Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Now to the rest of Acts chapter 2
37Now when they heard [this,] they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?38And Peter [said] unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.39For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.40And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.41They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added [unto them] in that day about three thousand souls.42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles` teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;45and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.46And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,47praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved. After the hearing the first new covenant gospel message, those who heard asked the apostles what should they do. Peter then tells them to repent i.e. change their mind most notably that Jehoshua is the promised seed of David and the rightful King of Israel. Also included is the acknowledgement that Jehoshua rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. The Messiahship of Jehoshua needs to be what potential converts believe. After repentance came baptism immediately and then subsequent to those the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who repented and were baptized were added to the Church. Church life consisted of continuing to learn the apostles doctrine and to keep it. Also, fellowshipping with each other including eating together and praying together. Also, the brethren shared their posessions with each other, even selling their goods and giving to the needy in their midst. They met with each other daily whether at the Temple or in each others homes. Joy and gladness were identifying marks of the apostolic Church. Eating together was the norm. This was evident of the power of the true gospel. Unless we get back to this simplicity the Church at large in America will continue to linger in lukewarmness. Also, the simplicity of the apostolic doctrine needs to be brought back as Orthodoxy has badly perverted the Church. The simplicity of the apostolic doctrine breeds a more fervent and loving Church whereas Orthodoxy breeds a more philosophical and intellectual Church. Now lets go to the next sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 3:11-26 (ASV) 11And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon`s, greatly wondering.12And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk? 13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him.14But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you,15and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.16And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.17And now, brethren, I know that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.18But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.19Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;20and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, [even] Jesus:21whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old.22Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.23And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.24Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.25Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.26Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Verses 11 and 12, Peter addreses his countrymen as they had marveled at the healing of the lame man at the door of the Temple. They acknowledge that it wasn't by their own power that they healed the man. Verse 13, this is verse is important because it shows without a doubt the identity of the God of Israel. Many Christians believe that Jehoshua was the angel of Jehovah who appeared to Moses in the bush and was Jehovah God Himself. Here in Acts 3:13, Peter refutes this Jehoshua is God doctrine and identifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as someone other than Jehoshua. Peter identifies Jehoshua as the son (servant) of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Peter says it was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that glorified Jehoshua refrencing the resurrection and ascension. The word for "son" here in Acts 3:13 is different than the word Son in John 3:16. The Greek word rendered as "son" is "pais" (Strongs 3816) and means "a boy, a girl, a child, specially a slave or servant (especially a minister to a king; and by eminence to God): - child, maiden, (man) servant, son, young man. Here in Acts 3:13 Peter is identifying two seperate beings, one who is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (the Father) and one who is the servant son of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Jehoshua). There is no trinity, binity or plural Godhead as part of the apostolic doctrine. There is only one God who glorified His servant son Jehoshua by way of resurrection and ascension. Peter references the persecution of God's servant by the Jews and Pontius Pilate. This is an allusion to Psalm 2 and is a consistent part of the gospel message preached by the apostles. The truth that thereis one true God who has a glorified Son who was persecuted by the rulers of the earth is essential to any gospel messsge that is preached. Verse 14, the Jews denied the Holy One who was the Messiah of Israel. Jehoshua was the holy one of Jehovah God as His predestined Messiah and King (1 Peter 1:18-21). Jehoshua was then anointed at His baptism to fulfill His calling as Messiah and King of Israel. The religious leaders leaders of Israel rather have a murder set free than the righteous Messiah. Verse 15 "and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses" This speaks to the crucifixion of the Messiah. The death of Jehoshua is essential to the gospel of the Kingdom message. The death of the Son of God then leads to His resurrection. Peter gave God the credit for raising Jehoshua from the dead. Many in Christendom try to say that Jehoshua resurrected Himself or that the the trinity raised Him from the dead. Peter refutes any such ideas and states plainly that God raised Jehoshua from the dead again making a clear distinction between God and His Son Jehoshua. Peter confirms that there were many witnesses of Jehoshua being resurrected. The resurrection is absolutely foundational to the Messianic/Christian faith. Without it there is no Christian faith. Unfortunately, the true importance of the resurrection of the Messiah has been muddled through the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. But true gospel preaching is in emphasizing that Jehoshua truly died and then was raised by the Father to eternal life. Verse 16 "And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all" It was faith in Jehoshua that healed the lame man. Faith alone brought physical healing to the man. This is also true spiritually as faith alone in the Son of God brings