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Having previously seen two in-depth teachings concerning the Book of Galatians which has reinforced the proper understanding that we are not to "obey the Law and commandments" TO BE SAVED; but rather that we are to "obey the Law and commandments BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED, let us now strengthen our correct understanding of the book by examining the historical circumstances surrounding the Book of Galatians
We should exert self-effort for GOD through obedience to the Law and commandments BECAUSE WE ALREADY ARE SAVED, NOT TO BE SAVED
In all probability, Paul's readers were predominantly Gentiles, located
in Asia Minor in the southern part of the province of Galatia in cities he had
visited on his first journey. They had responded to Paul's preaching and
teaching about Yeshua and had become his followers. Apparently, Paul had been
followed by a group of people now called "Judaizers" (although a more
appropriate term is legalizers) who
taught that the Gentile believers had to follow and obey the whole of Torah and
tradition as a means of salvation and/or spirituality. This
view of the Law and its relationship to Gentiles and salvation, as we saw in
the last article was an incorrect interpretation by "some" Jews of
their own Law. Adherence to this erroneous concept, in effect, replaced God's
grace in response to one's faith in God with a system based on merit and
self-effort. Again let us take not that this especially suited the purpose of
bigoted Jews who wished to limit connection with "unclean" Gentiles.
The Law of Circumcision suited their purpose well and this was a large
deterrent from non-Jews coming to the God of Israel. Such was never Yahweh's
intention. Paul was writing to combat this dangerous teaching. That brings us
to the correct perspective on the issue of grace and works; namely; that we
should exert self-effort FOR GOD through obedience to the Law and commandments
BECAUSE WE ALREADY ARE SAVED, NOT TO BE
SAVED.
Apparently, these legalizers claimed a connection with, and perhaps even
authority from, the Jerusalem apostles, particularly James (cf. Gal. 2:6-13).
Again, such was not the case however.
Gala 2:6 (KJS) But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they
were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who
seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise,
when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as
[the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought
effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was
mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who
seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to
me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the
heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only [they would] that we should
remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 But when Peter
was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but
when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were
of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;
insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
But, in all likelihood, these "legalizers" and
"judaizers" were self-appointed teachers who took this mission
on themselves and may not have even been accurate interpreters of the Torah,
let alone true followers of Yeshua as seen in Gal. 2:4: "And that because
of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our
liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into
bondage."
Answer for yourself: What was the
"issue" at hand concerning the Gentiles and salvation? Simply, as we
have seen, whether or not they non-Jewish believer in God had to be circumcised
FOR SALVATION AND OBEY THE LAWS OF MOSES FOR SALVATION.
Answer for yourself: What was that
"bondage" that Paul referred to? The "bondage" was the
false teaching and notion that Gentiles HAD TO BE CIRCUMCISED TO BE SAVED (or
obey the Law to be saved).
Answer for yourself: Did James, elders, and the Jerusalem Messianic Church send these men with Jerusalem authority and thereby send "legalizers" and "judaizers" with a message of bondage? No.
James understood quite well that as believers in Yahweh, one is SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, yet that faith must be an "active" and "living" faith that responds in righteous works which God deemed necessary and which are provided by Him for us in His Holy Torah
In Acts 15:1 we see that "certain men which came down from Judea
taught the brethren, and said 'Except ye be circumcised after the manner of
Moses, ye cannot be saved." This was not the message given to James by
Yeshua for the world, in fact, Acts 15:24 states "For as much as we have
heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words,
subverting your souls, saying, 'Ye must be circumcised, and keep the Law: to
whom we gave no such commandment.'"
Answer for yourself: Did you notice that
James instructs us that NO ONE from the Messianic Community within Judaism
(Yeshua's church) believed or held to such a teaching that one MUST OBEY THE
LAW OR BE CIRCUMCISED TO BE SAVED." I hope so.
James understood quite well that as believers in Yahweh, one is SAVED BY
GRACE THROUGH FAITH, yet that faith must be an "active" and
"living" faith that responds in righteous works which God deemed
necessary. James knew quite well that ONE OBEYS THE LAW, TEACHING, AND
INSTRUCTION OF GOD BECAUSE HE IS SAVED, NEVER TO BE SAVED.
Some elements of their teaching did find a responsive chord in Jerusalem
among the more strictly observant (cf. Acts 15:1-5).
Acts 15:1 (KJS) And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the
brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye
cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain
other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about
this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed
through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and
they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to
Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders,
and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up
certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was
needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.
