A reader passed on to us a rambling confusion sent to him, in which someone erroneously supposed that the Libertines of Acts 9:6 were Gentiles, that the synagogue means the church and that the apostle Paul taught against the Law of Moses whereas Stephen did not. It is hardly useful to include those rambles here, and yet difficult also to address concisely a number of artificially connected notions. Nevertheless, we try below. A Libertine was a Roman freedman. It does not specify nationality, but status of citizenship. Technically, a Libertine could be Gentile or Jew. In the context of Acts 6, the Synagogue of the Libertines would be decidedly Jewish. Note the observation of Robertson. The Libertines (Latin libertinus, a freedman or the son of a freedman) were Jews, once slaves of Rome (perhaps descendants of the Jews taken to Rome as captives by Pompey), now set free and settled in Jerusalem and numerous enough to have a synagogue of their own. (Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft & Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament. Copyright (c) 1985 by Broadman Press) Vincent concurs and adds the following: In Jerusalem, and probably in other large cities, the several synagogues were arranged according to nationalities, and even crafts. Thus we have in this verse mention of the synagogues of the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asiatics. Libertines is a Latin word (Libertini, “freedmen”), and means here Jews or their descendants who had been taken …

What do you understand by the expression to “follow Christ”? In what way does following Christ differ from following other people? ~ Carol Kong The apostle Paul urged others to follow Christ by imitating him to the extent he was following Christ. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The Greek word for “followers” here means “imitators.” The apostle added to his encouragement to imitate him as he imitated Christ with these words: “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you” (1 Corinthians 11:2). They were to continue practicing the Gospel, which was empowered to save them (Romans 1:16). Likewise, the apostle John, by inspiration, stressed the urgency of abiding in the doctrine of Christ, that is, the Gospel or New Testament doctrine. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). In addition, the terms “disciple” and “Christian” each involve the concept of following Christ. The latter portion of Acts 11:26 uses both words: “… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The word “disciple” means a learner …

I know that there is 7 deadly sins. I have heard that there should have been an 8th one. Can you tell me what that was? A reply would be greatly appreciated. The Roman Catholic Church is credited with having coined the phrase, seven deadly sins. That list of seven sins contains pride, anger, envy, sloth, lust, covetousness and gluttony. (McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2000 by Biblesoft) I am not aware of a so-called eighth deadly sin. However, the Bible attributes to every sin for which one has not repented the capacity to condemn a soul to a devil’s. “For the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23). Hence, the catalogs of sin appearing in the New Testament list all manner of sins without an artificial distinction as to which sins can condemn a soul and which other sins are not bad enough to cause one to miss heaven and spend eternity in. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, NKJV). “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, …

… where do we get our instructions about interpretation. The ole’ standard by command, example and necessary inference is good till we get to something that folks see differently because they may be using a different standard by which to interpret a given scripture. ~ Steve Summers Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation. It is “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).”1 HERMENEUTICS. This term, from Gk. herme登euo (‘interpret’), is used to denote (a) the study and statement of the principles on which a text — for present purposes, the biblical text — is to be understood, or (b) the interpretation of the text in such a way that its message comes home to the reader or hearer.2 Contrary to what some may imagine, the common procedure by which one understands any set of instructions in the secular world is identical to the procedure by which one interprets biblical text. Hermeneutics is not some sort of religious apparatus that has no relationship to the world in which we live. Hence, the commands or imperative statements, approved examples and implications (from which we necessarily infer) by which one can properly evaluate biblical text are the same means by which each of us understands communication between any persons. In other words, logic or what is able to be reasoned from available evidence is equally adept for understanding both religious and secular communications. Little children learn the language within a few short years, complete with an understanding of the significance …

Where can I find the scripture that address the issue of not knowing one season from the other in the last days? Biblically, the “last days” refers to the Christian dispensation — synonymous with the period of Christianity or the Gospel Age. Prophetically, the “last days” pertained to the establishment of the kingdom or church in Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-2). “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3). Likewise, the prophet Joel foretold of the establishment of the kingdom or church in Jerusalem in the “last days” (Joel 2:28-3:2). The apostle Peter in Acts 2:16-21 quotes the Joel prophecy and applies it to the events of Acts 2 (i.e., the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the establishment of the church). Jesus, preceding his Ascension, sent the apostles to Jerusalem accordingly (Luke 24:47-49; Acts 1:4, 8-12). Jesus, Scripture says, conducted his ministry in the “last days.” “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom …

