The Holy Spirit's work - Kingdom vs Grace

Faith in the Book of Acts - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Faith & Power:

The word “faith” is found 3 times in the sixth chapter of Acts. In two verses, Acts 6:55 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

& 85 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

, we learn that Stephen was full of faith, power and the Holy Ghost. (Note: in the King James Version, the Greek word “pneuma,” is found 385 times in the New Testament [NT] and is usually translated “Spirit.” However, it is translated “Ghost” 89 times when used with the word “Holy,” as in “Holy Ghost.”) Acts 6:77 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

reports a great number of priests were obedient to the faith. It is noteworthy that many of Israel’s priests came to believe Jesus was Israel’s Messiah but since Stephen is the primary actor in the sixth and seventh chapter of Acts, and Act 7:55 states that “... he, (Stephen) being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,” I want to go a little further into the Holy Spirit’s ministry in believers.

Stephen is introduced when problems came up with the distribution of supplies from the common treasury in the Pentecostal Church, Acts 6:11 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

. The 12 Apostles clearly stated the criteria for who should be chosen to manage the common treasury after that: “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts 6:33 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

. The words “honest report” are translated from the Greek word “martuero,” which is normally translated “bear witness, testify, witness, etc.” so Stephen and his associates had to have witnessed by the way they lived that they were full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. They therefore had to have been among the Jewish believers who received the Holy Spirit Jesus promised before He ascended into heaven, Acts 1:5 & 85 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

, 2:33. As we read further in Acts 6 we find the gifts the Holy Spirit gave Stephen were not only wisdom, but also included faith, Acts 6:5 and power, Acts 6:88 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

. Our last study briefly examined the lives of individual Jews throughout Israel’s history in the Old Testament and up through the early Jewish Pentecostal church at Jerusalem who also had these three gifts of the Holy Spirit. Since that last study I’ve read all references in the New Testament (NT) to the Holy Spirit and found that wisdom, faith and power, to one degree or another, were consistently signs of The Holy Spirit’s work in men and women.

I’m not trying to make a distinction where none exists or to split hairs but in my study I found the Holy Spirit’s work described in the 4 Gospels and Acts in two general ways or with two terminologies. One is when the Holy Spirit is described as having come upon people and the second way is when people are described as having been full of or filled with the Holy Spirit. Both terminologies may actually point to the same result, only stated differently, but that would take further study and illumination. A few examples of those upon whom the Holy Spirit came are as follows:

•The Virgin Mary became pregnant by the work of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 1:1818 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

, 20; Luke 1:3535 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

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•The Holy Spirit was “upon Simeon,” revealing he would not die until he saw Christ. The Spirit guided him to see Jesus after Mary completed the Law’s required purification period following Jesus’ circumcision. Simeon thanked God he had seen God’s salvation and prophesied about coming events, Luke 2:22 - 3522 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

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•John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus would baptize believing Jews with the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:1111 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

, Mark 1:88 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

, Luke 3:1616 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

, John 1:3333 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

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•The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the shape of a dove and a voice from Heaven said “Thou are my beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased,” Luke 3:2222 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

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•Jesus Christ sent His Disciples out, commanding they teach and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:1919 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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•Jesus Christ told His Disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them to understand what He had told them while He was with them, John 14:25 & 2625 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

, and He breathed the Holy spirit on them just before He was taken to heaven, John 20:2222 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

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•Jesus Christ promised His Disciples that when they were taken before magistrates, the Holy Spirit would inspire them as to what to say, Mark 13:1111 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

, Luke 12:1212 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

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•Just before He ascended into heaven Jesus Christ told His followers they would soon be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power to be witnesses for Him, Acts 1:5 & 8, 2:33,

•Peter preached to the Jews to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus

Christ for the remission of sins and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:3838 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.

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I found 8 variations of Greek words in the NT translated “full,” “fill,” “filled,” “fully,” etc. and examined about 177 verses to determine where these words are used in connection with the Holy Spirit and/or faith. Out of the 8 * I found only three that are used to indicate a person was full or filled with the Holy Spirit and only one indicates someone was full of faith. Following are 15 individuals and two groups in the NT described as being filled with, or full of, the Holy Spirit (the “G” number in parenthesis is the Greek-English Concordance’s number for the Greek word used):

•John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from when he was in his mother’s womb (G4030), Luke 1:1515 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

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•John the Baptist’s mother Elizabeth was filled (G4030), Luke 1:4141 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

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•John the Baptist’s father Zacharias was filled (G4030), Luke 1:6767 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

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•Jesus was full (G4034) of the Holy Spirit, Luke 4:11 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

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•All the believing Jews at Pentecost were filled (G4030), Acts 2:44 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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•Peter was filled (G4030), Acts 4:88 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

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•Peter, John and the believing Jews were all filled (G4030), Acts 4:3131 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

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•Stephen and the other 6 chosen to handle the Pentecostal church’s treasury were full (G4034), Acts 6:3 & 53 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

; 7:55.

•Saul, renamed the Apostle Paul was filled (G4030), Acts 9:1717 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

; 13:9,

•Paul, Barnabas and the disciples accompanying them were filled (G4037), Acts 13:5252 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

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Of significance is the fact that the only references in the NT where the Holy Spirit is said to have either come upon or to fill, or have filled someone are found in the 4 Gospel records and Acts. And of further significance is that all such references, except for the Apostle Paul and his disciples, have to do with the Kingdom of God on earth; that is, the Kingdom promised to Israel throughout the Old Testament, the presentation of Jesus as Israel’s King in that Kingdom in the Gospels and the offer of that Kingdom to Israel in the first part of the book of Acts.

