Week after Easter 2025

We finished our Easter review of the attesting witnesses brought to the verification of the Gospel account. We then continued with Paul's message and procclamation in Acts 13, and the answer to the Calvinist view of Acts 13:48

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Sunday April 20, 2025

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

This morning we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

Passover (Nisan 14) in 2025 began at sundown on Friday, April 11, 2025, and ended at sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Feast of Unleavened Bread then commenced at sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025, continuing for seven days. The Feast of First Fruits followed on the first day after the Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which would place it on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

You might wonder, if that is the case, then why didn’t we celebrate last Sunday instead of this Sunday?

That is an excellent question!!

The decision was made at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to link Pascha to the first full moon after the spring equinox rather than directly to Nisan influenced by several factors ...

The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, is most famous for addressing the theological controversy surrounding Arianism, a doctrine that denied the divinity of Christ. The council declared Arianism a heresy and affirmed that Jesus is "of one substance" (homoousios) with the Father, a key statement enshrined in the Nicene Creed. This creed became a foundational expression of Christian orthodoxy.

Additionally, the council sought to unify the date of Easter across the Christian world, establishing the method of calculation based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. It also addressed various ecclesiastical matters, such as the ordination of eunuchs and the validity of baptism by heretics.

The council was convened by Emperor Constantine I, who aimed to resolve divisions within the Church and strengthen its unity. Its decisions had a profound impact on the development of Christian doctrine and practice.

These Church Fathers wanted Separation from Jewish Calendar: Early Christians sought to distinguish their practices from Judaism. While the resurrection of Christ occurred during Passover, the Church wanted to emphasize the universal significance of the event rather than tie it exclusively to the Jewish calendar. By using the spring equinox and the full moon, they created a calculation independent of the Hebrew lunar calendar. Unity Across the Church: Before Nicaea, there was significant variation in how and when Pascha was celebrated. Some Christians followed the Jewish calendar, celebrating Pascha on Nisan 14 (regardless of the day of the week), while others celebrated it on the Sunday following Passover. The Council aimed to unify the Church by establishing a single method for determining Pascha, ensuring it always fell on a Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection.

They made the decision to link the celebration with The Lord’s Day which is the day after the Sabbath, or Sunday.

Revelation 1:10 mentions the Lord’s Day

Revelation 1:10

Revelation 1:10 NKJV

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

We also see mention in Acts 20:7 of Sunday as the day of meeting for what is taken to be the Church.

Acts 20:7

Acts 20:7 NKJV

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

Paul makes mention of taking up a collection on this day in 1 Corinthians 16:2

1 Corinthians 16:2

1 Corinthians 16:2 NKJV

2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

So the council of Nicaea decided to locate the celebration of the Lord’s person and work on the day that corresponded to his resurrection and which was the meeting time of the Church — on Sundays.

Now as to the name of the celebration, Interestingly most other languages have kept the Pascha label, except English.

Latin: Pascha

Italian: Pasqua

Romanian: Paști

Finnish: Pääsiäinen

French: Pâques

Spanish: Pascua

German: Ostern

English: Easter

English and German went with the Anglo Saxon roots that make reference to the rite of spring, and the Anglo Saxon goddess, by which the pagan Anglo-Saxons celebrated feasts in honor of Ēostre during the month Ēosturmōnaþ (April), and this name later became associated with the Christian Paschal season, now called Easter in English.

Similarly, in Old High German, the month Ôstarmânoth (April) and the festival Ôstarûn gave rise to the modern German term Ostern. Both terms are derived from the Proto-Germanic root Austrō, which is linked to the concept of dawn or the east, symbolizing renewal and light.

In our teaching through the book of Acts in our Pentecost: the New Church study, we just “happen” to be working through Acts 13:26-37, which appeals to the resurrection:

Acts 13:26-27

Acts 13:26–37 NKJV

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ 36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

Now the resurrection of the HaMoshiach is significant from several prophetic perspectives.

Paul mentions that Christ was raised on the 3rd day according to the scriptures in 1 Corinthians 15:4.

1 Corinthians 15:4

1 Corinthians 15:4 NKJV

4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Now because 1 Corinthians was written before any of the Gospels had been penned, it cannot be a reference to the New Testament predictions of the resurrection made by the Lord.

It could however be a reference to one of three possible events that seem to teach or infer that there will be a resurrection on the third day.

First, we see it stated in Hosea 6:2

Hosea 6:2

Hosea 6:2 NKJV

2 After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight.

Jesus Himself drew the parallel in Matthew 12:40 to Jonah 1:17.

