Subject: baptismal regeneration - true or false |
Bible Note: Its worth noting that the situation in Ephesus was some time after Acts 10. We do need "a proper understanding" of the situation in Acts 10. There's no record that anyone else received holy spirit before they were baptized, not even Jesus! Acts 1:8 says: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea [Acts 2:1-8:3] and Samaria [Acts 8:4-40], and to the ends of the earth [Acts 9:1-10:48]." (Matthew 16:19) Cornelius and "all his family were devout and God-fearing." He "prayed to God regularly." His prayers had "been recorded" before God. (Acts 10:4, Weymouth) Why only "recorded"? Because not baptized yet? Peter was being prepared for this new feature in God's purpose. He stayed in Joppa "for some time with a tanner" named Simon. He was taught by means of a vision from God; he said: "Its against our law for a Jew to associate with [an uncircumsized] Gentile or visit him." (Acts 10:28) "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation." Note verses 45 and 48. Yes, "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." All these events clearly showed that God was now accepting Gentiles. (See Acts 11:1-18; 15:1-29) Stokeyhk. |