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Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 "shook the dust off" as well.
I realize that many Christians have a tendency to equate Paul's example and words with Jesus' and apparently consider him to have been sinless and above reproach in all that he said and did. I do not.
However, in this case, Paul may have been following Jesus' instructions since he did this in response to the [self-righteous] Jewswho not only didn't receive the message, but physically kicked them out of their land. It was Jesus' command to the disciples in Matt 10 to take the message to the lost sheep of Israel, the Jews. Further, Acts proclaims that Paul was doing many miraculous signs throughout his ministry so, if that was the case, power was apparently accompanying his message.
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt in this case, then, that "shaking the dust off" may have been the right thing to do -- for him, in that specific situation. After all, considering that he'd been physically booted out of the vicinity, there wasn't much else for him to do, anyway, hey?
And hopefully, he was "shaking the dust" as a symbol that he was shaking off any resentment or unforgiveness he might be harboring in his heart for having been persecuted so that he was also following Jesus' and Stephen's example by saying, in effect, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
I realize that many Christians have a tendency to equate Paul's example and words with Jesus' and apparently consider him to have been sinless and above reproach in all that he said and did. I do not.
However, in this case, Paul may have been following Jesus' instructions since he did this in response to the [self-righteous] Jewswho not only didn't receive the message, but physically kicked them out of their land. It was Jesus' command to the disciples in Matt 10 to take the message to the lost sheep of Israel, the Jews. Further, Acts proclaims that Paul was doing many miraculous signs throughout his ministry so, if that was the case, power was apparently accompanying his message.
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt in this case, then, that "shaking the dust off" may have been the right thing to do -- for him, in that specific situation. After all, considering that he'd been physically booted out of the vicinity, there wasn't much else for him to do, anyway, hey?
And hopefully, he was "shaking the dust" as a symbol that he was shaking off any resentment or unforgiveness he might be harboring in his heart for having been persecuted so that he was also following Jesus' and Stephen's example by saying, in effect, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
No, Paul and Barnabas were not harboring ill feelings...no Christian should. I personally do not know any that do either.
51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
No, Paul and Barnabas were not harboring ill feelings...no Christian should. I personally do not know any that do either.
51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Beyond that, when you [generic you] are demonstrating that you have the power of the Spirit of Christ to cast out "unclean spirits" and to heal all manner of sickness and disease, are raising the dead and are proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand (and can demonstrate what that you know what that actually means), then we can discuss what verse 14 means.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmiej
So, are we to share the gospel? If we (the gospel) is rebuffed numerous times, what are we to do?
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Originally Posted by Pleroo
If I were you, I'd make sure you actually know why the message you are sharing is being rebuffed. It might very well be that it's not the "good news" after all. Especially if your message is not accompanied by the signs of the POWER of that message.
Quote:
Originally Posted by saved33
Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 "shook the dust off" as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pleroo
I realize that many Christians have a tendency to equate Paul's example and words with Jesus' and apparently consider him to have been sinless and above reproach in all that he said and did. I do not.
However, in this case, Paul may have been following Jesus' instructions since he did this in response to the [self-righteous] Jewswho not only didn't receive the message, but physically kicked them out of their land. It was Jesus' command to the disciples in Matt 10 to take the message to the lost sheep of Israel, the Jews. Further, Acts proclaims that Paul was doing many miraculous signs throughout his ministry so, if that was the case, power was apparently accompanying his message.
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt in this case, then, that "shaking the dust off" may have been the right thing to do -- for him, in that specific situation. After all, considering that he'd been physically booted out of the vicinity, there wasn't much else for him to do, anyway, hey?
And hopefully, he was "shaking the dust" as a symbol that he was shaking off any resentment or unforgiveness he might be harboring in his heart for having been persecuted so that he was also following Jesus' and Stephen's example by saying, in effect, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
You are doing an excellent job explaining the Gospel of love, Pleroo. They refuse to admit that it is NOT the Gospel that is rebuffed . . . it is THEIR interpretation of the Gospel . . . and not by unbelievers but by believers in the Gospel and followers of Christ. Treating Gospel believing followers of Christ "like dirt" and "dusting them off" because they disagree with THEM . . . is NOT Christian. It is pride, vanity and hubris . . . NOT defense of the Gospel. There is nothing to defend from believers in Christ.
You are doing an excellent job explaining the Gospel of love, Pleroo. They refuse to admit that it is NOT the Gospel that is rebuffed . . . it is THEIR interpretation of the Gospel . . . and not by unbelievers but by believers in the Gospel and followers of Christ. Treating Gospel believing followers of Christ "like dirt" and "dusting them off" because they disagree with THEM . . . is NOT Christian. It is pride, vanity and hubris . . . NOT defense of the Gospel. There is nothing to defend from believers in Christ.
It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the gospel of love. This is where a lot of folks turn down the broad road.
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thess. 1:8)
If, it be possible:
"Be at peace with all men, otherwise you will become a hypocrite."
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After all, considering that he'd been physically booted out of the vicinity, there wasn't much else for him to do, anyway, hey?
