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To: blue-duncan
I don’t know what version of the bible this comes from but mine says they went to Samaria because the Jerusalem church sent them to confirm what was taking place there (Acts 8:12-14}.

You are absolutely correct. [Acts 8:12-14] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

This was done in direct violation of The Lord's command to them here: [Matthew 10:5-6] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

I guess you have to ask yourself....."Who should I believe and trust in? The Jerusalem Church....or my Lord and Saviour?"

No one is saying that Samaria, or Outer Mongolia or any other place on this Earth would not be evangelized. The Lord saw to it when He selected Paul, Timothy, Barnabas and others.....not of "THESE TWELVE"!

I'm reading the same Bible you are. Why do you think this happened? [Acts 10:44-46] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter. And also this: [Acts 11:1-3] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Because.....The Twelve were told to not evangelize the Gentiles or go to Samaria. God would see to it that someone else would undertake that task! That is why they were so astonished and critical of Peter....until they understood that the Holy Spirit had directed him to do this to show a way for the Gentiles also.

Enter Paul!

330 posted on 07/22/2007 7:13:54 AM PDT by Diego1618
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To: Diego1618

“Why do you think this happened? [Acts 10:44-46]”

The gospel first went to the Jews, then to the Samaritans, Jews who had intermarried and produced mixed offspring of Jews and Gentiles, then to full Gentiles. It was a gradual acclimation of the gospel to all peoples and the Jews had to be reoriented to this in their thinking. That was what Jesus was saying in Acts 1:8. You can’t put new wine in old wineskins without first reconditioning the old wineskins.


334 posted on 07/22/2007 2:06:05 PM PDT by blue-duncan
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