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NASB | Acts 4:28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 4:28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined [before the creation of the world] to occur [and so without knowing it, they served Your own purpose]. |
Bible Question:
I am having a difficult time with Acts 4:27-28 Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. In the above verses, I read where it was determined by God that Christ should die. So far I have no problem Where I am having a difficult time is trying to figure out whether it was determined by God which individuals would actually put Christ to death. The word determined is the Greek word (proorzio)which has also been translated to mean "predestinated" or "ordained" So if God predestinated or ordained that certain sinful men would carry out His plan, doesn't that seem to make God an accessory to evil, and the Author of it. I personally do not actually believe God is the Author of sin. But how can I explain this text without it making God appear to be an accessory to evil? Does any one have a reasonable answer? |
Bible Answer: Hello, NC... God has an eternal purpose (Eph 3:11). He does whatever He wants with His creation (Psalm 115:3). God doesn't change His mind (1 Samuel 15:29, Jeremiah 4:28, 23:20). Nothing can thwart His plan (Psalms 33:11, 148:3, Proverbs 19:21, Job 41:11, Isaiah 14:27, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:17). God did not consult with us over His plan (Isaiah 40:13-14, Romans 11:34, Ephesians 1:11). He does not share everything about His plan with us (Deut 29:29). In the end, everything will bring God glory (Psalms 145:10, Proverbs 16:4, Romans 11:36, Philippians 2:11, Revelation 4:11). God is not the author of evil, for He is holy. However, He can and does use the evil deeds of others in bringing about His eternal purpose (there are many Biblical examples of this). These are called "secondary causes" in theology. I slapped this together from a variety of notes that I have. I hope it helps. Keep asking questions! Every time you are uncomfortable it means it is an opportunity to learn! There are always answers. In Him, Doc |