In Pisidian Antioch—-The Gospel of Christ welcomed by the Gentiles but revolted against by the Jewish people.

Acts 13:13-52

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
Click for a description of the image of the beast.

• Arrival at Pisidian Antioch., John Mark leaves the ministry.
• Paul preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Old Testament.
  • From captivity to the promised land.
  • From king Saul to king David.
  • From John the Baptist to Jesus Christ.
  • From death in the grave to resurrection of eternal life.
  • From corruption to incorruption.
  • From unjustified through the law to justified through Jesus Christ.
• Gentiles hunger for the word of God.
• Prominent women and chief rulers revolt against the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Arrival at Pisidian Antioch, John Mark leaves the ministry.
“Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.” Acts 13:13-14

“Paul and his party” included Barnabas, Luke [writer of Acts], and John [John is known as John Mark and wrote the Gospel of Mark sometime later].

 There were two Antiochs, one called Pisidian Antioch, and the other called Syrian Antioch. As seen on the map below. Pisidian Antioch is seen to the far north, circled in yellow, and Antioch in Syria is seen towards the east of the picture, also circled in yellow. The “Great Sea” is also called the “Mediterranean Sea”. Nazareth [the hometown of our Lord Jesus Christ] is seen to the very bottom of the picture and is north of Jerusalem. Perga in Pamphylia is south of Antioch in Pisidia and north northwest of Paphos and Paphos is on the island of Cyprus to the far west. Perga in Pamphylia is where John Mark left Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas continued to Antioch at Pisidia after John Mark left them.

Later, it is written that Paul saw Mark as being undependable to the missionary work, and probably as unfaithful to God in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as quoted, “Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:36-41

Later, Paul and Mark reconciled, and Paul wrote this, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul also calls Mark a fellow worker, “…Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.” Philemon 1:24

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are on a journey in this world to share our born-again testimony, which is the Gospel of Christ written on our heart. On the way, there will be some brothers and sisters in Christ who will change their mind and prefer not to join us on that journey. They will part ways with we who are active [where we can be] in spreading the Good News in this atheistic culture, which is global. Even then, those same people who do not join us now, may become a witness later [apart from our ministry] and are able to write about our Lord Jesus Christ. We may not be able to go door-to-door in today’s atheistic culture, but presently, we can write about our Lord Jesus through blogs and other social media sites.

In Antioch of Pisidia: Paul, Barnabas, and Luke went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. What happened next is described in the next post on Acts 13:15-41, where the Holy Spirit opened the way for Paul to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Old Testament scriptures. As followers of Jesus Christ, sometimes it is best to set silently and wait for someone to ask for our opinion or solicits us to speak in one way or another. When that happens, this is an opportunity to say a word for the testimony of Jesus.

Paul preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Old Testament.
“And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” Acts 13:15

That was the common format for church services during those days. Scripture from the Old Testament was read, then others would have the opportunity to expound on what was read. If we are ever asked if we have a word to speak on the word of God, Old or New Testament, that is our opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

From captivity to the Promised Land.
“Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.” Acts 13:16-19

In the days of the Apostles, the Old Testament was the Scriptures and from those scriptures the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented. I wonder if they had any idea that their writings would be called Scriptures today to form the New Testament Bible? Paul, all of the Apostles, and those sharing about Jesus Christ in those days, all started with the Old Testament to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy as the Christ and Savior of the world. This is known as the “scarlet cord” running through the Old Testament to point to Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. For us today, the Old and New Testament has become the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen…” The Jewish people, then and of today, are descendants from those of Israel mentioned in the Old Testament. Their fathers are particularly described as Jacob’s sons [Jacob’s name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28] from whom the twelve tribes of Israel are named after. The phrase, “…and you who fear God…” were non-Jewish people who adopted the guidance of the Jewish customs [laws of Judaism] and were referred to as “God-fearers”. The God of Israel is the same God of Jesus Christ and He chose the Jewish people as those who would bring birth to Jesus, a Jewish man from the tribe of Judah.