us to salvation. Faith in Jehoshua's name speaks to His character and authority. Verses 17 and 18 "17 And now, brethren, I know that in ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.18 But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled." Peter confirms that it was Jehoshua who was prophesied to suffer. Many unbelieving Jews deny this aspect of prophecy and claim that Isaiah 53 is about the nation of Israel. God spoke through the prophets regarding the death and resurrection of the coming Messiah. Verse 19 "Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" Repentance from sin is an integral part of the gospel. Repentance leads to forgiveness of sins. The seasons of refreshing from the presence of Jehovah are a present tense reality in the believers life. This takes place when one repents and has their sins forgiven. The result of the presence of Jehovah God is life, peace, joy, power and rest. The presence of Jehovah God is brought to the believer by the Holy Spirit. Verses 20 and 21 "and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus:21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old" The Lord Jehovah will send His Messiah referring to the second advent. The second advent of Jehoshua is essential to preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. The second advent of Jehoshua leads to the realization of God's Kingdom promise foretold by the prophets. The coming Kingdom of God is a key component of the gospel which again is muddled by the immortality of the soul doctrine. "Whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things" This alludes to the ascension of the Messiah into heaven. The ascension into heaven of the Son of God is another key point in the apostles doctrine. When Jehoshua comes back the earth will be restored to paradise. Verse 22 " Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you." Peter is referring to Deuteronomy 18:15-21. This often overlooked by mainstream Christianity that Jehoshua's words were to be received as God's truth and if not received wrath abides on that one (John 3:33-36). Moses said that the future prophet would be like Moses and the children of Israel i.e. fully human, not God or an angel. Jehoshua said that the Father alone is the only true God. Verse 23 "And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people" Disobedience to God's to Messiah brings God's wrath (John 3:36). Verses 24-26 of Acts 3: 24Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and them that followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.25Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.26Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Contrary to the Messiah rejecting Jews, the prophets did indeed prophesy of the coming Son of God and His ministry. Jehoshua fulfilled bible prophecy. The Abrahamic covenant is referenced and the seed in which all families in the earth shall be blessed is Messiah who is the seed of Abraham as those in Messiah partake of the blessings of the Abrahamic faith. Abraham was the Father of the nation of Israel. The raising up of God's servant is a reference to Jehoshua being baptized and anointed with the Spirit to then go and preach the word of salvation to the nation of Israel. It is a consistent theme throughout the new testament that the baptism of Jehoshua is the starting point for Jehoshua's gospel. He is also called God's servant above agreeing with how He is described in Isaiah 42 as Jehovah's servant and elect one. This shows that Jehoshua was adopted by Jehovah God as His Son rather than it being an ontological relationship. If Jehoshua were the natural ontological Son of God then the description of Him being Jehovah's servant and elect one doesn't make sense. Acts 4:8-12 (ASV) 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,9if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole;10be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] in him doth this man stand here before you whole.11He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner.12And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved. The previous day Peter and John were arrested for preaching in Jehoshua's name and that He resurrected from the dead and likely that whoever believes in Him will also being resurrected from the dead. Two integral ingredients in preaching the gospel is to do it in Jehoshua's name and that He resurrected from the dead and that whosoever believes in Him will also be resurrected. Above in verse 8 of Acts 4 it says that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit as He addressed the rulers of Israel. Petet emphasizes the name of Jehoshua and that by His name the lame man of Acts 4 was healed. The name of Jehoshua represents more than just the syllables and pronunciation but also the identity, character and authority that the name represents. The identity, character and authority of Jehoshua's name comes from Him being God's Messiah, Son and King. Peter mentions the crucifixion which is another essential gospel truth. He also mentions the resurrection which is the hope of the believer as Messiah is the firstborn from the dead. Peter credits God with raising up Jehoshua from the dead. God did this by the Spirit of holiness (Romans 1). Peter then quotes Psalm 118:22 cited frequently in the new testament as a Messianic prophecy. The Son of God as cornerstone or foundation is an important image elsewhere in the new testament and is joined to the idea of the church as God's temple. This is also a reference to Isaiah 28:16 where the future Messiah is called the foundation stone, tried stone and precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. Jehoshua is the foundation stone of the Church. He was tried through His 3 and a half years ministry and found to be righteous and spotless. In verse 12, Peter echoes Jehoshua's claims of exclusivity in terms of salvation. Unlike todays false teachers that say you can enter the kingdom even without going through the Son of God, both Jehoshua and His apostles affirmed that He (Jehoshua) is the only to inherit eternal life. It is only through believing on the name of the only begotten Son of God that one can be saved (John 3:16-18). Remember, its not the syllables or pronunciation of the name "Jehoshua" but rather the authority that His name represents being God's only begotten Son. Name represents character, identity and authority. Character- you must believe that Jehoshua was God's spotless righteous Lamb. Identity - you must believe that Jehoshua is the Son of God and King of Israel being Jehovah's Messiah. Authority - you must believe that Jehovah God has given Him authority over all creation, God of course being excepted (1 Cor 15:24-28). This belief is not a mental ascent in knowledge but rather it is an active faith which means fidelity and loyalty to that which you say you believe in and on. The name under