You are here: Home / Archives for BOOKS

WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ACTS 1:6?

by

puzzel missing

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6.

Jesus spent 3 ½ teaching His disciples about the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the things that would transpire before its establishment on earth. He explained secrets to them about the Kingdom of Heaven, which were hidden from other. (Matt.13). During those 3 ½ years, not one sermon was preached by any follower of Christ about His death, burial, and resurrection.
When we follow the references, and the reaction of His followers, it is clear that no one expected His death, and resurrection. His death dashed all their hopes of the Kingdom. However, after repeated appearances, and many infallible proofs, His followers found a new born faith and hope that the Kingdom would be reestablished in Israel. Thus the queston.
That new hope tells us volumes. Their question in Acts 1:6 should be an open revelation to the reader. I ask these pastors for their insight on the passage. Below are their responses.
Pastor Al Hughes: THE QUESTION OF RESTORING THE KINGDOM (Acts 1:6-8).
I. After being tutored by “the King” for 40 days on the subject of the Kingdom, the disciples logically expected that NOW would be the time for the Kingdom to be restored.
A. The Jews LOST the kingdom back in Jeremiah 22:28-30 (approx. 606 BC).
B. The disciples were not wrong to ask this question since Daniel prophesied of this (2:44; 7:18, 27). Jesus was to sit on the throne of David (Luke 1:32). Jesus also told them to expect the Kingdom (Mt. 19:28).
II. “Hold the phone…” (v. 7). Jesus did not deny that the Kingdom would be restored. He simply did not disclose the timing of when the kingdom would be restored.
A. The reason he did not tell them WHEN the kingdom would be restored was because up to Acts 7 it could have come anytime the nation accepted it.
B. Jesus was waiting on how the Jews would respond to the OFFER of the Kingdom. It is only after the Jewish Sanhedrin rejected Stephen’s message that God postpones the Kingdom.
III. In the meantime⎯THE COMMISSION OF THE DISCIPLES. Notice the progression:
A. Jerusalem (Orthodox religious Jews)
B. Judaea (common Jews)
C. Samaria (half-breed Jews)
D. Uttermost part of the earth (Gentiles)
Missionary Mitch Muller: I think the 12 had just cause to expect Jesus to establish His kingdom immediately. There was nothing (in their minds) that should hinder its establishment.
They certainly had scripture to back their beliefs. Psalms 89:35-36 (vs. 29): Jeremiah 23:5,6
In addition to many other statements in scripture (hundreds of references to a literal kingdom) the 12 had just finished 40 days of lessons from the Lord. Luke 24 says that he has opened their “understanding that they might understand the scriptures” . The Lord had expounded to them “the things concerning himself” and this includes His reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David (Matthew 19).
In Luke 1 starting in verse 67 Zacharias begins to prophesy and ties the promises to David as fulfillment in the birth of Christ. Zacharias understood clearly that that involved deliverance, national restoration and a political kingdom. In verse 73 he says the oath which he sware to our father Abraham. He mentions dwelling in their land in peace from their enemies, obviously subdued by the promised King.
This question by the 12 in Acts 1:6 is not a foreign idea to them as Jews and neither was it a question of ignorance on their part. Without the personal teaching of the Lord they were still well versed enough in the scriptures to understand that at a future time the Throne of David would be established. Ezekiel spends several chapters on the subject; Jeremiah speaks much of the Kingdom. Daniel and many Psalms detail the kingdom.
The question is actually a very logical question on their part. They had received their commission, they had heard the Lord speak of future reign from Jerusalem and they had a clear understanding that they would play a role in the kingdom.
To charge the 12 with faulty understanding only reveals the agenda of denying a literal interpretation of prophetic events and is an underhanded attempt at bolstering the false doctrines of A -millennialism and post -millennialism. If the 12 were ignorant and foolish in this question then we are to assume that the Bible speaks nothing to a literal earthly rule of the Messiah. But, and if it is a question of logic and anticipation based upon all the information they had received not only in the last 3 years but the last 40 days, then we have only to conclude that the scriptures do indeed teach a literal, political and earthy rule of Jesus from Jerusalem with the 12 Apostles in authority.
Pastor William Bailey: Acts 1:6 always seemed to be the natural question for any Jew -especially the apostles since He often discoursed on the 2 coming kingdoms -Matthew 24; Luke 17; John 3 – not sure ur thoughts on Christ’s standing in acts 7:56 but dr psr does credit to the passage – hypothetical so not worth being dogmatic but I take his meaning and agree yet as a hypothetical case don’t get wound up over it . Afraid I’m not much help may God bless u – looking for that world where our faith will become sight!
Pastor John Cook: As far as your question on Acts 1:6, I think that the disciples, like most Jews, were expecting the Lord to set up His Kingdom when He came. They seem to think that now that the cross and the resurrection was behind them it was time for Jesus to do what He had come to do. I think that they were hoping that He would set it up even though he had told them that He must leave in order for the Holy Ghost to come.
They seem to have the same problem with the Kingdom that they had with the resurrection until it actually had been proven to them by our Lord’s appearance.
We are very much like them in that the promises that the Lord makes we want Him to do it now not later. They wanted the kingdom to be set up and thought that they Lord would do so now that all was paid for.

