Why is there a difference in wording in Acts 8 and Isaiah 53?

In Isaiah 53:7" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:7 we read, “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb”; but in Acts 8:32" TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:32 the order is reversed, and it is said to be “as a sheep led to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb,” etc. How are we to account for this reversal?

The quotation in Acts is almost word for word from the Septuagint or Greek version, the LXX, as it is described in letters. The word for “sheep” in the Hebrew of Isaiah 53:7" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:7 is not the same as that used in verse 6: “All we like sheep (con) have gone astray.” The word here is of frequent occurrence, whereas that in v. 7 (ral.iel) occurs only four times in the whole Old Testament. It comes from an unused root, perhaps the same as rAliam—to cherish—connected with an Arabic root—to have lambs. The word in the first part of the verse, translated “lamb” (sëh), is rendered “sheep” in several passages in the Old Testament. It seems, therefore, that the words employed by the Holy Spirit operating on the mind of Isaiah in this verse 7, are not so precise as to necessitate their rendering in the LXX translation as “lamb” and “sheep,” as they appear in our rendering of Isaiah 53:7," TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 53:7, but leave a margin of liberty to reverse the meaning of the words, and put lamb second, and sheep first, as in Acts 8." TARGET="_blank">Acts 8. It is a question of the words used in the Old Testament verse, which as I have said, are not closely defined and of the choice of words by the translators of the Greek version, from which the Eunuch would be reading.

W.H.

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What is the sealing of the Holy Spirit?

THE SEALING
Is the sealing of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation, a sealing on the forehead, seen outwardly, or is it experienced inwardly?

Does not John Bunyan refer to an outward sealing in the Pilgrim's Progress?

The sign of the old covenant was circumcision, an outward mark in the flesh. It is said in the case of Abraham to have been the “seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised” (Romans 4:9)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 4:9), which was of course exceptional, as infants of eight days old have no righteousness. The Lord seals His people as His own by giving them His Holy Spirit. “In whom having believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13 R.V.; see also Ephesians 4:30;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:30; and 2 Corinthians 1:22)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:22). This is not an experience subsequent to conversion, but at conversion; nor is it an outward mark on the flesh, but a spiritual reality, which no doubt will come out in life. John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegory: that is, a spiritual truth conveyed under the form of a literal story. We should get into no end of difficulties, if we interpreted the figures literally.

Are all sinners, for example, to wade through a literal “Slough of Despond” on their way to the wicket gate? Besides, even Bunyan must be checked by the Word of God, and no less, “experiences” that pious persons claim to have passed through. There is no such thing taught in the Bible, as a Christian “being sealed on the forehead,” and for anyone to claim such a thing is a mistaken pretension, which he should seek grace from God to abandon.

W.H.

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What is the meaning of

What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3" TARGET="_blank">2 Samuel 3: 33: “Died Abner as a fool dieth?”

Probably the thought is: “Did Abner die like an inexperienced fool, who knew not how to defend himself?” And the intended answer is, “No, he fell victim to a deceitful wicked plot.” Compare verse 27, in which the unsuspicious nature of Abner stands in marked contrast to the suspicions Joab had expressed concerning him in verse 25. Notice, too, that he was slain in the last place where it might have been expected he would be, in the gate of Hebron which was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7)," TARGET="_blank">Joshua 20:7), as well as being the residence of king David at that time.
Yet there is no doubt that Abner did really act as a fool on an earlier occasion, when he made the unwise choice of chap. a. 8, 9 for Ishbosheth and against David, and did so deliberately though he well knew (see chap. 3. 9, xo) what the mind of God in the matter was.

W.R.

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Can an elder

Can an elder’s wife receive a "crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:2-4)?

That crown is apparently for "under-shepherds" who are taking care of the Chief Shepherd’s sheep. The context of the book may explain why Peter (by the Spirit’s inspiration) calls it a crown of glory. Peter reminds believers of the sufferings of the Lord Jesus and of His subsequent glory (1 Peter 1:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:11). He encourages believers in their trials that their suffering likewise precedes glory (1:7; 4:13). In two ways, elders may have special sufferings. When enemies persecute believers, leaders are special targets. In addition, the burden of caring for the flock often causes them much grief and suffering of soul. Glory follows suffering, so in a unique way the Lord has reserved for them a crown of glory.

Another crown, the crown of life, is offered to those who "endure temptation" (James 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">James 1:12). An elder’s wife may receive this crown for suffering with her husband (in whatever way you may wish to apply that!).

D. Oliver
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Were OT believers born again?

Were Old Testament believers born again?

All believers in any dispensation are born again. Without the new birth, no one can see the kingdom of God (John 3:3)." TARGET="_blank">John 3:3). The Lord teaches there must be a new life to enter the kingdom of God, whatever the dispensation (John 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">John 3:5). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be seen in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:28)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:28). Abraham and Moses knew God in an intimate way. John 17:3" TARGET="_blank">John 17:3 teaches that knowing God requires eternal life (being born again).

J. Abernathy

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Is wavering faith the reason for unanswered prayer (James 1:7)?

Is wavering faith the reason for unanswered prayer (James 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">James 1:7)?

No. On occasion, God allows us to have what we request. The result is not initially the best for us (Psalm 106:15)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 106:15). He allows this so we will appreciate the security of His will. What He allows in our life is always only for our good -eventually, it is the best for us. The motive of such prayer was self-will, not faith. Nevertheless, God granted the prayer.