{rose...: or, rose up, said they, certain}
Although the Book of Galatians' relationship to the book of Acts is a topic of much discussion, a good case can be made for Galatians being written before the Jerusalem council of Acts 15. In that case, the council decision helps to interpret the message of Galatians. The book has nothing to do with Jewish believers not observing Torah and tradition; the implication of the council decision is that they will follow their heritage and customs (Acts 15: 16f.).
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
Acts 15:16 (KJS) After this I will return, and will build again the
tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins
thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the
Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who
doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning
of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from
among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they
abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things
strangled, and [from] blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them
that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
Answer for yourself: Is Acts 15 written
after the death of Yeshua? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Did James expect that
God would see to it that the tabernacle of David, which had fallen down, would
be built again? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Are the Gentiles to be included in the multitudes of people who will seek after the Lord in the restored Tabernacle of David? Yes.
In fact, verse 21 is indicating that the witness provided by the Jewish
believers maintaining their heritage and observing Torah is beneficial in
educating these new Gentile followers in Yeshua in the statutes and ordinances
of his religion; namely Jewish
traditions and a Jewish faith.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being
read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
Answer for yourself: Does James' statement,
which seemed good to him, the elders, and the Holy Spirit, concerning what was
necessary for the Gentile's inclusion within the Yeshua Messianic Movement,
include Gentile introduction to the teachings of Moses and the Law of Moses as
was taught weekly in the Synagogues? It sure does.
Let me add a little for your understanding.
At the time when James spoke, the Judaism of Israel required circumcision for all non-Jews who wanted to convert to Judaism and Sinai Faith. It would be only in the Messianic Community of Yeshua where the non-Jew could find total acceptance into the Israel of God without circumcision.
Answer for yourself: After the death of Yeshua and the cross what was the focus of the teachings in synagogues where the Gentiles were expected to go after coming to faith in God.....Christian theology or Old Testament teachings as found in the writings of Moses?
Without a doubt those coming to faith in God were instructed in the Law
of Moses and not Christian theology as seen by James' quote some 20 years
following the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua. That means that the
earliest followers of Yeshua met in the synagogues and learned the Torah and
not "Pauline theology" as we grew up hearing. This means they did not
hear of the replacement of the Biblical Festivals with pagan holidays to which
Yeshua's name was attached, they did not hear of false atonements connected
with Yeshua's death, they did not hear of the substitution of Sunday for the
Sabbath, they did not hear of using the Tithe for any purpose other than what
God commanded, they did not hear idolatry taught in their assemblies in which
Yeshua was presented as God as we have, etc.
Answer for yourself: Don't you find it
strange that the assemblies of believers, as sanctioned by the head of Yeshua's
church, were not teaching "Yeshua" but "Moses?" I bet you
are.
Answer for yourself: Does you church teach you the Law of Moses as did Yeshua's church after the cross? Probably not.
Does you church teach you the Law of Moses as did Yeshua's church after the cross?
Acts 21:20-26 appears crucial to understanding James' perspective of the council decision and Paul's outlook in Galatians.
Since the Law had not passed away for the church Yeshua founded and his hand-picked Pastor, then why have we been taught that the Law has "passed away" by multitudes of Gentile preachers and teachers who obviously teach other-wise than James and the Apostolic church as well as Paul?
Acts 21:20 (KJS) And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and
said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how
many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the
law:
Answer for yourself: Did you notice that almost 30 years after Yeshua's death, which Christianity looks to as the causitive event for the cessation of the Law, that those in Yeshua's church who "believe" (implied...in Yeshua as the Messiah) was still zealous for the Law! I bet you never did and this should have staggering consequences upon you and your belief system, for almost certainly, the majority of you have attended churches that taught you the Law passed away with Yeshua's death.
Guess what? It didn't as you just read. We have been wrong and out
lawless behaviors, when they deviated from the Law and commandments of God are
called "sin". That means when your church uses your Tithe in areas
not allowed by God, you are an "accessory" to robbing God for the Law
specifically commands where the money is to be used and does not allow such
liberties taken by the vast majority of Christian Churches today. That means
when you sanctify and make "holy" your Church's holidays at the
exclusion of God's Holy Days then you have sinned! That means when you assemble
on Sunday and not on Saturday...you break the Sabbath and sin. The implications
in light of Christian theology and its multitude of errors is staggering!
Answer for yourself: Is your church zealous
for the same things which the church of Yeshua was zealous for? If you attend a
typical Christian church your honest answer is probably not.
