The Local Church.

[Alan]

Acts 15:41, “Confirming the Churches”

 

“And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.” Acts 15:41

As we study the history of the church in the book of Acts we need to remember a very important fact. Just about everywhere Paul went the unsaved Jews, heretics, and false apostles, verbally attacked him and incited mobs to cause him physical harm and embarrassment. After Paul left the area these religious zealots, false brethren, false apostles, heretics, and even brethren in the pew tried to infiltrate the local assembles and corrupt them with false doctrines. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29 & 30

Paul clearly stated, “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” As I speak, Charismatics, the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, Calvinists, Progressives, and even men claiming to be independent, fundamental Baptists, will enter local assemblies, or spew out their perverse teachings on the internet, and teach false doctrines in order to corrupt the local assembly and draw people out of the local church to their own church or entice them to be a part of their audience on the internet.

Confirming

Because of the need to assure that the churches already established were doctrinal correct, to give further instructions to the brethren, and to warn the brethren against false teachers, the Apostle Paul and Silas began their second missionary journey “confirming the churches.”

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines confirming as, “Making firm or more firm; strengthening; ratifying; giving additional evidence or proof; establishing.” ⁱ

As the Apostle Paul and Silas traveled, they made more firm, strengthened, and gave additional instructions on the organization of the local churches that were already established. The Apostle Paul, through the revelations given to him and the other Apostles before the completion of the New Testament, gave additional doctrines, instructions how to establish a church, the qualifications of the pastor and other instructions as revealed to him as he met the saints and won folks to Christ. “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 12:1

Furthermore, the word “confirming” clearly indicates that where a church was not established, the two missionaries established a local New Testament, independent, indigenous, church as revealed in Acts 14:21-28

Churches - Plural

At the start of the second missionary journey of Paul the Apostle with Silas, went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia confirming the “churches.” The scripture is very clear that it is not just one church but more than one: 'churches' The accepted definition of “The Universal Church” is an invisible assembly of all the saved. Quite clearly, Paul and Silas did not confirm “The Universal Church” in any sense of the word.

Therefore, the Apostle Paul and Silas did not confirm “the universal church,” but they confirmed several individual, local assemblies, or churches, of the saints.

i “Confirming” Webster, Noah American Dictionary of the English Language. 1828. Cincinnati, OH: C.J. Krehbiel Company, 2000.

Edited November 5, 2019 by Alan
spelling (2)

[Jim_Alaska]

This was spot on Alan. I especially liked the last three paragraphs. This lesson really tore apart the "Universal Church vs Local Church" issue. This is one thing I have always driven home when teaching about the institution named Church. And that is that when Scripture talks about more than one church, it always says "churches", it never lumps them together to indicate them as one Universal church. The word "churches"  in these verses positively identifies that the word being in the plural affirms that there was more than one local church.

The act of Paul "confirming" the churches is exactly correct in indicating how mission works are to be "confirmed" by their sponsoring church. I consider this of paramount importance before any mission work is to be formally organized. It is a grave mistake to just turn a missionary loose and just "rubber stamp" his work without first making sure it is a solid work, ready to be organized into a New testament Church.

Thank you for putting this up, it is reassuring to hear these critical truths being taught today. 

[Alan]

Acts 16:1-5, “Churches – Established & Increased”

Verse 1-6, “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”

 A Map of Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Derbe, Lystra and Iconium

The Map is the Courtesy of: biblestudy.org

Background

After traveling north from their home church in Antioch, Syria, The Apostle Paul and Silas continued preaching the gospel and establishing churches in Cilicia. In Cilicia they turned westward towards they region of Galatia and Asia (Minor). Chapter 16:1 finds them in Derbe were they encounter a young man, Timotheus, or Timothy, that will have a profound impact on the gospel in the life of the Apostle Paul.

 As they traveled, and as folks got saved, they established individual churches in every location and delivered the decrees from the first church at Jerusalem as discussed in Acts 14:1-29

Important Church History Note

“…they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.” A New Testament church is a continuation of the first church established by the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem. A true New Testament church will follow the decrees, the methods, the practices, and the doctrines of the apostles as written in the scriptures.

 

The denominations, and or churches, and or Para-church ministries, who deviate from the decrees, practices, methods, and doctrines of the scriptures, are not New Testament churches.