The Apostle Paul and those disciples with him did not preach or teach the same message that Peter and the 11 Apostles preached. But, Paul was never the less filled with the Holy Spirit every bit as much as the 12 Apostles because he was every bit as much an Apostle of Jesus Christ as they. Paul’s Apostleship was singular and distinct from that of the 12 Apostles. The 12 Apostles, as a group, ministered to the Nation of Israel. The Holy Spirit even inspired the authors of God’s Word to demonstrate this in the use of the plural word “apostles” found 59 times in the NT where it generally refers to the 12 Apostles beginning in Matthew and throughout the NT. (It is found most often in the book Acts where it is found 30 times.) Even in the Pauline epistles it usually, but not always, refers to the 12 Apostles.

On the other hand the singular word “apostle” does not appear in the NT until the Apostle Paul uses it in his epistles where he refers to himself as an Apostle, Romans 1:11 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

and “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:” Romans 11:1313 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

. Whereas the 12 Apostles were with Jesus throughout His ministry and were Apostles to Israel on earth, the Apostle Paul encountered Christ in heaven, 1 Corinthians 9:11 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

, and thus he refers to himself as an Apostle of Jesus Christ 16 times in his epistles. The only other occasions the singular word “Apostle” is used in the NT is once referring to Jesus Christ Himself in Hebrews 3:11 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

and twice where Peter refers to himself as an Apostle of Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 1:11 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

and 2 Peter 1:11 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

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God reached down and saved Paul while he was violently persecuting those who followed the 12 Apostles in the Pentecostal church who were looking for God’s promised Kingdom on earth. When God saved Saul on the road to Damascus and changed his name to Paul, He filled him with the Holy Spirit as His Apostle to disclose a new, distinct message that had been kept secret before, this message being to Gentiles and Jews, Romans 16:25 & 2625 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

; Ephesians 3:1 - 71 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

, Romans 9:2424 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

, 1 Corinthians 12:1313 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.

. Of course Paul and the disciples who followed him at the time had to have wisdom, power and faith supplied by the Holy Spirit in order to do their jobs, just as the Jewish Apostles and those with them in the Pentecostal church had.

(As far as I can find, there are only two men mentioned in the New Testament who are described as being “full of faith.” They are Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost, Acts 6:5, and Barnabus, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, Acts 11:2424 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

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Ever since Adam’s fall that resulted in the sinful nature of mankind, God’s Holy Spirit has actively influenced individuals who came to have faith in God’s Word. And just as God’s Word has varied to different individuals throughout history, i.e., He told Noah to build an ark, Abraham to leave his home country, Moses to free His people and establish His Law, etc., so has the work of the Holy Spirit varied in the lives of individuals. When we come to the Jewish Pentecostal church in the first part of the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit’s work is clearly stated. Then, after that church was scattered by persecution, the Lord saved Saul and commissioned him as the Apostle Paul who in turn makes clear the work of the Holy Spirit in believers, that is, members of the Church, The Body of Christ during this age of Grace:

•Whereas those in the Pentecostal church were baptized by Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, Members of the Body of Christ are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 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.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 1312 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

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.

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•Whereas the Holy Spirit filled the Jewish believers in the Pentecostal church with power, signs and wonders, Acts 1:88 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

, 2:43, 3:12, 4:7 & 8, 29 - 31, 33, 5:12, 6:8 and granted the same to the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, Acts 14:33 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

, 15:12 as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, believers today who are thus Members of the Body of Christ have the Spirit living within and leading us, Romans 8:9 - 149 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

, 2 Timothy 1:7 & 147 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit we eagerly await the resurrection of our earthy bodies, Romans 8:23 - 2523 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

, with the knowledge that the Spirit makes intersession for us when we don’t even know what to pray for, Romans 8:2626 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

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•Israel’s place of worship during Christ’s earthly ministry and the Pentecostal church in Acts was the Temple in Jerusalem, this borne out as the word “Temple” is found some 90 times in the 4 Gospel records and Acts where it refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of Israel’s worship. (It is also found 15 times in the book of Revelation, which has to do with the Tribulation judgment of Israel and the earth.)

•On the other hand the word temple is found 11 times in the Pauline epistles, 8 of which refer to fact that individual believers, i.e., Members of Christ’s Body, are Temples of God: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:1616 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

; “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:17; “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Cor 6:19 see also 2 Cor. 6:16; Ephesians 2:2121 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

. (Three exceptions: 1 - the temple refers to an idol’s temple, 1 Cor. 8:10; 2 - in an allegorical sense, 1 Cor. 9:13; and 3 - referring to the anti-Christ sitting in the Temple of God during the future Tribulation, 2 Thessalonians 2:44 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

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•While those in the Pentecostal church sold all they had and placed the proceeds in a common pool from which everyone lived, and were all literally of one heart and mind, Acts 2:44 - 4644 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

, 4:32 -37, the Apostle Paul tells Members of the Body of Christ we should earn our own living and not be supported if we don’t work, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 - 1510 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

, and exhorted to be of one mind and live in peace, 2 Corinthians 13:1111 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

. This, even though we still have the old fleshly nature which is apt to sin, that nature warring against the new nature we have in Christ, Romans 7:15 - 2515 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

, and exhorted not to live after our old sinful nature but after the Spirit of God in us, Romans 8:11 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

-23. See also Galatians 5:16 - 2616 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

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.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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We can say with the Apostle Paul: “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.” Galatians 2:2020 I am crucified with Christ: neverthless 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.

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*Please send me an email if you wish a copy of the reports I made documenting all the verses in which the Greek words translated “full,” “fill,” “fully,” etc. are found.