Answer for yourself: Did the Law "pass
away" for believers in Yeshua's home church? No. They why should it pass
away in yours?
Answer for yourself: Then why have we been
taught that the Law has "passed away" by multitudes of Gentile
preachers and teachers who obviously teach otherwise than James and the
Apostolic church? That is a good question.
Answer for yourself: Does the Bible teach us
that the church is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and
not Charismatic Tele-evangelists, Baptists, Catholics, etc.? Yes, it sure does,
and since we as believers are to have our belief system built upon the faith
and doctrines of the Apostles and Prophets, then how can we justify our stance
believing the Law has passed away when it is blatantly obvious to the careful
reader it never did?
Answer for yourself: According to the
Jerusalem church council in Acts 15 where "necessary things" were
imposed upon Gentiles who are turning to God to be part of the Yeshua Messianic
Movement along with those things that they would learn as Moses is preached and
taught in the synagogue every Sabbath, would Paul be a good witness TO THE
GENTILES of the council's decision which seemed good to the Holy Spirit, James
and the elders, if he were to teach the abolition and cessation of such Laws?
No, he would be a false teacher worthy of death according to the Law.
Acts 21:21 (KJS) And <1161> they are informed <2727> (5681)
of <4012> thee <4675>, that <3754> thou teachest <1321>
(5719) all <3956> the Jews <2453> which are among <2596> the
Gentiles <1484> to <575> forsake
<646> Moses <3475>, saying <3004> (5723) that they
ought <4059> <0> not <3361> to circumcise <4059> (5721)
[their] children <5043>, neither <3366>to walk <4043> (5721) after the customs
<1485>. 22 What <5101> is it <2076> (5748) therefore
<3767>? the multitude <4128> must <1163> (5748) needs
<3843> come together <4905> (5629): for <1063> they will hear
<191> (5695) that <3754> thou art come <2064> (5754). 23 Do
<4160> (5657) therefore <3767> this <5124> that <3739>
we say <3004> (5719) to thee <4671>: We <2254> have
<1526> (5748) four <5064> men <435> which have <2171> a
vow <2192> (5723) on <1909> them <1438>; 24 Them <5128>
take <3880> (5631), and purify thyself <48> (5682) with
<4862> them <846>, and <2532> be at charges <1159>
(5657) with <1909> them <846>, that <2443> they may shave
<3587> (5667) [their] heads <2776>: and <2532> all
<3956> may know <1097> (5632) that those things <3754>,
whereof <3739> they were informed <2727> (5769) concerning
<4012> thee <4675>, are <2076> (5748) nothing <3762>;
but <235> [that] thou thyself <846> also <2532> walkest
orderly <4748> (5719), and keepest <5442> (5723) the law <3551>. 25 As <1161> touching
<4012> the Gentiles <1484> which believe <4100> (5761), we
<2249> have written <1989> (5656) [and] concluded <2919>
(5660) that they <846> observe <5083> (5721) no <3367> such
thing <5108>, save only <1508> that they keep <5442> (5733)
themselves <846> from <5037> [things] offered to idols
<1494>, and <2532> from blood <129>, and <2532> from
strangled <4156>, and <2532> from fornication <4202>. 26 Then
<5119> Paul <3972> took <3880> (5631) the men <435>,
and the next <2192> (5746) day <2250> purifying himself <48>
(5685) with <4862> them <846> entered <1524> (5715) into
<1519> the temple <2411>, to signify <1229> (5723) the
accomplishment <1604> of the days <2250> of purification
<49>, until <2193> that <3739>an offering <4376> should be offered <4374>
(5681) for <5228> every <1538> one <1520> of them
<846>.
Answer for yourself: Was the accusation made
against Paul that he was teaching the Jews to forsake Moses, to quit
circumcising their children, and to stop obeying the traditions of the Law of
Moses? Yes.
Answer for yourself: In order to ascertain
the truth, is James going to give Paul a test to visibly demonstrate his
submission to the Law of Moses as the authority for his faith and practice?
Yes
Answer for yourself: Is James' challenge to
Paul intended to prove his obedience to the Law of Moses after the cross and
the death of Yeshua; thus proving that the death of Yeshua did not negate or
abrogate the Torah for the Jews or for non-Jews as well? Yes.
Now...let us examine the text from above...