Matthew 12:40

Matthew 12:40 NKJV

40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Jonah 1:17

Jonah 1:17 NKJV

17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Interestingly Jesus mentioned Jonah in the context of those who rejected his Messiahship. In their evil, after he has performed the signs of the Messiah through miracles of healing, they ask for other signs. Jesus tells them that there is only one sign they will see — the sign of Jonah.

Luke 11:29-32

Luke 11:29–32 NKJV

29 And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

Psalm 16:10 is another prophecy of the resurrection, which was quoted by Paul in our passage in Acts 13:, but was also quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-31 on the day of Pentecost.

Psalm 16:10

Psalm 16:10 NKJV

10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:25-31

Acts 2:25–31 NKJV

25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’ 29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

Psalm 16:10 has to do with bodily corruption which takes place following death. This reference in only to Jesus Christ. It is not to David, David is in the tomb even today, his body has gone through corruption. We also have reference to the resurrection in Isaiah 53:10

Isaiah 53:10

Isaiah 53:10 NKJV

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

“prolong his days” as we studied a couple of months ago when going through Isaiah 53: is speaking of resurrection.

There were numerous witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection who are documented in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 15:5

1 Corinthians 15:5 NKJV

5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

These mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15 are not all the witnesses, and Peter was not the first one to witness the resurrection, but he is the first one Paul mentions. This is a very brief summary of what took place. Actually, Jesus appeared to numerous people. Peter was the third person to witness the resurrection, but Paul emphasizes Peter because he was the one who had denied the Lord. Paul mentions him first because the emphasis in this whole passage is on grace, that the resurrection of Christ is part of the grace of the gospel.

To whom did Jesus appear after the resurrection? First of all, He appeared to Mary Magdalene, and this is recorded in Mark 16:9-11 and John 20:11-18.

Mark 16:9-11

Mark 16:9–11 NKJV

9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

John 20:11-18

John 20:11–18 NKJV

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

Mary was coming to the tomb to wrap His body in more spices because they had been in a hurry to prepare the body after they had taken Him down from the cross. After His appearance to Mary Magdalene, there were other women coming to the tomb to help her in wrapping and preparing the body, and Jesus appeared to them as well. This is recorded in Matthew 28:9-10.

Matthew 28:9-10

Matthew 28:9–10 NKJV

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Then we know He appeared to Peter alone. We are not told that the Lord appeared to Peter anywhere, but what we are told is that on the fourth appearance, He appeared to one disciple, not one of the twelve but one other student of the Lord, a believer named Cleopas, and an unnamed disciple on the road to Emmaus. This is a remarkable record in Luke 24:13-32 because Jesus doesn’t identify Himself.

Luke 24:13-32

Luke 24:13–32 NKJV

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

Somehow, He veils Himself so they don’t recognize Him, and He begins to ask them about all the events of the past couple of days in Jerusalem. They will go through all the details, but they don’t really understand who Jesus is. So, because they are disturbed and confused, the Lord then begins to go through the Old Testament, through prophecy after prophecy, to show that all the things that had just transpired in Jerusalem were all prophesied in the Old Testament. Then, when they arrived at Emmaus, they suddenly realized who He was, and then He left. Then, when they report this, what is recorded in Luke 24:34 is that they make the comment that He had already appeared to Peter.

Luke 24:34

Luke 24:34 NKJV

34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

We are never told about the Lord’s appearance to Peter. That must have been quite a conversation when the Lord appeared to Peter, and Peter realized that he was forgiven for his sins and for denying the Lord. But we are not given the details; we are just told that He had already appeared to Peter. So we know He appeared to Peter before He appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Then, fifth, He appeared to the twelve. They are called “the twelve,” despite missing one. That tells us that “the twelve” had become a technical designation for the disciples. Judas is gone; he is off the scene. Yet in 1 Corinthians 15:5, Paul says Cephas saw Jesus, then by the twelve, but there are only eleven. The term “twelve” is a technical term for the disciples; even if there had been only ten, they were still called the twelve. It was just a nickname for the team. Thomas wasn’t there at first, but later, Jesus appeared to all of them, including Thomas, and that was the sixth appearance. John 20:26-29.

John 20:26-29

John 20:26–29 NKJV

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The seventh appearance: he appears to seven of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee, John 21:1-23.

John 21:1-23

John 21:1–23 NKJV

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

The eighth appearance is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6

1 Corinthians 15:6

1 Corinthians 15:6 NKJV

6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

So those 500 witnessed the resurrection; most are still alive.

