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John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

Solomon's porch is no longer the stopping point for the Gentiles, for now that Jesus Christ has paid that supreme price on the cross; salvation is open not only to Israel, but all races of God's children.

Acts 10:1 "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,"

Cornelius was an army officer that was over anywhere from one hundred to five hundred men. Cornelius was over a Roman regiment.

Acts 10:2 "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

Cornelius was a religious man, and his entire family was just as religious minded as he. Remember Tabitha, or Dorcas from Acts 9 was blessed with the gift of almsgiving also. Alms giving is the giving and expecting nothing in return. "the people", in the Greek, is "laos", which are the poor people. So we see that Cornelius is a Gentile that loves God, gave much to the poor, and was a man who held much power.

Acts 10:3 "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, "Cornelius." "

The day started at 6:00 A.M. in the morning, and so this vision came to Cornelius about three o'clock in the afternoon. This is very special, for God sent this angel to speak to Cornelius, this Gentile.

Acts 10:4 "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, Lord?" And He said unto him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

It can be a frightful thing to be around the supernatural. God has seen the almsgiving of Cornelius, and heard his prayers.

When you do your alms, and give in the name of the Lord, not expecting anything in return, God sees your heart and knows the intent of your mind. He hears your prayers when you speak to our heavenly Father. God always hears. Then He will do what is best for you, even though at the time you may not think so.

Acts 10:5 "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:"

"Simon" means "heard", and "Peter" in the Hebrew means "rock". Peter is the foundation of the church, and Cornelius is told to send for that man. Remember that Peter had a little difficulty with Paul, because Paul wanted to preach to the Gentiles. Peter had a little problem with that, because he had been trained in the school prior to the crucifixion, and Peter was trained and set in his ways. In the old school, you couldn't even spend time in a house where unclean things had been cooked, or even carry on a friendship with them. So Peter is now going to be asked by Cornelius to come and preach to his entire household.

Acts 10:6 "He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest do."

Remember at the close of Acts chapter nine, Peter had just been called in to pray over the dead body of Dorcas, and after the Holy Spirit of God healed Dorcas, Peter stayed in the area, in Joppa, preaching and living in the household of this Simon the Tanner. This angel of God is giving directions of where Peter is, and how to get there. This angel of God is telling Cornelius to send for Peter and he will instruct you what you ought to do.

Acts 10:7 "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually:"

This "devout soldier" was an armor bearer that Cornelius trusted so well that even with his armor off, he would trust him even to his back.

Acts 10:8 "And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa."

Acts 10:9 "On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:"

We are back in Joppa here, in the house of Simon the Tanner where Peter is staying. Peter is up on the house top praying at midday.

Acts 10:10 "And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,"

While Peter was on the roof praying, Peter became very hungry, and while they were fixing the meal, Peter fell into a trance. The Holy Spirit is dealing with Peter, and going to give him a lesson.

Acts 10:11 "And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:"

Peter had a vision, and in this vision Peter saw a great sheet, that was tied at the four corners. Peter is hungry and now at midday this sheet full of food is lowered from heaven before Peter.

Acts 10:12 "Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air."

There were all sorts of animals, and insects, and birds within this sheet, and they were all considered unclean and not to be eaten as the law of Moses would stipulate as unclean for eating. They were all scavengers, and not fit to be eaten by man.

Many people take this, in their ignorance, and say that God takes this hereby and makes all things edible. If this is what you think it says, you miss the whole point. This has nothing to do with food, but God is using this as an analogy. God will not allow Peter to touch these wild creatures. God did not allow Peter to eat any part of this filth, for God is using these animals to teach Peter something entirely different.

Acts 10:14 "But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."

Peter is arguing with God. The word common also means unclean. Where the previous uses of the word "unclean" were in reference to evil spirits, here it is in reference to the ceremonial uncleanness of the Levitical law. Every one of these animals and fowl were listed as unfit from the mouth of God Himself.

Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."

Remember back when Jesus was speaking to Peter, after Peter had denied Jesus three times, and Jesus told Peter also "Peter, feed My Sheep" three times.

John 21:15 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" He saith unto Him, "Ye Lord; You knowest that I love Thee." He saith unto him, "Feed My lambs."

Jesus' lambs are the Christians that are new converts, and need the milk of the Word, they need to be taught the basics.

