In Defense of Shaul
By
Gary Primo
July 21, 2012
The Apostle Shaul, commonly called “Paul” in the Greek and English translations of the Scriptures, is the most misunderstood apostle of all. The Jews brand him as a heretic while the Christians think of him as a hero, the champion of liberation from the oppressive laws of Yahuwah. Both venues stem from one premise; that Shaul (Paul) preached the Law of Yahuwah done away with. This premise is totally false and can be proven so from the Scriptures. It all depends on what pre-conceived ideas each interpreter has before studying any of the books (i.e. letters) written by Shaul. If one is starting with the premise that Shaul was a heretic, then he will end up being a heretic. If one starts with the premise that Shaul was a liberator from the laws of Yahuwah, then he will end up being a liberator. To find the truth one has to view his writings with an open mind and lets the facts and evidence interpret themselves.
There are a number of things one has to examine in coming to the correct answer – the first being motive. What would Shaul’s motive have been for teaching that the Law of Yahuwah was done away with, if indeed, that was what he taught? Secondly, what evidence do we have that Shaul did in fact teach such a doctrine? Thirdly, what evidence do we have that he taught anything to the contrary - i.e. to support the keeping of the law? These questions have to rightfully be examined like any other case in law – by examining all sides of the argument, not just one. The beginning of this controversy can be found in the Book of Acts. This is the book that covers the trials of Shaul where he was accused of such a crime by the Jews. What was the verdict that resulted from these trials? He was in fact tried 3 times for the same crime. The verdict was the same for all three.
Background
What little is known about Shaul’s past is summarized in the Encyclopedia Wikipedia.
Prior to conversion
Paul claimed to be "of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee."[Phil. 3:5] But the Bible reveals very little about Paul's family. Paul's "sister's son" is mentioned in Acts 23:16. Acts also quotes Paul indirectly referring to his father by saying he was "a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee".[Acts 23:6] Paul refers to his mother in Romans 16:13 as among those at Rome.
Acts identifies Paul as from the Mediterranean city of Tarsus (in present-day south-central Turkey), well known for its intellectual environment[Acts 21:39].
Although born in Tarsus, Paul was raised in Jerusalem[Acts 26:4] "at the feet of Gamaliel"[Acts 22:3], a leading authority in the Sanhedrin in the mid 1st century AD. Gamaliel once gave some advice to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:34–39, to "refrain" from slaying the disciples of Jesus. This is in great contrast to the rashness of his student Saul, who zealously persecuted the "saints". [Acts 9:13; 26:10]
Paul confesses that "beyond measure" he persecuted the "church of God" prior to his conversion. (Galatians 1:13–14; Philippians 3:6; Acts 8:1–3) As a young man, he cooperated in the killing of the proto-martyr, Stephen, standing by and guarding the clothes of the witnesses while Stephen was stoned. (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:20)
The Evidence
Shaul was likely the most educated of all the disciples of Yahushua, which made him a very valuable asset to the assemblies. He was sent to minister to the Gentiles, but was mainly seeking out the Lost Sheep of Israel, who were descendants of the “lost ten tribes” of the northern kingdom that went into Assyrian captivity and never returned. These were scattered amongst the pagan Gentile nations. He was a master orator with the Yahuwah-given gift of discernment. Peter said it best in the following passage.
2 Peter 3:15 - And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 - As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Peter (Cephas) admits that Paul (Shaul) was given wisdom, obviously referring to divine wisdom in interpreting matters of doctrine. He admits that some of the things he spoke of were confusing to the “unlearned” referring to the Gentiles. Paul also refers to Shaul as a beloved brother. In other words his teachings were perfectly in tune with what all the other apostles and disciples taught. There was absolutely no animosity felt toward him nor was he any less respected in the apostolic assembly than any of the others.
A number of the Gentiles could not discern the difference between the Hebrew faith and their own pagan religions. After all, there were already 15 other crucified pagan messiah’s that they worshipped. Plus there was the fact that they interpreted their understanding of religion through the filter of Greek philosophy which was ingrained in them from birth. Therefore, it was not incomprehensible that they sought to cling to some of their former beliefs and integrate them with the beliefs of the assemblies.
The Jewish members would have more readily understood Shaul’s words and their context. Some of the Gentiles would have been impatient to learn the full scope of Hebrew understanding, desiring to seek prominence in the assemblies as quickly as possible and leaning toward their own understanding which was tainted. These individuals twisted the words of Shaul to their own understanding sealing up the certainty of their own destruction, along with the destruction of those who blindly followed after them. These are the ones who began to hail Shaul as the liberator from the Law of Yahuwah while the unbelieving Jews falsely accused him of violating the law. The truth is to be found somewhere in the middle of these two arguments. This argument begins in Acts 15.
Acts 15:1 - And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.
2 - When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
According to the scriptural interpretation of the law of circumcision these Jews were correct in their understanding. These Jews were demanding that the Gentiles be circumcised immediately before being allowed to even fellowship with the Jews in the assembly. Shaul’s contention was that Yahuwah had already given these gentiles the very same spirit (His spirit of truth and love) that He had given the Jewish Believers, thereby showing no distinction between circumcision and uncircumcision. The fact that Shaul did was not authorized to render such a decision on his own is verified by the fact that he took the question to the counsel in Jerusalem, and in particular to James, who was given all authority over the assemblies. The foundation of Shaul’s teaching lies in the Old Testament prophesy that the Messiah would bring with him a new covenant and a new seal of that covenant (Jer.31:31 -34; Ezek. 11:19-20; 36:25-27).
Acts 15:4 - And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the assembly, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that Elohim had done with them.
5 - But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Yahuwah was proving the works of Shaul by the “things” that he was doing for them – i.e. “by their fruits you shall know them.” Both Shaul and the other apostles understood that the covenant of Moses had been replaced by the new covenant.
Under the new covenant the laws of Yahuwah were to be written on the minds and hearts of all mankind (not simply done away with) who chose to believe in Yahushua. Yahuwah placed a new spirit in all Believers which was to lead them in all truth and teach them the love of Yahuwah. Under the old covenant, this spirit was never given. Under that covenant, only a few Israelites wrote the laws and statutes on their minds and in their hearts. Most only obeyed out of a fear of punishment. They didn’t understand the true purpose of the Law, which was to make one’s carnal nature over into the nature of Yahuwah, which is pure love and truth personified. The Israelites, for the most part, were never able to internalize the law; therefore, they constantly violated it.
The “sign” of the old covenant was circumcision of the flesh. The sign of the new covenant is circumcision of the heart – a spiritual circumcision in which Yahuwah did the circumcising, which changed the hearts of all true Believers. By taking on the nature of Yahuwah, all His laws and statutes come naturally into play. This will become more apparent as we continue in this study.
Acts 15:6 - And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 - And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago Elohim made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 - And Elohim, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the set-apart spirit, even as he did unto us;
9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 - Now therefore why tempt you Elohim, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 - But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Yahushua HaMashiyack we shall be saved, even as they.
This is Peter talking, not Paul; yet he is perfect agreement with Paul. The Jewish Believers had already come to the understanding that one is not saved strictly by the outward keeping of the Law alone, but by the keeping of the Law combined with faith in Yahushua. It is Yahushua who judges the heart, which cannot lie, and grants mercy to those whose hearts are pure. The Pharisees outwardly kept the Law (in most cases beyond the letter of the Law) but their hearts were not pure, in that they did not believe in Yahushua. Therefore, their keeping of the Law was absolutely useless in regards to salvation. The Law brings only condemnation, not salvation. Under the Law all are guilty of transgression and worthy of death alone. Without the internalizing of the Law in our minds and hearts, none are destined for salvation. The religious leaders came to use the Law merely to exercise authority and power over the people. As a result, the attitude of self-righteousness permeated their ranks. I believe that James said it best.
James 2:14 - What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 - If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 - And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit?
17 - Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.
18 - Yes, a man may say, You hast faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 - You believe that there is one Elohim; you doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 - But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 - Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 - See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 - And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed Elohim, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of Elohim.
24 - You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
The non-believing Jews believed in salvation by works alone. Yet, they did not write these laws in their minds and hearts and; therefore, did not obey out of love. Thus the nature of Yahuwah was yet a foreign entity to them. The Gentiles who confused Paul’s words taught salvation by faith alone. Again, the truth is to be found in the middle of these two arguments. It is the combination of faith and works that brings one to salvation.
If works alone made one perfect, the Jews would have believed Yahushua when he came – just as Abraham did concerning the sacrifice of Isaac. Isaac was presented as a picture of the Messiah to come. If perfected by works, the Jews should have recognized him. They did not recognize him because although they had works they did not have faith. As in Abraham's case works are made perfect through faith and faith is made perfect through works. The two are inseparable. One is dependent upon the other. Anyone who teaches otherwise is devoid of proper understanding.
Acts 15:12 - Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders Elohim had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
The audience began to understand and realized that they should be listening instead of talking.
13 - And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 - Simeon has declared how Elohim at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 - And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 - After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 - That the residue of men might seek after Yahuwah, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, says Yahuwah, who does all these things.
18 - Known unto Elohim are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to Elohim:
20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 - For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
In verse 14, James declares that Elohim was seeking to take a people out of the Gentiles for His name. This would be the Lost Sheep of the northern nation of Israel. In verse 17 he calls these same Lost Sheep the “residue”. In calling them out of the Gentiles it is hoped that pagan Gentiles will also follow suit and turn toward Elohim. In verse 16 he quotes a passage that declares that when Yahushua returns he will restore the tabernacle of David, which formerly housed both nations – Judah and Israel. These Lost Sheep had lost all knowledge of Elohim and had to learn it again. It was faith in Yahushua that had brought them to this point. Now they had to re-learn the works of the Law to PERFECT their faith.
Naturally that was going to take some time. James was saying to give them the chance to learn the works of the Law, whereby they would understand the new covenant fully where both the keeping of the law and faith were required to attain salvation. They already had synagogues in every city where the Law of Moses was taught. Therefore, it was enough to merely have them commit to the four conditions in verse 20 and allow them time to learn the Law before committing to it. In this way they could weed out those who were weak in the faith before committing them to a covenant that they were sure to break otherwise. The Jews who were causing this dispute did not understand the new covenant of the spirit, but were still committed to the old covenant of the flesh.
Only four things changed – 1) the covenant, 2) the sign of the covenant, 3) the priesthood and 4) the nature of the Believers. The laws did not change. To confirm this understanding, we have the words of the Messiah himself in Matt. 5:17-18, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
Obviously, heaven and earth have not passed away. Therefore, the Law stands as it always has since it was given to Moses. Only the laws pertaining to the priesthood and the covenant changed. Fleshly circumcision was replaced by circumcision of the heart. Our faith combined with our understanding of the Law and by performing the works of the Law is what leads us to salvation. A true Believer should not need the written law before him/her at all times. He/she should, through the spirit of Yahuwah dwelling in him/her, have a natural inclination to be one with the Father, knowing that it leads one to adopting the very nature of Yahuwah and; therefore, be obedient by nature. One who is naturally lawful has no need to be under the Law. To disobey would be against his/her nature. It would be like forgetting to breathe. If we do not posses this nature, we will never be granted entrance into the Kingdom. Corruption simply cannot inherit incorruptibility. It is spiritually impossible. History has shown us that under the old covenant of the flesh, Israel remained very much corruptible and; therefore, the need for a new covenant of the spirit and a new “sign” of the covenant – spiritual circumcision instead of fleshly.
Mainstream Christianity teaches that we are saved the instant that “we accept ‘Jesus’ as our Savior”. Since “Jesus” was never the name of the Messiah, no one can be saved by that name to begin with. Being baptized in the name “Jesus” is a totally bogus baptism. There is only one name under heaven by which anyone can be saved and that is the name that the Messiah used when he came in the flesh – Yahushua. That is the only name one must be baptized in. If you have not been baptized in the true name of the Saviour, you had better be baptized again.
One is not instantly saved upon baptism. That only shows ones faith. After that one has to demonstrate their faith by their works and their works will be gauged or judged by the words of the Law.
