John Baptized with Water - Jesus Baptizes with the Holy Spirit & with Fire

[FlyingDove]

Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Gentiles were baptized in the name of the Lord.

Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard

Interesting you left out 2 key verses that destroy your Acts 2:38 Holy Grail.

Acts 2 Pentecost a mandatory attend Jewish feast Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant. This event inclusion was for Israelites only (Acts 3:26, 13:46, Rom 1:16. 2:9-10). ZERO gentiles are among the 3,000 who were eternally saved when Jesus baptized them with the Holy Spirit.

7-10 years later:
Acts 10:
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
(NOTE Prophets predicted that through his name who ever BELIEVES in Him shall receive remission of sins.)

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

45A nd they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(NOTE: Peter & the believing Jews with him are ASTONISHED that Jesus baptized gentiles with the Holy Spirit. NO repentance - NO circumcision & NO WATER! & this verse proved no gentiles were saved at Pentecost)

As Peter was preaching, Jesus who knows everyone's heart (Rev 2:23, Jn 2:24-25, Matt 15:18) Baptizes these gentiles with/in/by His FOREVER (Jn 14:16) Salvation Sealing (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5) Eternal Life Giving Holy Spirit.

The Body of Christ (Jew & Gentile) is inaugurated & the Lord Jesus himself establishes the universal salvation formula: Hear > Believe > Receive the Holy Spirit. Scripture confirms (Eph 1:13)

 

[Edify]

You forgot Acts 2. 120 were in the upper room with manifested signs of receiving the Spirit baptism.
However, 3000 were saved later without a single sign.

 

[FlyingDove]

Acts 2 doesn't contradict anything I said, it confirms it. The 120 weren't receiving a post salvation upgrade. They were the 1st group ever baptized with the Holy Spirit, inaugurating the New Covenant just as Jesus promised (Acts 1:5). That's the Jewish entry event. The 3000 saved later that same day received no signs because the apostolic confirmation for that group had already occurred. That's the pattern throughout Acts, each new category gets one visible, apostolic confirmation: Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), John's remnant (Acts 19) & Gentiles (Acts 10:44).

After the apostles witnessed each group's inclusion, the delays & signs ended because the purpose was fulfilled. So Acts 2 doesn't create a ""saved but not Spirit baptized"" category. It shows the 1st instance of Holy Spirit baptism ever happening. The only reason this gets resisted is because a transitional, once‑for‑all apostolic pattern doesn't fit a theology that needs an ongoing 2nd experience model. But the narrative structure of Acts is clear, once Gentiles received the Holy Spirit the moment they believed, the universal pattern was set > hear > believe > receive the Spirit & sealed. That's not a system; that's the text.

 

[Edify]

Acts 2 doesn't contradict anything I said, it confirms it. The 120 weren't receiving a post salvation upgrade. They were the 1st group ever baptized with the Holy Spirit, inaugurating the New Covenant just as Jesus promised (Acts 1:5). That's the Jewish entry event. The 3000 saved later that same day received no signs because the apostolic confirmation for that group had already occurred. That's the pattern throughout Acts, each new category gets one visible, apostolic confirmation: Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), John's remnant (Acts 19) & Gentiles (Acts 10:44).

After the apostles witnessed each group's inclusion, the delays & signs ended because the purpose was fulfilled. So Acts 2 doesn't create a ""saved but not Spirit baptized"" category. It shows the 1st instance of Holy Spirit baptism ever happening. The only reason this gets resisted is because a transitional, once‑for‑all apostolic pattern doesn't fit a theology that needs an ongoing 2nd experience model. But the narrative structure of Acts is clear, once Gentiles received the Holy Spirit the moment they believed, the universal pattern was set > hear > believe > receive the Spirit & sealed. That's not a system; that's the text.

Sorry friend, You have absolutely no idea. I WAS THERE when I received it AFTERWORDS. I also witnesses many others that did.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

Sorry friend, You have absolutely no idea. I WAS THERE when I received it AFTERWORDS. I also witnesses many others that did.

Yes, receiving the Holy Spirit isn't given instantly, just because they say they believe Jesus for salvation. God has a criteria for that actually.

Acts 5:32 "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

So God only gives His Holy Spirit to those who have obeyed Him on initial things He's already commanded, such as repentance, and knows who will continue to obey Him fo the rest of forever.

He doesn't give His Holy Spirit to people who don't, won't obey Him.


🕊

 

[FlyingDove]

Sorry friend, You have absolutely no idea. I WAS THERE when I received it AFTERWORDS. I also witnesses many others that did.

Personal experiences can't overturn the pattern Jesus Himself establishes in Scripture. The issue isn't what happened in a Pentecostal service later. The issue is what the New Testament says happens at conversion. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of one sin, UNBELIEF (Jn 16:9). When a sinner calls on the Lord for forgiveness & places their faith in Jesus sin atoning death & resurrection. Jesus (who knows everyone's heart (Rev 2:23, Jn 2:24-25, Matt 15:18) responds by baptizing that believer with the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16, Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 1 Cor 12:13) sealing them for eternity (Eph 1:13–14, 4:30). That's the moment of salvation, no later upgrades.

The delayed receptions in Acts weren't 2nd blessings. They were one time apostolic confirmation events for each new group entering the New Covenant (Acts 2 Jews, Acts 8 Samaritans, Acts 10 Gentiles, Acts 19 John's disciples). Once the apostles witnessed Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit the moment they believed, the delays ended forever.

Whatever you experienced later was real to you. But after Acts 10, Scripture records no category of ""saved but not Holy Spirit‑baptized."" If you believe such a category exists, feel free to cite the passage that teaches it.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The Samaritans were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Gentiles were baptized in the name of the Lord.

Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Gentiles were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

remission
aphesis
af'-es-is
From G863; freedom; (figuratively) pardon: - deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.

Here remission means forgiveness.

Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

baptized
baptizō
bap-tid'-zo
From a derivative of G911; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.

Here it says water baptism is to wash away sins.

1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

baptism
baptisma
bap'-tis-mah
From G907; baptism (technically or figuratively): - baptism.

baptizō
bap-tid'-zo
From a derivative of G911; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet).

Here it says water baptism does now save us.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

When we are water baptized we are baptized in to Jesus' death and if we do that we will rise to newness of life.

Jesus died, was buried, and rose and we repent, water baptized, receive the Spirit.

You cannot cut out the middle man.

Salvation is the same for all people which the Bible says there is no difference between the Jew and Gentile.

The Jews are not going to have a different method than the Gentiles.

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

water
hudōr hudatos
hoo'-dor, hoo'-dat-os, etc.
From the base of G5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively: - water.

Jesus said born of water and the Spirit.

Well said and thoroughly presented

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,

but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-7, 11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

there’s a ton of power over sins control in our lives within the teachings and doctrine about baptism for remission of sins in his name.

“in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Never can get past arguing over whether baptism is still baptism for remission of sins or not ….

before the cross

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:4-5, 9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

after the cross

“and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:37-38‬ ‭

Peter is no longer saying like John had been telling them “ someone will come after and baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire …… Peter now is saying to 3000 believers of the gospel …. repent and be baptized for the remission of sins in his name and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Another apostle after the cross

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’sa sad commentary in a Christian biblical discussion forum that we argue over things like “ is water actually involved in baptism ? Is baptism actually something we go and choose to do ? Or just something Jesus magically does for us ? The “ spiritual and fire “ baptism ( which was for his apostles ) who then began preaching the gospel and baptizing believers in water for repentance and remission of sins of in Jesus name


if we didn’t all argue over basics we could learn a lot from each other.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes, receiving the Holy Spirit isn't given instantly, just because they say they believe Jesus for salvation. God has a criteria for that actually.

Acts 5:32 "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

So God only gives His Holy Spirit to those who have obeyed Him on initial things He's already commanded, such as repentance, and knows who will continue to obey Him fo the rest of forever.

He doesn't give His Holy Spirit to people who don't, won't obey Him.


🕊

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:42-44, 46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬


It can happen either way the holt ghost is a free gift to a believer of the gospel . Remission of sins because we believe Jesus died for our sins is what baptism is about.
sin requires a sentance of death upon any soul who ever sins
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And so baptism comes in when we hear and believe this

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and so getting baptized in his name for remission of sins who died for our sins to fulfill that requirement for our sins .

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

every soul who sins is claimed by death according to gods word.

“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, And seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭14:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and so God sent us a savior , a propitiation an atonement through whom we can live

 

[arlev]

So you believe the baptism in/of the Holy Spirit is now immediate with salvation?
So what gifts were imparted to you? Nobody I know in Pentecostal churches including myself showed the Baptism until AFTER salvation.

Just butting in on your discussion...

...the baptism (immersion) in/of the Holy Spirit should be concurrent with being born again. In fact, the Holy Spirit's presence in a person's life is the New Covenant.

Believers have been arguing over this for many years - were the disciples born again before the first experience in Acts 2? Were they believers under the Old Covenant? What happens now when men and women seem to be gloriously saved and then start demonstrating the Holy Spirit through themselves at a later date? Were they ever saved when they were (excuse the stupid phraseology)?

Different denominations come up with their own explanations (Pentecostals have their own weird way - I know, I was saved in one of their fellowships). I wouldn't worry too much about the technicalities and the processes. But know this - when a person comes to know Christ, there is a palpable change. Not a legalistic bondage to observe ritual and law - but a lifting of sin and a freedom to follow Christ.

I've seen some people have a very weird path - like my father who stood up one day and professed Christ (but who certainly didn't appear to be saved), then functioned as an OT prophet (much to the leadership's anger - those Pentecostal leaders sure didn't like it) and, finally, was born again.

Nope, can't explain what was going on there at all...

...but the NT is fairly plain that the infilling (and the outflowing - John 7:37-39 - which is a doctrine that the present day church seems to have neglected) of the Holy Spirit is the New Covenant.