The term “fallen asleep” is from the Greek verb KOIMAO [κοιμάω], which means to fall asleep, but it is used figuratively as an idiom for the believer’s body going into the grave. It is not talking about soul sleep. When the believer dies, he is instantly face-to-face with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:30 uses the term “sleep” when Paul warns the Corinthians that they had been abusing the Lord’s table and that for this reason many were sick and weak among them, “and many sleep.” There, that is a term for the sin unto death; they had died physically. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 talks about the fact that when the Rapture comes, those who are asleep, the dead in Christ, will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

1 Thessalonians 4:14 NKJV

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

The ninth appearance is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:7

1 Corinthians 15:7

1 Corinthians 15:7 NKJV

7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

This is when the Lord appears to His half-brother James, and it is not mentioned in any of the Gospel accounts. Both James and Jude trusted the Lord after the resurrection, and James became the leader in the church in Jerusalem. Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19.

Acts 1:14

Acts 1:14 NKJV

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Galatians 1:19

Galatians 1:19 NKJV

19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

The tenth appearance was to the disciples at the ascension. Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8.

Luke 24:44-49

Luke 24:44–49 NKJV

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Acts 1:3-8

Acts 1:3–8 NKJV

3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Again and again and again the disciples witnessed the resurrected Jesus Christ.

The eleventh appearance was to Stephen, Acts 7:55-56.

Acts 7:55-56

Acts 7:55–56 NKJV

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Sunday April 27, 2025

If last Sunday were the Resurrection, then this Sunday would be the day, Jesus appeared to His disciples, in John 20:19-23 while they were gathered in a locked room, likely out of fear of the Jewish authorities. He greeted them with "Peace be with you" and showed them His hands and side as proof of His resurrection. This event is often referred to as the First Appearance to the Eleven (excluding Thomas, who was absent).

John 20:19–23 NKJV

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Last week, we were examining Paul’s view of the resurrection, which we happen to be studying in Acts 13 as he presents to the Jews in the Synagogue in Antioch. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 makes mention of the good news that was proclaimed to Corinthians, which they received and in which they stand and through which they were saved. This good news is not just the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, but includes the witnesses to this.

We should note that what Paul presents in 1 Corinthians 15 is not an incidental listing, but is the actual legal list of those who are qualified to testify of having sighted Christ, to meet the legal standards of Judaism.

So Paul, gave us each of the legal witnesses or witness groups.

1 Corinthians 15:5-8

1 Corinthians 15:5–8 NKJV

5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

We left off last week as we saw that the twelfth appearance was the appearance to Paul in Acts chapter nine. This is when Paul was saved, when the Lord Jesus Christ commissioned him on the road to Damascus.

1 Corinthians 15:8

1 Corinthians 15:8 NKJV

8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

This phrase “untimely born” or “born out of due time” is the Greek word EKTROMA [ἔκτρωμα], which means an abortion, a premature birth, or a miscarriage. The term was used as an insult in the ancient world to refer to someone who had some deficiency in how he was born. So, Paul refers to his salvation as an abortion because it was out of time; it wasn’t like the other apostles. He emphasizes the fact that he was the one who was persecuting the church and that he is the least worthy to be saved. The emphasis there is grace.

1 Corinthians 15:9

1 Corinthians 15:9 NKJV

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

We have seen that an apostle was not an office in the church; it was a spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are given by the Lord Jesus Christ and distributed by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. In Acts chapter one, we have an example of what happens when good intentions get ahead of themselves and people start trying to solve problems without divine authorization: the election of Matthias.

1 Corinthians 15:10

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

It had nothing to do with his achievements prior to salvation.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

His grace saved Paul for a purpose, and Paul has been fulfilling that purpose as an apostle.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Paul worked. If you are really grace-oriented, you will grow as a believer through the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, get involved in Christian service, and fulfill your role in your spiritual gift in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:11

1 Corinthians 15:11 NKJV

11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

In summary, in verse 11, Paul says no matter who communicated the gospel to you, it all had the same basis: Christ died on the cross as a substitute for your sins, and Christ was raised again on the third day according to the Scriptures. This is what was witnessed, and is what we preach and what we believe.

The resurrection of the King was the second sign of Jonah; it is also the third point of the gospel: that he has been raised on the third day (I Cor. 15:4).