One merely has to look to our earthly legal system to understand this. Let’s say a murderer is condemned to death for his crime. Afterward he repents and is given a full pardon for his crime. Then he goes out and commits another murder. There is going to be no more pardoning available to him because the courts now know that his confession of repentance is not to be believed and he again comes under the penalty of death. This is exactly what happens at baptism. We come out from under the penalty of death and from that point on are fully expected to lead “law abiding” lives to keep us from coming again under the sentence of death. Those who believe the law is done away with and return to sinning afterward, place themselves again under the sword of death and have no further chance for salvation. Faith devoid of works is dead. It is as simple as that.
Since James was the leader of the assembly and it was he that declared that physical circumcision was not needed, why then is he not labeled as the one who did away with the Law, rather than Shaul? Yes it was Shaul who first came up with the idea, but it was primarily because Shaul was formerly a Pharisee that he is being attacked.
The answer to this question, did Shaul teach contrary to the Law, is found in verse 8 & 9.
Acts 15:8 - And Elohim, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;
9 -And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Yahuwah had already “born witness” of them by filling them with the same spirit of truth as He had the Jews. This spirit of truth would in turn lead them into all truth, including the learning of the Law and the new covenant they had entered with Yahuwah. The sign of being a participant of that new covenant was being spiritually circumcised (of the mind and heart). Anyone can make an outward showing of faith (as was the case with circumcision of the flesh) but to internalize the law by writing them on our minds and hearts, means that we are no longer capable of breaking them. Our conscience will not permit it. Therefore, when they came to the realization of this truth they would respond accordingly. The carnal spirit of man is naturally anti-law. Therefore, it was inevitable that the antinomian Gentiles would seek out salvation without keeping the Law. Of course they needed a precedent for doing so and found it in twisting the words of Shaul to their own destruction.
Ex.12:48 - And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to Yahuwah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
49 - One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourns among you.
There is only one Law and it applies equally to the natural Israelite and to the stranger (Gentile) who wishes to become a part of the congregation. As we already read in James 2, although these Gentiles were given the spirit of truth because of their faith, they needed to also take on the truth and spirit of the law to perfect their faith. Such a thing could not be forced upon them. They had to desire it of themselves and freely choose obedience to the Father. Otherwise it would be like signing a contact with a gun to your head, not knowing or understanding what you are signing. This is what James meant in Acts 15:21. According to the law, they would not have been allowed to keep the Passover until they were physically circumcised. However, now we have a better covenant with a better circumcision (spiritual) for a sign of this covenant. We also have a people who freely chose to believe and come under obedience to the law without being forced to by societal pressure. We must understand the difference between the Law and the covenant. Only the terms of the covenant changed. The Law did not.
Acts 16:1 - Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 - Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 - Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 - And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 - And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Why would Shaul preach against physical circumcision in one place and then circumcise Timotheus in the next. Obviously the societal law of circumcision applied still to the natural born Jews but they were not Believers and may have been ready to bar him from the temple or even stone him because of his uncircumcision – who knows? Neither Shaul nor the other apostles had any authority to change the Law. Nor were they trying to change the Law. They were merely trying to make them understand that they were now under a new covenant and a better symbol of that covenant. Spiritual circumcision replaced physical circumcision as the requirement for entry into the covenant. Still, there are physical benefits circumcising infant boys. So it is not a bad think to have them circumcised anyway. But it can still represent a spiritual memory of the first covenant and its shortcomings. When we get into Shaul’s trial we will see that the Jews continue to accuse Shaul of teaching against the physical circumcision. Does this mean that someone who has been physically circumcised from birth does not qualify for salvation? Of course it doesn't. It simply means that it no longer has anything to do with salvation.
The only other thing that changed was the priesthood. We are no longer under the Levitical priesthood; therefore, any laws pertaining to that priesthood disappeared with it. We are now under the Messianic Priesthood, also known as the Order of Melchizedek. Under the new priesthood we have only one High Priest between us and the Father – Yahushua. I will elaborate more on this when we get into the Book of Hebrews.
Acts 21:20 - And when they heard it, they glorified Yahuwah, and said unto him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
All the Jews who were converted, were “zealous” of the Law because they knew that the keeping and proper understanding of the Law was paramount to the perfecting of their faith and the sealing of their salvation. They certainly saw nothing in conversion to belief in the Messiah that would even remotely suggest that the Law had been done away with. They were perhaps ones that understood the nature of Yahushua’s first coming and had been looking for his appearance. When the apostles and disciples proved Yahushua was who they said he was from the writings in the Old Testament, these Jews readily recognized the truth in what they were saying. The New Testament did not exist at that time.
21 - And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
Note the contention was that Shaul was teaching the “Jews” dwelling amongst the Gentiles contrary to the Law. This was simply not so. At no time did Shaul teach that infant Jewish boys should not be circumcised. He merely taught, that under the new covenant, spiritual circumcision of the heart was the new confirmation of that covenant. Neither at any time did he teach against the customs of the Jews. It was only the covenant that he was dealing with.
22 - What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that you art come.
23 - Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 - Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing; but that you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law.
The apostles and elders asked Shaul to take his place with the four others in taking a vow and shaving his head to show that he, himself, still kept the Law. Was this an act of deceit on the part of the parties concerned, or were they genuine in their motive. If it were a purposely deceitful act, it would have disqualified those apostles and elders as true Believers and followers of Yahushua. And since they had all been in agreement with Shaul in Acts 15, why were they not also accused along with Shaul of the same crime?
25 - As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Rather than the “be all/end all” of what laws pertained to the Gentiles, these 4 laws were merely the basic laws they needed to observe to come into the assembly. These were carnal practices attached to carnal Gentile worship. Afterward they were expected to attend Sabbath services at the synagogues which were in every city to learn the Law fully. How long would it have taken them to learn the law – one year perhaps?
Back in Exodus twelve it is stated that the stranger was not allowed to take part in the Passover unless they were circumcised. Both this, along with what we read in Genesis 21, show that the Law at that time applied equally to the Jew and Gentile. Since Yahushua, himself, said in Matthew 5 that the Law stood intact till heaven and earth passed away, we can be assured that these laws still stand today. Was the Law Yahushua was referring to any different than the Mosaic Law? Yes it was. The laws pertaining to the covenant of flesh were obviously done away with, as were the laws pertaining to the former priesthood. The Law Yahushua was referring to the all encompassing law of love – primarily towards Yahuwah and secondly towards our fellow man. These laws were built into the creation of Yahuwah from the very beginning. These will never change until the new creation is ushered in.
Until the Gentiles fully knew and understood the Law, they were given “a hall pass” on account of their faith, to fellowship with the Jewish Believers on an equal basis. However, they were expected at some point, to learn the Law and bring themselves under subjection to it within a reasonable amount of time. It is the Law of love which defines sin and is the criteria by which we all will be judged. Therefore, the Law cannot be done away with in regards to anyone, Jew or Gentile. Again it is the covenant we are dealing with. It can be compared to a wedding ceremony where the vows remain pretty much the same but hopefully if a man is remarrying (for any spiritual legal reason; e.g. death of a spouse or adultery), he puts a new ring on the brides figure. If he uses the ring he formerly placed on his former wife’s finger he risks getting his marriage off to a pretty rocky start, if at all (Lol). The vows taken pertaining to the new covenant come from the heart rather than merely paying lip service outwardly. If all marriages were such, there would be much fewer divorces.
Acts 21:27 - And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 - Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teaches all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 - (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 - And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
These were the common Jews of the temple, not the believing Jews who did this. Verse 28 reveals the four things that Shaul was accused of. To be guilty of even one of the four would have lawfully qualified Shaul to be put to death. All charges were false. Verse 29 states they assumed Shaul brought the Greek fellow into the Temple, so even that charge was untrue. The true nature of the contention was that Shaul, formerly a Pharisee, had converted to the group of Believers. In this regard, Shaul was seen as a traitor to his sect, as were any other Pharisees and priests who converted, of which there were many.
In his defense, in the beginning of chapter two, Shaul did not even attempt to defend himself against the 4 charges stated above. He defended himself against the real underlying reason for their attack; that he, a Pharisee, had become a Believer. He explained the nature of his conversion to them. Before he even had a chance to address the other 4 charges, they were calling for his death and dragging him out of the Temple to kill him purely on the basis of what he had so far confessed.
Acts 22:22 - And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
23 - And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
Fortunately the Chief Captain of the Roman army was called to the ruckus and demanded they hand Shaul over to him. Under normal circumstances, Shaul would have been beaten and released. He would then have been targeted for assassination by the Jews. However, when Paul announces to the Chief Captain that he is a Roman citizen, the tables suddenly change.
Acts 22:25 - And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
26 - When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
27 - Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
28 - And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
29 - Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
Even the Chief Captain was not a “born” Roman but one who had purchased his citizenship. So, he was shocked to learn that this Jew, and a Pharisee at that, was a natural born Roman citizen. His shock turned to fear as he realized how he had Shaul bound and manhandled, as this was a violation of his rights and could spell a lot of trouble for him. Shaul took advantage of his Roman citizenship to protect himself from the Jews, whom he knew would stop at nothing to kill him if he was released.
Acts 23:1 - And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before Elohim until this day.
2 - And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 - Then said Paul unto him, Elohim shall smite you, you whitewashed wall: for sit you to judge me after the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to the law?
4 - And they that stood by said, Revile you Elohim’s high priest?
5 - Then said Paul, I wish not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shalt not speak evil of the ruler of your people.
What does this exchange mean? Ananias was the current high priest. Originally this office was to be held by a blood descendant of Aaron. However, the office and indeed the entire priesthood had become so corrupt that the ordination of high priest went to the highest bidder and not necessarily one descended from Aaron. In other words Ananias illegally purchased this office and; therefore, had no legal right to be the high priest in the first place. He was pretender to the office. Shaul was recognizing this fact in the way that he talked back to Ananias and called him a whitewashed wall. He would not have dared to have done so if he recognized Ananias as a legal high priest anointed by Yahuwah. Shaul also knew and believed that Yahushua was now the only true High Priest and King and owed no allegiance to this former priesthood. Yet at all times he was to refrain from offending them, showing respect for local authority. Shaul words were perfectly understood by Ananias, which angered the Jews even more.
6 - But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
7 - And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 - For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
9 - And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against Elohim.
10 - And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
11 - And the night following Yahuwah stood by him, and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
The Sadducees denied both Yahuwah’s promise of resurrection from the dead and the existence of an angelic realm. Therefore, they did not believe Yahuwah and were apostate towards Elohim. Since the Law clearly affirmed both understandings, it was the Sadducees that were in violation of the Law, not Shaul. This was a longstanding point of dissension between the two parties and Shaul took advantage of this fact to cause dissent within the crowd. When they started fighting among one another, the chief captain, lacking proper understanding of Jewish law, decided that he could no longer preside over the case and needed to turn it over to someone who did understand the nature of the argument.
Of course it was not the Father who stood by Shaul but the One who came in the name of the Father and who always represented the Father before all of mankind, Yahushua, the only begotten Son. He had purposed that Shaul would carry the gospel to Rome and prophesy before the beast power of his day of the things purposed by the Father. This was the manner in which he was to be taken there, for Shaul’s protection against the Jews. If he had of been released, the Jews would have sought to kill him at the first convenient moment.
!2 - And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
13 - And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
14 - And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
15 - Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
16 - And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
17 - Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he has a certain thing to tell him.
18 - So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto you, who has something to say unto you.
19 - Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that you have to tell me?
20 - And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire you that you would bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
21 - But do not you yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from you.
22 - So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See you tell no man that you have showed these things to me.
23 - And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
24 - And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
25 - And he wrote a letter after this manner:
26 - Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
27 - This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
28 - And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
29 - Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
30 - And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to you, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before you what they had against him. Farewell.
31 - Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
33 - On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
34 - Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
35 - And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
36 - I will hear you, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
Thankfully, Shaul’s nephew overheard the conspiracy to kill his uncle and reported it to him and to the authorities. No further mention is made of what happened to those forty men who took this oath. Common sense tells us that they would not have survived more that 4-7 days without food or drink. They made this oath in the presence of numerous witnesses, so they would have looked pretty ridiculous breaking this oath. Was this a cruel joke that Yahuwah played on them to teach them a lesson for trying to kill His anointed?
So we have the chief captain who recognized immediately that he did not have the authority or the wisdom to judge this matter, turning the matter over to one that did have such knowledge – the governor of Judea, who would have had to have been fully knowledgeable in Judaic law. The governor at that time was a man named Felix. To give you some background into the key players in this drama I have dug up the following.
