Today, we continue our study through the perspectives on election.
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. (NRSV)
Bruce Ware turns to his second text in Acts 13:48. Concerning the emphasized phrase above, Ware uses the Holman Christian Standard Bible and maintains, "One indisputable aspect of Luke's statement, 'All who had been appointed to eternal life believed,' is that God's appointment of those who would receive eternal life preceded the belief of these very people" (8). He goes on to say if those believed simply based upon their decision and no act of God, then why would Luke make so big of a point (ibid)? Ware maintains Luke is pointing out God's choosing. In other words, when the Gospel is presented to the Gentiles, according to Ware, it's because the Jews (as a whole) rejected the Gospel, whereas the Gentiles (as a whole) accepted the Good News. "In short, these Gentiles believed the Gospel, while Jews rejected the same saving message because God had chosen these very Gentiles to believe" (9).
The response to Ware is taken up by Jack Cottrell. As to this particular verse, Cottrell maintains the verb form of tetagmenoi "should be taken as middle voice, not passive" (60). In other words, Cottrell translates the verse, "As many as arranged themselves unto eternal life believed" or "As many as turned themselves toward eternal life believed" (ibid). How one translates the tense of the verb from the original language seems to make a difference.
Next week, we turn to the writings of Paul. Any thoughts in regards to the verse in Acts?
“Bible reading as struggle”
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I love Acts 22 when Paul gives his testimony to the crowd. It is us hope that Jesus gave Paul the command to go and preach the good news to the Gentiles. I think it shows us the power of how sharing our faith and testimony is to others as well. I think this message give us hope. It shows us that God's plan was bigger than we could ever imagine.
As one who tends towards Arminius/Wesley I am sympathetic to Cottrell's response...So many great minds have hashed out predestination and salvation without resolution...Where does it leave us but to take a side and try to justify it? In the mean time, the clock's ticking and so many of us are distracted from the pursuit of Christ...
Hey Kinney!
I agree in regards to hope. I also agree that God's plan is bigger than we could ever imagine.
I would also maintain that same hope is found not just in Acts 22, but in Acts 13 with this passage of Paul and Barnabas, Acts 8 with the Ethiopian eunuch, etc.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
Hey Kim!
Good to see you again. I hear what your saying about the predestination/election debate. Please understand I'm not trying to add mud to the mix.
Although I lean to a particular "side" as well, I believe it would be irresponsible to not look at the study and come to a conclusion based upon the text. This particular study is not intended to distract anyone from the pursuit of Christ. In fact, it's studies like this one that really causes my faith to be strengthened.
Just like the book, I'm attempting to present both "sides". I pray you can sense some humility here.
Blessings!
Mike
Cottrell's comments demonstrate that the issue is not as clear cut as the Calvinist wants it to be and the context would seem to support his interpretation.
However, it could also be understood in the context of the Father giving those who know Him under the Old Covenant to Jesus. They were ordained to life (to receive eternal life in Christ) because they were presently in right relationship with the Father.
They were therefore among the "other sheep" that the Father would bring into the fold of His Son. Because they already "knew" the Father they recognized the truth of the gospel of His Son (the prefect expression of the Father), and were in that sense "appointed" to eternal life prior to believing because the Father will not fail to give those who know Him (i.e., are in right covenant relationship with Him) to the Son (John 6:37).
You bring up a good point Ben. The connection of Old Covenant to Jesus is something to think about.
Cottrell's explanation in the book is extremely clear and makes the most sense to me.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
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