• Church and Israel - The Contrast

Contrast Peter's quote of Joel 2:28 with what Paul teaches the church concerning the filling and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22,23).  The major difference in which the Holy Spirit will work according to Acts 2:16 in light of Joel 2:28:  the Holy Spirit will come upon (outwardly) all flesh.  This is the way the Holy Spirit worked in the Old Testament and will again according to Joel 2:28.  Today, the Holy Spirit works inwardly:  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  John 14:16-17.

With Israel, the Holy Spirit works outwardly.  With the Church, the Holy Spirit works inwardly.  In his address at Pentecost, Peter spoke with outward evidences of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:1-4).  The Holy Spirit literally came upon (outwardly) their flesh.  The point is this:  In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit is working outwardly with Israel and not the church.  It is not until we get to Acts 13 that we begin to see the Holy Spirit working inwardly in the Church.  Not to distinguish this major difference in which the Holy Spirit works will cause confusion in churches.  

The Kingdom emphasis in the first seven chapters of Acts must be seen, otherwise you might apply to the Church today practices and verses that really do not apply.  For example,  many Churches refer back to Pentecost (a Jewish feast) for their spiritual gifts; but in light of the above analysis, Pentecost gave signs for the Jews in reference to the offer of the Kingdom.  Some who hold to baptismal regeneration point to Acts 2:38 in support of their doctrine on baptism, not realizing that this practice and formula applied only to the Jews.  Jews are always identified as a nation (Israel) unto God, therefore requiring outward identification such as:  the baptism of John, and circumcision.  See Matthew 3:11 and note the baptism that John preached.  John's instruction to be baptized was specifically to the Jews and was not a Christian baptism.  At this point,  Christ had not died and resurrected.  Therefore, John's baptism was not a baptism related to the Gospel, but the kingdom (note verse 2 of chapter 3).  John's baptism was equivalent to Old Testament offerings (washings) that reflected a cleansing of both personal and national repentance.  The severe dealing of Peter with Ananias and his wife (Acts 5) illustrate the judgment of sin during the Kingdom age (yet to come).  Christ will rule and reign with a rod of iron.  Acts 5 is not a rule for church discipline! 

We are NOT to teach the experiences of Acts chapters 1 through 7 as a pattern for the Church. We are to experience the teachings of the Epistles of which all were written during the events of Acts chapters 13 to 28.

Neither Acts 2:38 nor 8:14-15 is the pattern for today.  It is Acts 10:44 that we experience and teach today: While Peter yet spake these words (the Gospel), the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  Hear the Word, Believe the Word, Receive the Holy Spirit and then be baptized!

Before we move on, it is important to once again note that all of the epistles (with the possible exception of James) was written during the experiences of Acts chapter 13 and on.  Everything about the epistle of James suggest that it was one of the first New Testament books written.  It was addressed to the 12 scattered tribes.  It was written when the church was still primarily Jewish.  Its many allusions to Christ'' teachings, but independent from the gospels, favor a very early date.  Its emphasis on the Lord's return (while omitting other doctrines concerning Christ) also implies an early date.  The simple church structure described in James supports its probable antiquity.  For example, bishops and deacons are not mentioned, only elders, who were part of the pre-church, Jewish structure.  James worked in like mind with the apostle Peter (Acts 1-8).  Like Peter, James eventually came off the scene.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger  

​Church Replaced Israel - True or False?   Churches mixing with kingdom teaching that pertains to Israel is not new. Yet, many sincere Christians are ignorant as to the hidden danger when the two are mixed together.  Example:   The Church at Galatia was bewitched while the Church at Corinth was bewildered.  Therefore, it is vitally important that we understand the basic message of the Book of Acts.

The Book of Acts could well be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit.  But it is important to note the progress in experience as the book moves from Jewish ground to Church ground.
Acts 2:38 - Peter tells Jews to be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-15 - Peter prays for the Samaritans and lays hands on them, and they receive the gift of the Spirit.
Acts 10:44 - The Holy Spirit comes on the Gentiles when they believe, and Peter can only stand by in amazement and eventually steps aside altogether.

In chapters 1 through 7, we are definitely on Jewish ground.  Their ministry (the apostles) was to begin in Jerusalem.  Even when you get to chapter 8, you find the apostles courageously remaining in Jerusalem while others were fleeing.  Here are but a few of the many evidences in Acts 1 through 7 that though the church, the body of Christ began at Pentecost,  she did not enter into her New Testament role at Pentecost. Instead, we find that at that time (Day of Pentecost) the apostles ministry was specifically to the Jews (the nation Israel) and involved the message of the kingdom (Jesus Christ personally ruling and reigning hear on earth).

  • The disciples expected the kingdom of God:  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  Acts 1:6.  Christ did not rebuke them for asking this question concerning the kingdom.  Actually, in Matthew 19:28, Christ had promised the apostles that they would sit on twelve thrones (a direct reference to the millennial kingdom where the apostles will judge Israel).  Therefore, the apostles acted quickly to appoint another apostle to replace Judas (Acts 1:22) anticipating the return of Christ to restore the kingdom to Israel.  The apostle Paul was not the apostle that replaced Judas. Paul's ministry was to the Church not the Kingdom.
  • Peter preached to the men of Judah, and Jerusalem in his message at Pentecost. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem...Acts 1:14.    Peter did not address his words to Gentiles.  It is interesting to note that Pentecost is a Jewish feast (see Leviticus 23:15-22).  This particular Pentecost was a renewed hope in the literal kingdom on earth.  They expected it!
  • The prophecy of Joel (see Acts 2:16) relates to Israel in kingdom context (read Joel 2:18:32), not the Church.  When Peter quoted Joel, he quoted kingdom language.  Note the evidence of the out pouring of the Spirit of God in Joel:  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.  2:28.  Prophecy, dreams, visions, all of which are consistent with Israel in Old Testament experience and will once again be experienced during the millennial kingdom of Christ.
  • Related Subject:  Mixing Law & Grace.  Biblical?
  • Related Subject:  Can Christians Fall From Grace?
  • Related Subject:  Origin of The Church?
  • Related Subject:  Day of Pentecost. What Happened?

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