Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: SoothingDave
#341 (SD) Yes, of course. Except that Stephen got this grace through Baptism and the coming of the Holy Spirit, after being born in the normal state. This was all after the Crucifixion, of course.

Acts 6:

[1] Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
[2] And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
[3] Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty.
[4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
[5] And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch'orus, and Nica'nor, and Ti'mon, and Par'menas, and Nicola'us, a proselyte of Antioch.

It is a reasonable to surmise Stephen received the Holy Spirit at baptism.

[6] These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.

The apostles "laid their hands" upon the selected disciples.

[7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
[8] And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

Now, and only now, does Stephen become "full of grace".

So, like I said last time, if you wish to argue about whether grace is imparted at Baptism or not, that is a different subject and one upon which we will not agree.

It is not suggested that grace is not imparted at Baptism. That is entirely different than claiming Stephen became "Full of Grace" at Baptism. They are two entirely different things with entirely different meanings and it would be difficult for even you to twist the meaning.

In order to give you the benefit of the doubt I looked for "Full of Grace" in the Catholic Catechism. There are 10 entries. 2 for Jesus and 8 for Mary. That is to be expected based on the special veneration of Mary. (sly smile).

To repeat; there is no Biblical or CC reference to any person becoming "Full of Grace" at Baptism.

387 posted on 11/22/2002 12:52:55 PM PST by OLD REGGIE
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 384 | View Replies ]


To: OLD REGGIE
It is a reasonable to surmise Stephen received the Holy Spirit at baptism.

Thank you.

The apostles "laid their hands" upon the selected disciples.

Now, and only now, does Stephen become "full of grace".

I don't think you can say that. Just because he is mentioned at that point as being full of grace doesn't mean he only became so at that point.

Regardless, the laying on of hands is obviously a Confirmation or Ordination, restoring his baptismal grace.

It is not suggested that grace is not imparted at Baptism. That is entirely different than claiming Stephen became "Full of Grace" at Baptism. They are two entirely different things with entirely different meanings and it would be difficult for even you to twist the meaning.

Are you suggesting that only some grace is imparted at baptism, and this is different than being full of grace? Is Baptism perhaps a partial cleansing?

In order to give you the benefit of the doubt I looked for "Full of Grace" in the Catholic Catechism. There are 10 entries. 2 for Jesus and 8 for Mary. That is to be expected based on the special veneration of Mary. (sly smile).

I'm sure the God of the Google Search in impressed.

To repeat; there is no Biblical or CC reference to any person becoming "Full of Grace" at Baptism.

That you understand, anyway. You were doing much better just claiming my words have no meaning, than you are trying to understand them.

SD

389 posted on 11/22/2002 1:00:07 PM PST by SoothingDave
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 387 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson