Is there any other way to read this verse?

[1689Dave]

Here a verse in Acts that signifies how Gentile believers attained eternal life.

Is there any other way then that presented?

How then is there argument concerning “corporate election” and salvation.

If one is already appointed or chosen prior to belief, then there can be no “corporate election.”

Or are all these translations in error?

New International Version
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

New Living Translation
When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.

English Standard Version
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.


King James Bible
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as were ordained to eternal life believed.

New King James Version
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

New American Standard Bible
When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.

NASB 1995
When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

NASB 1977
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

(Taken from Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed..)

​

Since Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, either way, you read it depicts faith based on sovereign election eternally in God.

 

[Silverhair]

Incorrect assumption.

We all deserve hell

it is a kind living and merciful God that would choose to save anyone.

that’s what it means to be at the mercy of God. We cannot do anything until He does something for us

salvation is a rescue mission by God

the Prophet Jonah said salvation is of the Lord

What is incorrect? God has decreed that we are saved because of our faith. He does not have faith for us, that is a calvinist invention.

 

[Silverhair]

All that is true and is not at issue. 'For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God, through the foolishness of the message preached, to save those who believe.'

But the passage continues, ' For the Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness......' Well that just about cuts everybody out. One group thinks the Gospel is sacrilege, the other thinks it's stupid. Who's going to believe? '........But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:21-25).

Whether you like it or not, Acts of the Apostles 13:48 stands out in your theology like a proverbial pork pie at a Bar Mitzvah. 'And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.' To the rest it was a stumbling block or foolishness, but those whose hearts the Holy Spirit had called, it was salvation.

If you have a problem with the idea that God saves those that believe then you have a problem with the bible.

 

[Silverhair]

1) I responded to a post by Mitchell.

2) I do not subscribe to something invented by Wesley in order to bypass Scripture teaching and excuse errors. Corporate election is a human construction and has no Scripture support that does not diminish Divine Attributes. Either God has knowledge of all his creation and every aspect of that creation, irregardless of human time constraints, or one makes Him subservient to time and not the master and manipulator of time.

3) My perception of God’s outpouring of Love does not obligate Him in any manner. He is God, not my small intellectual capacity to question His Divine ways. I am obliged to honor Him by expressing, with as little hinderance as possible, His life through me.

Funny you say corporate election is a human construction and yet you hold on to the ultimate human construction "Calvinism. You may not like it but all those that trust in Christ Jesus are elect because we have trusted in Him.

 

[Silverhair]

Well I know enough Greek to know that none of the examples that you have given above use the word τάσσω (tassō). But if reference to the Greek is not sanctioned for us, how come it was sanctioned for TYndale and the translators of the KJV. And where exactly is the KJV 'sanctioned' (ordained?) to be the only translation of the Bible?
Tasso is used eight times in the N.T. In the KJV it is translated as 'ordained' in Romans 13:1; as 'appoint' in Matthew 28:16; Acts 22:10; 28:23; as 'addict' (Archaic usage) in 1 Corinthians 16:15; as 'determine' in Acts 15:2, and as 'set' in Luke 7:3. Those interested can look these occurrences up for themselves. The 'connotations' are perfectly compatible with Calvinism.
I have never joined in with the haters of the KJV - I am always happy to preach from it when asked - but if KJV-onlyism is being used because the Pastor is too lazy to study the Bible properly (c.f. 2 Timothy 2:15) or to keep people from a proper understanding of the Bible, then the sooner the KJV is consigned to history the better.

These Gentiles (including Lydia) had never so much as heard of Jesus Christ before. They had been looking into Judaism, but when they heard the Gospel, 'as many as.....' That's every single one without exception! '.....were ordained to eternal life believed.' That's irresistible grace! Praise God for it! No hope without it.

It's Bible, George, but apparently not as you know it.

Martin you hold to "irresistible grace" but I would lay odds that you shy away from the other side of that which would be"irresistible reprobation". That is the logical outcome of the Calvinist theology that you try to cover up or keep in the shadows.
I do not find calvinism to be biblical but is a man made self aggrandizing theology.
What I have found is that those that hold to calvinism tend to have a hollier than thou attitude. It's we understand the bible, we have come to understand the deeper things. Sounds a lot like gnosticism to me.
If you think I am over stating this just go on some of the calvinist web sites or boards.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

If you have a problem with the idea that God saves those that believe then you have a problem with the bible.