 Churches – Plural - Established

 “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” As the Apostle Paul and Silas traveled churches were established in the faith and increased in number. Although the number of churches, or local assemblies of believers, are not recorded, the scripture is very clear that they were numerous and local, and independent of any denominational authority.

 Also, in no manner, or fashion, was there a “universal church” established or even hinted of. 

Edited October 27, 2018 by Alan
lives to life map location

[Alan]

On 9/2/2018 at 9:06 AM, Alan said:

Important Church History Note

“…they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.” A New Testament church is a continuation of the first church established by the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem. A true New Testament church will follow the decrees, the methods, the practices, and the doctrines of the apostles as written in the scriptures.

A lesson on the first church in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2:41-47, will be forthcoming.

Alan

[Alan]

Acts 2:41-47, “The Church at Jerusalem”

 “Then that that gladly received his word was baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:41-47

 Baptism

“… was baptized:” The converts were baptized with physical water, being fully immersed, after salvation.

 Baptism after Salvation

 Baptism is a solemn picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ; Romans 6:1-5 Baptism is one of the two ordinances given to the church. The church at Jerusalem is a perfect example of how baptism is to be accomplished after salvation, not before, and not a sacrament for salvation.

 The sacrament of infant baptism by the Roman Catholic Church, and the practice by the Church of Christ in order to be saved, are both grave errors and are not a New Testament church ordinance.

 John the Baptist

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19 & 20 John the Baptist, as a prophet, and the forerunner, and baptizer, of Jesus Christ, is included as the foundation of the church.

 The Apostle Peter in Acts 2:22 stated, “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” The Apostle Peter, and the other apostles, clearly followed the teachings of John the Baptist concerning baptism. The baptism of John was by immersion: Matthew 3:13-17 and Acts 8:26-40

A New Testament church will follow the baptism of John. The practice of sprinkling, or pouring, by the Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church, and any other church, is not a New Testament church method of baptism.

 Those churches that reject the baptism of immersion as practiced by John the Baptist are going against the practice of the first church at Jerusalem. Furthermore, they are like the Pharisees who rejected the baptism of John the Baptist and therefore rejected the counsel of God. “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:29 & 30

Therefore, to reject the baptism of John the Baptist, immersion, after salvation, is a rejection of the counsel of God.

 Furthermore, the name of the individual who baptized the Lord Jesus was John. The title of John was, “the Baptist.” For a New Testament church who decides to fully follow as a disciple of John, and Jesus Christ, and call them themselves, “the Baptist Church,” is a good statement of where the church stands in relationship with John the Baptist and in doctrinal matters.

 “about three thousand souls”

 The first church at Jerusalem was a soul-winning church. A New Testament church is a soul-winning church. A church that is not a soul-winning church is not following the example of the first church at Jerusalem

 “in the temple“

Also, “ … and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.” Acts 5:12. Solomon’s porch was part of the Temple at Jerusalem.

 The first church at Jerusalem met in the Temple at Jerusalem. The Temple was a physical structure, ordained by God Himself, for public worship. For a local church to met in a building, a physical structure, for the worship of the Lord Jesus as the head of the church is following the practice of the first church at Jerusalem.

Therefore, the first church at Jerusalem assembled in a building. The common practice of Baptist assemblies calling the physical structure that they meet in a “Temple” is also in accordance to the assembly location of the first church at Jerusalem.

 “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

‘Church’ is in the singular as there was only one church in Jerusalem at the time of Acts 2:41-47 Therefore, the Jerusalem assembly was local.

 The preaching of the gospel, and the salvation of souls, and the addition to these souls to the church, continued on a daily basis.

 “apostles’ doctrine and fellowship”

As a part of the foundation of the church, the Lord gave the apostles the doctrines of the New Testament that the assembled church was to believe and follow. As the New Testament was not fully written, the apostles were the instruments that the Lord Jesus used to keep the early church doctrinal correct.

 The So-called, ‘Apostles Creed’

The so-called, Apostles Creed, is not the “apostle’s doctrine,” as written in Acts 2:42.

The Apostles

Along with the other Apostles, the doctrines of the early church are more developed as Paul, Peter, James, and John, write their epistles through the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the General Assembly, the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, brethren called saints, the church as part (not replacing) of the elect of God, are more fully developed, and understood, as the Apostle Paul reveals these other aspects of the church more fully.