Note that the first appearance of the resurrected Messiah was to a woman, not a man. This was significant because women could not serve as witnesses by Jewish law. The two or three witnesses necessary in a court of law had to be men, never women, as a woman’s testimony was not considered valid. Here are some examples:

R. Eliezer and R. Joshua say they must not allow a woman to be remarried based on the evidence of a single witness. R. Akiba says, Neither on the testimony of a woman (nor of a slave nor a bondwoman) nor of relatives.

“Thus, we have learned that a woman does not judge or give testimony in court.”

R. Jacob bar Zabedi, R. Abahu in the name of R. Yoḥanan: “A woman is permitted to testify, ‘I have given birth,’ or ‘I have not given birth.’ But she is not permitted to testify, ‘It is masculine,’ or ‘It is feminine.’”

But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex.

There were, however, very rare exceptions allowed.

Said R. Ammi to R. Ashi, But the School of Menasseh taught: Is a witness testifying what he heard from another witness valid in testimony concerning a woman alone?—Say: Only in testimony for which a woman is valid . . .

(2) A woman is a valid witness only in some cases, including a firstling’s blemish; hearsay is also admissible in these cases.

Those who do not believe that Yeshua-Jesus rose from the dead often claim that the Gospels are fabricated. If that were true, then it was a Jewish fabrication, because the apostles were all Jewish. However, they would not have fabricated the story like this. They would have tried to make it as believable and acceptable to their audience as possible, making sure that all the witnesses were men, not women. But they had to report it the way it really happened, with a woman as the first witness to the resurrection. This fact is a strong argument for the authenticity of the resurrection account.

Jews did not allow women to testify. Yet the main witnesses at first are all women.

The setting of Yeshua-Jesus’s resurrection was this: The women who had watched His crucifixion also watched as He was buried. They knew where His tomb was. After the Sabbath, they returned to anoint His body with spices.

They did not do this to preserve the remains, as “Jews did not embalm corpses,” but to lessen the stench.

As faithful Jews, the women waited until the Sabbath rest was over.

Matthew 28:1

Matthew 28:1 NKJV

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Mark 16:1

Mark 16:1 NKJV

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

Three things suddenly occurred on the 17th of Nisan, or April 9, A.D. 30, closer to the wee hours of Sunday morning before sunrise.

First, behold, there was a great earthquake (Mt. 28:2). This was the second earthquake, the first marking the moment of Yeshua’s death, and the second marking the moment of His resurrection.

Second, an angel descended from heaven and rolled the stone away, thus breaking the Roman seal.

Third, because the angel’s appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow (Mt. 28:3), fear fell upon the Roman guard, and they became as dead men (Mt. 28:4), literally scared stiff!

Matthew 28:2-4

Matthew 28:2–4 NKJV

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

Mark 16:2-8

Mark 16:2–8 NKJV

2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” 8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Luke 24:1-8

Luke 24:1–8 NKJV

1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” 8 And they remembered His words.

John 20:1

John 20:1 NKJV

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Matthew 28:5-8

Matthew 28:5–8 NKJV

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

At first glance, the Gospels appear to give four different accounts of the women’s visits to the tomb. While differences exist, there are no discrepancies, no contradictions. Instead, each Gospel complements the information found in the other three, and by combining all four accounts, a complete picture of the events of resurrection morning emerges.

On Sunday morning (Mk. 16:2a ), several women went to the tomb in two separate visits.

The first to arrive was Miriam Magdalene, who went alone early, while it was yet dark (Jn. 20:1). This is about 6:00am in Jerusalem on Nisan 16.

Miriam found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She did not see an angel and assumed that the body had been removed. With that, she left the tomb area.

Later, after she left, a group of women arrived when the sun was risen (Mk. 16:2b), providing more light.

They also found the stone rolled away, but unlike Miriam, they saw the angel, whose message was twofold. First, Yeshua had risen from the dead, just as He said He would (Mt. 28:6).

Therefore, there was no reason to seek the living among the dead as Luke records the angels telling them. (Lk. 24:5).

Second, the women were to go to the apostolic group and tell the disciples to leave for Galilee where Yeshua would meet them (Mk. 16:7).

This was the second time they received this command. The first time was during the last Passover when Yeshua told them they would leave Jerusalem immediately after His arrest (Mt. 26:32; Mk. 14:28).

Matthew 26:32

Matthew 26:32 NKJV

32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Mark 14:28

Mark 14:28 NKJV

28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

They did not understand what He meant, so they were caught by surprise and never left the city. Therefore, the angel repeated the message, telling them that Yeshua would appear to them in Galilee.