Parson’s Bible Dictionary
Felix HAPPY, THE ROMAN PROCURATOR OF JUDEA BEFORE WHOM PAUL “REASONED” (Acts 24:25). He appears to have expected a bribe from Paul, and therefore had several interviews with him. The “worthy deeds” referred to in Acts 24:2 was his clearing the country of bandits and impostors. At the end of a two years’ term, Porcius Festus was appointed in the room of Felix (A.D. 60), who proceeded to Rome, and was there accused of cruelty and malversation of office by the Jews of Caesarea. The accusation was rendered nugatory by the influence of his brother Pallas with Nero. (See Josephus, Ant. xx. 8, 9.) Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa, having been induced by Felix to desert her husband, the king of Emesa, became his adulterous companion. She was seated beside him when Paul “reasoned” before the judge. When Felix gave place to Festus, being “willing to do the Jews a pleasure,” he left Paul bound.
Festus, Porcius THE SUCCESSOR OF FELIX (A.D. 60) AS PROCURATOR OF JUDEA (Acts 24:27). A few weeks after he had entered on his office the case of Paul, then a prisoner at Caesarea, was reported to him. The “next day,” after he had gone down to Caesarea, he heard Paul defend himself in the presence of Herod Agrippa II. and his sister Bernice, and not finding in him anything worthy of death or of bonds, would have set him free had he not appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). In consequence of this appeal Paul was sent to Rome. Festus, after being in office less than two years, died in Judea. (See AGRIPPA.)
Herod Agrippa II The son of Herod Agrippa I. and Cypros. the emperor Claudius made him tetrarch of the provinces of Philip and Lysanias, with the title of king (Acts 25:13; 26:2, 7). He enlarged the city of Caesarea Philippi, and called it Neronias, in honor of Nero. It was before him and his sister that Paul made his defense at Caesarea (Acts 25:12-27). He died at Rome A.D. 100, in the third year of the emperor Trajan.
The chief captain, Claudius Lysias, named in verse 26, turned Shaul over to Felix, the governor of Judea. Felix said that he would hear the matter when the Jews who were accusing him were present.
Acts 24:1 - And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 - And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence,
3 - We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 - Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words.
5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 - Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 - But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 - Commanding his accusers to come unto you: by examining of whom thyself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 - And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
The Jews chose this well known orator, Tertullus, to speak for them. He comes off sounding like any other prosecuting attorney, starting off by “kissing up” to the governor. You will notice that the accusations keep changing every time the Jews had an audience before anyone of authority, depending upon what knowledge of Jewish law they perceived that public figure to possess. Tertullus presents his case to the governor accusing Shaul this time of being “a pestilent fellow” (a fancy term for thorn in the side – hardly a crime), “a mover of sedition” (stirring up rebellion, whether against the Jews or Rome, of which they had no proof), “ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (he was neither the ringleader nor did he violate any law in the Roman law books) and “profaning the temple” (in regards to bring in a Greek person, of which they again had no proof). The governor's presumption is that this matter should have been decided and dealt with by the Jews rather than wasting the governor’s valuable time (once again he wanted Shaul turned over to the Jews, where his death would have been assured). He also accuses the chief captain of taking Shaul “with great violence”, in an effort to get him into hot water for interfering with the Jewish authorities. The Jews involved in the matter then added their voice affirming that all that Tertullus said was so.
Then Paul was given his opportunity to speak. Since this was a public court, Shaul would be given a chance to speak his peace fully without interruption.
10 - Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that you hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 - Because that you may understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 - And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 - Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 - But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 - And have hope toward Elohim, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 - And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward Elohim, and toward men.
17 - Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 - Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 - Who ought to have been here before you, and object, if they had ought against me.
20 - Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 - Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
Shaul, being an excellent orator himself, was more than a match for Tertullus. He also begins by kissing up a little to the governor. Shaul starts off his defense by pointing out the fact that he had only been in Jerusalem for 12 days – hardly enough time to do all that he was accused of. He professes that he had come only to worship and that is all these men found him doing in the temple. These Jews found him neither disputing with any man, nor stirring up a rebellion, but laid hands on him immediately upon seeing him there. He confesses only to be a follower of the Way, short for “the Way of Yahuwah” (which is what Believers of the 1st century called their faith), which the Jews, only, labeled as heresy. Of course, the Jews labeled all other religions as heresy, as well, including the various religions of the Romans. So, that argument may not have garnered them many brownie points before a Roman judge.
Shaul maintains that the faith that he practiced believed in all the things written in the Law and the Prophets just as the Jews did and; therefore was no guiltier of heresy than they were. Since the Believers of the first century could easily prove the Messiahship of Yahushua from the Old Testament writings, there was no heresy to be found amongst any of them. He calls to the forefront the real nature of their charges; that he preached the hope of Elohim and the resurrection from the dead, which the Pharisees did also and were not called onto the carpet for. His point being, that if these Jews tolerated the teachings of the Pharisees, how could they accuse him for teaching the exact same thing? He maintained that his conscience was clear of committing any offense toward Elohim or man. Of course Shaul was telling the truth on this subject and since the question of circumcision did not even come up, he did not have to answer to that specific topic, seeing as how that dealt with the covenant and not the Law.
Shaul goes on to say that he only came to the temple to bring alms and offerings to his nation, as required by the Law, just as every other Jew did. Also, that there were witnesses (Jews from Asia) present who could have testified to the truth of what he was saying, yet these Jews did not bring any of the actual witnesses to this hearing. If any charges were to be brought against Shaul, it should have been those Jews from Asia that were there accusing him. Yet not one was present. He then challenges the Jews present to produce one single, credible witness to testify to the charges before the court. Of course, they could not. In ending, Shaul again proclaims that the only thing he was really there for was because he testified to the hope of the resurrection. In other words, because he was a Pharisee who chose to follow the Way of the Believers, against which there was no law.
Also, there remained the fact that there was substantial difference between the actual law as specified in the Torah and the law as interpreted by the Jews via their Talmud, which they held in higher authority than the Torah. Which law would hold up in a public court?
Felix was a very corrupt individual and even though he trembled at the words of Shaul concerning his faith, his carnal state won out and he sought a bribe from Shaul to release him. However, Shaul would rather rot in prison than to stoop to such depravity. Plus Shaul knew that, once released, the Jews would not rest until he was dead. The hope of receiving a bribe was also the reason that Felix allowed Shaul’s fellow Believers to visit him. He hoped that they might be persuaded to pay a bribe for him, which they did not. Therefore, he kept Shaul in prison for 2 years until he became the problem of Felix’ successor, Porcius Festus.
Acts 25:1 - Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 - Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3 - And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 - But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly there.
5 - Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 - And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7 - And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 - While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 - But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Will you go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 - Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as you very well know.
11 - For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
12 - Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Have you appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shall you go.
The accusers of Shaul knew they had no case against him and that he was likely to be acquitted. That is what they wanted. It would give them the opportunity to murder him. Once again they come up with numerous complaints which they could not prove and once again Shaul denies all the charges. The wording of Shaul’s defense is what is important here. If Shaul were to lie for any reason, even to save his neck, it would disqualify him as a true servant of Elohim and ruin his reputation in the community of Believers, as well as amongst the Jews. So we must come to the obvious conclusion that Shaul was not lying when he stated, “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended anything at all”. If Shaul had indeed preached against any of these three, he would have indeed been guilty of a capital crime. Neither could the Jews prove that he did. Surely if they had any witnesses to attest to the fact that Shaul did teach contrary to the Law, they would have brought them forth. The Law of the Torah would and should be the only Law to be considered in any legal setting. The Jewish interpretation of the Law found in the Talmud is subject to interpretation and therefore inadmissible in a regular public court.
Just as the priesthood was changed to one that followed the former order known as the “Order of Melchizadek”, where the oldest living human was the high priest, now the firstborn of all creation is the eternal High Priest. And so also, the laws reverted back to the basic laws (of creation) that existed before the Mosaic laws. The Levitical priesthood no longer exists. However, the basic laws of creation addressing the showing love towards Yahuwah and love towards our neighbours still apply.
Knowing that Yahushua wanted him to go to Rome and preach the word there, Shaul exorcised his right to be tried by Caesar, the highest court in the empire. It was the only way he could get there without risking assassination by the Jews. Festus; therefore, agreed to send Shaul to Rome.
Shortly after this event King Herod Agrippa II came to visit and confer with the new governor. Festus informed the King of the situation with Shaul, and the King desired to meet and hear Shaul himself. This was not to be a formal meeting. The King was merely curious about this fellow who had caused such a stir amongst the Jews.
Acts 25 - And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
26 - But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
27 - Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
28 - For it seemed to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Festus conveys his understanding of the situation to King Agrippa. He testifies to the fact that as far as he is concerned the man, Shaul, has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. Now, I do not know about this specific point in time, but I do know that originally all the kings of Israel had to write out and learn all the laws of the Torah before they could become king. So, I am assuming here that Agrippa was more versed in the law than Festus and that is why Festus was seeking his input. Festus expresses his frustration in sending Shaul to Rome and not knowing what to write in his report concerning the reason he was sending him. Agrippa agrees to meet and talk with Shaul. Shaul begins by recounting the circumstances of his conversion from one who imprisoned and consented to the deaths of Believers to a Believer himself. Then he gets into his defense.
Acts 26:19 - Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 - But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to Elohim, and do works meet for repentance.
21 - For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
22 - Having therefore obtained help of Elohim, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 - That the Messiah should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Paul defends himself against the accusations of the Jews once again saying he was merely being obedient to the heavenly vision that he had had. He only taught that his audience to repent and turn to Elohim and do “works meet for repentance”. Here we have in Shaul’s own words that works were needed to prove one’s repentance was genuine. The works he was talking about was the works of the Law or obedience to the Law.
Yahuwah is the Law - Giver. No creature in the universe has the authority to change even the smallest stroke of a pen in regards to the Law, and certainly Shaul never attempted or even entertained the thought of doing so. The one and only one who dared to do so was a fourth century Roman emperor by the name of Constantine. He first passed the law which forbade any Roman citizen from following the customs and traditions (the Laws) of the Jews (likely at the insistence of the Jews). Later he passed a second law declaring Sunday to be the official day of worship for all Roman citizens in his empire. Up until that point all true Believers followed the laws, customs and traditions of the Jews – including the Gentile Believers. If Shaul had taught the Law done away, these early Believers would not have been found observing the customs and traditions of the Jews. This is the fact that distinguished any Believer who was also a Roman citizen from the rest and caused their arrest, prosecution and punishment.
24 - And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad.
25 - But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 - For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
In these 3 verses Shaul politely puts Festus in his place after he infers that Shaul has lost his mind. First Shaul reminds Festus that he was brought before the king to speak freely and that he had no right to interrupt. Then he reminds Festus that the king is better versed in these matters than he, while at the same time buttering up the king.
27 - King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe.
28 - Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.
29 - And Paul said, I would to Elohim, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
I do not believe that the term “Christian” or “Christiani” was even coined at this time, but the translators chose to interject it anyway. If it was, Shaul declines to use it of himself. The term was first coined as a term of ridicule fashioned after the term “Augustiani”, which was used in regards to the imperial cheerleaders that preceded Augustus wherever he went. At that time also, any new religious group was required to register with the Roman authorities. It was these same Roman authorities that registered the Believers under the name Christians, not the Believers themselves. The Believers did not see themselves as a separate religion from the Jews and; therefore, saw no reason to register.
30 - And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 - And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 - Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Once again, the chief authorities of the land find nothing to accuse Shaul of; certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. In fact the king declares that if Shaul had not appealed to Caesar, he could have been let free. Of course the Jews would have been waiting to kill him the minute he was freed. Again this was the will of Yahuwah.
So, three times so far, Shaul has been found innocent by those in authority over him of any crime. The claims of the Jews were altogether false. Their accusations kept changing in desperation to get Shaul released into their custody so that they might murder him outside of the law. They were not judging Shaul by the Torah Law but by their own Talmud. They did the same thing with Yahushua and he accused them of being ignorant of the Torah in their understanding. In both cases they were willing to murder an innocent person in defense of their Talmud, which they revered over the Torah. In both cases, it was these authoritative Jews who were in violation of the law and deserving of death, not the ones they were accusing.
It would prove to be a while before Shaul appears before Caesar, but in the meanwhile he wrote many epistles to the congregations; and in these epistles we can find monumental evidence that Shaul indeed supported the law.
Rom 2:11 - For there is no respect of persons with Elohim.