As you know perfectly well, I have no problem at all with the fact that God saves those who believe, and nor SFAIK does any Calvinist.

 

[Marooncat79]

What is incorrect? God has decreed that we are saved because of our faith. He does not have faith for us, that is a calvinist invention.

Ii thess 3:2. “Not all have faith”

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Martin you hold to "irresistible grace" but I would lay odds that you shy away from the other side of that which would be"irresistible reprobation". That is the logical outcome of the Calvinist theology that you try to cover up or keep in the shadows.
I do not find calvinism to be biblical but is a man made self aggrandizing theology.
What I have found is that those that hold to calvinism tend to have a hollier than thou attitude. It's we understand the bible, we have come to understand the deeper things. Sounds a lot like gnosticism to me.
If you think I am over stating this just go on some of the calvinist web sites or boards.

Well, suppose I have found Arminianism to be a man-made self-aggrandizing theology, and suppose I find that Arminians (and you especially) tend to have a holier-than-thou attitude. Where does that get us? Why don't you argue from the Scriptures instead of indulging in rather pathetic insults?

With regard to your comment about 'irresistible reprobation,' why don't you read John 6:39 and then read John 6:40? The gate of heaven is wide open and whoever will may enter. However, the fact is that the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, not because God conceals them from him, but because they are foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 2:14) and because men actually prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19), and because the god of this world has blinded their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). Therefore, unless God gives a sinner new birth he will neither see nor enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5) because of his wicked, unbelieving heart.

 

[MB]

Incorrect assumption.

We all deserve hell

it is a kind living and merciful God that would choose to save anyone.

that’s what it means to be at the mercy of God. We cannot do anything until He does something for us

salvation is a rescue mission by God

the Prophet Jonah said salvation is of the Lord

Jonah also ignored God telling him to go to Nineveh and tried to go his own way.
MB

 

[George Antonios]

Well I know enough Greek to know that none of the examples that you have given above use the word τάσσω (tassō). But if reference to the Greek is not sanctioned for us, how come it was sanctioned for TYndale and the translators of the KJV. And where exactly is the KJV 'sanctioned' (ordained?) to be the only translation of the Bible?
Tasso is used eight times in the N.T. In the KJV it is translated as 'ordained' in Romans 13:1; as 'appoint' in Matthew 28:16; Acts 22:10; 28:23; as 'addict' (Archaic usage) in 1 Corinthians 16:15; as 'determine' in Acts 15:2, and as 'set' in Luke 7:3. Those interested can look these occurrences up for themselves. The 'connotations' are perfectly compatible with Calvinism.
I have never joined in with the haters of the KJV - I am always happy to preach from it when asked - but if KJV-onlyism is being used because the Pastor is too lazy to study the Bible properly (c.f. 2 Timothy 2:15) or to keep people from a proper understanding of the Bible, then the sooner the KJV is consigned to history the better.

These Gentiles (including Lydia) had never so much as heard of Jesus Christ before. They had been looking into Judaism, but when they heard the Gospel, 'as many as.....' That's every single one without exception! '.....were ordained to eternal life believed.' That's irresistible grace! Praise God for it! No hope without it.

It's Bible, George, but apparently not as you know it.

All those points were already addressed in the initial post.

 

[Van]

Acts of the Apostles 13:48:
"When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of [fn]the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The above verse is poorly translated because "had been appointed" translates a Greek word meaning to make an arrangement by mutual consent as if it meant a unilateral action by God.

So the verse might be translated as "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had accepted direction to eternal life believed.

Poor or vague translations when the meaning can be derived contextually are unnecessary and provide an opening for false doctrine.

 

[Silverhair]

Ii thess 3:2. “Not all have faith”

Yes I agree and your point is?

 

[Marooncat79]

Jonah also ignored God telling him to go to Nineveh and tried to go his own way.
MB

But God overruled him!!

Why?

think about it, why would God do that?

because God had determined it to be so

 

[Marooncat79]

Yes I agree and your point is?

