Stephen, a Spirit-filled deacon, was falsely accused of blasphemy by the Synagogue of the Freedmen. In response, he delivered a speech recounting Israel’s history, demonstrating how Christ was foreshadowed in the Old Testament. He emphasized that Christ’s death and resurrection had been foretold, though the Jews failed to recognize their fulfillment. As a result, Stephen was stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.
Before the New Testament was written, spiritual gifts such as prophecy, discernment, healing, and miracles were essential in verifying divine truth. Speaking in tongues was not meant for personal edification but served as a sign for the Jews. Additionally, miracles authenticated the message that Christ had risen from the dead, confirming the truth of the Gospel.
Despite claims that Peter led a Jewish church while Paul led a Gentile church, both apostles ministered within the same Church. While Paul’s primary mission was to the Gentiles, Peter also played a role in their inclusion. The Lord’s Table, or Communion, signifies unity in Christ, emphasizing that the Church is one body without division.
Some misunderstandings about the Church include the claim that Ananias and Sapphira were unsaved due to being "not of one accord." However, "one accord" refers to unity rather than salvation. The Church, distinct from Israel, began at Pentecost, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is unique to it. Additionally, the biblical term "adoption" is often mistranslated; it more accurately refers to the believer’s placement as a son in Christ.
Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven, meaning he was used to open access to the Gospel—first to the Jews and later to the Gentiles. However, he was not the head of the Church or its steward of doctrine; that role was given to Paul. The Catholic Church’s claim that Peter was the first pope with supreme authority is incorrect, as the Church is built on Christ, not Peter.
Some dispensationalists wrongly separate Peter and Paul’s ministries, creating artificial distinctions. While Scripture identifies seven dispensations, unnecessary divisions can lead to doctrinal errors. The speaker warns against theological frameworks that impose interpretations on Scripture rather than drawing meaning directly from it.
Peter, not Paul, was the first to bring Gentiles into the Church, as seen in Acts 10 with Cornelius. However, Paul later became the apostle to the Gentiles while Peter continued ministering to them. Romans 1:16 affirms that the Gospel was first given to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
Many false teachings redefine biblical terms to fit doctrinal biases rather than interpreting Scripture correctly. The Church, which began at Pentecost, remains one unified body in Christ, without distinction between Jew and Gentile. Misinterpreting Peter and Paul’s roles leads to a flawed understanding of the Church’s unity and mission.
Before the New Testament was written, spiritual gifts such as prophecy, discernment, healing, and miracles were essential in verifying divine truth. Speaking in tongues was not meant for personal edification but served as a sign for the Jews. Additionally, miracles authenticated the message that Christ had risen from the dead, confirming the truth of the Gospel.
Despite claims that Peter led a Jewish church while Paul led a Gentile church, both apostles ministered within the same Church. While Paul’s primary mission was to the Gentiles, Peter also played a role in their inclusion. The Lord’s Table, or Communion, signifies unity in Christ, emphasizing that the Church is one body without division.
Some misunderstandings about the Church include the claim that Ananias and Sapphira were unsaved due to being "not of one accord." However, "one accord" refers to unity rather than salvation. The Church, distinct from Israel, began at Pentecost, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is unique to it. Additionally, the biblical term "adoption" is often mistranslated; it more accurately refers to the believer’s placement as a son in Christ.
Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven, meaning he was used to open access to the Gospel—first to the Jews and later to the Gentiles. However, he was not the head of the Church or its steward of doctrine; that role was given to Paul. The Catholic Church’s claim that Peter was the first pope with supreme authority is incorrect, as the Church is built on Christ, not Peter.
Some dispensationalists wrongly separate Peter and Paul’s ministries, creating artificial distinctions. While Scripture identifies seven dispensations, unnecessary divisions can lead to doctrinal errors. The speaker warns against theological frameworks that impose interpretations on Scripture rather than drawing meaning directly from it.
Peter, not Paul, was the first to bring Gentiles into the Church, as seen in Acts 10 with Cornelius. However, Paul later became the apostle to the Gentiles while Peter continued ministering to them. Romans 1:16 affirms that the Gospel was first given to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
Many false teachings redefine biblical terms to fit doctrinal biases rather than interpreting Scripture correctly. The Church, which began at Pentecost, remains one unified body in Christ, without distinction between Jew and Gentile. Misinterpreting Peter and Paul’s roles leads to a flawed understanding of the Church’s unity and mission.