“The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.“. The Jewish people were exalted while in bondage in Egypt in that they started as 70 people in Egypt and grew to hundreds of thousands, Genesis 46:26-27. This exaltation of population growth came through the seed of the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel. The followers of Jesus Christ began as zero when God sent Him to this earth, but since then, the members of His family have been exalted to global proportions. Our Lord lifted His hand and brought the Israelites out of bondage, in the same way that Jesus Christ brings us out of the bondage to sin and death to the eternal promised land.

 “… Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.” For forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness due to their refusal to follow the word of God. In the same way, those of this world are not following God through Jesus Christ and are not able to find their way through the turbulent sin-plagued world. They are living in a spiritual desert where belief in God does not blossom, acknowledging the need for the forgiveness of unbelief through Jesus Christ does not blossom, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit does not blossom. Even so, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.” Our Lord brought the Israelites to the earthly promised land, destroyed their enemies, and distributed to each of the twelve tribes of Israel an allotment of land. God shows the refinement of those earthly allotments of land in Ezekiel 48. This is describing how God will destroy the nations of this earth to create a new heaven and earth where those who live for Jesus Christ will enter into the promised land of the New Jerusalem.

Paul is establishing the basis for revealing to the Jewish people that without Jesus Christ, they are those wandering in the wilderness. Without Jesus Christ, they are those being destroyed and the promised land of the New Jerusalem is for those who are obedient to the word of God through Jesus Christ. This is Paul’s final word at the finish of his preaching, “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

As seen on the image below, the earthly promised land that was given to the Israelites [image to the right] is a mirror image of the State of Israel [image to the left] given to the Jewish people of today [Except for the chunk of the west bank and the Gaza Strip that eats into it].

From king Saul to king David.
“After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—” Acts 13:20-23

After the Israelites were brought from the wilderness, God gave them judges, and those judges are described in the book of Judges. Then the Israelites wanted a king to be like the Godless nations around them, so He gave them Saul. The intention of God was never to give the Israelites a king to rule over them, God was to be their King and Ruler. However, the leaders of the Israelites demanded a king and so God gave them Saul. As quoted, the leaders of the Israelites said, “Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Samuel 8: 6-7

Paul was exposing the Jewish rulers as those who rejected Jesus Christ in order to have their own nation as a Jewish culture. The Jewish people were too arrogant or prideful to allow Jesus to be Lord over them at the expense of disbanding the Jewish culture. They rejected coming to Jesus because of the teaching that there was neither Jew nor Greek in His name. The Jewish people rejected Jesus as their King 2000 years ago and now they have their own nation and “king” like all the other nations of the world. That nation is called the State of Israel which was established in 1948. Since that time, the Israelis have been in 18 wars, even a war in the very year they were gathered to Israel. Click here for a list of those wars.

If the Jewish people would have said “Yes” to Jesus 2000 years ago, the State of Israel would never have existed, and neither would their wars and conflicts. That’s because as Christians, we do not have a country on this earth to call our own, our nation is the New Jerusalem of the new heaven and earth. And Jesus is our King. Our Lord Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight…” John 18:36

God gathered the Jewish people to the State of Israel as the place where He unleashes His judgment on them for rejecting Him as their King, as quoted, “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have all become dross, therefore behold, I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. As men gather silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into the midst of a furnace, to blow fire on it, to melt it; so I will gather you in My anger and in My fury, and I will leave you there and melt you. Yes, I will gather you and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you shall be melted in its midst.” Ezekiel 22:19-21

After God removed Saul for his disobedience to His word [Saul was possessed by an evil spirit], He raised up David to rule over the Israelites. David was a man after God’s own heart who lived by the will of God. This is where Paul plainly says that from the lineage of David was raised up Jesus the Christ and Savior of Israel [and the world]. In other words, the Kingdom of God is not Israel, nor the Jewish culture, nor any other nation of this world, but comes through Jesus as King of our heart, mind, and soul.

The Kingdom of God is within us through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of inheriting the eternal New Jerusalem. “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 We are the “purchased possession” purchased by the blood Christ shed on the Cross to atone for sin. Our redemption comes when we are resurrected from the dead into eternal life.