John 21:16 "He saith to him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" He saith unto Him, "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee."

These sheep in the Greek text are "probation" they are not the real young sheep, but ones that need more then just milk.

John 21:17 "He saith unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou Me?" and he said unto Him, "Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Jesus saith unto him, "Feed My sheep"

The sheep mentioned here are those that are seasoned in the Word, the more mature sheep that desire the more meat of the Word. God is telling Peter to teach all his sheep, even the more mature Christians. God spoke to Peter three times for emphesis to make a point, and that is what is He is doing here also to Peter.

What this is refering to here in Acts, is not eating or animals, but People, Gentile people that had been considered polluted and unclean before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God is not talking about the food you eat, nor has He changed any part of His health laws. Scavenger food, and swine and the sorts, that were not to be eaten, are still not to be eaten. This is an analogy that has to do with the Gentile peoples.

Acts 10:16 "This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven."

Each time was a witness from God to Peter, to instill within Him that the Gospel of Christ is now even for the Gentiles. After the point was made, each time God took it up into heaven, before Peter even had a chance to touch the creatures.

Acts 10:17 "Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,"

Peter knew that something was strange about this vision, and he did not know what it was. Peter knew that God would not expect him to eat of that polluted and filthy animals. Then we see the perfect timing of God, right on time. The vision to Cornelius, the time to travel from Cornelius' house to Joppa, and the timing for the visions of the three times of the sheet to be lowered, all were right on time for the visit at Simon's house.

Many times we think that God is a bit slow, but on God's schedule, He is always in perfect time.

Acts 10:18 "And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter , were lodged there."

Acts 10:19 "While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, "Behold, three men seek thee."

While Peter was on the roof trying to think what this vision of those filthy things on the sheet could mean, the men from Cornelius were knocking at the front door below. Then the Holy Spirit told Peter, there is three men that are seeking you.

Acts 10:20 "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them."

Then the Holy Spirit told Peter, you go down and meet them and go with them, and stop your doubting. I showed you three times, no let that be sufficient, don't you dare doubt. If God should reveal something to you from the Scriptures, don't doubt what the spirit of God has placed within you.

This then is a very strange thing in the eyes of Peter, and a new thing as far as acceptance of the Gentile.

Acts 10:21 "Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, "Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?"

Don't get things mixed up here, though it was Cornelius that sent the three men to get Peter, it was the angel of God that instructed Cornelius to sent these three men there. Cornelius did not send the men on his own. God is totally in charge of this entire action that is to take place.

Acts 10:22 "And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee."

Cornelius was a honest and just man, and one that reverence God, and all those in Judaea that knew Cornelius thought highly of him.

This word "nation" in the Greek, can even include Judea, as it is "ethnos". In the singular it can be Judea, but in the plural, it can never include and mean Judea. This will be important to understand a little later in this chapter.

Acts 10:23 "Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him."

These believers were of the house of Judah that had believed and were followers of Christ through Peter.

Acts 10:24 "And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends"

To Cornelius this was the greatest thing that could happen to him. God had spoken to him, and now this man from God is coming to him. Cornelius let all his friends know who was coming, and wanted them to hear also what Peter would have to say. Cornelius wanted to share what ever he had with everybody, especially his friends. He was a giver and a lover of people.

Acts 10:25 "And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him."

Acts 10:26 "And as he talked with him, "Stand up; I myself also am a man."

Don't worship me, worship God. We are only slaves and servants of God, and let no man make more of you then that position. We must decrease that God may increase. You can lose the blessings of God quicker by getting on an ego trip and elevating yourself higher then what you are, a servant of God, set forth to do His word. It is God that placed the gift in you in the first place and all the credit goes to Him.

Acts 10:27 "And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together."

Cornelius had the place full of family and friends, and they all loved the Lord.

Acts 10:28 "And he said unto them, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean."

Peter now understands what the Holy Spirit was trying to show him, back on the roof top in Jappa, when the sheets of the unclean were lowered three times. It wasn't a lesson about animals and birds, and unclean things, but "any man common or unclean". This is the basis of the matter.

God created the Gentile races as is recorded in Genesis 1:26, 27; "And God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

God created all the races after their kind, and in the image of God, and all of them were God. God loved all of His children.

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him: male and female created He them."