The Greek word for "forsake" from Acts 21 is as follows:
Lexicon Greek 646 apostasia {ap-os-tas-ee'-ah} feminine of the same as 647; TDNT - 1:513,88; AV - to forsake + 575 1, falling away 1; 2
1) a falling away, defection, apostasy
We are guilty as Christians of apostasy and falling away from God to the degree we reject and neglect the Law and customs of Moses
Answer for yourself: Was Paul accused by opponents of
Yeshua's church of teaching others to fall away from God into apostasy
by teaching Jews and Gentiles to forsake the Laws and customs of Moses and by
teaching them to cease to obey them? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Have YOU fallen away from God into apostasy because you have been taught by Gentile Pastors and teachers to forsake the Laws and customs of Moses by ceasing to observe such Laws as the Sabbath, the Festivals of the Lord, and the correct administration of God's Holy Tithe? I hate to tell you dear brothers and sisters, but the answer to that question is resoundingly "yes, you have apostatized" if you ascribe to Sunday instead of Saturday as the Sabbath, if you observe such pagan festivals such as Easter instead of the Passover, Christmas to the neglect of Tabernacles, and if you give the Tithe to your church to administer thinking they will be "good stewards" when in reality very few Christian Churches place the Tithe in those places Yahweh has placed His name as the Bible commands.
Answer for yourself: Are we guilty as
Christians of apostasy and falling away from God to the degree we reject and
neglect the Law and customs of Moses? Yes.
The Greek word for "walk" is as follows:
Lexicon Greek 4043 4043 peripateo {per-ee-pat-eh'-o} from 4012 and 3961; TDNT - 5:940,804; v AV - walk 93, go 1, walk about 1, be occupied 1; 96
Answer for yourself: Are we guilty of
apostasy as Christians if we regulate our lives, or influence others, to
reject, neglect, or cease obedience to the Laws and customs of the Mosaic
Covenant? Yes, if you listen well to what Acts and James records for us.
Answer for yourself: Can you see that the
church of Yeshua, after the cross, through James the head pastor and the Lord's
brother, taught just the opposite of the accusations made against Paul (that he
did away with the Law)? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Can you see that the
church of Yeshua, after the cross, through James the head pastor and the Lord's
brother, taught just that the Gentiles were to pass one's life in loyal
submission and obedience to the Laws of Moses and Mosaic customs? Yes, I hope
so (let us remember that we obey these Laws because we are saved…not to be
saved!).
Answer for yourself: Can you see that the first Christian Church taught obedience to the Law of Moses, his customs and rites not only to Jews, but through Jewish witness was to come the fulfillment of the Great Commission whereby all the Gentiles in all nations would by example be taught to observe all those things Yeshua commanded his disciples (the Torah)? I hope so!
The first Christian Church taught obedience to the Law of Moses, the Torah, its customs and rites not only to Jews, but through Jewish witness was to come the fulfillment of the Great Commission whereby all the Gentiles in all nations would, by example, be taught to observe all those things Yeshua both taught and modeled for his disciples from the Law
Lexicon Greek 1485
1485 ethos {eth'-os}from 1486; TDNT - 2:372,202; n n AV - custom 7, manner 4, be wont 1; 12
Answer for yourself: Is rejecting the Law of
Moses also the rejection of rites and ceremonies and Festivals since they are
part of the Law? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Do you see that the
test for Paul was for him to take men, buy their sacrifices, and purify himself
with them, shave his head as well as theirs (ending the Nazarite vow) that all
may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee (that
you teach that the Law has passed away since the cross) is nothing; but [that]
thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Did Paul continue to
follow the Law after the death of Yeshua? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Now for a tremendous question. Are you aware that the vow and the sacrifices Paul was offering in obedience to James' command included blood offerings and sin offerings...and all this over 25 years after Yeshua's death which Christian theology today says was the final sacrifice for sin (death of Yeshua)?
Answer for yourself: Do you think Paul would agree with the theology preached in his name today?
Answer for yourself: Did Paul teach the
Gentiles to keep the Law? Yes, in that he took in writing the decision of the
church council, that these "necessary" things must be done in order
to demonstrate that they had turned from idols and could only then be accepted
into fellowship with the church Yeshua was building? Yes he did.
Answer for yourself: Did Paul demonstrate
that he walked (regulated his life, passed one life, and conducted one life)
orderly by keeping the Law after the cross? Yes.
Referring to the above passage in Acts 21 written well after Yeshua's death....
The Greek word for "law" is as follows:
Lexicon Greek 3551 3551 nomos {nom'-os}from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); TDNT - 4:1022,646; n m AV - law 197; 197
Answer for yourself: Did Paul demonstrate
that he was obedient to the rules and laws which produce a state of approval
before God both before and after the cross? Yes.
Answer for yourself: How did Paul produce, in the context of Acts 21 written after Yeshua's death, a state of being "approved of God"? He brought blood sacrifices and sin offerings. Paul knew what we don't today...that Yeshua's death was not an ultimate atonement for all as it would become in the thinking of others much later in the Gentile Church as they misinterpreted the writings of Paul.
Are you shocked to know that Paul continued to bring blood sacrifices after the cross? Evidently he did not ascribe to Jesus' death what we have been taught...neiteher did James or the Jerusalem Church? Why not? Well you need to study to find out when and how and by whom "atonement" was later connected to Jesus' death...you will be surprised...that is why Judaism does not accept this today...nor should we!
Answer for yourself: Did Paul demonstrate
through a Nazarite blood sacrifice (Num. 6) that he was obedient to the rules
and laws of the Pentateuch and the Mosaic Law, thereby producing a state of
approval before God after the cross? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Did Paul bring a blood
sacrifice after the cross? Yes. (See Num. 6)
Let us now examine the word "offering" as used of the type of
sacrifice Paul is recorded of making in fulfillment of the Nazarite vow in Acts
21:26.
The Greek word for "offering" is as follows:
Lexicon Greek 4376 4376 prosphora {pros-for-ah'} from 4374; TDNT - 9:68,1252; n f AV - offering 8, offering up 1; 9
Answer for yourself: Did you notice that
this offering could be bloody or not? Yes.
Answer for yourself: How do we come to the
correct understanding since this occurs after the cross? See numbers 6.
Since this is a Nazarite vow, we must look at the commandments
surrounding the Nazarite vow and these are recorded for us in Numbers chapter
6:
Numb 6:13 (KJS) And this [is] the law of the Nazarite, when the
days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation: 14 And he shall offer his offering unto the
LORD, one he
lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering,
and one ewe lamb
of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one
ram without blemish for peace offerings, 15 And a basket of unleavened bread,
cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed
with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings. 16 And the priest
shall bring [them] before the LORD, and shall offer his
sin offering, and his
burnt offering: 17 And he shall offer the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings
unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the
priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering. 18 And the
Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation [at] the door of the tabernacle
of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and
put [it] in the fire which [is] under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. 19
And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake
out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put [them] upon the
hands of the Nazarite, after [the hair of] his separation is shaven: 20 And the
priest shall wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD: this [is] holy
for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the
Nazarite may drink wine. 21 This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed,
[and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that his hand
shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his
separation.
Answer for yourself: Having read Numbers 6, do you see that blood sacrifices had to be brought in fulfillment of the Nazarite vow which Paul was obedient to after the cross? I hope so.
Why would Paul bring "blood sacrifices" if the Law had been done away with by Yeshua's death? He most assuredly would not have brought such sin offerings if he knew Yeshua's death was a fulfillment of prophecy as a final atonement...don't you think?
Answer for yourself: Did Paul demonstrate
that he was obedient to the rules and laws which produce a state of approval
before God after the cross by bringing a blood sacrifice, thus obeying the Law
of Moses after the cross? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Why would Paul bring
"blood sacrifices" if the Law had been down away with in Yeshua's
sacrifice? He most assuredly would not have done so. The fact that he does
bring blood sacrifices COMMANDED BY THE LAW testifies to him and should to us
that the Law had not passed away after Yeshua's death and that the Law remains
today a pattern for life and conduct for believers in God through Yeshua's
ministry.
Answer for yourself: Dear Christian, can you
now see that the Law had never passed away after the cross and we have severely
misunderstood the message of Galatians in believing it has? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Can you begin to guess at the staggering consequences facing you since the Law has not passed away, and as Christians, we have lived most of our lives as "Lawless Believes," and every man or denomination has done, for the most part, what seemed right in his own eyes?
It is almost too scary to consider the many sins we have committed "under grace" without the guidance of God's Law which would have regulated our conduct and behavior if followed.
Bet Emet Ministries continues to warn the Christian concerning the Law and its demands made upon one's worship of God through the correct giving of the Tithe, as well as the sanctification and observance of the many appointed times with God as commanded in the Law concerning His Festivals and Saturday Sabbaths. We must repent if we truly are believers in God and love Him more than our erroneous traditions.