Ken Blue:
The Disciples had every reason to expect that the Kingdom of Heaven might, and could now be established on earth. They had preached it for 3 ½ years, and He had spent 40 days in His post resurrection teaching about the Kingdom. The King was now alive! So, what could cause its delay? He did not tell them that it would not be accepted by Israel. He left them with the answer that it was not for them to know. Had He told them the Kingdom would not be accepted, it would have ended and confused their hope and zeal. Thus they continue to offer it. God worked with them, but the Jews were adamant, and would not accept their message. It was at the death of Steven that God began to “cut Israel off.”
Therefore, the question in Acts 1:6 suggest that they knew nothing about the church, which is His body and was keep a “mystery” from before the foundation of the world. They were not confused, deceived, ignorant, nor misinformed. They were doing exactly what the “Great Commission” commanded them to do.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 36

by

OLIVE TREES AND CANDLESTICKS

REVELON BOOK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Revelation 11:4).

The title, “God of the whole earth” is a reference to a new relationship with Israel. During this dispensation, God is not the Lord of the earth in relation to Israel. He has put Israel aside as an adulteress wife, calling her “Lo-ammi.” “Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God” (Hosea 1:9). He is now the Lord in Heaven. However, at this point in the Revelation, He is once again given the title in anticipation of His soon dominion over the whole earth.

Today, there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile. For two thousand years God has ignored the cries of Israel. Their land has been given to the Gentiles to be trampled down. This will continue until Christ returns.

The title given to these two witnesses as two olive trees and candlesticks is obviously a figure of speech. A metaphor is used when one thing is representing another. It is a symbol. What do these figures or symbols mean? Comparing a similar situation from the Old Testament can help us see the answer to that.

After the restoration from Babylon, God had two witnesses whom we read about in Zechariah 4:1-3, “And the angel that talked with me…And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which were upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.” In Zech. 4:4, the prophet asks who the two olive trees represent. Verses 6-7 reveal that one is the prince, Zerubbabel, and Zechariah 3:8-9 says, Joshua the High Priest is the other. These two represented God on behalf of the nation of Israel and restored the temple, its worship, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The two witnesses in Revelation 11 will have the same ministry. Their power is through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and their prophecy cannot be resisted. As the “pipes” brought a constant supply of olive oil for the lights, so the Spirit’s anointing would abide on them for power, protection, and prophecy.

When the restoration of the Hebrew people takes place and the temple is rebuilt, these two witnesses will appear on the scene in the middle of that week. They will have the combined power of Moses and Elijah as their light shines forth in testimony before Israel and the Antichrist.

We are not told who these two witnesses are. Some assume they are Enoch and Elijah, or Moses. They argue that the Bible teaches, “it is appointed unto men once to die,” (Hebrews 9:27), and since two of them never died, it must be Enoch and Elijah.