No race need to apologize for his race to any man, for God created your ancestors exactly as He wanted them. So now we see that the church of Christ, the anointed one, is open to all races of the ethnos, that in believing on Jesus all people have the offer of receiving salvation. It is natural that one cares for his own race and his people, and God takes that truth and says, if you're proud of them, then teach His Word to them. It is natural that one stands up for his own kindred, God has placed this desire in all men. It is not a racist statement, but a statement of fact. Be a realist, and get away from the games of religion.

Acts 10:29 "Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?"

Peter came to Cornelius' house and he did not dispute, as soon as I was sent. Peter said, I know now that I am not supposed to call anyone polluted, so why did you send for me?

Acts 10:30 "And Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,"

Acts 10:31 "And said, `Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God."

God doesn't miss anything. God will bless you, when you bless Him. What have you done for Him, have you spread His word and told Him that you love Him? Do you care about people to help them in need? God remembers all this that you do for Him.

Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who when he cometh shall speak unto thee."

Acts 10:33 "Immediately therefore I sent to thee and thou hast well done that thou art come, Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God."

Cornelius is saying that he obeyed immediately, and didn't waste any time. We are all here now for the sole purpose of hearing the Word of God. Cornelius did care to hear Peters fancy words, but only what God had to say. Cornelius loves God, and tried to always please Him, and now He and the others wanted to hear what God had to say to them.

Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons:"

Peter now understands fully what it is that God was trying to tell him through that sheet with all those animals in it. God wants Peter to teach all these people and share the commandments of the Living Word with them. "Call no man common or unclean"; if they have a question about the Word, share it with them.

Acts 10:35 "But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him."

In other words, God will accept anyone who will seek Him, and it matters not what race of nation "ethnos" they are from. This is a race matter, and any person from any race that seeks God, and worketh the righteousness of Christ, is acceptable to God. They demonstrate their love for the Father through their love and belief in Jesus Christ the anointed one. When you seek God, He will receive you through His Son Jesus.

Righteousness is to love Jesus, the Son who God the Father sent, and to do His commandments, as best as you can. Then when you do accept Christ, you have the full knowledge that your sins are forgiven by the Father. When you fall short again, which you will do, those sins are also forgiven upon your repentance in Jesus name. Just because God has opened salvation to all mankind, God still sticks to His rules set forth in His Holy Word. God knows the intent of your mind, and He knows the sincerity of your heart.

Acts 10:36 "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:)"

He is Lord of all. Not just Judah, or Israel, but of all races and tongues and nations, Jesus is Lord over all mankind. He is lord of all because he created all peoples and races. On the sixth day God created the races, and on the eighth day God created man [Adam], in the Greek, "eth'-Ha' adham", "the particular adam". God had no man to till the soil,[farmers, i.e. to plant the seeds of truth; Grow His kingdom] He had only hunters and fishermen,[the races, who also needed to be taught His "Plan of Salvation for all mankind] and that is why this one particular Adam was created. It is through this eighth day man that the seeds of truth would be spread, farmed, throughout the world.

From the six day creation we have the Gentile nations, but, he had no man to tend to the soil so God created "Ha' adham", the man to do the work of the soil. For a companion to the man Adam, God created Eve. Eve is called the mother of all living. Why? Because through Eve, according to God's purpose, the Messiah would come. This one that is Lord of all mankind, and through His blood would bring all people to the throne of God. This includes both the living and the dead, for those that are dead in flesh are living in spirit, and are present with God.

At that moment that any person of any race would believe on Jesus Christ and repent in His name, the throne of God is open to that repented soul.

Acts 10:37 "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;"

Peter is telling this group of listeners at Cornelius' house, I know you have heard what has been said throughout all Judea, from the time that Jesus Christ was even baptized in the river Jordan, the things of Jesus were spread throughout the land. All of his miracle were spoken of, and what He was teaching passed on from mouth to mouth.

Peter is telling them that this was the beginning of the story that God would have you hear.

Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him,"

Has the devil ever oppressed you? Each one that believes of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit of God within them, that oppression can end. You will possess the Power of the Holy Spirit if you claim that power for yourself.

God knows your heart, and don't expect that power within you, if you are trying to pull some "Simony" (Simon) tricks, like we read about in Acts 8, who thought he could use the power of the Holy Spirit as some sideshow in his magic act. That would make you a fake. But if you desire the Power of the Holy Spirit, desire it for the sake of your family, and of your Heavenly Father. That power is to be used in only one direction, for the sake of the cause of bringing people to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to drive Satan and his angels [evil spirits] out of your life, and those that you love. Then you can do God's work.