The Kingdom of God is within us through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of inheriting the eternal New Jerusalem. “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 We are the “purchased possession” purchased by the blood Christ shed on the Cross to atone for sin. Our redemption comes when we are resurrected from the dead into eternal life.

From John the Baptist to Jesus Christ.
“…after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’ “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.” Acts 13:24-26

God raised up Jesus Christ after the ministry of John the Baptist, and John was preaching the baptism of repentance to every Jewish person and every Jewish ruler. Paul was making the point to the Jewish people that they were in need of repentance to make themselves right in the eyes of God. Reconciliation with God would not come in the name of John, as John himself said that the Christ would come after him, One who would baptize in the Holy Spirit, not in water. Paul plainly said that the word of Salvation has been brought to the family of Abraham and all who fear God. That Salvation comes through the One who came after John the Baptist, not anyone before him from the Old Testament, and that One is Jesus Christ, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

From death in the grave to resurrection of eternal life.
“For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.” Acts 13:27

Paul is plainly saying to the Jewish people that those in Jerusalem and their rulers condemned the One that came after John the Baptist, the One who John said was coming after him. They did this because they did not know Jesus as the Christ who was sent by God with the word of Salvation. They did not hear the voices of the Prophets, which are read every Sabbath, to know that the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy of the coming of the Christ. Even then, the Jewish rulers fulfilled the prophecies of the Bible by condemning Him to death.

Today’s culture, which is global, is fulfilling Bible prophecy by condemning Jesus Christ, they do not know Him, nor do they hear the message of the Bible. Even those who sit in the churches Sunday after Sunday do not know Him through the Holy Spirit, nor do they hear the words of the Bible. They are the culture of the beast, the one that gives life to the image of the beast to speak and live through them. This is done as the beast has power over physiology to give people what to speak, do, think, and feel. This one sets in the temple of God [our body] as if it is God and is the one “…who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4” The “he” in this verse is the “Man of sin”. Click here for a post on the “man of sin”.

Also, today’s global culture and their global leaders have fulfilled Bible prophecy as they condemn Jesus Christ while establishing the United Nations that brought the government of the beast, as described in Daniel 8:1-14 and also Revelations 17. Also, global warming is a big issue of today’s atheistic culture, but they are not aware that this is the fulfillment of prophecy. Global warming isthe Fourth Plague of Revelations 16:8-9. The more powerful the United Nations become as the one world government, the hotter and more intense the effects of global warming becomes.

“And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.” Acts 13:28

Paul is now revealing more current events to the Jewish people that he is speaking to because they were among those who asked Pilate to crucify Jesus the Christ, as quoted, “Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified.” Luke 23:20-23 Our Lord Jesus was innocent within Himself and innocent by the standards of the law, yet they crucified Him.

The one who brought the forgiveness of sin, Jesus Christ, they asked to be put to death.

“Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.” Acts 13:29-31

Paul is speaking to those who were among the crowd who demanded that Jesus be crucified, and they were the fulfillment of the prophecies of causing Him to suffer crucifixion on the “tree” [Cross], as described in the prophecy of Isaiah 53. His death was certain as a Roman soldier ran a spear through His heart, “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:34 Even though the Jewish people thought they put a finish to Jesus Christ, God raised Him from the dead after being in the grave for three days. For forty days, the resurrected Christ walked the earth showing Himself to be alive, “…to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3

Today’s culture, which is global, is fulfilling Bible prophecy as being those who come against God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, belief in Heaven, Christians, etc. They are those who serve the beast who, “…opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelations 13:6-8 The “he” in this verse is the beast of the image and mark of the beast. They are those who want to put Christianity to death, as described in Revelations 12.  “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’” Revelation 12:17

Today’s culture falsely celebrates the victory over Jesus Christ: He is not dead but is alive in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of God and He is returning. Global warming is the Fourth Plague of Revelations 16:8-9 and our Lord Jesus returns in the Seventh Plague of Revelations 16:17-21 when the Seventh Trumpet sounds of Revelations 11:15-19.

