Authentic Interpretation

[Van]

The goal of bible study is to arrive at our most accurate understanding of a verse or passage, rather than simply accepting the views of others which differ and thus one or more are wrong. Consider Acts 13:48.

The fly in the buttermilk is the vague phrase "...all who had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The widely held bogus view is that this refers to "predestination" with God unilaterally choosing and thus appointing some to eternal life before creation. But none of that can be explicitly found in the text.

Who does the appointing? Does the verse say it is God? Nope

How is the appointing accomplished. Someone provides the direction (i.e. you must trust fully in Christ) and then those receiving (passively) the direction act (actively) to take and accept that direction. Thus they chose to believe.

So the first issue for study is the verb "appointed."

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of horizō (G3724) which means "set or determine?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of proorizō (G4309) which means "predetermine?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of prographo (G4270) which means to set forth beforehand?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of kataskeuazō (G2680) which means "to make ready?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of tithēmi (G5087) which means "to unilaterally appoint?" Nope

The verb is "tasso" which refers to an arrangement by mutual agreement. Thus the authentic interpretation of Acts 13:48 is Paul gave direction to eternal life (He presented the gospel) and some of the Gentiles took his direction and believed.

 

[JesusFan]

The goal of bible study is to arrive at our most accurate understanding of a verse or passage, rather than simply accepting the views of others which differ and thus one or more are wrong. Consider Acts 13:48.

The fly in the buttermilk is the vague phrase "...all who had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The widely held bogus view is that this refers to "predestination" with God unilaterally choosing and thus appointing some to eternal life before creation. But none of that can be explicitly found in the text.

Who does the appointing? Does the verse say it is God? Nope

How is the appointing accomplished. Someone provides the direction (i.e. you must trust fully in Christ) and then those receiving (passively) the direction act (actively) to take and accept that direction. Thus they chose to believe.

So the first issue for study is the verb "appointed."

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of horizō (G3724) which means "set or determine?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of proorizō (G4309) which means "predetermine?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of prographo (G4270) which means to set forth beforehand?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of kataskeuazō (G2680) which means "to make ready?" Nope

Is the verb "appointed" a translation of tithēmi (G5087) which means "to unilaterally appoint?" Nope

The verb is "tasso" which refers to an arrangement by mutual agreement. Thus the authentic interpretation of Acts 13:48 is Paul gave direction to eternal life (He presented the gospel) and some of the Gentiles took his direction and believed.

A recognized Greek expert disagreed with you on this Van

Believed ( επιστευσαν ). Summary or constative first aorist active indicative of πιστευω. The subject of this verb is the relative clause. By no manner of legerdemain can it be made to mean "those who believe were appointed." It was saving faith that was exercised only by those who were appointed unto eternal life, who were ranged on the side of eternal life, who were thus revealed as the subjects of God's grace by the stand that they took on this day for the Lord. It was a great day for the kingdom of God.
AT Robinsons Word Pictures in the Greek new Testament

 

[Van]

A recognized Greek expert disagreed with you on this Van

Believed ( επιστευσαν ). Summary or constative first aorist active indicative of πιστευω. The subject of this verb is the relative clause. By no manner of legerdemain can it be made to mean "those who believe were appointed." It was saving faith that was exercised only by those who were appointed unto eternal life, who were ranged on the side of eternal life, who were thus revealed as the subjects of God's grace by the stand that they took on this day for the Lord. It was a great day for the kingdom of God.
AT Robinsons Word Pictures in the Greek new Testament

Obviously, this poster has no clue as to why "tasso" being in the passive does not support the bogus interpretation. Just read the OP folks. Also note the OP clearly teaches the Gentiles received the direction (tasso) before they believed!!

 

[JesusFan]

Obviously, this poster has no clue as to why "tasso" being in the passive does not support the bogus interpretation. Just read the OP folks. Also note the OP clearly teaches the Gentiles received the direction (tasso) before they believed!!

I would trust his interpretation of the scriptures over yours Van

 

[Charlie24]

Obviously, this poster has no clue as to why "tasso" being in the passive does not support the bogus interpretation. Just read the OP folks. Also note the OP clearly teaches the Gentiles received the direction (tasso) before they believed!!

No, Van, this is a gross misunderstanding of the Scripture!

Rom. 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

The hearing of the Gospel is God's appointed way of salvation. He appointed and provided eternal life for all who believe. That is the power of God.

Those in Acts 13:48 were not chosen/elected to salvation by God, the manner in which they were saved was appointed for them by His power.