12 - For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 - (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 - For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 - Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Those who do not know the Law, nor have entered into the covenant of Yahuwah cannot be judged by the Law, yet will nonetheless perish on account of any evil they have done. It is like in our courts of law, ignorance of the law is no excuse. For even in ignorance of the law, mankind seems to have an indwelling sense of what is right and wrong. The definition of an insanity offense is in not knowing right from wrong. There are not too many legitimate cases for this type of defense. The basis of this knowledge was generally taught to each child from birth and forms the foundation of pretty much every society existing upon the earth. Many Gentiles have the Laws of the Creator written on their heart and obey them out of good conscience. Such have an excellent chance of being shown mercy in the judgement.
On the other hand, we have those who do know the Law and have sinned in spite of that knowledge. These will be judged and condemned by the Law. This group will include all who condemned to death all of Yahuwah’s prophets, His Son, and all the apostles and saints who followed after Him. In teaching such, Shaul would have hardly knowingly violated any portion of the law. He would have also already known that most of those who heard the gospel and sought after Yahushua already had hearts that sought after good and would eagerly embrace the Law once they learned it.
Rom. 2:25 - For circumcision verily profits, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 - Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 - And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 - For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 - But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim.
Circumcision is meant to show a heart that is earnest to keep the law and faithful in all ways toward Yahuwah. This includes believing in His promises concerning sending His Son to die once for our sins, the resurrection and the promise of salvation. The unbelieving Jews fell short of this mark. They believed in salvation by works, but did not believe Yahushua when He came in the flesh. The Gentiles who later became Christians believed in salvation by faith alone, and although they knew the Law, did not the works of the Law. In fact, they rendered the Law obsolete and the works thereof unnecessary for salvation.
Both mindsets were erring on opposite sides of the fence. Circumcision is absolutely useless unless one has both the desire to obey the law and faith. The uncircumcised who fulfill the law by nature have a better chance in the judgement than one who is circumcised but transgresses the law. Verse 29 says it all. The unbelieving Jews were Jews outwardly only, but the Believers (whether Jew or Gentile) because of their belief and obedience were Jews inwardly and were so praised by Yahuwah in that they both received the same set-apart spirit or spirit of truth and love from him.
Romans 3:1 - What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 - Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of Elohim.
3 - For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of Elohim without effect?
4 - Elohim forbid: yea, let Elohim be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged.
“Oracle IN THE OLD TESTAMENT USED IN EVERY CASE, EXCEPT 2 Sam. 16:23, to denote the most holy place in the temple (1 Kings 6:5, 19-23; 8:6). In 2 Sam. 16:23 it means the Word of God. A man inquired “at the oracle of God” by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate on the high priest’s ephod. In the New Testament it is used only in the plural, and always denotes the Word of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12, etc.). The Scriptures are called “living oracles” (Compare Heb. 4:12) because of their quickening power (Acts 7:38).”
The Jew has absolutely no advantage over the Gentile; nor does being physically circumcised. It is like getting married and believing that wearing the ring alone will preserve the marriage. There are also marriage rules that must be obeyed. Simply knowing the law is of no consequence if one does not commit them to one’s heart and DO them. Being circumcised means absolutely nothing if one is unfaithful to the Law afterward. Even so, one has to remain faithful to Yahuwah and the law till one draws their last breath to qualify for salvation. One is not saved by the Law or the confession of faith upon baptism. One is saved by the mercy of Yahuwah in the judgment when one has proven to Yahuwah beyond a shadow of a doubt that there remains no unrighteousness or corruptibility in them. This can only be judged from the heart. Until that time we are all sinners in the eyes of Yahuwah – no one is better than the other. All have sinned and come under the penalty of sin – death. Our behavior after we are converted is what is counted in regards to the degree of mercy shown to us. For there is always the possibility that in the final moment (e.g. when the inquisitor is applying the final screw) that we could break down and deny our Elohim. That would be all that it would take to disqualify us from receiving salvation.
5 - But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of Elohim, what shall we say? Is Elohim unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man)
6 - Elohim forbid: for then how shall Elohim judge the world?
It is natural for man to humanize Elohim rather than deify ourselves. Thereby, we are simply comparing ourselves to other men and judging ourselves by their weaknesses to make ourselves look more righteous. This is how the Jews fell short of the glory of Elohim. They judged their righteousness by the outward keeping of the Law only. The whole purpose of the Law is to help us take on the very nature of Elohim; so that we may, by nature, obey the Law. This can only come from the heart or the inward keeping of the Law. This is the only way that we can attain true incorruption.
7 - For if the truth of Elohim hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
8 - And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Are you starting to see why so many had trouble understanding the words of Shaul? Believe me, I am no genius. I really have to think on his words too, to come to an understanding of them.
If what people were saying Shaul was teaching were true; that salvation by grace freed one from the keeping of the law, why did Shaul remain a sinner according to the word of Elohim? This is basically the Gnostic understanding which the later Christians under Constantine adopted; that the “God” of the Old Testament was a mean old vengeful “God” who was replaced by Yahushua and that the New Testament replaced the Old Testament. They also implied that the “God” of the Old Testament was evil for contemplating such a horrible end for all sinners. Shaul defends Elohim in Verse 6 saying that judgement must have both a glorious reward and a harsh punishment, else no one would take it seriously – where salvation and rebirth into the new creation is the most serious matter that all of mankind should be focused on.
9 - What then? are we better than they? No, in no way: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 - There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after Elohim.
12 - They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.
13 - Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 - Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 - Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 - Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 - And the way of peace have they not known:
18 - There is no fear of Elohim before their eyes.
Shaul is quoting Psalms.
Ps. 14:1 - The fool has said in his heart, There is no Elohim. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.
2 - Yahuwah looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek Elohim.
3 - They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one.
Ps. 53:1-3 – the same as above.
All are born under sin and worthy of death. The strict outward adherence to the letter of the law does not make a Jew better than a Gentile. The liberty of grace does not make a Gentile better than a Jew. The combination of both does not make a Believer any better than either. There was only one that is good. Compared to Him our righteousness is as filthy rags.
The only one of the creation thus far to qualify is Yahushua. We do not fear Elohim because we secretly place ourselves on equal par with him via self-righteousness. There is only One who has the power over death and the power of eternal life. If we do not fear Him enough to take His instructions seriously, we are doomed to eternal death. We have to prove our incorruptibility before Almighty Elohim to qualify for the Kingdom.
19 - Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before Elohim.
20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 - But now the righteousness of Elohim without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 - Even the righteousness of Elohim which is by faith of Yahushua HaMashiyack unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Elohim;
24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in the Messiah Yahushua:
25 - Whom Elohim hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of Elohim;
26 - To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Yahushua.
Adam decided for the entire human race that we should decide right from wrong ourselves. He chose to obey the serpent (HaSatan) over Yahuwah and; therefore chose the serpent as his elohim. The Law gives us Yahuwah’s definition of sin. Since it was Yahuwah who set the conditions for salvation and Yahushua who paved the way, whose way should we be following – the way of Yahuwah or the way of man? This should only take one guess. Only when the laws of Yahuwah are written on our hearts and become a part of our very nature, so that we are like the Most High – the law of righteousness personified – will we no longer need the law spelt out before us with the threat of destruction for disobedience hanging over our heads. It will never again cross our minds to disobey. It is a case of our hearts and our conscience working together to perfect our righteousness and incorruptibility.
Yahuwah did not send His Son to prove our righteousness, but to prove Yahushua’s righteousness. His is the example we are to follow. We must take on His righteousness and become (the mirror image of) the Messiah, as He was the mirror image of the Father. It is His righteousness that we are to declare to the rest of mankind. Yet, so many still declare their own righteousness (or so as they perceive) to the world.
27 - Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
29 - Is he the Elohim of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 - Seeing it is one Elohim, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 - Do we then make void the law through faith? Elohim forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Under the new covenant, Gentile Believers were rejecting HaSatan and proclaiming their acceptance of Yahuwah over them as their Elohim. The law of faith is all encompassing. It includes obedience to the basic laws of Yahuwah. It was formed before man and; therefore, is applicable to all of mankind. It is part of the design of creation. No one can complete the creation process without it. One has to take on the righteousness of Yahuwah to gain rebirth in the new creation. We must become like the Most High – love, goodness, righteousness and incorruptibility personified. This is so that there will be no possibility that we will ever again become corrupted. It is much more complicated that counting a bunch of rosary beads and saying a number of “hail Mary’s” or any other such foolishness. It is a matter of allowing Yahuwah to fully indwell us through His spirit to change our nature into the prefect image of His.
Both the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles) are justified by faith in Yahushua. Does this fact disqualify the works of the law as necessary for salvation? No it does not, for we prove our faith and perfect it by performing the works of the Law.
Gen.17:7 - And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a Elohim unto you, and to your seed after you.
18 - And I will give unto you, and to your seed after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their Elohim.
19 - And Elohim said unto Abraham, You shalt keep my covenant therefore, you, and your seed after you in their generations.
20 - This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
21 - And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
22 - And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of your seed.
23 - He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
24 - And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
Exodus 12:43 - And Yahuwah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
44 - But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when you hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
45 - A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat thereof.
46 - In one house shall it be eaten; you shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone thereof.
47 - All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
48 - And when a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahuwah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 - One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourns among you.
These passages say it all. Any stranger, who wishes to enter the covenant of Yahuwah and be regarded by Elohim as one of His own, must be circumcised (then physically, today spiritually). No one can keep or eat of the Passover unless they are circumcised (then physically, today spiritually). The covenant is an everlasting one. However, today, under the new covenant, it is spiritual circumcision that is required rather than physical circumcision to gain salvation. The spiritual is the better circumcision. Obedience is remains the main staple. Yahuwah’s basic laws, which were built into the creation, stand the same today as they did since the dawn of creation. They will not change until the heavens and the earth are changed at the end of Yahushua’s millennial reign on the earth. Then all that is corruptible will have been done away with and only incorruption will remain. There will be no more need of the Law because it only applied to the corruptible world. That which is incorruptible has no need of a law to teach it how to become incorruptible. When our hearts are no longer corruptible, we become incorruptible by nature and will never again entertain even the thought of anything corruptible. However, until that time, we are corruptible (and have ample evidence of that fact) and have need of the Law.
We need to understand that Yahuwah is not a discerner of persons. He does not respect one over another. He does not make up a rule for one and a different rule for another. There is only one Law for all, the homeborn and the stranger. This rule has never changed nor can it. Once Yahuwah has decreed something, that is it – it cannot be undone by any man – Shaul nor Constantine. We have Yahushua’s own words in Matt. 5: 17, to confirm this understanding.
Therefore, either the Christian teaching of Shaul (Paul) doing away with the Law is false or Shaul claims of innocence in regard to offending the law, Jews and Caesar was false. Since Shaul had the backing of the entire Jerusalem Counsel, and either all were guilty or none were. I’d have to go with the premise that the teachings of the Christians are what should be called into question.
Therefore, we are forced to look for another meaning to the decree of James in regard to the circumcision and I believe the correct understanding lies in the statement, “For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day”. (Acts 15:21). There were cities in every city where the Gentile Believers could go to learn the Law and not be ignorant concerning the new covenant and the Law. They were merely being given time to learn the Law and commit to it to their hearts. The sign and spirit of belonging to the covenant has changed. The Law and basic premise of the covenant remains the same. The all encompassing factor in it all is what comes out of the heart.
Belief in Yahuwah is the most important factor, for once one believes, does he/she not seek most earnestly to seek after and please Yahuwah? This is what chapters 4 and 5 covers. The Sadducees certainly knew and observed the law, but they did not believe the promise of Yahuwah concerning the resurrection or the existence of angles. This lack of faith blinded them to the true identity of Yahushua. Therefore, they missed out on their opportunity for salvation. The Pharisees judged their righteousness from the Talmud, not the Torah. Again this was in accordance with believing they had the authority to determine for themselves what is right and wrong.
Faith without works is dead. Works without faith is dead. The two go hand in hand. Baptism is the expression of that faith; and at that moment we are forgiven of all sin previously committed. Infant baptism is bogus as they cannot believe nor have they committed any other offense save being born into sin to repent of; neither do they understand what repentance is. Just as baptism only applies to those who have consciously made the decision to take part so does entering into the new covenant. You cannot force either of these two commitments onto anyone. The desire to enter into this new covenant must come from the heart and be done of the person’s own free will. Once one commits to baptism and has their sins forgiven them, they must learn the Law and observe them to keep from sinning again. It only makes sense that once forgiven one does not turn around and re-offend.