Answer for yourself: Did Paul have three
missionary journeys to Gentiles all over the world in fulfillment of the Great
Commission in which he obeyed Yeshua's command: "teach them to observe all
things which I commanded you?" Yes.
Answer for yourself: Was Paul teaching the
Gentiles "to observe things commanded" or just "faith" in
Christ?
Answer for yourself: Was Paul guilty to
teaching Jews and Gentiles not to observe the Law of Moses or were these
charges just lies said against him? It is not my purpose in this article to
expound in detail on the above question as I do so later in my website,
however, you need to know that there was "some" truth to the charges
leveled against Paul and as reiterated by James. Thus, the need for the test of
Paul's faithfulness to the Law and the Torah. It can be shown that Paul relaxed
the Law to non-Jews as well as Jewish believers when in Asia Minor during his
ministry.
Answer for yourself: Was Paul guilty to
teaching Jews and Gentiles not to follow the customs of Moses? For the most
part, no; however, understand that there were parts of the Torah (kosher, for
instance) where Paul can be found teaching in direct conflict with the Torah.
Paul would teach the Sabbath and the Festivals to the non-Jewish believers
along with the ethical commands of Hebrew Scripture, however, he would relax
the kosher requirements along with nullifying one's "accepted state of
acceptance before God" through faithfulness in keeping the Law. He would
replace such "acceptance" connected with obedience to the Torah with
his own which was blended with "pagan mystery religions and their emphasis
upon the blood of their gods for redemption." This is a little much to get
into here, but elsewhere on the website these issues are dealt with in detail.
The irony of Acts 21 is that Paul is required to do something in response to
James which he had taught against to the non-Jews in Asia. Now, back to our
study in Galatians.
Answer for yourself: Were "some"
of these "charges" made by the Judaizers (that Paul was teaching
against the Law) to limit Paul's influence, since he was not teaching OBEDIENCE
OF THE COMMANDMENTS FOR SALVATION as they were (the men reported to have come
from James, remember?)? Yes, I think you can see that now very clearly.
However, we must look beyond the "circumcision" question to the
problem of Paul teaching against the Law to the non-Jews and Jews in Asia. But
our emphasis in Galatians deals with the circumcision question for the most
part. The other problem is addressed in his other writings.
Acts 21:22-23 states: "What is it therefore? the multitude must
needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23 Do therefore
this that we say to thee."
Answer for yourself: Can you see the
importance of unity as stressed by James, and what does that say to us today
when we have thousands of conflicting and contradicting different Christian
denominations with multitudes of conflicting doctrines that prevents such
unity? What happened to the "one Faith" of Ephesians 4:5 in light of
thousands of competing variations of that "one" faith that exists
today? Has every man become a "light unto himself?"
Answer for yourself: Was Paul in submission to the authority of James and the Jerusalem elders and did he respond affirmatively by preparing to bring blood sacrifices and sin offerings as James instructed ....all after Yeshua's death? Yes.
If Yeshua commanded his apostles and disciples to teach the Gentiles to OBSERVE those things COMMANDED by him, and if James REITERATES these COMMANDMENTS in Acts 15 before they are written and taken to all the known Gentile world..then WHO CHANGED THE MESSAGE and led us to believe, as we do today, that we are not under God's Laws?
Answer for yourself: Should we also be in
submission to the authority of James and the Jerusalem church since it was the
missionary church from which the revelation of Yeshua emanated? We sure
should
James in Acts 21:25 reiterates the same decision made in the council of
Acts 15. I want you to notice that nothing had changed: "As touching the
Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no
such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols,
and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." These were the
"necessary things" (Acts 15:28)
REQUIRED of all Gentiles for their inclusion into the early church, thus
becoming grafted into Israel.
Let us summarize: Here, upon Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, James converses
with him about a problem. There was a rumor that Paul had ceased to follow the
traditions and taught his Jewish disciples to do the same. It was these Jewish
disciples that were to be lights for the Gentiles to follow in faith and
practice, and I am sure you see by now, that if Paul had been teaching the Jews
to reject Moses and the Law that would have been disastrous for the Messianic
movement. James suggests some steps to counter this invalid accusation. Paul
should take several men who had made a Nazarite vow, go to the Temple, join in
their purification rites, and pay their expenses. In this way he would
demonstrate his commitment to and consistency with Torah and the Jewish
Biblical traditions. Paul follows James' advice, and on several later occasions
expresses his own unwavering commitment to his heritage and its observance
(Acts 23:1,6; 25:8; 26:5; 28:17).