Those who would believe were appointed with this power through the hearing of the Gospel.

 

[Charlie24]

No, Van, this is a gross misunderstanding of the Scripture!

Rom. 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

The hearing of the Gospel is God's appointed way of salvation. He appointed and provided eternal life for all who believe. That is the power of God.

Those in Acts 13:48 were not chosen/elected to salvation by God, the manner in which they were saved was appointed for them by His power.

Those who would believe were appointed with this power through the hearing of the Gospel.

What is wrong with you people?

 

[Charlie24]

What is wrong with you people?

I think it's some kind of a ego trip! I was elected and picked out by God to be saved over this or that guy!

Whatever it is, it's sick!

 

[JesusFan]

I think it's some kind of a ego trip! I was elected and picked out by God to be saved over this or that guy!

Whatever it is, it's sick!

All of us deserved to have the second death in Lake of Fire, so why not praise and thank God for His grace and mercies?

 

[Van]

I would trust his interpretation of the scriptures over yours Van

Still clueless, as my view agrees that they took the passive direction from Paul, then believed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Van]

No, Van, this is a gross misunderstanding of the Scripture!

Rom. 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

The hearing of the Gospel is God's appointed way of salvation. He appointed and provided eternal life for all who believe. That is the power of God.

Those in Acts 13:48 were not chosen/elected to salvation by God, the manner in which they were saved was appointed for them by His power.

Those who would believe were appointed with this power through the hearing of the Gospel.

No, Charlie24, your view is a rewrite.

Everyone that believes is determined by God crediting the faith of those He determines believe.

I agree the "manner" (or means) of salvation was predetermined by God but that is not what Acts 13:48 is saying.

Those that took Paul's direction to eternal life, believed in Christ's gospel. That is the message of Acts 13:48.

 

[Silverhair]

A recognized Greek expert disagreed with you on this Van

Believed ( επιστευσαν ). Summary or constative first aorist active indicative of πιστευω. The subject of this verb is the relative clause. By no manner of legerdemain can it be made to mean "those who believe were appointed." It was saving faith that was exercised only by those who were appointed unto eternal life, who were ranged on the side of eternal life, who were thus revealed as the subjects of God's grace by the stand that they took on this day for the Lord. It was a great day for the kingdom of God.
AT Robinsons Word Pictures in the Greek new Testament

You left out some critical information in your post.

As many as were ordained to eternal life
(hosoi ēsan tetagmenoi eis zōēn aiōnion). Periphrastic past perfect passive indicative of tassō, a military term to place in orderly arrangement. The word “ordain” is not the best translation here. “Appointed,” as Hackett shows, is better. The Jews here had voluntarily rejected the word of God. On the other side were those Gentiles who gladly accepted what the Jews had rejected, not all the Gentiles. Why these Gentiles here ranged themselves on God’s side as opposed to the Jews Luke does not tell us. This verse does not solve the vexed problem of divine sovereignty and human free agency. There is no evidence that Luke had in mind an absolutum decretum of personal salvation. Paul had shown that God’s plan extended to and included Gentiles. Certainly the Spirit of God does move upon the human heart to which some respond, as here, while others push him away. Word Pictures in the New Testament (A. T. Robertson)

 

[Silverhair]

Here is the comments from Baker's New Testament Commentary by Simon J. Kistemaker Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary.

It is rather long but well worth the read.

Act_13:48. When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and glorify the word of the Lord. And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

a. “When the Gentiles heard this.” The gospel always has a twofold effect on the people who listen to it. For some listeners, the gospel message is like a sweet-smelling aroma; it is the fragrance of life, as Paul writes to the Corinthians. But to others that same gospel is an evil-smelling odor that carries the stench of death (2Co_2:14-16). In Pisidian Antioch some of the Jews vociferously object to the preaching of Christ's gospel and reject it. The Gentiles, however, listen to Paul's exposition and respond joyously with praise for what they have heard.

b. “[The Gentiles] began to rejoice and glorify the word of the Lord.” The reaction of the Gentiles is exuberant: they are filled with joy because they know that the salvation God has promised he has granted to them also.

Variations of the phrase glorify the word of the Lord appear in ancient manuscripts. To illustrate, one manuscript has the verb receive, because people receive rather than glorify the word of the Lord (compare Act_8:14; Act_11:1; Act_17:11). Another deletes the phrase the word of the Lord and substitutes the word God, with the resultant reading glorify God. Elsewhere in Acts, this reading is common, while the wording glorify the word of the Lord occurs only here (see Act_4:21; Act_11:18; Act_21:20). Incidentally, the variations word of God (RSV) and word of the Lord are insignificant (see v. Act_13:44).