It is the Law that teaches us the character of Elohim (which is righteousness and incorruptibility) which we must take on and commit to our nature if we are going to come anywhere close to seeing salvation. Our baptism does not seal our salvation. We only receive the promise of salvation at baptism. That promise is conditional as we learn in the seven letters to the seven churches (Rev 2 and 3). From the point of baptism on, we have one all encompassing duty - to overcome the world (and the god of this world). Before that we did not have any hope of salvation. From that point on we must take on the nature of Yahuwah and make it our own, if we are to see salvation. Our salvation will not be sealed until we pass the judgement. We will be judged according to our righteous works, which cannot be defined without the Law and our faith combined.
Rom. 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 - What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? Elohim forbid.
16 - Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 - But Elohim be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 - Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 - I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 - For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 - What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 - But now being made free from sin, and become servants to Elohim, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Elohim is eternal life through Yahushua HaMashiyack our Lord.
Being “under the law” means that we need that Law before us to keep us on the straight and narrow. Obedience to the law does not come natural to us. We are not righteous of the heart. It is like ground hog day. You need to review the law every day when you wake up to remind yourself of what righteousness is. Once one has received grace, that person should be driven by a deep desire to seek the nature of Yahuwah for themselves and have their stony heart of rebellion against Yahuwah replaced by a heart of flesh that seeks to please Yahuwah and become one with Him. We are no longer servants to uncleanness and iniquity, but to righteousness and Elohim-ness. We no longer have the carnal nature of man but the righteous nature of Elohim. We feel the shame of our past lives and desire to leave it all behind us as we move on into all righteousness, obeying from the heart. We are freed from sin by changing our nature from corruptible to incorruptible.
This is how we become one with Yahuwah. We no longer obey merely out of fear of punishment or social segregation, but because we desire this oneness with Elohim and know that it only comes through faith and obedience. Our works now bear fruit unto righteousness because they come from the heart and we do them by nature instead of out of fear of prosecution and punishment, without ever even considering an alternative. No matter what works we perform while under sin, the wages remain death. It is only by the gift of Elohim that anyone receives eternal life; and He only grants that gift to those who earnestly seek to take on the nature of Elohim and to become one with Him.
Rom. 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in the Messiah Yahushua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 - For the law of the Spirit of life in the Messiah Yahushua hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 - For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Elohim sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 - That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 - Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohim: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 - So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Elohim.
9 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of the Messiah, he is none of his.
We now have an example of perfection before us in Yahushua. Our duty is to follow in his footsteps and do the works we know are pleasing to him. In doing that, we naturally follow the law of the spirit. We are given a chance to walk in the shadow of things to come. The Law will not be necessary in the Kingdom because everyone who makes it into that Kingdom will obey by nature. Like Yahuwah and Yahushua, we will be the law of love and truth personified. Our thoughts, words and deeds will always be pure, just as Yahuwah’s are.
When the Jews received the Law of Yahuwah through Moses, they perceived it as coming from Moses (a carnal man) not directly from Yahuwah. Therefore, they perceived the Law as carnal rather than spiritual, but still did not obey. Believers in Yahushua are following the resurrected spiritual man not the carnal one. They are trying to emulate his walk and character in their own lives. In following Yahushua one is trying to become Yahushua. Therefore, one’s sights are set much higher than one who is yet pursuing physical goals.
A Believer should not settle for doing the bare minimum but project much beyond that. In the case of the Law, the carnal man does only the bare minimum expected of him (obeying the letter of the law only) thinking he is now righteous. The spiritual man seeks beyond this to what would satisfy the spiritual mind of Yahuwah. He strives to think the way that Yahushua would think and act the way He would act in all matters. He is striving to become the spiritual man, Yahushua; whereas the carnal non-believing Jew strives only to follow the carnal man, Moses, and the carnal interpretation of the Law.
The Christian teachers have totally mis-interpreted all of this to mean that the Law of Yahuwah has been done away with. No it has not – for without it we would not be able to define what sin is. Sin is the transgression of the law. Sin still exists so the Law does also for those who are still slaves to sin.
A true follower of Yahushua should no longer be a slave to sin. By nature the desire to sin should never enter his mind. This is what is meant by the law of the spirit. It becomes part of the very nature of the spiritual entity, not something outside him and foreign to him as is the case with the carnal man. With the carnal man it is like a prisoner of war obeying the rules only to survive, not to reach his full potential as a living, life force.
Thus it was that the majority of the Jews were seeking only a physical Messiah not a spiritual one and refused to recognize Yahushua because he did not fulfill their vision of a great military champion who would restore their former glory. They simply had no concept of the future spiritual glory that Yahuwah had purposed for them. That is why they repeatedly fall victim to sin.
This what baptism symbolizes, the death of the carnal man and the resurrection of the spiritual man, no longer a slave to sin and the laws that define it, because sin is no longer an option In following a spiritual man we seek only the heavenly not the earthly (carnal) man
Rom. 8:10 - And if the Messiah be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 - But if the Spirit of him that raised up Yahushua from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up the Messiah from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.
12 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 - For if you live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of Elohim, they are the sons of Elohim.
15 - For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 - The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of Elohim:
In believing in and following after the Messiah, we become dead to the law of sin and alive to the law of the spirit which defines true righteousness. We empty our mortal bodies and allow the spirit which raised Yahushua from the grave to inhabit us fully. From that point on we seek only after the spiritual law that leads us to eternal life as full sons of Yahuwah.
Rom. 8:24 - For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?
25 - But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
We are saved by having confidence in the hope of salvation. If we could already see this salvation through the physical keeping of the law then we would have no hope for the spiritual reward. However, those who seek the spiritual hope of salvation await patiently because we will never see it in this life time – but only following the resurrection.
Rom. 9:30 - What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31 - But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 - Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 – As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
The stumbling stone is Yahushua. He caused the Jews (who followed the law of righteousness) to stumble because they lacked faith. Even though the first coming of Yahushua was foretold exactly as the events came about, they did not believe Yahuwah, just as they did not believe him so many times during the journey that brought them to the manifestation of their Messiah. If they had kept the Law out of faith, they would have readily recognized Yahushua. Instead they used the law to establish their own power base and elevate themselves as the righteous “gods” of Israel. The fact that some did recognize Yahushua showed that some indeed did keep the law through faith. Few of these, though were manifested of the religious elite. Most came from the poor and contrite of spirit.
Throughout chapter 11, Shaul compares the situation to the olive tree. The olive tree represents the plan of Yahuwah. He is the root. Yahushua is the trunk. Israel is the branches. The branches that do not bear fruit are removed and new fruit-bearing branches are grafted on. Before someone grafts a new branch onto a tree, they must make sure that branch will bear fruit. Notice the tree itself is never removed. It always remains the same tree. The only thing that changes is the branches. The question is, “Why was it that certain branches were not bearing fruit?” The answer is that they lacked faith and did not believe Elohim or trust in His promises. Without this faith, whatever amount of abiding by the Law they did was of no consequence. Neither was being circumcised of the flesh of any consequence without faith in Elohim’s promises. It made both circumcision and obedience to the Law of no effect. They became just empty, meaningless symbols (much like today’s marriage vows in view of the divorce rate).
What happens when we turn this equation around? Can we remove the works of the Law and the symbol of consent to the new covenant away and make it into the Kingdom on faith alone? No we can’t. Why? Because our faith is perfected by the works of the Law. Obedience to the law teaches us to be like the Creator – living righteousness, living love, living mercy, living incorruptibility, living truth, living faithfulness, etc., etc., etc. Yahuwah is what He preaches. Deceit is not part of his makeup; therefore, it does not exist in Him. Neither should it exist in us.
Rom. 13:7 - Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 - Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
This, again, is talking of the law of love. In focusing all our attention on love towards Yahuwah and love toward fellow man, we have fulfilled the Law; for by nature we know no other way.
9 - For this, You shalt not commit adultery, You shalt not kill, You shalt not steal, You shalt not bear false witness, You shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 - Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
The Law of Yahuwah can rightfully be called the Law of Love. It teaches us to love in the same manner that Yahuwah loves. That is, the “agape” kind of love that knows no bounds. If each and every human loved in such a manner the world would be a much different place. The Law would not be necessary if we all had this type of love for one another and for Yahuwah by nature. If we had this type of love by nature, neither the covenant nor the sign of the covenant would have been necessary. By love we would have been obedient also.
This was the basis of the message that Shaul was trying to get across to everyone. The Jews wanted to ensnare the Gentiles in the same trap they had been in all their existence. That is, being so tied to the letter of the law that rightfully attending to it became their symbol of righteousness, rather than the righteousness that comes from the heart, born out the outward flow of love instead of the inward flow towards one’s self. As Israel proved over and over again, the spiritual intent of the Law far outweighed the physical observance. The physical observance merely represented the bare necessities required for salvation. It was always faith that sealed the Law in our hearts and in our nature, so that we could never again be tempted by sin. On the flip side, we would not know what sin was if it were not for the Law.
Rom. 15:8 - Now I say that Yahushua HaMashiyack was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of Elohim, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 - And that the Gentiles might glorify Elohim for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing unto your name.
10 - And again he said, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11 - And again, Praise Yahuwah, all you Gentiles; and laud him, all you people.
12 - And again, Esaias said, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Yahushua was a minister of the circumcision (those who were circumcised). It was to them He was sent to prove the promises of the Father were true and trustworthy. And for the most part it was these (who put all their faith in the Law) that rejected Him. Meanwhile, the Gentiles, who did not even know the law, accepted Yahushua on faith alone and were converted by thousands in a single day. They received the spirit of truth just as the Jewish Believers did. What the heck was up with that? Did Elohim lose His mind or what? No, He was merely pointing out what the problem had been with the Israelites all this time. They were blind to the faith angle of the salvation equation all this time. Their hearts were restricted to loving inwardly only. They had much difficulty loving and trusting outwardly. Therefore, they did not love, trust or believe Yahushua when He stood before them in the flesh. Yet the Gentiles did so while void of the law and not even witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Yahushua.
17 - I have therefore whereof I may glory through Yahushua HaMashiyack in those things which pertain to Elohim.
18 - For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which the Messiah has not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 - Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of Elohim;
If Shaul indeed preached that the Law was done away with, what was it that he was making the Gentiles obedient to? The word of Yahuwah is the Law. We are to be obedient to every word he utters.
Rom. 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 - For they that are such serve not our Lord Yahushua HaMashiyack, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
19 - For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 - And the Elohim of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Yahushua HaMashiyack be with you. Amen.
This would certainly be a case of the pot calling the kettle black, if Shaul were indeed teaching contrary to the Law of the Torah. If Shaul himself were innocent, who was he accusing of such violations? Well, he had the Jews on one hand and the Gentiles on the other, each with their own agenda and each with their own interpretation of the Gospel message.
Remember, THERE WAS NO NEW TESTAMENT AT THIS TIME. Shaul, like all the other apostles and disciples, proved Yahushua solely from the pages of the Old Testament. This would be the case basically for the next 300 years. The New Testament did not become canonized until the end of the fourth century.
Like Yahushua, the only law that Shaul taught against was the law of the Talmud, which in many cases was/is contrary to Torah Law. The Talmud pretty much interprets Torah Law from a physical standpoint only. It rarely addresses the spiritual connection. The two have to go hand in hand. Physical obedience to the law is absolutely useless without spiritually connecting the laws to our minds and hearts so that we, by nature, obey automatically.
Matt. 5:27 - You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shalt not commit adultery:
28 - But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 - And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of thy members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.
30 - And if your right hand offend you, cut it off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.
31 - It has been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
33 - But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
This passage conveys the spiritual intent of the Law. Yes it is a type of brain washing, but one that leads one closer to having the mind of Yahuwah and understanding the reasons for His Laws and how they are preparing us for our future roles in the universe. We will not, and indeed cannot, make it into the Kingdom unless our character is akin to Yahuwah’s, in which even the thought to sin does not exist. We must be absolutely, 100% guaranteed incorruptible to be admitted into the Kingdom. Everything that remains corruptible at the end of the millennial rule of Yahushua and at the coming of the Father to dwell with his children will be destroyed. Nothing that is corruptible can dwell in the same space as the Father. His purity will destroy all that is corruptible by fiat. It is an automatic reaction, written long ago into the universal law – or the law of creation. It is unchangeable. There is no way or legal loophole around it.