Then two specific things happened:

First, the women remembered his words (Lk. 24:8),

the prophecy about His death and resurrection on the third day (Lk. 24:7).

Second, the frightened women ran to tell the disciples what they had seen and what the angel had told them (Mt. 28:8).

They told no one outside the apostolic group (Mk. 16:8).

Luke 24:9-12

Luke 24:9–12 NKJV

9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

John 20:2-10

John 20:2–10 NKJV

2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

So, Miriam aka Mary Magdalene ran to tell two of the apostles, Peter and John, that the body had been removed from the tomb. She assumed this when she saw that the tomb was open and empty. As we shall see, Peter and John believed Mary.

The other women told the other nine apostles but did not believe the reports (Lk. 24:9-11).

To them, it was idle talk, or lēros in Greek. Most concordances and dictionaries translate this word simply as “that which is totally devoid of anything worthwhile, idle talk, nonsense, humbug.” However, Hippocrates seems to have used it to describe a certain form of delirium. The fact that Luke was familiar with this is another indication of his profession, and Bock observes:

In medical contexts, the term describes the talk of a sick patient delirious from pain. Thus, the ancients were as skeptical as any modern might be about such a report. They did not believe the women.

Peter and John raced together to the tomb to investigate (Lk. 24:12; Jn. 20:2-10).

Luke 24:12

Luke 24:12 NKJV

12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

John 20:2-10

John 20:2–10 NKJV

John outran Peter. However, when he reached the entrance to the tomb, he stopped without entering. He stooped down, looked inside, and saw the strips of linen cloths still rolled up, indicating the resurrection had occurred right through the grave clothes, as the cloths were not unwrapped. The headpiece, however, lay by itself, separated from the cloths that had wrapped the body. The fact that John hesitated to enter the tomb may indicate that he was a Levite, but this is not certain.

Peter finally caught up and, always impetuous, ran right into the tomb, seeing the same thing as John, who now also entered in. When the two men left the area, each had come to a different conclusion.

Yochanan believed that the resurrection had taken place (Jn. 20:8).

Peter was perplexed, uncertain of what he should make of the evidence (Lk. 24:12). Bock observes: “Since those who marvel are usually trying to understand what has happened, it is debated whether this is a note about Peter’s faith.”

Matthew 28:9-10

Matthew 28:9–10 NKJV

After Miriam Magdelene left, the other women arrived, and Yeshua greeted them. And they came and took hold of his feet, and worshipped him (Mt. 28:9). This act of devotion surpassed mere touching or feeling and shows that sometime between talking to Miriam and talking to these women, Yeshua had ascended into heaven, and became touchable.

The fact that the second appearance was also to women and not to men strengthens the argument that the Gospel accounts are genuine. Any Jewish author fabricating a story would not have written it this way, but the Gospel writers reported the truth.

Yeshua told the women, Go tell my brethren that they depart into Galil (Mt. 28:10b), where He would meet them. For the third time, the apostles received a clear message to leave Jerusalem, but they did not believe the second report of the resurrection, so they never left town.

Matthew 28:11-15

Matthew 28:11–15 NKJV

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

In this section, the Roman guard’s report to the chief priests triggers the initial rejection of the second sign of Jonah, the resurrection of Yeshua, as is evident in their collusion that the tomb was empty because the body had been stolen.

When the men responsible for securing the tomb finally overcame their fear, they came into the city (Mt. 28:11). By Roman law, they would be executed for failing in their mission to guard the tomb, so they avoided Pilate, knowing he would not believe their story of an angel that looked like lightning rolling away the stone. Instead, they reported to the chief priests who had arranged the guarding of the tomb.

Realizing the enormity of these events and their possible impact, the chief priests quickly assembled the Pharisees, or elders, thus reconvening the Sanhedrin (Mt. 28:12). After taking counsel, they conspired to give the soldiers a large sum of money to walk through the city telling people that the apostles had stolen Yeshua-Jesus’s body while they were sleeping (Mt. 28:13). This was the origin of the oldest of many explanations for the empty tomb: the stolen body theory. The chief priests also told the guard that if the report reached the ears of Pontius Pilate, they promised to intervene so that the soldiers would not be executed: And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of care (Mt. 28:14). After the Passover, the governor would return to Caesarea possibly never to hear of their failure.

The guards did as they were told, spreading the story that while they were sleeping, the disciples had stolen Yeshua-Jesus’s body (Mt. 28:15). If a thoughtful Jewish person heard this explanation, he or she should have detected the discrepancy in the testimony. If the soldiers were sleeping, how could they know who stole the body?

Only two groups had a vested interest in risking their lives to commit the crime of stealing the body: Yeshua-Jesus’s enemies or His friends. The book of Acts records many instances of Yeshua-Jesus’s enemies trying to silence the apostolic preaching of the resurrection. While they tried all kinds of ploys, they could never produce the body, indicating that they did not have it. The second group with a vested interest was Yeshua-Jesus’s friends.

These same disciples later underwent tremendous persecution for preaching the resurrection. James, for example, was beheaded. According to church tradition, Peter was crucified upside-down. Matthew was killed by the sword. Philip was hanged from a pillar. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Andrew was crucified. Thomas was run through with a lance. Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded. Of those outside the apostolic group and yet eyewitnesses, Mark was tortured to death. Yeshua-Jesus’s half-brother James was thrown down from the pinnacle of the Temple and then stoned. Jude was shot to death with arrows. They all died horrendous deaths. In almost every case, they were given the option of renouncing their faith and dying in a more humane way or being released. They refused in each case. It is difficult to believe they would all be willing to undergo such tremendous suffering for what they all knew was a lie. The only reasonable explanation for their actions in the book of Acts and beyond is that they believed Yeshua-Jesus was resurrected.

Acts 13:42

Acts 13:42 NKJV

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.

These are Jews and seekers of God among the Gentiles. When he uses the term “Jews,” he is not just talking about ethnic Jews. All through the Gospel of John, John refers to “the Jews” as the bad guys. But John is a Jew, Jesus is a Jew, the other disciples are all Jews, and many of those who believed in Jesus were Jews. The term refers to the leaders of the group, leaders of the Jews. So when the leadership left the synagogue, the Gentiles, these proselytes, seekers of God, hung back in order to talk to Paul.

The term translated “begged” here is the word παρακαλέω PARAKALEO. It is sometimes translated “challenge,” sometimes the basic meaning of calling to one’s side; but it also has the idea of making an urgent request for something. So they are pleading will Paul to stay another week and then to address the synagogue again next Sabbath.

Acts 13:43

Acts 13:43 NKJV

43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

This would be talking about the Orthodox-like of the group, and these would be among the leaders, the more devout among the group.

Acts 13:43 NKJV

43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

We are seeing a transition in Paul’s ministry, and now the focus is going to be more upon the Gentiles. The Jews here would be those who were really serious about studying the Word, who were really seeking out its meaning, and the Gentile proselytes who were also genuinely involved in trying to understand the Word of God and to make it a part of their lives. They are the ones who truly express positive volition and are the ones Paul is focusing on here.

During that next week, we could speculate that Paul and Barnabas didn’t leave town and that people are coming around and having ongoing discussions. They would discuss what Paul had been saying in the synagogue the week before. This was the main topic of conversation in the Jewish community and among the Gentiles: whether this was really true. And if we can bring in some ideas from some of the other places that Paul went, the more devout are probably searching the Scriptures to see how these messianic prophecies that they knew fit in with Jesus. So the next week, after the excitement had been building all week, almost the whole city came together to hear the Word of the Lord (Kurios) from the apostle Paul.

Acts 13:44-45

Acts 13:44–45 NKJV

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

They were filled with envy. In Romans chapter eleven, Paul says that the Jews will look at God’s blessing on the Gentiles and, eventually, stir them to jealousy so that they will want what the Gentiles have. But that is not what is happening here; just the reverse is happening. A certain segment of the Jews becomes jealous of the Gentiles, and they begin arguing and disputing with Paul.

What happens in this kind of context is that all of a sudden, it becomes about ego. Nobody is listening and trying to get to the truth of the matter; they are more concerned about refuting whatever the other person is saying so that they look like they win the debate. That is what we see a lot of today in politics and the news. People debate each other; nobody cares about the truth; they just care about being able to sound better, look better, or put down the other person. It doesn’t matter if their facts are correct, just as long as they win the debate.

Here, they are contradicting Paul. And the use of “blasphemy” in Scripture isn’t usually against people; it is against God. You can revile against some people—same word as used for blasphemy—but primarily it is used against God. They are contradicting Paul, and the blasphemy is against God. Their contradiction and hostility to Paul and Paul’s message of the gospel is a blasphemy against God. And so they are opposing everything that Paul has spoken. Again, we have to understand the Jews here are the leadership in the congregation.

Then Paul and Barnabas respond with great confidence and boldness.