heaven by which men must be saved is the "only begotten Son of God". Acts 4:18-20 18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jehoshua.19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Unlike todays milquetoast modern American Churchianity, the apostles and the early Church refused to let anyone tell them when and when not to preach in the name of Jehoshua. Peter and John rather obey God then man no matter the position of those men. Peter and John said they could not help but preach the things they saw and heard. The same exact conviction should be held by all Christians. We should never stop spreading the gospel no matter who gets offended and no matter who wants us to stop. Acts 4:24-30 24And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Jehovah, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:25who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?26The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:27for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jehoshua, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,28to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass.29And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,30while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jehoshua. Peter and John go back to the Church to report what took place earlier in chapter 4 regarding the healing of the lame man and their bold preaching of the gospel of Jehoshua Messiah before the chief priests and elders. The church responds with praise to God acknowledging His works of creation by referencing the 4th commandment. The church also qoutes Psalm 2 and attributes the first two verses of that Psalm to the persecution of Jehoshua by Herod, the Jews, Pontius Pilate and the Gentiles. The Church acknowledges the sovereignty of Jehovah God in the persecution of His Messiah and calls out to Him to continue to grant the apostles boldness in proclaiming the gospel. It takes boldness to preach God's word and we are to pray for our brethren that they boldly proclaim the word in the face of all oppostion. The Church acknowledges that Jehoshua is Jehovah's servant (verses 27 and 30) making a clear distinction between God and Jehoshua. Isaiah 42:1 Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. The Church hearkens to the prophet Isaiah here in identifying the Messiah as Jehovah's servant. So essential to the gospel in the book of Acts is that Jehovah God is the creator and that Jehoshua is His servant. Also, Psalms 2 is part of the gospel preaching of the apostolic church in identifying both Herod and Pontius Pilate i.e. unbelieving Jews and Gentiles as the enjemies of Jehovah and His Messiah. Acts 4:33 "And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jehoshua: and great grace was upon them all" The resurrection of the Messiah was the central message of the gospel preaching of the apostolic church. This should always be our central message as well. Acts 5:27-32 (ASV) 27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,28saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man`s blood upon us.29But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree.31Him did God exalt with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.32And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him. After the apostles were let out of prison by the angel of Jehovah they preached and taught in the Temple. When the high priest, captain of the Temple and chief priests found out they could not believe it. Subsequently, the captain of the temple with the officers brought the apostles before the council which included the high priest, chief priests, the captain of the temple and all the senate of Israel. The above verses now describe the scene of the council. Verse 27 shows that the apostles doctrine was taught in the authority of Jehoshua's name. Jehoshua is central the apostolic doctrine. To preach and teach in Jehoshua's name is to acknowledge His authority, character and identity as God's only begotten Son. John 3:17-18 reads: 17For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.18He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God. Believing of the name of the Son of God does not mean believing in the pronunciation of His name but rather it is to believe in His authority as God's anointed King and ruler of all creation, His character as being the express image (exact representation, moral attributes) of God and His identity as being God's only begotten Son i.e. the Son of inheritance as the eternal Davidic Messianic King. It is to believe and have loyalty to the Messiah's doctrine (2 John 9-11). Verse 29, Peter says it clearly that we as the apostles descendants are to obey God rather than men and preach in the authority (name) of Jehoshua Messiah. Today's apostate 501 C 3 church abuses Romans 13 to say that Christians must almost always obey government yet the apostles refuted this idea and said that we are to obey God over man's government. Verse 30, Peter identifies clearly who God is and He states it is the one who raised Jehoshua. This would be the Father of Jehoshua who is God according to the apostles. For the apostles there is no trinitarian god but God is the one who raised up Jehoshua from the dead. Again, the resurrection is the central theme of their message. Verse 31, subsequent to the resurrection God exalted Jehoshua to His right hand alluding to Psalm 110:1 which in itself is a central theme to the gospel message preached by the apostles. Ask yourself this, how many times do you hear Psalm 110 preached at your Church? This exaltation led to the enthronement of Jehoshua as Prince i.e. King over Israel which is the new covenant Church. Just as in the old testament the Davidic King was to be Israel's saviour. Most of the Davidic kings failed at this but Jehoshua fulfills this completely and decisively. This whole ministry of the Son of God culminating in His enthronement on the throne of David is to give Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. Repentance comes first and then forgiveness of sins follows. The repenting is changing one's mind from unbelief in the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah to faith in it. The forgiveness of sins follows this repentance. Verse 32, the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God. The teaching that those who have the holy Spirit will manifest outward things such as babbling tongues, dancing and other showy type things is unbiblical. The evidence of having the holy Spirit is walking in Jehovah's commandments. The Holy Spirit is a witness to the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah in that He died and God raised Him from the dead and subsequently enthroned Him as King on His right hand. Jehoshua is Israel's King and Saviour and is the only one in which repentance is given and forgiveness of sins.
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