Acts 23:1 And <1161> Paul <3972>, earnestly beholding
<816> (5660) the council <4892>, said <2036> (5627), Men
<435> [and] brethren <80>, I <1473> have lived <4176>
(5769) in all <3956> good <18> conscience <4893> before God
<2316> until <891> this <5026> day <2250>.
Acts 23:6 But <1161> when Paul <3972> perceived <1097>
(5631) that <3754> the one <1520> part <3313> were
<2076> (5748) Sadducees <4523>, and <1161> the other
<2087> Pharisees <5330>, he cried out <2896> (5656) in
<1722> the council <4892>, Men <435> [and] brethren
<80>, I <1473> am <1510> (5748) a Pharisee <5330>, the
son <5207> of a Pharisee <5330>: of <4012> the hope
<1680> and <2532> resurrection <386> of the dead <3498>
I <1473> am called in question <2919> (5743).
Acts 25:8 While he answered <626> (5740) for himself <846>,
Neither <3754> <3777> against <1519>
the law <3551> of the Jews
<2453>, neither <3777> against <1519> the temple
<2411>, nor yet <3777> against <1519> Caesar
<2541>, have I offended
<264> (5627) any thing at all <5100>.
Let us examine "have I offended" in the Greek language:
According to the inspired definition for the word "Law," it is the observance of the "Law" that produces a state of approval before God...for faith without "works" (obedience) is dead!
Lexicon Greek 264
264 hamartano {ham-ar-tan'-o} perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the base of 3313; TDNT - 1:267,44; v AV - sin 38, trespass 3, offend 1, for your faults 1; 43
Answer for yourself: Did Paul say that he
had never been mistaken or
wandered from the Laws of God? Yes. I would like to
believe this but the accusation of the Jerusalem Church brings doubt; but let
us continue.
The Greek word for "Law":
Lexicon Greek 3551 3551 nomos {nom'-os}from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); TDNT - 4:1022,646; n m AV - law 197; 197
Does good intentions or erroneous obedience please God? Or does our love for God expressed in obedience to what He has commanded?
Answer for yourself: Did Paul say that he had never, in his opinion, been mistaken regarding any law whatsoever, or regarding a commandment or rule producing a state of approval of God (to the best of his ability)? Yes. Again we have problem that may not have an answer. Paul taught the Torah, rescinded some of it, but his writings or the writings attributed to him in the New Testament promote a complete "denial" of the Torah for right standing and "acceptances" before God; especially in light of Yeshua's sacrifice which is seen to be the substitute for the Torah. I have shown you that Paul did not believe that the Torah was abolished, and at the same time I showed you that Paul did "abrogate" some of it. What we need to understand is that Paul did not desire the Torah to be abolished. His writings might say things to this effect, but these writings were altered for over 400 years by the Gentile Church. It is impossible to read Paul's letters and discern "Paul's religious belief system" unless you also observe his life from the pages of the Book of Acts where it can be shown that Paul was obedient to the Torah and taught the Torah to the non-Jews as well. This paradox has only one answer: the writings of Paul have been altered or "fictitious" accounts created to serve the theological positions of Rome. The only way we can be sure is to "read between the lines in the Book of Acts" to see if Paul was Torah obedient or if he nullified the whole thing in lieu of Yeshua's death.
Answer for yourself: Since Paul said he had
never been mistaken regarding the laws in the Pentateuch (to the best of his
ability), do you see that he could not abrogate and cancel the Law of Moses and
still say he has sinned against no law perpetually? Yes I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Did Paul say that he
had not been mistaken or erred considering any Law in the Pentateuch and the
Mosaic Law? Yes. Paul may not of erred but if he relaxed the kosher
commandments to the non-Jew then he "erred" toward them.
Answer for yourself: Could Paul be mistaken,
when he said he never canceled or abrogated any Law in the Torah and Law of
Moses, unknowing that he should have canceled them all and caused the Law to
pass away? No, for I can't believe he could have been that deceived and used
and quoted from the Word of God (Old Testament) so much in teaching the
non-Jews while, all along, he secretly knew it should have been discarded.
Acts 26:5 Which knew <4267> (5723) me <3165> from the
beginning <509>, if <1437> they would <2309> (5725) testify
<3140> (5721), that <3754> after <2596> the most straitest
<196> sect <139> of our
<2251> religion <2356> I lived <2198> (5656)
a Pharisee <5330>.