Acts 13:46

Acts 13:46 NKJV

They spoke out boldly against those who were challenging them. Remember, they were in somebody else’s house. One of the things we tell young pastors is that if they are invited to speak in someone else’s church, they should be careful they don’t step on their toes. They are not there to correct the pastor in front of his congregation, and they are not there to correct the congregation about views they have; they are there to preach the truth as clearly as they can without creating trauma in the process. Here, Paul and Barnabas are having to create trauma because they had been attacked as they had been teaching the Word. They would stand their ground and not back off, and they responded boldly.

Acts 13:46 NKJV

This is the first time something is introduced that has some sort of implication of necessity or something that has been determined. But it is not in the deterministic sense. It is that God had a plan, and that plan was that they were supposed to take the gospel to the Jews first. So because that is the way God planned it, that was the way they executed it, so that by doing so, the rejection by the Jews would make it evident to all that the gospel should go to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:46 NKJV

this is what we want to focus on here. Where is the emphasis on the terms of responsibility? It is on the individual Jew in the congregation. They are the ones who make the decision to reject what they have been told:

Acts 13:46 “You judge yourselves,”

Acts 13:46 NKJV

There is a reflexive pronoun there for emphasis:

Acts 13:46 “unworthy of eternal life.”

Acts 13:46 NKJV

It is really interesting how Paul sets this up and Luke presents it. If we don’t understand this verse, we can’t understand verse 48, which is the key verse that Calvinism stands on. What was the gospel message that Paul proclaimed? That Jesus died so that you could have forgiveness of sins. But now, he doesn’t mention forgiveness of sins here; he mentions something else—eternal life.

Acts 13:46 NKJV

How did they judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life? By rejecting the gospel message of Paul. So, the responsibility is there. He doesn’t say, “You rejected it because you were ordained to eternal condemnation.” He doesn’t say, “You rejected it because you were predestined to the lake of fire.” He doesn’t say, “You rejected it because you were not one of the elect.”

He says, “You rejected it because you judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.” It is all your decision. Because of that, it has consequences, one of which is that we turn to the Gentiles.

Verse 46 is followed by an explanation with a quote from the Old Testament.

Acts 13:46-47

Acts 13:46–47 NKJV

46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

It was predicted in the Old Testament that the Jews would be the gospel bearers to bring light to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:6

Isaiah 42:6 NKJV

6 “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,

So this is part of God’s command to the Jews. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles. And that is fulfilled through the gospel ministry of the apostles.

Isaiah 49:6

Isaiah 49:6 NKJV

6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Paul recognizes that and applies it to the situation.

Then, we see the contrast. It is between the Jewish hostility and their rejection of the message of forgiveness and their rejection of the offer of eternal life.

The Gentiles welcome it.

Acts 13:47–48 NKJV

47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

This is one of those verses where Calvinists stake their claim for unconditional election. When they read that, they say what precedes belief is that in eternity past, God had to make a decision as to who would be ordained to eternal life and who would not. They base that on the fact that the verb form there, “had been appointed,” is a perfect tense verb, which refers to an act that was completed at some time in the past with results that continue on through history. So, they take this phrase, “as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed,” and say that if you are not appointed to eternal life, you won’t believe.

We have to stop a minute and say let’s look and see if that is really the best way to translate this in light of the context. “As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” is contrasted with the response of the Jews in verse 46: “since you repudiate/reject it, (not “since you weren’t appointed to eternal life”” and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we turn to the Gentiles.” What it sounds like in the way it is usually translated is that on the one hand, there are the Jews who are making a decision to reject the gospel, and on the other hand, the Gentiles respond because they were appointed to respond. But that is comparing one idea, which is of volition in verse 46, with a deterministic idea in verse 48, and that is like contrasting apples with oranges. It doesn’t make sense, it is contradictory. It looks that way in English, so we have to go back to the original languages.

(End of 2nd Service 4/13/2025)

The verb that is translated “had been appointed to eternal life” is τάσσω TASSO, a perfect tense verb, which means completed action. The first word, “as many as” is a pronoun ὅσος HOSOS that indicates a large number of individuals, and it focuses on each of the individuals in that group who had at some time in the past had been something, usually translated as appointed or sometimes ordained—to eternal life. That whole phrase is the subject of the verb “believed.” We have to understand what the word tasso means. Its general meaning is to appoint or station, to rank or to bring order to something. It is used as a military term, and it is obvious that some people want to bring the military context in to understand the word's meaning. However, the military context of ordering someone in ranks is just one application of this term. The lexicon Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich is the third edition of the most respected lexicon of Koine Greek. Among the meanings of the word tasso, it lists to belong to a group—“as many as belong to eternal life believed.” That is a totally different idea, isn’t it? “As many as were classed among those with eternal life.”