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead…” 1 Corinthians 15:19-20

From corruption to incorruption.
“And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’” Acts 13:32-33

The “glad tidings” that the Apostles were/are declaring to the Jewish people is that Jesus is alive, despite them thinking He was dead and buried. That’s the Good News because their hope of Salvation is still alive through Jesus. Although they are wandering in the wilderness and have rejected Him as their King and Savior, they still have hope. Jesus is alive to lead them out of the wilderness of unbelief into the eternal New Jerusalem in the new heaven and earth. They can still make Jesus their King, Lord, and Savior by believing God sent Him as their Christ and Son of God. Our Lord Jesus is the Son of God, begotten by the Spirit of God, and Savior for the whole world to receive.

Paul is quoting this verse, “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.'” Psalms 2:6-7 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit….So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin will be with child, and bear a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:18, 22-23 [Isaiah 7:14].

“I serve a risen Savior He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer; And just the time I need Him He’s always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.” [Church Song].

“And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’” Acts 13:34-35

Paul is letting the Jewish people know that the resurrection of Jesus is a permanent one, He never returned to the grave after being resurrected and His body saw no decay [corruption] while in the tomb. Jesus ascended into Heaven where He lives today. In other words, the opportunity for Salvation in the name of Jesus Christ has no expiration date, it’s never too late to say “Yes” to Him, but “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.2 Corinthians 6:2

What are the sure mercies of David? Isaiah says plainly, “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul will live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:3 The sure mercies of David are included in the eternal covenant, eternal life. That eternal covenant is as quoted, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Paul quotes Psalms 16:10 as the Old Testament scriptures was the Gospel of Jesus Christ, “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” Psalms 16:10 Jesus Christ saw no corruption in the grave and God rose Him from the grave to live eternally. Likewise, because He lives, we who believe in Him will live eternally with Him. We will not be left in the grave because we are going to be resurrected when Jesus returns. Our mortal body is sown in corruption but is raised in incorruption. “So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.” Acts 13:36-37

The Jewish people put a lot of faith in king David, but he fell asleep [now waiting for the resurrection of the dead], was buried with all of the forefathers of the Jewish culture, and his body saw corruption by decaying in the grave. However, Jesus [who God resurrected] saw no corruption whatsoever while in the tomb. This was the Good News to the Jewish people that their hope of Salvation was still alive, after being responsible for putting Jesus in the grave. Salvation is something that David cannot provide, being dead and awaiting his resurrection, but we serve a risen Savior who is alive in Heaven. When we are raised from the grave, we will have a new immortal and incorruptible body. Click here for a post on the resurrection of dry bones from Ezekiel 37.

From unjustified through the law to justified through Jesus Christ.
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

Paul was/is revealing to the Jewish people that they are not justified by living according to the laws of Judaism, the law of Moses. Under the law of Moses, they continue/continued to be disobedient to the Ten Commandments and to the laws of sacrifices [to atone for sin]. Under the law, their hearts, mind, and soul continued to be filled with everything opposite of the Ten Commandments and the sacrifices for the atonement of sin meant nothing to them. However, through Jesus Christ they can be, and everyone can be, justified in the eyes of God through Jesus Christ. That’s because faith in Jesus brings the Holy Spirit to us and He cleanses us from inside through the process of sanctification. That is our walk of Holiness and is how we know that the law brings death, but the Spirit brings life. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 In other words, people can be given laws to live by but until their hearts want to live a life of Holiness in Jesus Christ those laws are meaningless.

Our belief in Jesus, as the Christ and Son of God, is what justifies us in the eyes of God. When God sees Jesus in us, He no longer holds our sin against us, His love for His Son is that powerful. Without Jesus Christ, God sees a sin plagued heart that is contrary to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Our Lord Jesus Christ brings the forgiveness of sin through His grace and mercy. He brings forgiveness of unbelief and by the remission of sin the Holy Spirit is given to us. “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just will live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith…” Galatians 3:11-12 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 To confess our sins is to admit that living in sin is not the path to travel in life, and if we admit to those sinful ways then our Lord Jesus will forgive us and allow us to change paths to live for Him.

“Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.’” Acts 13:40-41

Paul is referring to Habakkuk 1:5 when he quotes, “For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.” Click here for a post on Habakkuk 1:5-11 for those things that come upon the despisers of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. They are happening in our world and has been declared to us well in advance. Also, click here for a post on Habakkuk 2:1-4, and scroll towards the bottom, to see a list of some prophecies being fulfilled since the formation of the United Nations in 1945.

Global warming has been declared to this world, which is the Fourth Plague of Revelations 16:8-9, and the global culture still refuses to believe the word of God. “The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.” Revelation 16:8-9

Gentiles hunger for the word of God.
“So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.” Acts 13:42

When the Jewish people left the synagogues, the non-Jewish Gentiles begged Paul that he would preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them next week also. The non-Jewish Gentiles were cautious about asking to hear more about Jesus Christ in front of the Jewish people, who fought against the Good News. Those of today’s culture oppose the testimony of Jesus Christ and people feel cautious about seeking the Lord Jesus in front of them.

Some may wonder why the Jewish people allowed the Gentiles to be in the synagogues. The Gentiles were allowed to sit during worship and teaching and were known as “God-fearers”. They were being exposed to the laws of Judaism, not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then they heard Paul speaking of Jesus and wanted to hear more. The message of serving God by faith in Jesus Christ is far more attractive than living for God by the laws of Judaism. Some people want to be exposed to life, light, and Salvation, not darkness, destruction, and death. They want to hear about the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, not the earthbound and worldly teachings of today’s society.

Those who live for today’s culture want people to be exposed to the beast that governs through thoughts, feelings, words, and behaviors. They want people to be open and aware of that entity which gives life to the image of the beast to speak and live through them. They want people to be groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do.

The Gentiles were not allowed into the inner courts of the temple. Likewise, today’s culture restricts non-members from entering into the “inner chambers” of their social networks. “….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’” Revelations 2:24-25

“Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 13:43

Many Jews also wanted to hear more about Jesus Christ from the prophecies of the Old Testament, along with the “devout proselytes”. The devout proselytes were those who were devoted to the laws of Judaism, and Jesus said this about those Jewish proselytes, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Matthew 23:15 This was quite a miracle of Salvation for these proselytes and their Jewish teachers to follow Paul and Barnabas as they were encouraged to continue in the grace of God.

The Holy Spirit works within the good soil of hearts receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” Acts 13:44

“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 13:45

The hearts of the Jewish people were not receptive to the Holy Spirit, and the thorns of envy crowded Him out. They saw the multitudes coming to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they contradicted, blasphemed, and opposed what Paul was saying in the name of Jesus. Those who live and govern for today’s culture prohibit the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They squash large multitudes of people coming together in belief in God, sharing the need for the forgiveness of unbelief through Jesus Christ, and encouraging living in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The work of the Holy Spirit in us is to remove the attitudes of envy, conflict, and fighting against the Holy Spirit. This is the work of sanctification to bring us closer to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, to do a work of Holiness within us. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…” Hebrews 12:14-15

Today’s culture despises anyone or anything that stands in the way of the body, the temple of God, being the home of the beast that governs through thoughts, feelings, words, and behaviors. Jesus teaches that our body is the temple of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit. That is why today’s culture, which is global, contradicts, blasphemes, and opposes the word of God. They serve the one “… who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4” The “he” in this verse is the “man of sin”. Click here for a post on the “man of sin”.

“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:42-47

Isaiah 49:1-26 is an excellent text to read about the ministry to the Gentiles [non-Jewish people].

When the Jewish people rejected Jesus Christ, this could have put an end to Christianity right there and then. If that would have happened, then the promise God made to Abraham to multiply his seed would never have happened. God promised this to Abraham, “…blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore…” Genesis 22:17 Abraham’s seed was multiplied through the non-Jewish Gentiles [you and me], as quoted, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

The Holy Spirit says this about our Lord Jesus, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11-13

“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48

From the time of Jesus Christ, up to around 1945 when the United Nations was formed, multitudes upon multitudes around the world came to believe in God through Jesus. The United Nations brought the government of the beast as described in Daniel 8:1-14 and Revelations 17. We are living in the times where the global falling away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ has happened as described in 2 Thessalonians 2. The world follows the beast that gives them what to speak, do, feel, and think, “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelations 13:8 The “he” in this verse is the beast of the image and mark of the beast.