The power of the Holy Spirit assists you in doing the work, it doesn't do your work for you. It strengthens you, when you are about your heavenly Fathers business, and taking care of those matters that counts.

Remember the Words that came down, when that Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, following his baptism? It is found in Matthew 4:17 "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased." The voice was the voice of God. God is pleased when you accept His Son. When you accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God, Luke 10:17 tell us the power that we do have.

Luke 10:17 "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."

Luke 10:18 "And He said unto them, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."

Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give ynto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

The serpents are the Kenites, those offspring of the serpent in the garden of Eden, while the scorpions are the angels of Satan, that Joel writes about and is revealed in Revelation 9. When we have the Holy Spirit, we have power over devils and deception. We can see through lies and fakes and those that would deceive us into believing lies over common sense.

Acts 10:39 "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; Whom the slew and hanged on a tree:"

The Kenites accomplished this, and the apostles witnessed the acts taking place. They were there to see Jesus handing on that cross, with the malfactors hanging on both sides of Him. Peter was also there as Jesus went throughout the land of Judea doing the many miracles and things that He did.

Jesus Christ was in the tomb for the tree days and three nights, as prophecied by our Lord as recorded in Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth and then He came out of that tomb. There was nothing hidden from anyone. Everything that was done, was done in public. Nothing that Christ did while here on earth, was hidden from the people, except for the transfiguration, which was only delayed for a few days, until after the resurrection took place. This was to give the disciples the understanding of what would take place to Jesus' physical body upon His resurrection.

Editor's Note: It sure wasn't Friday evening until Sunday morning before sunrise, as nearly all Christian churches would have us believe.
#1071 Easter Sunday or Easter Saturday, which is it?
#1159 "Easter Sunrise Worship Services?"
#1186 Crucifixion on Wednesday - Resurrection on Saturday
#1530 What do you mean you thought Jesus was crucified on Good Friday?
#1541 Jesus was crucified Wednesday and rose on Saturday!
#7014"Six Days Before The Passover" (John 12:1

Acts 10:41 "Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead."

Peter is telling this army officer Cornelius and the people there with him, that not all the people would see and understand, but there were witnesses chosen before God, that these things were done for. This is just as God's deeper truths are only given to those that have the eyes to see and the ears to hear and understand those truths. This is not talking about salvation, but the deeper meanings of God's Word.

Why did Jesus do this with His twelve disciples? They were to be witness, with seals to the promises of God, that this event truly happened.

Acts 10:42 "And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead."

"Quick" is the "living, and the dead, are the spiritually dead. It is God that ordained Jesus and ordained him with that authority to be the judge over the living and the dead, physically. Those that died in the flesh and were held prisoners in the heart of the earth, Jesus was able to release part of those lost souls that would believe.

Then what we are witnessing is the teaching of the real word, right in the home of the Gentiles. This is the start of God opening His promises to all His children.

Acts 10:43 "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins."

Probably the strongest prophets to bring this to light is in Isaiah 53:11, to the end of the chapter. It tells us how Jesus would suffer. There would be a first advent, and there also would be a second. This is made clear in this chapter of Isaiah.

Acts 10:44 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word."

As Peter was speaking to these Gentile people, the Holy Spirit fell on all of the people that were there listening to Peter.

Acts 10:45 "And they of the circumcisin which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Those that came with Peter to Cornelius' house, saw the evidence of the Holy Spirit in all of these Gentiles, and they were astonished.

Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"

All of these people had the evidence of that Holy Spirit? Remember what that evidence of the Holy Spirit was? When they spoke, the words were understood in the very language and dialect of the neighborhood that the listener was from. In other Words, these Italians and other foreigners that were from other Gentile nations, sounded like they came from Joppa, the place where Peter's friends came from, while he was living at Simon the tanner's house.

Remember back in Acts 2: when the Holy Spirit filled that room and all those in that room. The all received also the gift of the filling of the Holy Spirit, and there was no confusion of languages, of that is the evidence of the Holy Spirit, when you speak, and those speaking are understood clearly exactly what is spoken of. There is no babbling, or strange noises coming from on filled with the Holy Spirit, every word is understood at the same time, crystal clear to those doing the listening.

