Atos 15
J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 15
Vernon McGee - That is the report. That is all they have to say to them. Gentile believers are not required to meet any of the demands of the Mosaic system, but they are to exercise courtesy to those who do—especially in the area of meats offered to idols, and of course they are not to commit fornication. Keep...free (present tense with reflexive pronoun heautou)(1301)(diatereo from dia - through + tereo - watch over, guard) means to keep carefully and in this passage diatereo speaks of moral abstinence, to keep oneself free from, or to wholly abstain from or avoid something (blood, things strangled, fornication). The only other NT use of diatero is in Lk 2:51 describing Mary's reaction to the boy Jesus continuing in subjection to she and Joseph. Luke then says "His mother treasured (diatero) all these things in her heart," which gives us a good picture of what the Gentile believers were to do - they were to remember them, think about them, never let them get away from their mind. As
Atos 15
Vernon McGee - There is consolation and comfort in the gospel; there is nothing but condemnation in the Law. The Law condemns. The Law is a mirror. When I look in it, I say, “Oh, McGee, you are ugly! You have fallen short of the glory of God.” But the gospel says, “Come on to God. He wants to receive you. He will save you by His grace.” It is a comfort, you see. (See related topic - The Purpose of the Law) Encouragement (3874)(paraklesis from parakaléo = beseech <> pará = side of + kaléo = call) refers to calling to one's side or one's aid which can be for the purpose of providing solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, encouragement. It is the idea of an "intimate call." We do well to recall that paraklēsis is a general responsibility (and privilege) for all believers and a special grace-endowment ("spiritual gift") the Holy Spirit bestows on some believers (cf. Ro 12:8). But all Spirit filled believes are enabled to be dispensers of encouragement (see note below). Have you encouraged any saints this week? Have you recently sent your pastor, you Bible teacher, your elder a note? Snail mail is still a wonderful way to do this - email is quick but seems a bit "cooler" than a hand written note. Try it, he will like it! And remember Hebrews 3:13+. Luke's uses of paraklesis in Acts - Acts 4:36 = Barnabas "Son of Encouragement"; Acts 9:31; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:31 (Acts 9:31+) -So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. (NOTE SOURCE OF THE PARAKLESIS - THE PARACLETE - parakletos! It would seem logical therefore that Spirit filled saints are more likely to be encouraging saints!)