The second meaning listed in Arndt and Gingrich says, “It has the basic idea of giving instructions as to what must be done.”

So, if I am going to appoint you to a task, what I mean when I am instructing you is I am appointing you to a course of action. That makes the best sense to take that phrase, as identified by Arndt and Gingrich, as the second meaning of the term and to use that. It makes a little more sense. It also clearly, in other passages, has the idea of determining, appointing, or fixing something. However, we have to look at contexts to determine how these words are used. When we look at the phrase “as many as were classified (or ranked) among those with eternal life believed.” That is one way of interpreting this. That is the idea of “as many as were identified with eternal life.” The second option: “As many as were given instructions as to what must be done for eternal life believed.” That was the second idea given by Arndt and Gingrich.

Suddenly, everything is cleared up because it fits the context. This emphasizes personal decision-making, and it is contrasted to the wrong decision made by the Jews with the right decision made here.

Another suggestion that has some merit is to translate this as “As many as were devoted or oriented to eternal life.”

Who are the ones who believed? The ones who believed were the more devout Jews and the more intent Gentile proselytes who converted to Judaism and studied the Word intensely. These were the ones who followed Paul and Barnabas out and were plying them with questions because they really wanted to understand the truth. You could say they were devoted to eternal life. This word tasso is translated that way in 1 Corinthians 16:15 where at the close of the epistle, Paul is giving some personal instructions.

1 Corinthians 16:15

1 Corinthians 16:15 NKJV

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

The other thing is that tasso is in a present passive or present middle construction. Middle is a reflexive mood. In Greek, in certain tenses, they don’t have a different ending for the passive and a different ending for the middle voice; they are the same. You have to discern from context whether it is going to be middle or passive. Here, it is used as an aorist middle, which has the idea that they have devoted themselves or focused on something. That makes a tremendous amount of sense if we look at Acts 13:48 again, that in contrast to verse 46, there is this one group of unbelievers who reject the truth. They consider themselves unworthy of eternal life, and in contrast to that are Gentiles who have devoted themselves or focused themselves on understanding eternal life. They are the ones who have been instructed in eternal life, and they are the ones who believe.

Acts 13:4-48

Acts 13:46–48 NKJV

That makes a lot more sense than bringing in the idea of using it as “as many as were ordained or appointed.” It is not even protasso—pro = before—which would be “foreordained.” It doesn’t say that. And it doesn’t say “as many as were foreordained to believe,” it says those who were tasso to eternal life. It skips over “believe.” They are not foreordained or predestined to believe but foreordained for eternal life. Another way to understand this is that God has ordained a path to eternal life, and that path to eternal life means that you have to believe and accept the gospel. And if you accept the gospel, you are ordained to eternal life because you have followed the path that God set forth to get eternal life, and that is by faith alone in Christ alone.

Acts 13:49

Acts 13:49 NKJV

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.

So there was this tremendous positive response by the Gentiles and they are telling everybody about the fact that they can have forgiveness of sins by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. In contrast, the Jews are creating hostility. They are stirring up the devout and prominent men. In other words, they are going to the leaders in the community and slandering and making false accusations about Paul and Barnabas, stirring up everybody against them so that they are raising up persecution against them with the result that they are kicked out of the town and the province.

What Paul and Barnabas do is shake the dust off their feet against them, a symbol of the fact that they did not hold themselves accountable for the decisions of the people.

Acts 13:50-52

Acts 13:50–52 NKJV

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The term “disciples” is not a synonym for the people who are saved. There are people who are saved who aren’t disciples. A disciple is someone who is committed to being a student of somebody. Some people are believers who aren’t concerned about being a student of the Scriptures. The disciples are those who are pursuing spiritual growth and making that a priority in their lives. The result is that this is another one of those statements that Luke makes in bringing us up to date on the expansion of the gospel. Those who were pursuing spiritual growth were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t the word used in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit, the word pleroo. This is the word pimplemi, a descriptive term related to maturity and spiritual growth.

Ephesians 5:18 NKJV

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

In Ephesians 5:18 there is a verbal command with a dative of means—Be filled by means of the Spirit. Here we have a description: they were full of joy and full of the Holy Spirit. Their life was characterized by a walk by this.

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Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.