2,376
113
My point is that Jesus is saying that there are other Jewish Sheep . He's not pointing towards the Gentiles .
No sir! That is an erroneous assumption. Originally the Lord refers to sheep as referring to Israel, then He says, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold." "Not of this fold" would infer being other than Israel.

However, this is the end of this discussion. You can believe whatever you like. I just happen to know that repentance and baptism is required whether Jew or Gentile and not just for Jew only. I also know that "those far off, all whom the Lord will call" is everyone other than Israel.
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
You are correct in that Peter doesn't use the word 'Gentiles' but rather described them by saying "and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Jesus is first speaking about Jews referring to them as sheep. Then He says:

"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

The original sheep that He was speaking about is Israel, therefore, the "other sheep" is referring to those other than Israel, ergo, Gentiles. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles whom Jesus sent.

See post #230
That's an assumption. There is nothing to indicate that Jesus is referring to gentiles in that verse or any other verse . This is imposed back onto the text by post hoc rationalization.