However, it should be understood that Hebrews 9:27 is not a statement of fact. Every man will not die. Hebrews 9:27 speaks of mankind in general. Many in the church will never die; they will be translated to heaven without seeing death. Many will come through the Tribulation without dying. There is no Scriptural proof as to who these two men are, and it is not important. The point is their ministry, not their identity. God will have His two witnesses with an abundant supply of God’s Spirit and power for their prophecies against the beast.
“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” (Revelation 11: 5-7).

The retribution inflicted on those who would hurt these witnesses (vv. 5-6), shows that they are not connected to the church of this dispensation. Christians are not permitted to hurt those who harm them. That which transpires in the Day of the Lord is in harmony with those days when Israel was in idolatry and gross immorality under Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah the prophet was sent to pronounce that there would be no rain for three and one-half years. These two witnesses will once again bring those judgments upon Israel and the kingdom of the Beast.
Verse 7 should strike fear in the heart of man and at the same time bring him peace of mind. Not one servant of God can be killed or die until God is through with him. This ought to encourage and motivate every servant of Christ. On the other hand, one should keep in mind this truth; no matter how important or influential a man’s ministry may appear, when God is through with him, he too, will take his flight to heaven.
In verse 7, another beast shows up and will incarnate the Antichrist, who is also call a beast. The first was in 6:2. In this prophecy, the word beast appears thirteen times and occupies thirty-one verses.
This beast ascends from the pit at the mid-point of the Tribulation. However, permission to kill these two witnesses is not granted until the end of the three and one-half years, just prior to the return of Christ.
The two witnesses are still on the earth during chapter 13 and the beast (Antichrist) is also on the earth in chapter 11. Verse 7 states that a beast comes from the pit. This is done in order to explain the source and nature of the death of the two witnesses. The ascent of that beast is explained in detail in chapter 13.

It is customary to bury even one’s enemies. However, in order to make a show of his power to the world and his contempt for God, the beast (Antichrist) leaves the dead bodies of God’s two witnesses in the streets of Jerusalem three and one-half days.

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #4

by

IS THE CHURCH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST?

brideBy E. A. Rawlence.   (Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

Now, the “former rain” caused the grain to start its growth, corresponding with the outpouring of the Spirit on the nation at Pentecost, as we have seen, and as Peter was quick to note. The “latter rain” caused the ears to fill and mature for the harvest. So will Israel’s final testimony, when Joel’s prophecy will be fulfilled, cause “the harvest of earth” to ripen (Rev. 14.  15).

Out of this godly remnant we have to seek a company that will answer to the Bride, whilst the residue will answer to the bond-servants who went forth with the message, and the guests will be their Gentile converts. Such a company we find in Revelation 14:4, in the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth. “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”   The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist. This seems clearly indicated verse 5. Whereas we are expressly told that on mankind “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thess. 2. 11). The whole relations, as described between these sealed ones and the Lamb are such as would alone answer to the position of husband and wife.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist.[/perfectpullquote]

I believe those 144,000 are to be identified with the man-child in Rev. 12, as the travailing woman is obviously Israel under her final great trouble, corresponding to the prophecy in Isa. 66:7, 8, “Before she travailed, she brought forth ; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child.”  “Who hath heard such a thing ? Who hath seen such things ? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day ? or shall a nation be born at once ? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”   And it is whilst the nation is in this wilderness condition that the re-marriage is to take  place. “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. “And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope : and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.  “And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me ISHI, i.e., my Husband; and shalt call me no more Baali (i.e., My Lord). “For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.” Hos. 2:14-17.  

We have yet to ascertain the time of the marriage. This is placed almost beyond dispute from Rev. 19, which clearly shows that it is practically the last event that takes place before the apocalypse of Jesus Christ as “the King of Kings and Lord of lords,” to usher in the Millennium. From this it is clear that if the Bride be the Church, the Church must then go through the whole of tribulation except the final act.  