In James 1:6," TARGET="_blank">James 1:6, 7 the tried believer asks for wisdom. Verse three makes it clear that faith is being tried. In verse five, faith is being expressed and strengthened. The enemy of faith is double mindedness, a mind for the values of this world and a mind for the values of the world to come. That's the basic conflict James highlights throughout his book. When the thinking of the world motivates a believer's prayer, he cannot "ask in faith." Faith sees another and eternal world; it asks in keeping with that realm. In response to that prayer, our God gives liberally.

What hinders prayer is a mind that tries to accommodate itself to two worlds: the temporal and the eternal. Faith is not working consistently and the result is receiving nothing from God.

D. Oliver
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What should a believer do when others speak against fellow believers ?

What should a believer do when others speak against fellow believers ?

Believers often discuss assembly activities and therefore the Christians involved. As always, the fear of God should govern our tongues at such times. Romans 16" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16 shows us the sweetness of Paul’s spirit; his remarks express appreciation for assembly saints and their labors for God. Appreciate God's grace seen in others (Acts 11:23)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:23). "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil 2:3)." TARGET="_blank">Phil 2:3).

Malicious conversation against fellow saints, particularly overseers, is unacceptable (Eph 4:30-32)." TARGET="_blank">Eph 4:30-32). A response upholding these believers may silence such criticism. At the least, you can express your disagreement by silence or a quiet suggestion that we "speak not evil one of another" (James 4:11)." TARGET="_blank">James 4:11). In addition, privately express your concern to the offender in an inoffensive way that encourages submission.

Deliberate malice to blemish the character of another believer is very serious. Those speaking against others require shepherd visitation (1 Thessalonians 5:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:14). Failure to respond to such shepherding invites the extreme, sad discipline of excommunication as a railer (1 Cor 5:11)." TARGET="_blank">1 Cor 5:11).

J. Smith

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How can I know what work to do for God?

How can I know what work to do for God?

What a valuable expression of devotion to the Lord!

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:10) teaches us God’s way of entrusting lesser responsibilities initially. In fact, lifelong willingness to do "that which is least" is becoming for bondservants (see Philippians 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:5). Mark 12:34," TARGET="_blank">Mark 12:34, "The Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who . . . gave . . . to every man his work," highlights the Lord’s manner: He desires to employ every hand and entrusts to each of us our personal responsibility. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 9:10) advocates putting all our strength into what we do; that is especially appropriate for spiritual work.

Three factors may guide us in fulfilling our responsibility. First, our work will present itself to us. As part of living daily by the power of the Spirit, we should expect perceived need to encounter spiritual opportunity (Genesis 24:27)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24:27). Second, our work will not be disruptive. The Scriptures use a body to illustrate assembly functioning (Romans 12:5;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:27). If we assume we are a "thumb" and our functioning displaces another believer, we are either on the wrong hand (going about our work in the wrong way) or misdirected (doing the wrong work). Third, our work will have encouragement. Seeking others’ approval ought to be disappointing, yet the absence of encouragement should produce humble waiting on God. Work done for the Lord will eventually have His encouragement, perhaps in small, very personal ways, and the encouragement of respected believers. Only intimacy with God, however, can impart the essential awareness in the soul that a particular work, especially public service, is God-given.

D. Oliver
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Is our Bible with its sixty-six books complete?

Is our Bible with its sixty-six books complete?

It would be difficult to find a verse to prove that 66 books complete the Bible. However, careful research of the material shows that it is indeed complete with no other books to be added.

The Scriptures came not "by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved" by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21)." TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:21). Thus, the inerrant Word is divine and inspired (2 Timothy 3:16)," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16), making it authoritative and binding.

God superintended the compilation of these manuscripts, so that 40 writers over approximately 1500 years produced the Bible.

The Lord quoted from these writings during His temptations (Luke 4:4, 8, 12)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:4, 8, 12). After His resurrection, He expounded "in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:27), proving that these writings are the inspired Word of God.

Other versions such as the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) and the Vulgate (the Latin translation of Old and New Testaments from the original languages) include a "collection of religious writings" known as the Apocrypha. However, there is no record that the Lord ever quoted from the Apocrypha. This, in itself, indicates these are only historical writings and not divinely inspired.

Thus these 66 books are a unique and complete volume, dovetailing perfectly without contradictions or errors. Let us value and study them, as God’s complete and inspired Word.

S. Wells
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Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Mark 16:16" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

In Acts 10:47," TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:47, Peter commanded people to be baptized who had already received the gift of the Holy Spirit. According to Romans 8:9," TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:9, those who have the Spirit are born of God (John 3:6)," TARGET="_blank">John 3:6), so the new birth is independent of baptism. Being "born of water and of the Spirit" (v. 5) therefore cannot refer to baptism. The Greek construction could be translated, "born of water, even the Spirit." This is consistent with John’s explanation of the Lord’s words in 7:39: rivers of living water symbolize the Spirit.

Further, the New Testament presupposes that obedience characterizes those who are saved (Romans 6:17;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:17; 1 Peter 1:14)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:14). Since in Acts 10" TARGET="_blank">Acts 10 Peter commanded believers in Cornelius’ house to be baptized, we should rightly expect every believer to be baptized. Mark’s gospel emphasizes that actions substantiate truth (1:27; 16:20), therefore those who believe will demonstrate their faith by obedience.

A more cogent response, though, may come from observing that Mark 16:16" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16 describes two classes of people: those who believe and are baptized; those who do not believe. A third possible classification, those who believe but are not baptized, is not mentioned. Some of the many passages stating that those who believe (with no mention of baptism) are saved include Acts 16:31;" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:31; Romans 10:10;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 10:10; John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31." TARGET="_blank">John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31.

D. Oliver
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