Lexicon Greek 196 196 akribestatos {ak-ree-bes'-ta-tos} superlative of akribes (a derivative of the same as 206);; adj AV - most straitest 1; 1
Answer for yourself: Did Paul say that he
lived his life following one of the most strict sects within Judaism that was
accustomed to rigorous adherence and interpretation of Mosaic Law? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Don't you find it
rather strange that Paul would be proud of observing "the Law" (as
Pharisees were known to do) if the Law had passed away? You should.
Answer for yourself: Do you not think it
strange that Paul would live a life devoted to such a strict sect and yet try
to abolish the Law as he was falsely accused? I would think so.
Let us look at the Pharisees for a moment.
Lexicon Greek 5330 5330 Pharisaios {far-is-ah'-yos} of Hebrew origin cf 06567; TDNT - 9:11,1246; n m AV - Pharisee 100; 100
According to Josephus they numbered more than 6000. Some were bitter
enemies of Yeshua and clashed with his interpretation of the Torah and his
belief system; and were in turn severely rebuked by him for their avarice,
ambition, hollow reliance on outward works, and affection of piety in order to
gain popularity. But let us never forget that this was only one house of
Phariseeism, while the other house of Phariseeism agreed in principle and
spirit with Yeshua.
Acts 28:17 And <1161> it came to pass <1096> (5633), that
after <3326> three <5140> days <2250> Paul <3972>
called <4779> <0> the chief <4413> <5607> (5752) of the
Jews <2453> together <4779> (5670): and <1161> when they
<846> were come together <4905> (5631), he said <3004> (5707)
unto <4314> them <846>, Men <435> [and] brethren <80>,
though I <1473> have committed <4160> (5660) nothing <3762>
against <1727> the people <2992>, or <2228>
customs <1485> of our fathers
<3971>, yet was I delivered <3860> (5681) prisoner <1198>
from <1537> Jerusalem <2414> into <1519> the hands
<5495> of the Romans <4514>.
Lexicon Greek 1485 1485 ethos {eth'-os}from 1486; TDNT - 2:372,202; n n AV - custom 7, manner 4, be wont 1; 12
Answer for yourself: Do you see that again
Paul's testimony was that he had done nothing against the custom of his Jewish
fathers (like teach against the Law)? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Having studied this
paper, can you now see clearly that Paul never violated the Laws of Moses, let
alone forsook them?
Answer for yourself: Can you now see, better
than ever, that Paul never thought or would write anything that could be
understood that he advocated replacing the Laws of God with something like
grace? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Then can you begin to
understand that what we have come to mistakenly understand in contemporary
Christianity, that the Law has passed away, is totally alienated from what Paul
actually taught, as well as what Yeshua actually taught? I bet you can.
SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN TO ME-A
CHRISTIAN IN MY CHRISTIAN CHURCH?
Answer for yourself: If the teaching aspects of the Law has not passed away (only the judicial aspects since Messiah), then are we not still "under" the perfect Law of obedience? Yes.
We at Bet Emet Ministries plead with you to share this material with loved ones that they may inherit the fullness of God's salvation by rethinking the message of preachers and Paul, thereby rightly dividing the Word of God that they will one day not stand ashamed before God.
Answer for yourself: Since the teaching
aspects of the Law have not passed away, then what right do we have to continue
to utilize God's Holy Tithe in the manner most churches do as it goes to church
funds to be distributed how they will (building payments, insurance, bill,
utilities, car payments, due, membership fees in organization, fancy dinners,
etc), when the Law SPECIFICALLY commands us that 1/3 of ALL of the Tithe is to
go totally to the widows, orphans, sick, lame, blind, etc.?
We have no
right and we sin in contributing to such churches we we let them distribute
God's Tithe in such ways instead of obeying the Law of the Tithe that by now
you can see never passed away. Don't be deceived any longer!
Answer for yourself: Since the teaching
aspects of the Law have not passed away, then what right do we have to continue
to utilize God's Holy Tithe in the manner we do when God's Law SPECIFICALLY
commands us that the second 1/3 of the Tithe is to go to you for the observance
and celebration of the Feasts of the Lord as found in Lev. 23?
We have no right
and we sin in contributing to such churches we we let them distribute God's
Tithe in such ways instead of obeying the Law of the Tithe that by now you can
see never passed away. Don't be deceived any longer! We have no right
and we sin in contributing to churches whose church calendars are filled with
pagan holidays in which we affix the name of Yeshua to make them look
religious?
More in the next article in the series.