Believe in Acts (33 & 34) - Elders, Disciples, Brethren, Evangelists and Saints:

Elders - The 20th chapter of Acts closes in the City of Miletus (on the Mediterranean coast of modern-day Turkey) with the Apostle Paul saying goodbye to the Elders from Ephesus who had traveled there to meet with him. They were in tears knowing they would never see him again as they prayed and accompanied him to his ship, Acts 20:1717 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

- 3817 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

19 Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

. The Greek word translated Elders is “presbuteros” (Greek # 4145) found 66 times in the New Testament (NT); most often in Acts with 18, Matthew with 13 and 12 in Revelation. Obviously, our English word Presbyterian comes from this Greek word. In the book of Acts, the “Elders” mentioned reference Jewish leaders of the Kingdom Church 16 out of the 18 times it’s used. The two times it refers to elders in predominately Gentile churches are when Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches at Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, Acts 14:20 - 2320 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

and in our present text, referencing the elders of the church at Ephesus, Acts 20:17. The title “Elder” is not found in the Pauline epistles until 1 Timothy where it occurs 3 times, 1 Timothy 5:11 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

; 1 Timothy 5:17 - 1917 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

and once in Titus 1:55 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

. Thus, the term Elders describes leaders associated with Israel’s Kingdom church 60 times in the NT, compared to only 6 times where it references predominantly Gentile churches made up of Members of the Body of Christ.

Disciples - Paul sailed from Miletus and stopped at a number of ports before reaching Tyre (a Mediterranean seaport in modern-day Lebanon, known in Paul’s time for the production of snails used to make purple dye for royal clothing). There, he encountered “Disciples” and stayed with them seven days. By the power of the Holy Spirit, they warned Paul he should not go to Jerusalem, Acts 21:1 - 41 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

. Paul didn’t heed their warning and they, with their wives and children accompanied him to the sea shore where all kneeled and prayed before he sailed, Acts 21:5 - 65 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

. The word “Disciples” is translated from the Greek “mathetes,” (G3101), meaning “a learner, a pupil, i.e., a disciple.” It’s found 268 times in the NT; 74 in Matthew; 45 in Mark; 38 in Luke; 81 in John and 30 in Acts but never in any book after Acts. Paul never refers to believers as disciples in his epistles, thus it appears to involve primarily the Kingdom Gospel. As far as I can determine, the first time “disciples” is used to describe Gentiles as well as Jews is in Acts 11:2626 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

, “And when he (Barnabas) had found him (Paul), he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they (Paul and Barnabas) assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The next 15 times “Disciples” is found in Acts after this passage reference Gentiles as well as Jews. However, the last 3 times Disciples is found in Acts refer to Jewish men and the Kingdom Gospel, Acts 21:44 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

, and Acts 21:1616 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

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Brethren - next, Paul and company stopped at Ptolemais where they visited the “Brethren” for one day before sailing on, Acts 21:77 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

. The word translated “Brethren” is the Greek “adelphos,” (G80), found 346 times in every book in the NT except Titus. It is used to refer to both brothers in the flesh, as well as brothers in Christ.

Evangelists - Paul and his entourage then sailed to Caesarea where they stayed with Philip the Evangelist, Acts 21:88 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

. Philip was one of the seven (with Stephen) chosen by members of the Kingdom Church at Jerusalem to handle the Treasury, 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:

. We last saw him when he returned to Caesarea after ministering to the Ethiopian Eunuch who was traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza in his chariot, Acts 8:26 - 4026 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 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?

37 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.

38 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.

39 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.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

. The Greek word translated “Evangelist” is “euanggelistes” (G2099) and is found only 3 times in the NT; here in Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:1111 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

and 2 Timothy 4:55 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

. The Greek word is obviously a form of the Greek word translated “gospel” and thus the person so identified is one who preaches the Gospel. Philip preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Ethiopian, whereas Paul exhorts evangelists today to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God concerning The Church - the Body of Christ, as revealed exclusively to him. Philip had 4 virgin daughters who had the gift of prophesy, that is, they spoke by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, however, there is nothing mentioned about their prophesies, Acts 21:99 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

. However, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea and by inspiration of the Holy Spirit foretold that Paul would be bound and delivered to the Gentiles, Acts 21:10 - 1110 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

. At this, Luke and the others begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Acts 21:1212 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

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“But Paul answered, what are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I not only am ready to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:1313 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

. Paul, his group, and an old disciple named Mnason, traveled from Caesarea to Jerusalem where they stayed in Mnason’s house, Acts 21:14 - 1614 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

. The brethren in Jerusalem received Paul gladly and the next day he met with Jesus’ half-brother James and the Elders of the Kingdom Church and reported what God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry, Acts 21:17 - 1917 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

. “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:” Acts 21:2020 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

. This is the 33rd time the word “believe” is found in the book of Acts. James and the Elders told Paul the Jews who believed Jesus was their Messiah, the Son of God while continuing to follow the Law of Moses had heard Paul was teaching Jews who lived out among the Gentiles that they should stop following Moses’ Law, their customs including circumcision and they would come together because they had heard Paul was in Jerusalem, Acts 21:21 - 2221 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