Acts 2:6 "Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." That is how they spoke on Pentecost day, and that is the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God that fell on them in the beginning.

There is only one Holy Spirit, [or Holy Ghost] and the same one that fell on the Jews, fell on the Gentiles also. We will see in Acts 11:15 as Peter is repeating; "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning." What happened to the Gentiles at Cornelius' house was the same happening of the cloven tongue, and it was heard clearly in every language. "The Question" is not that it was confusing, but that it was crystal clear to the listener.

It was no secret what was said, nor was it a mystery. It was know in every language that heard it, and Peter clarified it in Chapter 2. That message was that which Joel spoke of in Joel 2:28-32. Sound the trumpet, sound the alarm, for antichrist with his locust army shall come first. And many of God's sons and daughters shall witness with the Holy Spirit speaking through them in every language to take the truth of God to the world. They will show that Christ did not play favorites amongst the peoples and races. The Spirit of God was for all that would believed.

Before we finish Acts chapter 10 WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE SIDE TRIP AND TALK ABOUT THE MESSAGE OF JOEL 2;28-32

Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Have you ever thought about the FACT that "sons and daughters" are "brothers and sisters" to each other? Joel was talking about the Churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, only Peter placed them in reverse chronological order showing the "young men" seeing visions before the "old men" dream dreams! Yes, the sons and daughters Joel spoke of are the brothers and sisters of the Church of Philadelphia. Let's break it back to the Greek:

Brother # 80 Päåëöüò adelphos ad-el-fos'
From G1 (as a connective particle) and äåëöýòdelphus (the womb); a
brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [H1]):—brother.
Sister #79 PäåëöÞ adelpheô ad-el-fay'
Feminine of G80; a sister (natural or ecclesiastical):—sister.
Friend #5384 ößëïòphilosfee'-los
Properly dear, that is, a friend; actively fond, that is, friendly (still as a noun,
an associate, neighbor, etc.):—friend.
Philadelphia #5361 öéëÜäåëöïò philadelphos fil-ad'-el-fos
From G5384 and G80; fond of brethren, that is, fraternal:—love as brethren.

The churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only two churches in the body of Christ that the Lord found no fault with for He approved of their "Works"! The apostle John was privileged to see in a vision the body of Christ in these last days, including all 7 churches. We pick up his testimony in the Rev. 1:9:

Rev. 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John saw ALL the events and spiritual battles take place in the final generation all the way to and including the return of Jesus Christ. He saw the locust army and Apollyon and he saw the victory the Lamb and of His saints, even witnessing those overcomers rejoicing and singing at the celebration ceremonies! John was then given his commission and dutifully wrote all those events and the "history" of their results to be our instruction guide and our companion during the current and coming times of tribulation. He also identifies himself with Philadelphia and Smyrna in verse 9.

Brother = Päåëöüò adelphos ad-el-fos'
From G1 (as a connective particle) and äåëöýòdelphus (the womb); a
brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [H1]):—brother.
Tribulation = èëßøéò thlipsis thlip'-sis
From G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):—afflicted, (-tion), anguish,
burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

"Thlipsis" is the same word for the "tribulation" of Smyrna. Notice that the reason John was in the isle that is called Patmos was (1) for the Word of God and (2) for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Companion = óõãêïéíùíüò sugkoinoônos soong-koy-no-nos'
From G4862 and G2844; a co-participant:—companion, partake (-r, -r with).

John was right there and saw it all!

[10] I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,...

Now let's check out the body of Christ in these last days and see what's up!

Rev. 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
[12] And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

You will find in vs. 19 of this chapter that the 7 candlesticks are the 7 churches which make up the body of Christ.

[13] And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

There is a deceiver coming soon who will also stand in the midst of the churches, the temple of God (2 Thes. 2) and he will claim to be Jesus Christ. Here, however, is the description of brilliance and the brightness of the real Jesus Christ.