Until the complete New Testament is written, the local assemblies listen, and follow, the teachings of the apostles. Not one time do any of the Apostles refer to a ‘Universal Church,’ or a denominational headquarters.

Edited September 7, 2018 by Alan
grammer

[Jim_Alaska]

Excellent lesson Alan. I especially like this part: "Furthermore, the name of the individual who baptized the Lord Jesus was John. The title of John was, “the Baptist.” For a New Testament church who decides to fully follow as a disciple of John, and Jesus Christ, and call them themselves, “the Baptist Church,” is a good statement of where the church stands in relationship with John the Baptist and in doctrinal matters."

This is something that most leave out of lessons and even just plain conversation. They never identify a Baptist church, in name, as being identified with John the Baptist.

I have recently taught this concept, both in my church and here on OB.

For a New Testament church to take the name "Baptist" is an affirmation of the lineage of the church that Jesus built. It also identifies with the teaching, ministry and person of John the Baptist.

It is also not without great significance that John's title of "The Baptist". was given to him by The Lord himself:    Mt 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

[Alan]

On 9/7/2018 at 11:53 PM, Jim_Alaska said:

It is also not without great significance that John's title of "The Baptist". was given to him by The Lord himself:    Mt 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

Jim,

I appreciate you mentioning Matthew 11:11 and your comments.

Alan

[Alan]

Brethren,

We will continue the study of the local church (churches), in the book of Acts by discussing Acts 8:1-3 and 9:19-31Both of these passages are connected with Saul /Paul before he was converted and after his conversion.

As before, we will be looking at the context of the passage to determine the meaning of the word 'church' and 'churches.'

Alan

[*Light*]

I am grieved over the lack of doctrinal truth and spiritual discernment found in the majority of local churches today (e.g., false doctrines, bibles rarely being used, the name of Jesus almost never mentioned, worldly sermons, glorifying self, etc.). I would go as far as to say that nearly 90% of local churches (if not more) do not uphold to biblical truths; and especially not with what "church" has become here in the waning days of the Lukewarmness which abounds. It is typical of people who have adopted an easy and comfortable way of doing things not only to proclaim themselves "right" in their wrong-doing, but also to find fault with others who ARE doing it right. Why? Because such individuals challenge their comfort. Also, if they can get the people who are doing it right to do it "their way" instead, then they will feel much more secure in their wrong approach. This is, after all, how the devil got a third of the angels to join up: not only were they doing what they wanted to do (instead of doing the right thing) but with so many doing it there was safety in numbers. A third of the angels can't be wrong, can they? Yes they can. So many Christians going to church where the Word is NEVER taught or else is error is taught about it can't be wrong can they? Yes they can.

Everyone should attend church, but why are we going there? If it's not to learn the truth and grow spiritually from it -- the whole reason for Christian assembly -- then we are only wasting our time . . . or worse (if what is being "taught" is contrary to the truth which is often the case). Churches today tend to be little more than social get-togethers, so that even though there may be differing in their formal creeds, really no one believes much of anything (anything of the truth, that is). So whether a church in question focuses on wowing the congregation with "worldly" music, or hell-fire and brimstone, or speaking in tongues, or extensive high ritual, what they have in common is no truth (or very little of it) and very often falsity instead. 
     
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
     
The assembling of believers OUGHT to be an occasion for mutual edification and motivation for learning, teaching and believing the truth and living it out. That is the PURPOSE for the assembly. It's about the purpose! We can find some BAD examples of this all throughout the Bible. Here are a few passages about assemblies that do not accomplish the purpose:
     
When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. (Isaiah 1:12-14)

I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemmn assemblies. (Amos 5:21)

Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. (Malachi 1:10) 
       
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, [but for the worse]. (1 Corinthians 11:17)
     
I certainly encourage every Christian to fellowship with other Christians who are likewise dedicated to the truth so that by such fellowship they may be encouraged and helped even as we encourage and help them -- and to bring Glory to God. That is what local churches of Jesus Christ is supposed to be doing -- and what better and more efficient way of doing so than face to face? Churches which teach false doctrines and damnable heresies are a dime a dozen these days, and those are lies. And we are not required to believe lies.  Rather, we are to refute them with the truth. It's all about the truth, and that is a difficult commodity to come by in the vast majority of churches today . . . and they are very few and far between.

God Bless!

