ACTS ERA BIBLE STUDY

(Although diligent effort has been made to present Bible truth in this study, it was prepared by fallible man. The reader is admonished to remember the commands of 1Thessalonians 5:20 to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" and 2Tim 2:15 to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.")

Preface

When studying the scriptures, there are four important points to keep in mind. Neglect of these points has lead to much confusion and false doctrine. Careful application of these precepts, on the other hand, will help open the Holy Scriptures for a clearer understanding of God's will.

I. WHO IS SPEAKING?

Sometimes men's words or thoughts are recorded in the scriptures. At other times it is God who is speaking and, yet at other times, it may be Satan's words that are recorded in the scriptures.

II. ON WHOSE AUTHORITY IS HE SPEAKING?

In some instances, men are used to speak on God's authority, for example the apostles Paul.

1 Corinthians 14:37.
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

In other cases, man is recorded as speaking on his own authority, such as Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes, where he records man's observation rather than God's revelation.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-13
I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

See also, Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 where Solomon records what he sees as a man as opposed to Philippines 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:8 and 12:2-3, where Paul is inspired of God to record God's revelation on the subject.

Of course, when God's words are quoted in the scriptures, He speaks on His own supreme authority. However, when Satan is quoted, we must take note, for he is a deceiver and sometimes outright contradicts God or may use scripture out of context.

Genesis 3:4-5
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Matthew 4:6-7
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

III. TO WHOM IS THE VERSE SPEAKING?

No one is foolish enough to think that they ought to build an arc because the Bible says so in Genesis 6:14. All are wise enough to read the context and see that it was Noah to whom this command was written. However, multitudes of people neglect to read the context on a variety of other subjects and vainly attempt to make application of portions of God's word that are not directed to them. The question of the Sabbath Day is a case in point. Note God's word to ISRAEL in the first reference.

Exodus 31:13
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.

And God's word to the CHURCH in these references.

Colossians 2:16-17
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Galatians 4:10-11
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

IV. IN WHAT DISPENSATION DOES THE VERSE APPLY?

Today, it is our privilege and responsibility to witness to relatives, neighbors and acquaintances for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

However, in the beginning of the "kingdom age," when the Lord Jesus is ruling and reigning here on the earth, there will be no need to witness to our neighbors for they will actually see Him.

Jeremiah 31:34
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Thus we see that the context of any given verse is of utmost importance. In addition, if we intend to find the will of God on any particular subject, we must consider all He has revealed to us on that subject. We must allow the Bible to interpret or explain itself rather than relying on tradition or human reasoning.

With these precepts in mind, may the Lord bless you as you study His word with a determination to better know Him and His will for your life today.

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."