Acts 7:38 Does Not Say that “Israel was the Body of Christ in the Wilderness” that’s Just Stupid

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On June 12, 2021

Daily Encouragement | False Teachers | Israel

Acts 7:38 Does not say that Israel is the Church
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Lifting one verse from the New Testament (Acts 7:38) to make doctrine is foolishness

We must use the full counsel of God to discern Scripture, no matter if it’s just one passage or an entire chapter. Just making the statement “Israel was the Church in the Wilderness’ over and over again and lifting ONE or two passages in support is erroneous.

Those who choose to lift one or two passages to build a doctrine are easily exposed as false teachers against the full counsel of God.

And at the core of this type of made-up false teaching is unbelief. They can’t believe what God said so they make it up in their minds.

Ironically, Acts chapter 7 makes it crystal clear that God is dealing NOT with the Gentile world but ONLY with the Jewish people, the nation of Israel. His chosen people. Using Acts 7:38 to support the false teaching the “Israel was the Church in the wilderness” falls apart when one takes 2 or 3 minutes that it takes to read chapter 7 in its entirety.

Coming to any other conclusion after reading Acts chapter 7 other than “Stephen is making his appeal to the Jewish leadership and the nation as a whole (Not the Gentile leaders. The promises of a Messiah, Land and a glorious kingdom meant nothing to ALL the Gentile world). That all the Old Testament promises (Israel’s promised King, land, and the kingdom) were now being fulfilled right before their very eyes. Is the Scriptural definition of twisting Scripture.

The bottom line is that in order to come to the conclusion that “Israel was the Church in the wilderness” after reading Acts chapter 7. And comparing Scripture with Scripture using the whole counsel of God. YOU HAVE TO LIE.

 

This is the one who was in the congregation (ekklēsia) (That called-out assembly of Jews coming out of Egypt and down to the wilderness of Sinai. This is He who was in the assembly in the wilderness.) in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you.

Acts 7:38

 

Acts 7:38 Does Not Say that “Israel was the Body of Christ, which is His Church in the Wilderness” that’s Just Stupid

 

 

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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