1 Cor. 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Yahushua HaMashiyack, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 - For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 - Now this I say, that every one of you says, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Messiah.
13 - Is the Messiah divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 - I thank Elohim that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 - Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 - And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
There was definitely much mis-communication concerning the Way in the city of Corinth. The members were branching out into separate groups; some calling themselves followers of Shaul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter) or Messiah. Of course, all should be followers of the Messiah only. Shaul stresses here that we all must be of the same mind as Yahushua and properly prepared for the same judgement. We can only do this if we are on the same path, following the same laws. Only one path is true. All others lead to destruction. Shaul understood this. Why then would he have taught one way to the Jews and another to the Gentile? It simply does not make any sense.
1 Cor. 3:1 - And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in the Messiah.
2 - I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able.
3 - For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?
4 - For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?
5 - Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as Yahuwah gave to every man?
The Jews had been brought up in the Torah. Their understanding of the world came through the filter of the Torah (even though they did not always obey). For the Greeks, their understanding of the world came down to them through the filter of Greek philosophy. What the conservative Jews were asking the Gentiles to do was somehow miraculously erase all memory of their past understanding of the world and take on the understanding of the Jews. While this would have been a marvelous thing, if indeed it were humanly possible, we are dealing with two diametrically opposed mindsets here. How does one instantly shut off one and turn on another? Naturally this is something that is going to take time. And yet the Gentiles believed without knowing the Law. Shaul understood this and this is yet one more reason for the decision that was rendered by the (entire) Jerusalem Counsel (not just Shaul).
The Gentiles were totally babes in Messiah. They did not even have the advantage of knowing anything about the Torah. How could anyone expect them to become sudden experts overnight – knowing all things, understanding all things; especially the covenant they were being asked to enter into and confirm through spiritual circumcision? What the Jews were asking them to do back in Acts 15 was to enter into the circumcision of the flesh, which Yahushua replaced with a covenant of the spirit. This was because they, themselves were still of the fleshly covenant because of unbelief.
The Jerusalem Counsel knew that these Gentile converts would be going to the synagogues in every city on the Sabbath to learn the Way of Yahuwah. They knew it would take time for them to learn all the Law. They knew it would take even more time for them to understand all the Law and the full implication of entering into the covenant. Yet Yahuwah had already given them the set apart spirit of truth (just as He had the Jews) while they were yet uncircumcised. For Yahuwah knew that His spirit dwelling in them would cause them to seek out all truth, which would eventually lead them to the Law and the new spiritual covenant and the understanding and unwavering loyalty to both. It is; therefore, my assertion that that the four laws to which the Gentiles were to immediately conform to, were only the forerunners, until they had an opportunity to learn and understand all of the Law.
Understanding the implications of the old covenant was also important to understanding the new covenant. We are supposed to learn from our mistakes, not keep repeating them. History; however, has shown that mankind repeats his mistakes over and over again. No wonder Yahuwah calls us fools all the time.
Contrary to what the Christians claim, Shaul did not do away with the Law. We have to look at the fact that the Jews, when confronting Shaul in public court, could not produce a single shred of evidence, or any witnesses to the charges they were leveling at Shaul. Surely, if he were teaching contrary to the Torah, this should have been easy to prove.
The Promise of a new covenant was also in the Old Testament. Therefore, this should have come as no surprise to the educated Jews. They should have been expecting it and looking forward to it with great joy. However, just as with the Messiah, they simply did not believe Yahuwah and so, they lacked faith also. Instead they had only faith in their own interpretation of the Torah and themselves. It is easy to look at them as fools but what we should be doing is examining ourselves and learning from their mistakes. Our carnal nature is still present in us and continually at war with the spiritual nature of Yahuwah dwelling in us. Until our spiritual stature matches Yahushua’s and nothing remains of the carnal, we have nothing to boast about. We are no better than them save that most Believers are earnestly striving towards this end. It is only by Yahuwah’s grace that any are saved because on our own we would never measure up.
6 - I have planted, Apollos watered; but Elohim gave the increase.
7 - So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but Elohim that gives the increase.
8 - Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 - For we are labourers together with Elohim: you are Elohim’s husbandry, you are Elohim’s building.
10 - According to the grace of Elohim which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.
When we plant a garden, we plant the seed, then water and care for the plant as best as we can. That is all we can do. The rest is up to Yahuwah. I am not much of a gardener, but I am a home builder. In most cases the one who forms and pours the foundation is a different person from the ones who build the rest of the house. In fact there can be any number of people involved with the building of the rest of the house – i.e. carpenters, plumbers, electricians, drywallers, roofers, siding installers and brick layers. Who does one blame if the house does not turn out right? One blames the builder, of course. After all it was his job to watch over all the other trades.
The spiritual connotation here is that it is Yahushua who plants the seed of the spirit and the hope of salvation and it is we who are expected to nurture it and help it to grow. We do this, of course, by spreading the gospel and working tirelessly at changing our nature.
What Shaul is saying here is that his responsibility ended when the foundation hardened. After that it was the responsibility of the convert, to oversee the construction of the house. If we give ear to unscrupulous builders without checking them out (qualifying their words with the building manual or spiritually with the Scriptures), then we are without excuse when our home falls apart. We are each the masters of our own destiny. No one can earn our salvation for us. There is no such thing as the one true church or the one righteous human minister. We cannot hide behind either; neither will we be able to point the finger of blame at anyone but ourselves in the judgement. We are each ultimately responsible for our own salvation or loss thereof. We are not to hang our salvation on any other man. We have a door that Yahushua opened for us allowing us free access to the Father and are just as qualified as the next guy (or girl) to step through that door and receive what the Father has awaiting us.
So, the inference (I believe) in Acts 15:21 is that these Gentiles were babes in the faith and needed time to grow before being expected to fully know and understand the law or the mind of the Father. They were in need of nurturing. Instead the Jews were feeding them poison and trying to kill the spirit that Yahuwah placed in them, by demanding that they succumb to the covenant of flesh. A great many, instead of rooting themselves in the teachings of Yahushua, preferred twisting the words of Shaul and developing a totally different religion (Christianity) that was more akin to their former pagan ways (Mithraism). Is Shaul to be blamed for this? Is he to be condemned for this? I do not believe so.
1 Cor. 3:16 - Know you not that you are the temple of Elohim, and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you?
17 - If any man defile the temple of Elohim, him shall Elohim destroy; for the temple of Elohim is holy, which temple you are.
By what measuring stick do we determine where we stand spiritually? There is only one measuring stick – the Messiah. Yahushua delivered the Scriptures to mankind in his pre-incarnate form and we find the Law in the Scriptures. It will be by the law that we will be judged. The Christian belief is that by doing away with the Law that they would be judged by our faith in Yahushua’s sonship alone. This is simply not the case. The two are integral to one another in regards to salvation. The condemnation in verse 17 would have surely applied to Shaul if he were guilty of what he had been accused. However, according to his fellow believers, the public courts and (by their lack of evidence or witnesses) even the Jews who accused him, Shaul was innocent of ALL charges. Who is anyone to continue in falsely condemning him? Have they walked a better walk than Shaul themselves?
1 Cor. 4:6 - And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
We are not to look to other men for the sealing of our spiritual condition nor the guarantee of our salvation. The only one we can point the finger at is ourselves. If we join the “wrong” church or put all our faith in the “wrong” minister, who do we have to blame? Ourselves. At any time we could have opened the Scriptures and verified every word we were hearing, whether it be so or not. If we did not do so, we are victims of our own slothfulness.
How many of us have been (or still may be) members of a corporate church where one or more members (aside from the minister) are esteemed higher (spiritually speaking) than the rest of the congregation. When I was part of a corporate church I was in a social group all to myself as the only member whose wife did not attend and brought my kids. I received very little attention. I just didn’t fit into any of the pigeon holes. However, such a condition did afford me the time to observe how everyone else acted and reacted to the more “influential” and “respected” members of the flock. It was quite amusing. I can readily identify with Shaul’s caution concerning esteeming one member above all others.
1 Corinthians 5 is all about one of the members who broke one of the basic conditions for fellowship – he took up with his father’s wife. The craziest part is that the congregation accepted his behaviour and did not cast them both out of the assembly. Paul rebukes them because of this behaviour. Adultery, of course, is one of the most basic no, no’s and should not have been tolerated no matter what the circumstance. It was also one of the four conditions laid out concerning the Gentiles in Acts 15. In his rebuke: however, Shaul demonstrates his devotion for the laws of Yahuwah.
1 Cor. 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Elohim? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 - Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of Elohim.
I have unlined 8 laws here not covered by the original 4 that Gentiles were required to observe. Most were already observed by most cultures and societies. Why would Shaul bring these laws up if the Gentiles were not required to observe them? Obviously, a part of the Christian picture is missing.
1 Cor. 7:17 - But as Elohim has distributed to every man, as Yahuwah has called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18 - Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
19 - Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Elohim.
20 - Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 - Are you called being a servant? care not for it: but if you may be made free, use it rather.
22 - For he that is called in Yahuwah, being a servant, is Yahuwah’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is the Messiah’s servant.
23 - You are bought with a price; be not you the servants of men.
24 - Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with Elohim.
We are under a new covenant with a new seal (wedding ring), which is a spiritual circumcision. Shaul was trying to get through their heads that whether or not one was physically circumcised was of no spiritual significance any longer. The spiritual had no connection to the physical. The only thing that mattered was obedience and writing these Laws in our minds and hearts so that we would no longer be under them. That is to say that they would be part of our nature and we would naturally be obedient. It does not mean that the Law is done away with and we can now do whatever we desire.
Verse 23 instructs us that we are not to be the servants of man but of Yahuwah. Wherever the two conflict, Yahuwah takes precedence.
1 Cor. 9:19 - For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 - And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 - To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to Elohim, but under the law to Messiah,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 - To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 - And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Most of us behave differently under different circumstances. When in church we behave one way and in the world another. We confirm that the spirit of Yahuwah dwells in us by doing the works of the Law at all times. Shaul’s main job was to bring as many into the faith as possible. In this he did an excellent job. To do so, he had to be all things to all men. Was this then a cop out? Not if he were truly performing the will of Yahuwah and doing nothing that qualified as sin.
1 Cor. 10:20 - But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to Elohim: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.
21 - You cannot drink the cup of Yahuwah, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of Yahuwah’s table, and of the table of devils.
22 - Do we provoke Yahuwah to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
The four laws that the Gentiles were made to observe initially all had to do with pagan worship. When converted, we are to have no more to do with devils. This includes keeping the pagan holy days (Xmas, Easter) over the pure holy days of Yahuwah. The Christian faith, in bring themselves under obedience to a long dead, 4th century Roman Emperor, make him their “god” in place of Yahuwah. They worship devils in place of Elohim.
Jeremiah 10:1 - Hear you the word which Yahuwah speaks unto you, O house of Israel:
2 - Thus says Yahuwah, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3 - For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 - They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5 - They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they need to be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
The way of the heathen is “the cup of devils”. If we were partaking before, we are to do so no longer. The carnal mind needs laws. The spiritual mind does not because it is always in tune with the mind of the Creator by nature. The instant the carnal component of the mind comes up with a sinful thought the spiritual component strikes our conscience and reminds us what we are supposed to do. We must develop this condition until we no longer even think to do evil.
2 Cor. 3:1 - Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2 - You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3 - Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of the Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living Elohim; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
4 - And such trust have we through the Messiah to Elohim-ward:
5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of Elohim;
6 - Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
7 - But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
8 - How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 - For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10 - For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels.
11 - For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.
12 - Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
13 - And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
11 - But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in the Messiah.
12 - But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
13 - Nevertheless when it shall turn to Yahuwah, the veil shall be taken away.
14 - Now Yahuwah is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of Yahuwah is, there is liberty.
15 - But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of Yahuwah, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of Yahuwah.