The main thing I’m trying to imply is that many Christians do things that are immoral and wronge. I am an athiest and I have always donated to charity and kept a good will. Wars have been fought over god and I wouldn’t think god (if there is a god) would like that. The other thing I would like to state is your cruel usage of propaganda against athiests. Though some athiests are as you have described them the same goes for religious groups. The talibon, the KKK, and all racial gangs are just as bad as the worst athiest. I will not try to convince you that there isn’t a god but all I ask is that we live side by sides and respect each others views. You act as if being athiest is a horrible sin but why should God even care if we worship him. As long as I don’t do anything wronge I don’t see why God should really care. Thanks for your time. ~ Joe Kramer-Miller Admittedly, Christians as well as non-Christians, including atheists, “do things that are immoral and wronge.” That is called sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). One might say that non-Christians major in unrighteousness and minor in righteousness, while Christians major in righteousness and minor in unrighteousness. The difference between non-Christians and Christians, fundamentally, is that Christians have been forgiven of their past sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38) and can receive forgiveness …

As a growing Christian what is the conclusion of the parable for John 22:1-14. Bless you. ~ Lorraine C. Watson You must mean Matthew 22:1-14. That parable is similar to the parable of the Great Supper that may be found in Gospel Gazette Online at: https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/jun/page2.htm The marriage feast represents the church or kingdom, which finally will be taken to heaven when Jesus returns again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The King is God; the King’s Son is Jesus Christ. The ungrateful guests and murderers of the King’s servants are those who disregard God’s invitation into the church or kingdom (even abusing and killing some of God’s messengers). Between the invitation to the original guests and the replacement guests, all mankind (Jews and Gentiles) are invited by God. However, even some who accept the invitation do not make adequate preparation to be permitted to remain; not everyone who becomes a child of God will be saved finally (2 Peter 2:20-22). The outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth represent removal from the presence of God into (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The many called but few chosen represents the sad fact that the majority of accountable souls will be lost and comparatively few will be saved in heaven (Matthew 7:13-14).

A sometimes critic of our efforts through Gospel Gazette Online challenges the hiring of a preacher as unscriptural. Proponents of this view typically oppose what they refer to as a located preacher and purport that mutual edification is the biblically required means of preaching in any established (with elders) local congregation. These people mean well and are sincere. See the following Gospel Gazette Online URLs for a treatment of preachers, ministers or evangelists. The current page will not redo what appears there, but will address the debate suggested in the title above. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/nov/page12.htm https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2002/jan/page20.htm The apostle Paul, we are told, cannot be used as an example of a preacher because he was an apostle. How convenient to attempt an exclusion of invaluable evidence with merely one’s “say so.” Paul stated that he was appointed both a preacher and an apostle; he did not argue that they were one in the same (1 Timothy 2:7). Further, Paul’s traveling companions are categorized as just that, traveling companions, in an additional attempt to exclude from review crucial evidence respecting the question under consideration. However, especially Timothy was a preacher (2 Timothy 4:1-8). Instead of jettisoning the evidence, the following lines propose an examination of some of the evidence, without a prejudicial predisposition respecting it. Preachers Besides the Apostles The previous articles (cited in the URLs above) establish that the words preacher, minister and evangelist essentially describe the same function, though each of the words suggests a slightly different emphasis. The biblical evidence teaches that persons beyond the apostles also functioned as preachers of …

I am looking for the name of God in the Bible. not titles. what was it in Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic or whatever  languages were used? was it Yeshua? Yahweh? or? Did Jesus have a different name? thank you ~ Michael Vantrease Names are primarily means of identifying persons or things and distinguishing them from other persons or things. In so doing, names may involve descriptions or relationships as a part of that identification or distinction. Hence, most of the names of God in the Bible fall into the category of describing him or his relationship to his creation. Besides these descriptive terms or titles, many of which are applied to idol gods as well, there is a single, unique name ascribed to the God of the Bible. That name is commonly rendered as “Jehovah.” “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them” (Exodus 6:3). “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18). Strictly speaking, Yahweh is the only ‘name’ of God.”1 However, God had this to say when Moses inquired as to whom he should tell the nation of Israel sent him. “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is …