. They told Paul there were four men who had taken a Nazarite Vow, Numbers 6:1 - 211 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

4 All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

10 And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

11 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13 And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

14 And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

16 And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.

18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:

20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

21 This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

4 All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

10 And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

11 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13 And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

14 And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

16 And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.

18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:

20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

21 This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

, and asked Paul to do the same with them and pay for the required sacrifices for the four as well as himself in order to show the Jews that what they heard about his teaching the Jews who lived out among the Gentiles was not true and that he (Paul) kept the Law of Moses, Acts 21:23 - 2423 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

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James then repeated what the Apostles and Elders had told Barnabas and Paul years prior when they sent them off with their blessing to Antioch (Acts 15:14 - 2114 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

; Acts 15:24 - 3124 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

): “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, (as the Law, including circumcision) save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.” Acts 21:2525 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

. This is the 34th occasion of the word “believe” in Acts and it references Gentile believers. The question is, did James and the Elders have the authority to give Gentile believers these instructions or did they do so to avoid conflict between the Gentile believers and Jews who lived among them? Eating meat offered to idols or the blood of animals or the meat of animals that had been strangled and fornication were common among the pagan Gentiles at that time but were forbade by the Law for the Jews. The Gospel of the Grace of God revealed to Paul by The Lord Jesus Christ had freed mankind from following the Law, however, Paul clearly teaches that fornication should not be practiced by believers during this age of Grace, Ephesians 5:33 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

, etc. However, Paul explained to those of us saved by Grace that meat offered to idols can be eaten by believers as long as doing so doesn’t hurt the conscience of fellow believers, 1 Corinthians 8:1 - 151 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

and there is nothing in the Gospel revealed to Paul prohibiting the consumption of blood or meat from strangled animals.

Paul didn’t argue with James and the Elders of the Jerusalem church about taking the Nazarite Vow but went ahead and did so, Acts 21:2626 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

; Numbers 6:1 - 21. Some may think Paul was hypocritical for doing so. But there are two good reasons why this is not true. One, Paul loved his fellow Jews; he had continuing sorrow and he could wish he himself accursed from Christ for them, Romans 9:1 - 31 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

and he had explained: “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;” 1 Corinthians 9:2020 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

. Two, this incident occurred during a very limited time in history; it was during the transition period when the hope of Israel’s Kingdom was getting dimmer and closing for a season even though Israel was not completely shut off from following the Law of Moses in the Jerusalem Temple until the Romans destroyed it in 70 AD. It hasn’t been rebuilt since.

Paul knew that James and the Elders were in God’s will at that time even as he (Paul) was in God’s will to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God. (The Apostle Peter admitted that the things Paul taught were hard to understand to Jews like him who were waiting for the Kingdom, but Peter recognized the legitimacy of Paul’s message, 2 Peter 3:14 - 1614 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

.) Paul could take a Nazarite Vow in good conscience at that time in order to reach his fellow Jews because both the Kingdom Gospel and His Gospel of Grace co-existed for the short period of time documented in the book of Acts. Paul had consistently gone to the Jewish Synagogues in the cities he visited even though most of the Jews subsequently turned against him with persecution. We know what Paul taught during his missionary journeys because he documented his teaching in the early epistles he wrote to the churches at Thessalonica, Corinth, Rome and Galatia. His teaching included what we know as the Rapture of the Body of Christ, which will take us to heaven prior to the Great Tribulation, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 1813 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

; 1 Corinthians 15:51 - 5451 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

. This event had been a secret before it was revealed to Paul and was not part of the Kingdom Gospel. Many Jews who believed the Kingdom Gospel during the Acts period were waiting for The Lord Jesus Christ to return to the earth and establish His Kingdom with Israel on earth after the Tribulation. We won’t know how many believed that Gospel and how many believed the Gospel of the Grace of God until we get to heaven.

The believing Jews who followed the law during that time must have resented Paul’s teaching that no one could be justified by the deeds of the law. Paul taught correctly what was difficult for the Jews to understand; i.e., that the Law was instituted to teach mankind he was a sinner in need of Salvation; that the righteousness of God (for mankind) is now revealed to mankind by the faith of Jesus Christ to all who believe. Everyone has sinned but we are now justified freely by God’s Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:20 - 2420 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

; we are justified by faith without the deeds of the law, Romans 3:27 - 2827 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:1616 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

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Saints - Contrary to teaching by the largest Christian (so called) Church on earth today that men and women are adjudged saints by that church according their good works and miracles, the Apostle Paul clearly teaches that everyone who truly believes the Gospel of Grace, Acts 20:2424 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

and 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 41 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

, is a saint as he addresses us, Romans 1:77 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

; 1 Corinthians 1:1 - 21 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

; Ephesians 1:11 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

; Philippians 1:11 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

; Colossians 1:1 - 21 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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