In verses 6 and 11 the terms “old testament” and “new testament” is used in this particular version. This is an example of purposeful a mistranslation. This term implies that the entire old testament was done away with and replaced by the new testament. This is utterly false. In other versions and especially in the oldest version the word “covenant” was used in place of “testament”. The two words have different definitions. A covenant is a legal contract between two parties. A testament is more like a witness report even though it came to mean the same as the word “covenant”. However, most Christians associate the word “testament” with the two books of the Bible, the old and the new testaments. This is a false perception that has been purposely put forth by the false lying ministers. This is a Gnostic doctrine. This passage cannot be interpreted as referring to the two books because only one existed at the time and it was that one book only by which the disciples proved the identity of the Messiah. Shaul is definitely talking of the covenant or contract between man and Elohim here, not the two books. What he is saying is that the new covenant is a better contract, especially since it strips away the veil of mystery which shrouded the old covenant.
The spirit of Yahuwah has the power to change us into the spiritual image of the Father if we allow it to. We know that we are to be “taking on the Messiah”, which means recreating our image so that we are of one mind with him, as he is of one mind with the Father. We should be reflecting the Messiah in everything that we think, say and do. In doing so, we reflect the Father also. To attain this goal, we need to allow the Father’s spirit to fully indwell us and lead us in everything we do.
[kuhv-uh-nuhnt] Show IPA
noun
1.
an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.
2.
Law . an incidental clause in such an agreement.
3.
Ecclesiastical . a solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel.
4.
( initial capital letter ) History/Historical .
a.
b.
5.
Bible .
a.
the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture.
b.
the agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.
[tes-tuh-muhnt] Show IPA
noun
1.
Law .
a.
a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property.
b.
will2 ( def. 8 ) .
2.
either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new covenant or dispensation.
3.
( initial capital letter ) the new testament, as distinct from the Old Testament.
4.
( initial capital letter ) a copy of the New Testament.
5.
a covenant, especially between God and humans.
Matt. 26:28 - For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Compare JFand B - This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Yahushua was referring to the Old Covenant by which he was the testator. Following his death, covenant no longer valid – shed blood covered sins. Circumcision covered by receipt of Holy Spirit – the spiritual circumcision. Again, Yahushua was not talking of the two books of the Bible.
2 Cor. 5:16 - Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known the Messiah after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 - Therefore if any man be in the Messiah, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The term “after the flesh” can be interpreted two different ways – 1) following after the carnal world and 2) being stuck in the old covenant of flesh. Being under the new covenant means that we are foreshadowing our future glory when we will fully become new creatures – however, we are to be emulating that new creature now spiritually. The unbelieving Jews only knew of the old Messiah. They have no comprehension of him being changed to a new creature. Therefore, the new Messiah becomes a stumbling block to them. Of course, it is the new Messiah that we are to emulate; and, since he is a new creature, we too are to be emulating the new creature, living as if we were already changed.
We know from Matt. 5:17 that the old heaven and earth are going to pass away when Yahuwah finally comes to dwell amongst us. It is only at that time that the law will also pass away. It won’t be needed any more because all will have them written on their hearts. However, we must be found in the process of writing the Law on our hearts now if we are true followers of Messiah. We must be striving to live as if we were already reborn as entirely new creatures. This is the Way that Yahushua came to teach us.
18 - And all things are of Elohim, who hath reconciled us to himself by Yahushua HaMashiyack, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 - To wit, that Elohim was in the Messiah, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 - Now then we are ambassadors for the Messiah, as though Elohim did beseech you by us: we pray you in the Messiah’s stead, be you reconciled to Elohim.
21 - For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in him.
Yahuwah divorced himself from the pagan world before he even called Abraham. Through Yahushua he was not only reconciling himself to the Jews but to all of humanity. All were given the opportunity to enter the new covenant of the spirit. We are to be ambassadors of the Messiah and carry the word of Yahuwah to all who have not heard the true gospel message. We are not merely to spout off the righteousness of Elohim; we are to become the righteousness of Elohim. This can only be done through the circumcision of the heart.
2 Cor. 6:16 - And what agreement hath the temple of Elohim with idols? for you are the temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people.
17 - Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says Yahuwah, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 - And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says Yahuwah Almighty.
Right now Elohim lives and walks in all who are truly His. This is a foreshadowing of his literal coming. Because of this we are to refrain from anything unclean. That is anything to do with idol worship, which of course includes all pagan worship. We are not to put anything before our Elohim, much less other pagan gods. Since Christianity has been severely paganized, we must refrain from following their pagan teachings and follow and teach the truth. Touching the unclean thing, in my mind, would include unclean foods. Some teach that it is now ok to eat unclean foods. However, since I am yet unsure of this understanding and because of the health risks associated with the consumption of unclean foods, I refrain from eating them. I am also (at least partially) convinced that Shaul was referring to spiritual uncleanness not physical. In the following Shaul definitely seems to be addressing both.
2 cor. 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of Elohim.
2 - Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
It certainly would seem from the wording of this passage that we are to refrain from both spiritual and physical uncleanness. Yet in other passages it seems to say that if we eat of the unclean thing, as long as it has not been sacrificed to idols, it is ok as long as we eat with a clear conscience. Since I do not have a clear conscience in doing so, I refrain. Yet (apparently) I am not to judge any who do eat of a good conscience. So rather than question that side of this doctrine, I leave it up to Yahuwah to judge. Because of my conscience, I cannot teach it. Then, of course, there is also the health risks connected to eating unclean foods that one must also consider. Heavy pork consumption is considered (according to 16 studies in 16 individual countries) to contribute more to cirrhosis of the liver than alcohol consumption. Shell fish absorb all the toxins in the ocean and contribute to stomach disorders in coastal populations.
Gal. 1:6 - I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of the Messiah unto another gospel:
7 - Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of the Messiah.
8 - But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 - As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.
I am pretty sure that Shaul was talking of the Jews here, although the Mithraites may have infiltrated the church by this time. Both were teaching a different gospel from the one taught by the apostles.
Gal. 2:2 - And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3 - But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 - And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy out our liberty which we have in the Messiah Yahushua, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 - To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 - But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: Elohim accepts no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 - But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 - (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 - And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The Jews are referred to as “the circumcision” and the Gentiles as “the uncircumcision”. This is referring to two different groups of believers, Jew and Gentile. This does not infer that they were to be physically separated or that they were being taught two different gospels. They both should have been one in Messiah. However, some of the Jews could not wrap their minds around circumcision not being necessary for the Gentiles. I do not say this out of any fear of being circumcised myself, since I was circumcised at birth. It is the spiritual circumcision that Yahuwah was shooting for in the first place; however, the stiff necked Israelites simply could not overcome their carnal spirit and fell short of their proposed glory. We must not make this same mistake. We have before us the example we are supposed to emulate (the Messiah) and we have the one we are not to emulate (Israel). Let us emulate the Messiah.
Shaul is not being disrespectful in his remark in verse 9. He is merely saying that James, Peter and John seemed to be more esteemed than he in the community of Believers. In reality, Yahuwah esteems no man over another. He is saying that these three men all perceived the spirit of grace of Yahuwah in Shaul, forgave him for his previous persecution of the assembly and gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship as a show of approval and respect.
11 - But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 - For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 - And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 - But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compel you the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Shaul had to confront Peter when he set a double standard in previously eating with the Gentiles and this time withdrawing from them. Shaul was absolutely right in doing so and Peter conceded to Shaul’s judgement, because he knew Shaul was right.
15 - We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Yahushua the Messiah, even we have believed in Yahushua the Messiah, that we might be justified by the faith of the Messiah, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 - But if, while we seek to be justified by the Messiah, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore the Messiah the minister of sin? Elohim forbid.
18 - For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 - For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto Elohim.
20 - I am crucified with the Messiah : nevertheless I live; yet not I, but the Messiah lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of Elohim, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 - I do not frustrate the grace of Elohim: for if righteousness comes by the law, then the Messiah is dead in vain.
What Shaul is saying here is that the Law justifies no one. We are all under the Law because it was incorporated into the creation and; therefore, cannot be annulled . Yet, almost no one was obedient to it in that they all went their separate ways and worshiped other elohim. Being obedient to the Law of Yahuwah merely demonstrates which Elohim you are faithful to; and it is that faith that becomes the precedent for salvation. It has always been that way. Where Adam demonstrated a lack of faith, Abraham demonstrated a fullness of that faith. Therefore, by being obedient to the Law, Abraham perfected his faith and it was his faith that qualified him for salvation. It was also because of his faith that Yahuwah chose to make his covenant with Abrham's descendants for all eternity. However, his descendents demonstrated (for the most part) animosity towards the Law and; therefore, never did perfect their faith, thus disqualifying themselves for salvation.
Yahushua is the same Elohim that created all things by the power given to him by the Father. They have always been of one mind with each other and always will be. Therefore, Yahushua always had the authority to change or add to the Law. Mosaic Law added a number of new laws concerning the priesthood that did not formerly exist. It also expanded on the former laws (that demonstrated love towards Elohim and mankind) for the purpose of clarity. Yahushua was fully authorized to make these changes.
Since we are now under an eternal, incorruptible priesthood, those priestly laws of the Levitical Priesthood are no longer applicable. It was clearly a corruptible priesthood. Simply said, those laws did nothing to per perfect their faith because they abused their power. Thus, when Yahushua did come in the flesh, they did not recognize him, rejected him, and, like Adam, again chose the god of this world (HaSatan) to be their elohim. Thus, their circumcision, as well as the covenant they swore to was made of no effect. Therefore, a need for a new covenant was deemed necessary. The new covenant clearly placed faith at the forefront as the qualification for salvation. If not for the new covenant, very few would have qualified for salvation. However, obedience to the Law remains for the perfecting of that faith; for faith produces the desire to be obedient to the Law. It is simply a case of one complimenting the other.
Gal. 3:1 - O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Yahushua the Messiah has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
All of the disciples were obviously of one mind in this understanding of the truth, since they agreed and respected Shaul’s teachings. However, some of the Jews were simply not getting it and were still clinging to the covenant of the flesh.
2 - This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 - Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?
The Gentiles who believed upon the hearing of the gospel, had either no or limited knowledge of the Law. They were all coming from a pagan back ground. Yahuwah showed them approved by placing His spirit in them, just as he did with the Jews who believed. Yahuwah made no distinction between them. The Gentiles had a number of pagan saviors to choose from. What was it that drew them to this Jewish Messiah? They must have known that taking this step would alienate them from their own countrymen. They were no different from the Jews who believed. They, too, were alienated and persecuted. It all had to do with faith. We are to go right back to the time of Adam and rectify the wrong that he committed. All of mankind now has one last opportunity to chose Elohim over HaSatan.
4 - Have you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5 - He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
None of the religious elite amongst the Jews could work the miracles that Yahushua or his disciples worked regardless of how versed in the Law they were. The spirit of Yahuwah was simply not in them. That is because they yet lacked faith. And yet, it was not the working of miracles alone that drew the Gentiles to faith in the Messiah but the hearing of the word also.
This is what is going to distinguish the false, end-time messiah of the beastly order. He will work great miracles but his words will be totally out of sync with the word of Yahuwah, which is how the saints will recognize him as an imposter. That which comes forth from the mouth reveals what is truly in the heart.
6 - Even as Abraham believed Elohim, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 - Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Elohim tested Abraham’s belief (i.e. faith) when He asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham, of course, passed that test. Therefore, it was his faith that was “accounted to him for righteousness”, not the keeping of the law (which he did also). The Gentiles who come to Messiah by faith also become children of Abraham by adoption and their faith, also, is counted unto them as righteousness, even though they were not yet versed in the Law, for they believed without knowing the Law.
8 - And the scripture, foreseeing that Elohim would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed.
9 - So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
It is Yahuwah’s desire that all of mankind come into the faith. However, we know that this will not be the case. Only those who share the same faith as Abraham will qualify. As with Abraham, their faith will also be accounted to them as righteousness.
10 - For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 - But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Elohim, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 - And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 - The Messiah has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: 14 -That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Yahushua the Messiah ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The law does not justify but, rather, condemns. It places all men under the curse of death. Yahushua redeems all who because of faith believe in him, from the curse of the Law. He knows that such faith and belief will lead all converts to a desire to seek all truth that they may better know Yahushua; and that they will seek his word, which includes the Law, that their faith might be perfected. However, many today, who in their quest to come out of Babylonian Christianity and reclaim the roots of their faith, have gone back too far backwards and have placed themselves again under the Law, even (in some cases) to the point of denying the Messiah. This is a tragic situation which must be addressed now and clarified. I now thank Yahuwah for the fire that destroyed my previous work on the subject, that I might see the truth more clearly. It is my hope that this study will assist others caught in this trap as well.