Rev. 1:14
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
[15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
[16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Jesus Christ will now address the 7 churches and in EVERY case, specifically address their WORKS. Shall He find the "flame of His fire" among them? Yes, here is the church of the sons & daughters, the brothers and sisters, the adelphos and adelpheo:

Rev. 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Those who have eyes to see need pay close attention to this. David was a shepherd and the key of David is the key of the Shepherd who opens the seals, which are the "visions" of the prophets "sealed" until the time of the end, and reveals them to the sons and daughters of the Church of Philadelphia! We know from Joel that in "seeing these visions" they then prophesy (teach His Word) and gather as many as will hear the voice of the trumpet, the voice of the Shepherd, into His sheepfold, the door of which He has now opened!

[8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

You must understand what the door is that is opened to the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters of the Church of Philadelphia. The door that He opens is the door to the sheep, i.e. to the lost tribes of the House of Israel, His sheep. If you have studied the Book of John with us, then you know of this "Door"! Let's review some of John chapter 10. Jesus speaks:

John 10:1
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

There is only one way to enter into the sheepfold, that place of rest for the sheep, and that is by the DOOR or the gate. Below is an explanation of what a sheepfold is. It is a resting place for sheep!

Sheepfold and Sheepcote.
An inclosure for sheep (Jer. 23:3, Ezek.34:14) whither the flock was ordinarily driven for the night. Many were permanent pens, surrounded by a stone wall (cp. Num. 32:16) and entered by a gate (John 10:1). The wall was often surmounted with branches of thorny shrubs. The sheep lay in the yard under the open sky; but doubtless there were in former days, as there are now, low, flat buildings on the sheltered side of the area, in which the flocks were shut up on cold nights. It was common for several flocks to pass the night in one fold under the care of an under-shepherd. The shepherds came in the morning, and were admitted by the under-shepherd. Each shepherd knew the sheep of his own flock, and was known by them (John 10:3,4). Less substantial inclosures were hastily formed of tangled thorn branches for temporary use on pastures remote from home, and caves and other natural shelters were taken advantage of for protecting the sheep at night, the shepherds camping with their flocks. On ranges exposed to the raids of robbers or hostile tribes, towers were erected, about which the flocks and herds were pastured and at night folded (2 Kings 27:9; 2 Chron. 26:10; Mic. 4:8). ("A Dictionary of the Bible", John D. Davis, Baker Book House, 1958, pg. 706.)

Now that we know what a sheepfold is, it will be much easier to understand the following parable (vs. 6). These are the words of Jesus Christ, the one and only True Shepherd.

[2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Not only do the false shepherds not enter in through the "Door" but as thieves they steal the birthright and even eternal life from the sheep. But know this: The false shepherd of false shepherds is soon coming into the sheepfold to steal ALL the sheep who do not have the seal of the True Shepherd in their foreheads (Rev. 9:4). He will look just like the True Shepherd but he is the false-shepherd, a thief and a robber indeed! Let's move to verse 6:

[6] This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which He spake unto them.

Do you understand this parable? Has the shepherd of the sheepfold you attend entered in through the door or has he climbed into the pulpit another way? Here's how you can tell:

John 10:7
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

This is the DOOR that is opened to the Church of Philadelphia that the lost sheep of the House of Israel may find the true sabbath, the true rest.

[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
[9 ] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The false messiah is coming to steal the sheep, but the door is NOW open to enter into the sheepfold of the True Shepherd. Yes, the true Shepherd has opened that door with the key of David the shepherd, through the sons and daughters of this final generation who show their people where they can find the green pastures during these times of the great famine (Amos 8:11-13)!

Meanwhile, many false shepherds are gone out into the world, claiming to be shepherds of His flock, and as Christ foretold us, they have deceived MANY! But they have not deceived the Church of Philadelphia because they know His voice, and listen not to the thief, because they have already entered into the sheepfold through the Door of the True Shepherd!

[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Let's return to the Church of Philadelphia in Rev. 3:

Rev. 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

He loves these sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters, the "adelphos" and "adelpheo"!

"And do you know why?"

"Because they love studying His Word!"

[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience,

Yes, the opening by the key of David is when the Shepherd (Who alone is worthy) opens the seals of His Word, revealing the visions of the prophets to the brothers and sisters of the Church of Philadelphia, who then prophesy (teach His Word) and gather as many as will hear the voice of the trumpet, the voice of the Shepherd, into His sheepfold.

[10... continued] I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

This is a promise to the sons and daughters of the Church of Philadelphia who prophesy and allow His spirit, His truth, the rain, to flow through them unto their brothers and sisters of the House of Israel. They will not be tempted by the lies and deception of the thief, because his voice is not the voice of the True Shepherd. You see, they KNOW the voice of the True Shepherd which is the Word of God!

