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Obedient to the Faith

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Van, Jan 11, 2023.

  1. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    In Acts 6:7 we read:

    Act 6:7 - The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith
    A great many, if not all English translations understand the phrase to mean accepting and embracing the gospel. Alternatively, some commentaries indicate:

    The great majority of the best modern commentators hold that faith is to be taken as the subjective principle of Christian life (though often regarded objectively as a spiritual power), and not as Christian doctrine.

    So the scholars either hold, the priests embraced Christian doctrine or Christian life. But is that actually the intended message of God?

    How about because of their faith, they walked the talk such as no longer sacrificing?
     
    #1 Van, Jan 11, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2023
  2. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    How about becoming by faith obedient? Is faith causing their walk? Why has this view been rejected or possibly overlooked?
     
  3. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Faith can refer to the information in which we put our trust, such as the gospel of Christ, or to our commit as true embracing the information. When the Greek grammar form of "faith" is Dative, the idea refers to actions because of faith (commitment to that information). Thus by faith the priests were obeying Christian principles. But, since I have found no support for this view, the question remains: Why?
     
    #3 Van, Jan 11, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2023
  4. 37818

    37818 Well-Known Member

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    To hear fully. To be under it's hearing.
     
  5. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Jesus taught that if we love Him, we will obey His commands. (John 14:15) Thus "faith" refers not to the information accepted, but to the commitment and devotion to those revealed truths. Yes, when someone "hears" (is exposed to) the gospel, unless that information is "united" with faith, the message will not result in benefit, as God credits our faith, not our knowledge as righteous faith.

    Hebrews 4:2 seems to say the gospel is of no benefit to those hearing it, unless it is united with them by their faith. Anyway, that is how I understand the verse.
     
    #5 Van, Jan 12, 2023
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2023
  6. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Is there no one with sufficient knowledge of Greek grammar to hazard an explanation as to why the verse is not translated "a great many priests by faith obeyed?"
     
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