In conclusion I trust I have shown that there are many difficulties in the way of the Church being the Bride, although on the other hand there are no doubt passages which may seem to indicate that they are the same Bodies, but these are not absolute statements of identity, as in Rev.21. 9. They are only illustrations or comparisons, and are, I believe, open to a reasonable interpretation of the lines which I have indicated, whilst, if I have rightly divided the Word, I venture to think that such an interpretation clears many doubtful points, and opens the way to better understanding of God’s dispensational dealings.

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #3

by

new jerusalem

 

 

 

 

 

By E. A. Rawlence.

 

(Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

It seems to me impossible from this to regard the Bride as composed of any but Israelites.  Let us then look back through the Word for any indications of such a solution. In the prophets we  frequently find Israel referred to as the wife, and Jehovah as the husband. “Surely as a wife  treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of  Israel, saith the Lord” (Jer. 3. 20 and see Hosea 2.).

We have already shown that she was put away for spiritual adultery, but these same  prophets make it equally clear that she will be forgiven and received back again, when there will
be a re-marriage in the future. “For thy Maker is thine husband ; the Lord of Hosts is His name ;and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel ; the God of the whole earth shall He be called. For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee” (Isa. 54. 5-7).

“For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee ; and, as the  bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee” (Isa.62. 5).  Our Lord Himself gives details as to this re-marriage in Matt. 22., “The kingdom of  heaven is like unto a certain King, which made a marriage for his son.” The whole scene is Jewish.

The guests who were first invited were obviously Israelites, and naturally near relatives and  friends of the Bridegroom and Bride, and the Bride must obviously have been a virgin of Israel,  otherwise it would have supplied an excuse for those invited to have stayed away. For, according  to the law of Moses, it was forbidden any Israelite to marry a Gentile (see Deut. 7: 3). But when  the near kinsfolk and friends of the Bride and Bridegroom would not come, then it was that the  bond-servants were sent out into the “highways” to procure the necessary company, and when  they were procured “the King came in to see the guests.”

I think all will agree that, on the return of Israel as a nation to their own land, the bulk of  the nation will follow the Antichrist, whilst the residue will form the godly remnant upon whom  the Spirit is to be poured out, as prefigured by the promise, “I will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month” (Joel 2: 23).

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #2

by

new jerusalem

 

 

By E. A. Rawlence.

 

(Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all  the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to an age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

 

With Israel and the kingdom set aside, how was God’s work to carry on? God would begin a new ministry which had been hidden from the foundation of the world. It had been kept secret and is called a “mystery.” He would accomplish His new plan through a new apostle, not of the Twelve, through a new gospel, not the one preached by the Twelve, and a new body, without Israel’s involvement, without the Law, or any part of Judaism. It is called a “new man.” “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:15. Today, the Jew and the Gentile are on equal standing before God. All are sinners, and all are in the same body by the new gospel of free grace. Eph. 3:6.

When the church, the body of Christ, is completed, it will be raptured, and God will “jumpstart” his program with Israel again. The body of Christ will be in heaven, and the kingdom of heaven ministry will once again be offered to Israel, and then through them, to the world. Since we as members of “the Body of Christ,” form part of the Bridegroom, it cannot reasonably be said to be “the Bride” at the same time.

We have a definite introduction to the bride in Rev. 21. John was invited to come and see, “The Bride, the Lamb’s wife.” John introduces, not to the Church, nor to the Body, but to the Holy Jerusalem. It is certain the City appertains to Israel. The twelve foundations represent the twelve Apostles, who are by promise to sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). It is important to note there is no foundation for a thirteenth Apostle.

There are twelve Gates, one for each Tribe, and three gates on each of the four sides of the City, as described in Ezek. 48. The Nations, of them that are saved and the kings of the earth walk in the light of it. They bring their glory and honor into it. This, the glorified Israel does not do. They obviously have their dwelling there.

(Lord willing, we will add part 3 soon.)