A true and tested principle is that the more difficult reading is correct, for scribes would often present a more pleasing rendering of the text in an effort to clarify its meaning. The harder reading glorify the word of the Lord has substantial manuscript support and is therefore preferred by translators. The Gentiles glorified the word of the Lord by accepting it with great joy.

c. “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Luke adds a sentence in which he uses the passive voice were ordained. The implication is that God is the agent, for only he grants eternal life (Mat_25:46; Joh_10:28; Joh_17:2). In the Greek, the form were ordained is a passive participle in the perfect tense. The perfect denotes action that took place in the past but is relevant for the present. In the past, God predestined the salvation of the Gentiles. In many places in the Old Testament Scriptures God reveals that the blessing of salvation is for the Gentiles also (e.g., Gen_12:1-3; Isa_42:6; Isa_49:6). When they in faith accept Christ, he grants them the gift of eternal life.

When the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch put their faith in Jesus Christ, they appropriate eternal life for themselves. The text reveals the proverbial two sides of the same coin: God's electing love and man's believing response (compare Php_2:12-13). Even though this text features the main verb to believe, it also teaches the doctrine of divine election (refer to Rom_8:29-30). Note that Luke says “[The Gentiles] were ordained to eternal life.” He does not say that they were ordained to believe. “What concerns him is that eternal life is not only received by faith, but is essentially the plan of God.”

 

[Charlie24]

No, Charlie24, your view is a rewrite.

Everyone that believes is determined by God crediting the faith of those He determines believe.

I agree the "manner" (or means) of salvation was predetermined by God but that is not what Acts 13:48 is saying.

Those that took Paul's direction to eternal life, believed in Christ's gospel. That is the message of Acts 13:48.

They believed on the basis of whosoever will.

Rev. 22:17
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

 

[Ekklesian]

I think it's some kind of a ego trip! I was elected and picked out by God to be saved over this or that guy!

Whatever it is, it's sick!

If Israel, according to the flesh, has taught us anything, it's that the doctrine of election in the carnal mind is indeed a windfall of pride and arrogance...a heap of self righteousness resulting in condemnation.

But in one who is spiritually minded, it is love divine and joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is because of that love and joy that the Calvinist preaches and prays, knowing that Christ's sheep know His voice, and will come when He calls.

 

[Ekklesian]

But the noncalvinist cannot escape the conclusion that the only reason he chose Christ when another man didn't is because he is by some degree better than the other man.

 

[Charlie24]

If Israel, according to the flesh, has taught us anything, it's that the doctrine of election in the carnal mind is indeed a windfall of pride and arrogance...a heap of self righteousness resulting in condemnation.

But in one who is spiritually minded, it is love divine and joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is because of that love and joy that the Calvinist preaches and prays, knowing that Christ's sheep know His voice, and will come when He calls.

Yes, I can see why you're singing the praises of divine love and joy unspeakable, seeing that you count yourself as one of the Elect!

But what about that guy in Hell, is he singing praises? How will God explain why he isn't one of the Elect as you?

But wait, God doesn't have to explain anything, does He? You must be special for God to show you such favor!

That's not the God I serve, I can assure you of that!

 

[Silverhair]

If Israel, according to the flesh, has taught us anything, it's that the doctrine of election in the carnal mind is indeed a windfall of pride and arrogance...a heap of self righteousness resulting in condemnation.

But in one who is spiritually minded, it is love divine and joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is because of that love and joy that the Calvinist preaches and prays, knowing that Christ's sheep know His voice, and will come when He calls.

No it is the ego trip arrogance of those that think they were so special that God picked them out B4 creation.

He even saved them when they did not even believe in His risen son, they had to be given that faith.

 

[Van]

They believed on the basis of whosoever will.

Rev. 22:17
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

I am sorry Sir, but the phrase "whosover will" has no meaning. Those that believe in a manner credited by God as righteousness constitute those constituting "whosoever will."

 

[Van]

The verb is "tasso" which refers to an arrangement by mutual agreement. Thus the authentic interpretation of Acts 13:48 is Paul gave direction to eternal life (He presented the gospel) and some of the Gentiles took his direction and believed.

 

[Charlie24]

I am sorry Sir, but the phrase "whosover will" has no meaning. Those that believe in a manner credited by God as righteousness constitute those constituting "whosoever will."

I'm sure it has no meaning to you, Van.

Rom. 10:13

"For whosever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

I suppose this has no meaning either!