[11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

When the bride marries the Bridegroom she goes to live with Him and is given a new name, which name comes from her new Husband, right? Think about the magnitude of what Christ said here!

[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Do you have ears to hear the true Shepherd's voice, the voice of the Trumpet which John heard in Rev. 1:10?

We covered the Works of the Church of Smyrna and the testimony those "some of you" who will be delivered up before the kings and rulers of the nations. That witness will be brought forth when the sons and daughters become "old men", i.e. when the final generation that began in the year 1948 begin to get gray hair and receive their AARP cards. In other words, "ye old men" refers to the age of the generation, not to the age of those who will be "brought before kings and rulers for my names sakes!" Got it?

Also, in so far as we gave examples of God's servants being delivered up, we will not do so again. However, you should make a study of Acts 27:22-25 and read how Paul was delivered up before Caesar. The boat ride was a "little rocky" but hey, no big deal! If God has plans for you (and He does if you love Him) then nothing and no one can or will stop you, though He may allow some blocks or blockheads to fall across your path, giving you some things to stomp on or kick out of your way. "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. [23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, [24] Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. [25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me."

Here is Christ's address to Smyrna:

Rev. 2:8
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

And what shall be the sign when the witness is given by the "spiritually rich Christian soldiers" of the Church of Smyrna?

Joel 2:31
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

This is NOT the same "signs in the heavens" and the "signs in the earth" that occur during the same period when the smoke from the bottomless pit rises. They were signs of the 1st Beast, the political beast, who is here now. No, this is religious, i.e. the sign of the religious beast of Rev. 13. This is when the false-christ, the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stands in the midst of the temple, of the body of Christ, and spiritual darkness prevails as the daily sacrifice through the blood of the Lamb slain is cut off and the moon, symbolic of Satan (lunar), is put in place of His blood. Yes, the whole world, including most of professing Christianity will worship the false messiah. It is written! And when the "locusts come out of the smoke" at the sound of the 6th Trump, some of those sons and daughters who have been prophesying (teaching) for some time now will take a stand, even "take the stand"!

Rev. 9:13
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
[14] Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

So when the command goes forth from the Altar of God to the archangel Michael, who has held back the "desert storm" of the locusts and their king, Apollyon, the king of Babylon, then that great hour of temptation and spiritual desolation will come upon the earth. By the way, Babylon is in Iraq, which is the country through which the Tigris and Euphrates rivers run right smack down the middle of. (Hello, Wake up! What's happening in Iraq these days?)

[15] And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Here comes the cavalry, those locusts who have "the appearance of horses prepared unto battle (Rev. 9:7)" and "The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run (Joel 2:4)."

[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

It is time to stay awake and keep alert because my friends, it appears the winds are now a changin'! You can even hear the windbags from all directions "blowing hot air" and "spinning" lies and deception like a whirlwind. They call it the N.E.W.S. which is mostly a bunch of "smoke and mirrors" covering up the activities of the Four Hidden Dynasties as the kenites bring forth the multi-headed, i.e. multi-national, political beast!

In conclusion, do you remember those two profound statements from President Bush's inaugural address which we talked about in our short study, Live Link to-"Angel in the Whirlwind"? Open your ears and "see" if you can hear the Voice from the burning bush spoken through the flesh Bush as the gentle rain fell from heaven that momentous day, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001.

"Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations." (President George W. Bush)

We have learned from the words of the Lord through the prophet Joel when we compared them with the words the Lord spoke directly to His disciples in Matthew and Mark, that the "pillars of smoke" is the bringing forth of the 1st Beast of Rev. 13:1, when nation rises alongside nation in the marketplace, etc., i.e. the NWO emerges. Then in Luke He tells us that the "vapor of smoke" is, as in causes, the sea and the waves (the people and the nations) to roar, i.e. rage! Here is that verse in Luke with the words of Joel in brackets.

Luke 21:25
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars [in the heavens]; and upon the earth distress of nations [blood], with perplexity [fire]; the sea and the waves roaring [pillars of smoke];

Do you know what happens after the these signs when the smoke has successfully darkened (spiritually) much of the earth?