1. Do Bible principals allow for Christians to listen to any religious music as a secular form of entertainment with the instrument, such as Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) that is so popular among the youth of our time as well as adults? 2. Can a Christian perform individual acts of worship during the week in addition to that of the primary worship of god on the Lord’s Day, such as the songs we sing during mid-week Bible service or Gospel meetings or singings? ~ Edward R. Henderson, Jr. Every instance of religious music associated with the church or Christians and about which one can read in the New Testament is a cappella or singing without instrumental accompaniment (Acts 16:25; 1 Corinthians 14:15; James 5:13.). The two primary New Testament passages that address singing in Christian worship are: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). Singing is the type of worshipful music authorized in the New Testament. Naturally, then, singing is the type of music authorized for use in the Lord’s Day worship each first day of the week. Likewise, whenever and wherever Christians assemble (e.g., Bible classes, Gospel meetings, lectureships, chapel services), the type of music authorized is singing of psalms, hymns and …

… benevolence towards non-christians. The Bible warns us against burdening the church in 1 Tim. 5:16. It also gives limitations concerning a christian widow who should be allowed to receive help. A few are she should have devoted herself to every good work, washed the feet of the saints, and have a reputation for good works. These limitations seem to be pointing only to a Christian woman. One other thing I would like to say is the Bible seems to tell me in Acts 5:4 that while money is ours we can do as we please, but once it is in the church treasury it is no longer under our control. That we as a church should use this money as according to examples and direct command. It doesn’t make much sense to me to use the church’s money for schools and other things which burden the church. It seems to me these things and others are the responsibility of the individual christian. We have to draw a line somewhere and it has to be where God has drawn it. Very Sincerely, Loria McCrimon First Timothy 5:3-16 pertains to Christian widows. Some of these are destitute and have no families able or willing to care for them. Christian widows who meet certain qualifications listed in that context may become the permanent beneficiaries of the church. Widows who have family members, though, are to be cared for by those family members. Young widows are charged to marry. None of this addresses …

I have a question about the church building being used for Mothers’ Morning out programs and day care centers. Recently, a congregation with which I am familiar, started a Mothers’s Morning Out program. It is available on Friday mornings at a certain price each month. I understand the work of the Church is covered in three areas, Evangelizism, Benevolence and Edification of the Saints. Is this congregation crossing a line with this program?  Can these types of programs fit into one of the areas of the work of the Church? I cannot find much of anyting that helps me here. I need some guidance. I just don’t know how to answer this when I am asked about it by my children or anyone else for that matter. Thanks for your help and the GGO. Kind regards, Bob Butler Church buildings are not mentioned in the New Testament. Therefore, restrictions some may want to make regarding the use of those facilities cannot be made based on commands or direct statements and approved examples respecting church buildings. One must rely, rather, on principles coming forth from implications present in Scripture. From those implications, we must correctly infer applications. New Testament commands and examples pertaining to the church worshipping imply the necessity of a place in which to worship. We infer, then, that the church may secure a regular place in which to worship. A place in which to seek edification and from which to pursue evangelism or benevolence likewise contributes to the …

I am particularly interested in your insight to the current issue of “women’s role in the church.” There are some congregations which are eliminating the ‘office’ of deacon in what I perceive to be an effort to allow women to serve in unique positions and avoiding calling them ‘deconess’s’ by calling them ‘special servants’ (both men and women). There is also the issue of women participating in the worship services in a public, leadership role. ~ Paul Dennis, Bedford, TX The role of women in the church and in the home has been a topic of keen interest in recent years. Consequently, several articles in Gospel Gazette Online are dedicated to that question. Go to the archive page and search for “role of women” and opt for “find exact phrase.” That search ought to yield sufficient resources to ascertain that God does not permit a woman to occupy “in the worship services in a public, leadership role.” The New Testament reveals that there were special servants in addition to deacons. These special servants did not displace deacons and some of the special servants were women. “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1). The word “servant” here is from the same Greek word from which the word “deacon” comes. Yet, depending upon the context in which “diakonos” (in one of its forms) occurs, it may mean “servant” or minister (Ephesians 3:7). In the case of Phebe, given that there are …