[Alan]

27 minutes ago, (Omega) said:

Everyone should attend church, but why are we going there? If it's not to learn the truth and grow spiritually from it -- the whole reason for Christian assembly -- then we are only wasting our time . . . or worse (if what is being "taught" is contrary to the truth which is often the case). Churches today tend to be little more than social get-togethers, so that even though there may be differing in their formal creeds, really no one believes much of anything (anything of the truth, that is). So whether a church in question focuses on wowing the congregation with "worldly" music, or hell-fire and brimstone, or speaking in tongues, or extensive high ritual, what they have in common is no truth (or very little of it) and very often falsity instead. 

Omega,

I appreciate your thoughts.

The above quotation from you is the the same thought in one my future lessons on the local church. In one of my previous lessons I mentioned that the Lord Jesus is the invisible head of the local church: Revelation 1:11. Eventually, I hope, we will be discussing that all of the 7 churches in Asia, Revelation 1:11-3:22, were local churches. A lot of the churches in our age, as you said, are "... a little more than social get-togethers." 

I appreciate your comments. They are a helpful addition to this study.

Alan

[*Light*]

On 9/13/2018 at 6:35 AM, Alan said:

Omega,

I appreciate your thoughts.

The above quotation from you is the the same thought in one my future lessons on the local church. In one of my previous lessons I mentioned that the Lord Jesus is the invisible head of the local church: Revelation 1:11. Eventually, I hope, we will be discussing that all of the 7 churches in Asia, Revelation 1:11-3:22, were local churches. A lot of the churches in our age, as you said, are "... a little more than social get-togethers." 

I appreciate your comments. They are a helpful addition to this study.

Alan

Yes Alan,

This reminds me of Mr. Osteen and his congregation where the Satan has sown tares in Christendom ("Christiandumb"). It seems pretty clear to me that there is at the very least very LITTLE (or ZERO) spiritual depth to his inspirational pep-talks. In this, of course, he is far from unique. Contemporary Christianity has elevated the sermon-format to the centerpiece of corporate "worship", and it has come to be a mere form of entertainment (if it was ever truly anything else). Mr. Osteen has merely packaged this church-o-tainment in a way that is apparently attractive for some people's tastes. But it is certainly the case that aspiring to pablum of this sort instead of solid spiritual food is not what any Christian who truly loves the Lord Jesus ought to be doing. The more one grows spiritually from careful attention to and belief in the Word of God, the more it becomes glaringly obvious when a particular teacher or brand of "teaching" is lacking in substance.

God Bless!

[Alan]

On 9/14/2018 at 3:26 PM, (Omega) said:

Contemporary Christianity has elevated the sermon-format to the centerpiece of corporate "worship", and it has come to be a mere form of entertainment (if it was ever truly anything else).

One of (there are several), the reasons why I started this thread is that I noticed two things. One of the reasons lies in the word "corporate." 

1. Corporate.

Denominations are like corporations. Businesses are operated  in a "hierarchical" manner  in order to grow a business. The "headquarters" of a denomination or a business is to run the church or the business. The Lord Jesus, and the Apostles, never started a denomination. All denominations are "hierarchical" in nature in order to perpetuate the denomination. A businessman understands the how, and why, a denomination operates.

Balaam, heretics, the cults, denominational heads, inspirational preachers (men like Joel Osteen), are "covetous" and are in the "religious" business. "And through covetous shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and  their damnation slumbereth not." 2 Peter 2:3 These men, and women, are in the churches trying to promote themselves," merchandise," and their doctrines.

One of the main reasons why inspirational preachers, and the Charismatics, have experienced great growth is they realized that a lot of people want to be entertained in a religious or Christian environment. And, one of the main reasons why it is hard to convince the Charismatic brethren that their doctrine,and belief of the Holy Spirit is in error, is due to their emotional involvement in tongues.

The denominational heads, and inspirational preachers, use this emotional involvement to make huge amounts of money.

Alan

 

Edited November 5, 2019 by Alan
grammar (3)

[Alan]

Acts 8: 1-3 and 9:31, “Persecution against the Local Church”

Acts 8:1-3, “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”

 “… great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;”

 After the martyrdom of Stephen, Acts 7:54-60, Saul, with the direct authority of the Jewish religious leaders, enacted a period of great persecution against the saints at the church at Jerusalem. As the saints went into hiding, even in their homes, Saul brutally persecuted them.

 “… and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

 Except for the apostles, the saints from the local church at Jerusalem scattered.

