Discussion Board 1

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Jan 9, 2024

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According to author Steven Ger, Acts teaches that there will be a literal future kingdom for Israel. Ger asserts that when the disciples ask Jesus whether the time has finally come for Him to restore the kingdom of Israel, Jesus’s response leads the reader to understand He is speaking of a literal kingdom. 1 Ger contends the disciples have a literal restoration of Israel in mind with an actual earthly rule of King Jesus from Jerusalem. Jesus does not negate this because, as Ger points out 2 , the Scripture confirms this literal interpretation of the kingdom by the five connections of the Hebrew Scriptures 3 with the coming of the Holy Spirit. However, I am having some difficulty with this interpretation as I have not been able to collaborate it with any commentaries or readings. All three commentaries I have read on these verses do not mention an earthly kingdom, wielding only information on whether the disciples should have even asked the questions. 4 Yet Ger does make a point that causes pause. Jesus did not deflect the question, nor did He give a direct answer. Jesus did though answer and did not deny a kingdom. In fact, “Jesus indicated His agreement with His students that the issue was ‘when,’ and not ‘if’ the kingdom is restored to Israel. It was simply a matter of divine timing, which just happened to be none of the apostles’ business.” 5 Honestly, I’m not sure if I fully agree or not solely based on the fact that this is a new interpretation for this passage for me. It will take more time pondering, researching, and praying over this passage and interpretation. Jesus instructed the disciples to go back to Jerusalem to wait the coming Helper. 6 While they were waiting, they decided to replace the fallen apostle, Judas Iscariot. They determined the replacement should not only have witnessed Jesus’s resurrection, but also all of Jesus’s ministry from His baptism to the ascension. 7 Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 supporting his reasons for replacing Judas. They narrow the candidates to Justus and Matthias. Upon praying for God to reveal His choice, they cast lots and Matthias was appointed. At face value, there could be arguments as to whether the apostles had the right to appoint Matthias or not. The original 12 were personally called by Jesus Himself setting the apart from all other followers. To add to that list could be argued as arrogant and against God’s will. Nevertheless, there is good reason to believe the disciples did what was right. As stated, Peter gives sound argument and Biblical background for their decision. Add that to Ger’s interpretation of a literal kingdom, and there is a need to fill the twelfth position. Jesus promised his apostles that in the kingdom, they would sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 8 In fact, what had immediately precipitated this promise was the disciples’ argument over which of them was to be the most respected leader in the future kingdom. 9 Upon studying this passage a little more, I do not think Matthias’s appointment was a mistake. I believe that if the apostles had stepped outside their 1 Acts 1:6-8 2 Steven Ger. Beginning in Jerusalem, In Acts: Witnesses to the World. Clifton, TX: Scofield Ministries, 2010. 3 Isaiah 32:15-20, 44:3-5, Ezekiel 39:28-29, Joel 2:28-3:1, Zechariah 12:10-13:1 4 Richard N. Longnecker, “Acts,” in Luke – Acts , vol. 10 in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary , ed. Tremper Longmann III and David E. Garland (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), 718. 5 Steven Ger. Beginning in Jerusalem. 6 Acts 1:4 7 Acts 1:21-22 8 Luke 22:30 9 Luke 22:24
bounds, it would be clearly recorded as sin. The Scripture is clear on sin and calls out what is right and wrong, and it was silent here.
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