As a Baby Boomer, born in 1959, I remember Billy Grahm who was a preacher who drew multitudes to hear him speak about Jesus as the Christ, Son of God, who forgives sin and gives eternal life. He had yearly four-day televised crusades on major networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. The time slot was around 8pm or so, a prime slot for viewers. However, his ministry came to an end, and he was never replaced. Never again would a major network dedicate four days [in a fruitful time slot], not even one hour, to a true Believer and Gospel preacher such as Billy Graham.

Migrants have been crossing the US border by hundreds of thousands, and even millions, every year. It would seem like this would be prime territory for bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those looking for better opportunities, a new life, the forgiveness of sin, and even eternal life. However, no such ministry exists. Those who govern and live by the beast that gives them what to do, say, think, and feel, covet these migrants for their own unGodly purpose and agenda. That agenda is global, as quoted, “The United Nations emphasizes the importance of accepting migrants as part of global society…The UN encourages international cooperation to manage migration effectively, recognizing it as a key driver of development and prosperity. Furthermore, the UN promotes the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, which aims to address the challenges and opportunities of migration.” {quoted from an internet search}

Prominent women and chief rulers revolt against the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.” Acts 13:49-50

The word of the Lord was being spread all across the region, and that is when persecution was stirred up against Paul and Barnabas. The devout and prominent women and the chief rulers expelled Paul and Barnabas from their region. In today’s culture, the prominent women and chief authorities are expelling those who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ out their region. They do not want the teachings of the Bible to be in their social network.

The devout and prominent women of today are those who are devoted to today’s culture and have a prominent place within the social structure. They seek to rid society of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because Christians place Jesus Christ as head over the family and men as head over the household. In today’s culture, which is global, women are propelled to places of power and authority. The belief of the governors of the global government is that women are more peaceful by nature than males who are considered more aggressive. In order to establish peace and security in the world, they are depending on women in leadership position. They discard the notion that peace comes through Jesus Christ who gives the Holy Spirit by the remission of sin. They do not retain God in their knowledge, “…and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:23

I live in Circleville, and women are in positions of power and authority everywhere. From managers in the gas stations, to leadership in community agencies, in the educational system, to positions of power in local government. Today, the mayor is female, and the city council is mostly female. This is happening in cities all across the nation. These women are empowered by the beast that gives them what to speak, do, think, and feel. They are empowered by uncanny knowledge, heightened intuition, extraordinary skills and talents, uncanny authority over others, etc. This is the entity that gives life to the image of the beast to speak and live through them. They are groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do.

Placing women in positions of prominence in every city around the world is the agenda of the United Nations. The UN is progressing in becoming the one world government, which is the government of the beast. “The United Nations promotes women as leaders through various initiatives and programs aimed at their participation in political and public life…The UN Women Leaders Network… is a key example of this commitment. It unites a global international group of women leaders advocating for…participation in leadership and decision-making…The UN Office for Partnerships, through the Women Rise for All initiative, connects women leaders to the UN and global networks, amplifying their leadership in keeping the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.“ [From internet search]

“At the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.” Acts 21:8-9

Along with the prominent women wanting the Gospel of Jesus Christ out of their social network, so do the men who are chief authorities of today’s culture. These men are those who embrace the goals of the United Nations and embrace the power behind the global culture. That power is the entity that governs by giving people what to think, say, feel, and do. The chief authorities do all they can to support placing women in positions of power, authority, and leadership. This involves bringing the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and all births of Christianity, to extinction, as described in Revelations 12. The Good News is expelled from today’s atheistic culture.

“But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:51-52

Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” Matthew 10:14-15

The following verses describe what is happening in the world today, “Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb…” Revelation 13:6-8 The “he” in this verse is the beast of the image and mark of the beast.

Jesus says that night is coming when no one will be able to work to share the Light of His Gospel, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11