 The Meaning, and Description, of a “Local” Church

A local church is where Christians assemble for the preaching, teaching, fellowship and evangelism. A local church is “regional.”

 The Region of Judea and Samaria

Map is the courtesy of

ConformingToJesus.com

When the saints fled from the persecution of Saul some of them went to the region of Judea and Samaria. Judea is the region that surrounds Jerusalem and Samaria is north of Judea and Jerusalem.

 The saints that fled Jerusalem in the area surrounding Jerusalem preached the gospel and established churches in the various cities in the region surrounding Jerusalem.

The saints that fled to the northern region of Jerusalem preached the gospel and established churches in the northern region.

The assemblies of the saints were local, or regional, in location.

 The Apostle Paul, and Regional, or Local Churches

“For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.” 2 Corinthians 10:14-16

 The Region of Corinth

 

 Map is the courtesy of

https://bibleatlas.org/corinth.htm

On his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul left the region of his local church in Antioch and traveled to the region of Corinth to preach the gospel and start a church.

 “To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.” Every New Testament Church is “regional,” or “local” to the area that it assembles in. The church at Corinth was a regional or local church that was limited to its own area or region.

 The apostle Paul knew that the influence of a local assembly, in this case Corinth, was limited to a particular region; or local in scope and authority.

 The Churches, Plural, are rested from Persecution

Acts 9:31, “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

 In Acts 9:1-30 we witness the dramatic conversion of Saul the Persecutor to become Paul the Apostle.

 The scriptures are abundantly clear that the “churches,” plural had rest from persecution. The scripture even names some of the regions that the churches were located: Judea, Galilee and Samaria. Two of the locations, Judea and Samaria, were mentioned previously with the third location, Galilee, the region north of Samaria, mentioned. The scripture is devoid of remarks concerning a “Universal Church.”

  The Universal Church and Acts 9:31

The King James Version reading of Acts 9:31 is very clear, “churches.” “Church” is singular and “churches” are plural. As mentioned before, the King James Version not only says “churches” but it also lists three distinct regions that the churches existed: Judea, Samaria and Galilee.

 The website, ‘gotquestions.org,’ article, a strong Universal Church proponent, on the question, “What is the difference between the universal church and the local church, states, “In Acts 9:31, the King James rendering of the plural word churches should actually be the singular church, which describes the universal church, not just local churches.”[1]

 The article does not specify a particular writer, nor does it specify a particular version, nor a particular Greek manuscript. The website creator is a para-church ministry of Mr. S. Michael Houdmann. Houdmann is a graduate of Calvary University and Calvary Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO and uses the modern versions extensively.

 F. H. A. Scrivener’s Greek translation of the Textus Receptus, in Acts 9:31, gives the plural translation of the Greek word: plural: αἱ … ἐκκλησίαι .[2]

 Therefore, the King James translation is correct by word and description: the ‘churches’ plural, had rest after the persecution by Saul ceased.

 

---

[1] “What is the difference between the universal church and the local church?” GotQuestions.org/universal-local-church.html  

[2] Scrivener, F. H. A., M. A., The New Testament, (The Trinitarian Bible Society: London, England), Cambridge University Press 1894 and 1902. Page238.

Edited September 15, 2018 by Alan
grammar added map of Corinth website

[Jim_Alaska]

Thank you Alan. I love maps when used in conjunction with proper teaching. They just make the lesson come alive when you can actually see the places mentioned.

I liked your Scripturally correct points on the proper rendering of both the word, church and churches. This proper teaching regarding Acts 9:31 is but one instance (and a very important one) that shows the fallacy of any kind of argument for "Universal Church".

The statement of gotquestions, org that said; "should actually be the singular church" is not only in error, but also shows the blatant disregard for the inspired writing of the Holy Spirit himself. We can just lump that kind of statement into the "bible changers" category. These people are proud boasters in presuming to be able to interpret Scripture better than the original interpreters of the bible.

[Alan]

I appreciate your comments Jim.

In a study like this one the maps are useful. I would recommend all of the brethren get a good Bible atlas.

I have noticed before (in this study and others), the blatant disregard by para-organizations, denominational material, inspirational preachers, numerous Bible scholars, internet theologians, and many others, of the clear words of the writings of the Holy Spirit in scripture on a doctrine. 

God bless all of you.

 

Edited September 16, 2018 by Alan
grammar