Rev. 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
[4] And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Yes, these are the most exciting times in the history of the world, especially for those sons and daughters who have walked through the open door into His sheepfold. The hour is now late and it is soon time for some of God's elect to be delivered up before the security councils of the beast, controlled by the synagogue of Satan, and give witness before the kings and rulers of the nations of the earth, even before "death" himself, i.e. Satan. It is a great and marvelous time to be a True Blue Smyrph, isn't it? (A Smyrph, sometimes spelled Smurf, is a member of the church of Smyrna and Philadelphia. LOL)

But do not be alarmed, nor be afraid, nor be anxious in anyway. Those are tactful ways of saying "CALM DOWN"! The battle is spiritual and those sons and daughters who daily call upon the name of the LORD their God, will the Deliverer surely deliver out of bondage, and out the fiery furnace when they are delivered up before death, and He will bind up the cheek teeth of the lions when His servants are thrown into their dens of iniquity. For it is written, not one hair on their heads shall be harmed in anyway. And they need not premeditate what they shall say at that time for the Holy Spirit will speak right through them. Matthew 10:19 "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak."

Joel 2:32
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Has He called you? If so, do you call Him up daily and tell Him you love Him and show forth your love by keeping His commands and the Word of His patience? If you do, then each and every day is just such a beautiful day, isn't it?

God bless you brothers and sisters.

We learned from the book named "Yah is El" the good news that in the last days "whosoever shall call on", which also means to publish as in proclaim or herald, "the name of the LORD shall be delivered, for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance". Mount Zion and Jerusalem is where the "deliverance" shall be because that is where the Deliverer will be when He returns as King of kings following the finished works of the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna , i.e. the teaching and witnessing of the sons and daughters of the final generation that Joel has been talking about.

We also learned that some of those spiritually rich Christian Soldiers from the Church of Smyrna shall be cast into prison and delivered up before the kings and rulers of the earth who sit in the councils* controlled by those liars and deceivers of the synagogue of Satan. Jesus Christ described the works they shall do when they are delivered up:

Mark 13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Satan and legal counselors will "beat up" on them with fiery darts!

[10] And the gospel must first be published [i.e. proclaimed] among all nations.

* Note: If you were to stand in front of the UN Security Council or the group of kings and rulers assembled at the "Millennium Summit" whose photo we posted earlier in our study, you would be facing representatives of all nations and peoples and tongues, just like on Pentecost day, ain't? Think about it!
Open this Link to see picture of Millennium Summit-Take Head

Yes, His willing and faithful servants shall be His instruments in proclaiming the final witness of the gospel and the coming judgment AMONG ALL NATIONS and it is written that the Holy Spirit shall speak through them in the same manner as the example set forth on that first Pentecost day following Christ's resurrection:

Mark 13:11
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Once the witnessing "among all nations" has been accomplished according to the Word of God and those nations have chosen their path in the face of that witness, then shall it be "that time" for the restoration of His people and the judgment of the nations as it is written in Matthew 25:31-32.

Matthew 25:31
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Your loved ones who loved the Lord and have passed on are with Him now (1 Thes. 4:13-18). They are those holy angels, those saints clothed in fine white linen (Rev. 19:14), those onward Christian Soldiers, who shall return following the King of kings and riding upon their white horses.

[32] And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Joel is now going to expound upon this gathering of all nations which follows the witness of those saints who are delivered up and give His testimony. And it is written time after time after time in the scriptures, then "they shall know the LORD is God (Jo-El)". And when that King of kings returns with His saints who shall execute His rod of iron (discipline) then shall all the nations be recompensed for their decisions. That's right, it's pay day and everyone will get exactly what is coming to them in the righteous judgment of the Lord "according to their deeds". It is called true justice for God is no respecter of persons nor does He judge by appearance (Jn. 7:24) but by righteous judgment, a liberal's nightmare indeed! You reap what you sow, remember?

Jeremiah 25:14
For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
Romans 2:6
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Now back to Acts chapter 10

Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?"

Mark this verse well. How did Peter and the others [we] receive the power of the Holy Spirit? The received it on Pentecost day. This then was a duplication of what had happened on Pentecost day.

Acts 10:48 "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

Cornelius and his family and friends wanted to hear more about Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. The "Holy Spirit" properly translated from the Greek text, of course is not "Holy Ghost" as many modern translations offer, but reads, "Holy Spirit".