Let's keep it simple.

 

[FlyingDove]

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:42-44, 46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬


It can happen either way the holt ghost is a free gift to a believer of the gospel . Remission of sins because we believe Jesus died for our sins is what baptism is about.
sin requires a sentance of death upon any soul who ever sins
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And so baptism comes in when we hear and believe this

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and so getting baptized in his name for remission of sins who died for our sins to fulfill that requirement for our sins .

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

every soul who sins is claimed by death according to gods word.

“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, And seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: There is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭14:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and so God sent us a savior , a propitiation an atonement through whom we can live

Romans 6:3 Misused Water-Baptism Text Detected & Here’s What the Passage Actually Teaches

Romans 6:3 does not be refer to water baptism, the entire chapter describes a Spirit-wrought union with Christ that water cannot accomplish. The word water appears ZERO times in the chapter & Paul never commands a ritual or ties any of these realities to human action. Instead, every key verse points to regeneration & spiritual transformation: being ""baptized INTO Christ"" (Vs3–4) is Paul's consistent In-Christ positional language, signifying union with His death & resurrection, the impartation of ""newness of life,"" which only the Holy Spirit gives. Being ""united with Him"" (Vs5) reflects a new identity, not a physical act. The ""old self crucified"" & being ""freed from sin"" (Vs6–7) describe internal transformation, not symbolic immersion. Counting oneself ""dead to sin & alive to God"" (Vs11–13). Living under grace rather than sin's dominion (Vs14) are the fruits of regeneration, not the effects of water.

Paul explains elsewhere how this union happens: ""By the HOLY SPIRIT were ALL are Holy Spirit baptized into one body"" (1 Cor 12:13). Believers are justified (Rom 5:1) & sealed with the Holy Spirit the moment they believe (Eph 1:13–14). This matches the ""circumcision made without hands"" (Col 2:11). A spiritual operation only Christ can perform, which Paul identifies as the true New Covenant initiation. Under the Old Covenant, initiation was physical circumcision, a ritual performed by human hands. Under the New Covenant, initiation is spiritual baptism, a work only Jesus can perform through the Holy Spirit.

Romans chapter 6 is about the believer's new identity, spiritual rebirth & union with Christ, all accomplished by the Holy Spirit. Nothing in the chapter's language, logic, or vocabulary allows for water baptism. The BAPTISM of Romans 6:3 textually must be understood as Christ's baptism of the Holy Spirit, placing the believer into His Body & raising them to newness of life.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(NOTE: Israel's necessary salvation formula: Repent, baptized, ""in the name of Jesus Christ > for the remission of sins"" & you will receive the Holy Spirit.)

Acts 2, is framed entirely inside Israel's covenant world. Peter's audience ""Men of Judea & all who dwell in Jerusalem"" ""Vs14, Men of Israel Vs22"" define the scope. We have a Jewish mandatory attend feast, in a Jewish city, fulfilling a Jewish prophecy, under Jewish covenant laws. The commands Peter gives, repent, be baptized & receive the Holy Spirit, are delivered to Israel only, the chosen nation under the Mosaic covenant. NOT ONE gentile is among the 3,000 saved at Pentecost (Acts 10:45 proves it) & NOT ONE GENTILE HAS EVER been saved by this Acts 2:38 formula.

If a salvation pattern is truly universal, it must work for all people, in all places, under all conditions. Acts 2 does not!

Acts 10 salvation formula works for all people, in all places, under all under the same circumstance/UNIVERSAL!

Acts 10:44 Based on their FAITH ALONE Jesus knows the heart of man (Matt 9:4, Jn 6:64,Acts 1:24, Rev 2:23) & baptizes these gentiles with His salvation sealing (Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5) Holy Spirit-without circumcision & without water. (Only Jesus Holy Spirit‑baptizes Matt 3:11; Acts 1:5).

Hear > Believe > Receive > receive the Holy Spirit formula/sequence becomes the NT UNIVERSAL-Jew & Gentile initiation into the now newly formed Body of Christ.

1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(NOTE: For by the Holy Spirit are we ALL baptized into one body > whether Jew or Gentile)

Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision "made without hands", in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
(NOTE: The NT circumcision of Christ, "made without hands." is the inward, SPIRITUAL work of the Holy Spirit)

Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
(NOTE: A circumcision of the heart, in the spirit & NOT of the LAW)

The risen Jesus chooses Paul as His vessel to carry His name to Gentiles, kings, and Israel (Acts 9:15). Jerusalem pillars affirm that Paul will go to the Gentiles while they go to the circumcision (Gal 2:9), Paul preaches the risen Christ & justification by faith apart from the Law (Acts 13:30–31, 38–39). Paul declares that the one God justifies both Jew & Gentile by faith (Rom 3:29–30). The Risen Lord sent him to open their eyes so they may receive forgiveness of sins & be sanctified by faith in Him (Acts 26:16–18).