How can you exercise faith if you don’t have it

 

[Marooncat79]

Acts of the Apostles 13:48:
"When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of [fn]the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The above verse is poorly translated because "had been appointed" translates a Greek word meaning to make an arrangement by mutual consent as if it meant a unilateral action by God.

So the verse might be translated as "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had accepted direction to eternal life believed.

Poor or vague translations when the meaning can be derived contextually are unnecessary and provide an opening for false doctrine.

Fanciful

in 2000 yrs of Xian history, you are the only one that I am aware of with that translation.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Acts of the Apostles 13:48:
"When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of [fn]the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."

The above verse is poorly translated because "had been appointed" translates a Greek word meaning to make an arrangement by mutual consent as if it meant a unilateral action by God.

So the verse might be translated as "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had accepted direction to eternal life believed.

Poor or vague translations when the meaning can be derived contextually are unnecessary and provide an opening for false doctrine.

The reader may possibly wonder why every Bible translation is wrong and @Van is right. But, of course, the question answers itself.
There is no verb 'to accept' or 'to accept direction' in Acts 13:48 in any extant Greek text. Nor does tasso mean 'to make an arrangement by mutual consent' anywhere in the N.T. so far as I can see. The meaning of tasso is 'to appoint,' 'ordain,' 'set in order,' 'arrange.' 'consecrate' (oneself. 1 Corinthians 16:15).
Fanciful or false translations when the meaning can be derived linguistically, grammatically and/or contextually are (to put it no more strongly) unnecessary and provide an opening for false doctrine.

 

[Van]

Fanciful

in 2000 yrs of Xian history, you are the only one that I am aware of with that translation.

Many many Calvinists try to marginalize my views by falsely claiming they are not shared by published (i.e. found on line) scholars. For you to be unable to find a lexicon that indicates the Greek word means an agreement by mutual consent, and to be unable to find numerous examples of such usage demonstrates your view is outside the mainstream.

 

[Van]

The reader may possibly wonder why every Bible translation is wrong and @Van is right. But, of course, the question answers itself.
There is no verb 'to accept' or 'to accept direction' in Acts 13:48 in any extant Greek text. Nor does tasso mean 'to make an arrangement by mutual consent' anywhere in the N.T. so far as I can see. The meaning of tasso is 'to appoint,' 'ordain,' 'set in order,' 'arrange.' 'consecrate' (oneself. 1 Corinthians 16:15).
Fanciful or false translations when the meaning can be derived linguistically, grammatically and/or contextually are (to put it no more strongly) unnecessary and provide an opening for false doctrine.

Many many Calvinists try to marginalize my views by falsely claiming they are not shared by published (i.e. found on line) scholars. For you to be unable to find a lexicon that indicates the Greek word means an agreement by mutual consent, and to be unable to find numerous examples of such usage demonstrates your view is outside the mainstream.

 

[Silverhair]

Well, suppose I have found Arminianism to be a man-made self-aggrandizing theology, and suppose I find that Arminians (and you especially) tend to have a holier-than-thou attitude. Where does that get us? Why don't you argue from the Scriptures instead of indulging in rather pathetic insults?

With regard to your comment about 'irresistible reprobation,' why don't you read John 6:39 and then read John 6:40? The gate of heaven is wide open and whoever will may enter. However, the fact is that the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, not because God conceals them from him, but because they are foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 2:14) and because men actually prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19), and because the god of this world has blinded their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). Therefore, unless God gives a sinner new birth he will neither see nor enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5) because of his wicked, unbelieving heart.

Martin, not trying to insult anyone just pointing out what I have seen on these sites. Sorry that you think I have a holier-than-thou attitude that's not my intent. But I am surprised that you would resort to the "you to" argument, I would expect better from you.

You almost got the whole thing right. Man has a free will and that is why he does what he does and because of that the judgement is deserved. My question for you is when are sinners born again before or after they believe?

And in regard to 'irresistible reprobation,' why don't you look at the theology that you hold to. The logical outcome of calvinist views lead to this result. Your a logical man so be honest with yourself and think it through.

 

[MB]

But God overruled him!!

Why?

think about it, why would God do that?

because God had determined it to be so

I do not believe God predetermines everything. Jonah was already a minister of God's. There is nothing unusual about a follower being corrected. Jonah still could have refused although not to his own benefit. So much for determinism..There is a lot to be said for freewill
MB