15 - Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannuls, or adds thereto.
Shaul calls this a man’s covenant because it has no effect on Yahuwah whatsoever. He already possesses eternal life. He made this covenant with man for man’s sake not His. The new covenant was prophesied to come, has come, and no man has the authority to take away or add to it.
16 - Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He said not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is the Messiah.
Yahushua was the seed of the Father – a created being like all the rest of the living creatures. He was made perfect because of his obedience to the Father. He is the example before us in whom we are to become reflections. Abraham was merely a type of the Messiah. We are to look past Abraham to the Messiah for our perfect example.
17 - And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of Elohim in the Messiah , the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 - For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but Elohim gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 - Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 - Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but Elohim is one.
21 - Is the law then against the promises of Elohim? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 - But the scripture has concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Yahushua the Messiah might be given to them that believe.
23 - But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Yahuwah promised Abraham that his descendants would not only inherit the earth, but the Kingdom as well. Even thought the law was not clearly spelt out in black and white from the beginning, the basics seem to have been understood by most societies. Only one law was spelt out and that was the Sabbath law. The nature of that law demonstrated love towards our Creator Elohim. In reality, that singular law (of showing love towards Elohim) envelops all of the law. When we are totally immersed in love toward Yahuwah, love towards our fellow man naturally ensues. Agape love is incapable of evil.
The events surrounding the tragedy of Cain and Able demonstrate that there were sacrificial laws in place and a law against murder. When Noah was told to gather in all species of animals into the ark, he was told to gather 7 mating pairs of clean animals and 2 mating pairs of unclean animals. So, even back then Noah must have known how to distinguish between clean and unclean animals. Therefore, the Law must have existed from the beginning of creation and was written into the creation itself as a natural understanding. The Law governs the creation. To go against it violates the natural order of things, for which there is an equally natural reaction or consequence. In the case of sin, that consequence is death. Therefore, if the natural consequence of sin is death and sin is the transgression of the Law and that was written into the constitution of the creation, how can the Law ever be done away with as long as the physical realm exists? Simple; it cannot. That is why Yahushua said that nothing would be changed in the Law until (this physical) earth and heaven passed away.
What Paul is teaching us is that we need to (to the greatest degree possible) be living and conducting ourselves as if we are already in the Kingdom as kings and priests. At that time there will be no more need for the Law because we will only graduate to the Kingdom if those laws are written in our minds and in our hearts as an integral part of our nature.
“But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” Faith was not revealed to the Israelites. It only came by the Messiah. The covenant was incomplete until the Messiah. He was the very first to complete the plan of Yahuwah. He is the only one we are to follow. One does not need a corporate church or a charismatic leader to attain salvation. One needs only Yahushua and the Father to look to. How much more charismatic can any man be? We are all on our own when it comes to developing a close, personal relationship with the Creator of the universe (even if one part is part of a corporate church. This is our one and only shot at it.
24 - Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto the Messiah, that we might be justified by faith.
25 - But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 - For you are all the children of Elohim by faith in the Messiah Yahushua.
27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into the Messiah have put on the Messiah.
28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for youe are all one in the Messiah Yahushua.
29 - And if you be the Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
This is an excellent analogy here, of the Law acting as a schoolmaster. If not for Adam’s sin, we would have no need of a schoolmaster. However, because of his sin, we need a schoolmaster to show us the way out of sin and to eternal life. However, most seem not interested in serving Elohim and therefore sin without any regard for the Law. They have no faith; therefore, the Law means nothing and their condemnation is assured.
Before one can have faith, one must believe. Once one believes in something they normally go to great lengths to educate themselves about the thing they believe in. As they do so, their faith grows and deepens. In the case of Yahuwah, if we believe, we develop faith in His promises and a deep desire to serve and please Him. We please him by being obedient and performing the spiritual works of His word.
In corporate churches one is, on one hand, expected to read the Scriptures, but on the other hand, expected to strictly follow the interpretation of those Scriptures in accordance with that church's understanding. Any contrary understanding can and will qualify one for disfellowship from that group. This is true even for "living room churches". This flies in the face of what Yahuwah instructs us to do- search and prove all things, whether they be true or not. This has to be an individual endeavor. We can count on no man to do this for us.
Gal. 4:21 - Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22 - For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 - But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
24 - Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar.
25 - For this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 - But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 - For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bears not; break forth and cry, you that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband.
28 - Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 - But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 - Nevertheless what says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 - So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Whose child do we want to be, that of the bond woman or the free? This is the choice we make at baptism. Of course, we all chose the free woman. There are also a number of converts who after a while decide to divorce themselves from the free woman and chase (go whoring) after the bondwoman.
Gal. 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 - For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that you would.
18 - But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 - Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 - Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Elohim.
21 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
22 - Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
23 - And they that are the Messiah’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
24 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
25 - Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Gal. 6:5 - For every man shall bear his own burden.
4 - Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.
5 - Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
6 - For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
7 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
8 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Clearly, those who do not understand and twist Shaul’s words, are of the flesh and not of the spirit. Being of the spirit means that we are in the process of writing the Law of Elohim on our minds and in our hearts so that we obey by nature and no longer under the Law that pertains only to those who are of the flesh. We are to be living our lives as if we are already in the Kingdom and have left this physical world behind.
11 - You see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12 - As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of the Messiah.
Shaul is here charging them of making an outward show of remaining in the flesh merely because they are more afraid of persecution than they are of Yahuwah and his punishments. They are making the exact same mistake as ancient Israel made, desiring flesh over spirit, in seeking the approval of their neighbours over that of Yahuwah. This is also the exact same reason that Christians chose to come under obedience to Emperor Constantine rather than Elohim – to avoid persecution.
13 - For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 - But Elohim forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Yahushua the Messiah, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 - For in the Messiah Yahushua neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
The law of circumcision was of the flesh. That does not mean that infant male children must not be circumcised. As I mentioned earlier, there are ample health reasons to circumcise our infant male children. It is the reasoning for doing so that comes into the line of fire here. Are you doing so because you are still under the law of the flesh, or because you are concerned about the future health of your child? If you are under the law of the spirit, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision makes any difference whatsoever.
We will not completely be a new creature until we are born into the Kingdom. However, until we are, we are to mentally translate ourselves into the Kingdom, into our new spiritual bodies that are 100% free of corruption, and live like we are already of the spirit.
Col.2:11 - In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
If we are truly “in the Messiah” and striving to emulate him in our own lives, we are already circumcised (spiritually speaking). Spiritual circumcision is made without hands. In declaring our belief and exclusive trust in Yahushua, and resolving to follow in his footsteps we have already partaken in the better circumcision that leads to eternal life. Physical circumcision was never intended for that purpose.
Col.3:10 - And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 - Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Coming out of baptism we are symbolically new creatures, just as our eldest brother, Yahushua. We must not only follow Yahushua, we must be Yahushua. If not, we are not fit for the Kingdom and only the reward (if it can be called that) of the flesh remains for us.
Origin of “New Covenant” Teaching
Heb. 8:6 - But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 - For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 - For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says Yahuwah, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 - Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says Yahuwah.
10 - For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahuwah; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohim, and they shall be to me a people:
The writer of the Book of Hebrews is obviously quoting from the Old Testament. The source of that quote is revealed below. Note that not only was the promise of a new covenant prophesied to occur, but it also gives the reason why – because the people of the old covenant did not continue in that covenant. The difference is that the new covenant was to written on their minds and hearts in a nature-changing way.
Jer. 31:31 - Behold, the days come, says Yahuwah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 - Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says Yahuwah:
33 - But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says Yahuwah, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people.
34 - And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahuwah: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says Yahuwah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Ezek. 11:19 - And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
20 - That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their Elohim.
Ezek. 36:25 - Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 - A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
27 - And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Participators in the new covenant receive a new spirit (Yahuwah’s) and a new heart (Also Yahuwah’s) allowing then to achieve the oneness with Yahuwah that Yahushua prayed for in John 17. Once that oneness is achieved, ones nature is also changed into the likeness of the nature of Yahuwah. What is the nature of Yahuwah? It is wisdom, knowledge, love, peace, trustworthiness, righteousness, mercy and grace personified. Once our nature is changed into the likeness of Yahuwah’s nature we will be obedient to all of Yahuwah’s statutes and judgments by nature – just like breathing. We will no longer be under the law for we will be the law personified.
12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 - In that he says, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.
Thus by believing in the life, death and resurrection of Yahushua, we bring ourselves into the same relationship with the Father that Yahushua enjoyed and become one unit in perfect agreement with one another. We also put away all pagan practices and all pagan gods and idols. We no longer worship the god of this world – HaSatan, but the One True Elohim, Yahuwah. Being in the exact likeness of Yahuwah means that we are much more resistant to HaSatan and his attempts to deceive and control us. The old covenant is decaying, waxing old and ready to vanish away for all time. The only ones it still pertains to is the non-believers. Believers have put on the new creature and are to be striving to take on all the elements of the new creation in this life while waiting to attain full conversion following Yahushua’s coming. The best way to do this is to continually envision ourselves as already being this new creature and thinking speaking and acting accordingly. It must become the foremost drive in our lives.
Heb. 10:16 - This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says Yahuwah, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 - And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 - Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
All this does not mean that some who profess belief will not again turn away, as did most of the Israelites. In fact, I know of many who have. I also know of many, who in their zeal to seek out the Hebrew roots of our faith, have unwittingly thrown off the new covenant that they were baptized into and reverted to the old. Why would they throw off the covenant of the spirit to put on the covenant of the flesh? There are likely numerous reasons.
1. They have allowed themselves to be led astray by someone they love and trust. I have no doubt they are seeking to please Yahuwah in doing so; however, in the process they somehow lose their vision of the new creature they are supposed to be developing into and return to the old.
2. They are seeking after self-righteousness. The old covenant opened the door to the attitude of self-righteousness. The Pharisees displayed this attitude openly. Our righteousness is to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. This can only happen when we recognize that none are righteous save one, Yahuwah; and we must allow His righteousness to dwell in us.
3. They are rightly try to distinguish themselves from the erroneous beliefs their former Christian faith but wrongly taking matters to the extreme and inadvertently returning to the covenant of the flesh.
I, myself, was guilty of all of the above before revisiting this study. The first study I did on this matter was flawed because I did it with a preconceived conviction that we were merely under a renewed covenant, not a new covenant. I have now repented of this attitude and have re-doubled my effort to seek after the new creature in Messiah.
Heb. 10:29 - Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of Elohim, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
By either losing interest in following after Yahushua altogether (as the Christians have done) or returning to the covenant of the flesh (as some in the Messianic movement have done) or remaining (as the Jews have done) in the old covenant, we have trodden/are trodding the Son of Elohim under our feet and have made His sacrifice of no effect. I know that all in the Messianic movement have the best of intentions but some are lacking clarity in what it is they are supposed to be seeking after. They are rightly seeking to perfect their faith but cannot through the old covenant else Israel would have achieved such perfection. The perfection of faith can only come by immersion into the new covenant and the writing of the Law into our minds and hearts (i.e. our very nature).
James 2:12 - So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 - For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.
14 - What dos it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
17 - Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.
18 - You, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 - You believe that there is one Elohim; you doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 - But wilt you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 - Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 - See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
21 - And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed Elohim, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of Elohim.
22 - You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
23 - Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
24 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Our obedience must go beyond the Law. We must be obedient to every word that comes from Yahuwah. One day he might ask us to sacrifice one of our children or offer ourselves up as martyrs. Such is the real test of faith. We must believe that Yahuwah is the Master of life and death and have faith that He will resurrect us from the dead again.
When the Law is truly written on our minds and hearts and in our nature, we will, by nature, demonstrate the works of the Law. Primarily we are talking about the law of “agape” love towards Yahuwah and our fellow man. We take on this law by becoming love personified or living love. This is what attracted so many converts to the faith in the first couple of centuries.
After achieving empirical dominance under Constantine, the Christian movement under the Roman Catholic Church, sought to force people into their faith. Physically speaking this worked quite well. Spiritually speaking it rendered their faith useless. Yet this is the faith structure that takes dominance in the world today. Yet even that is soon to disappear under the New World Order as they seek to force all under one unified faith in which the god of this world, Lucifer, is worshiped openly in place of Yahuwah.
We are to be examples to the rest of the world of a people who emulate the Messiah in every aspect of our lives. It is by our outward works that they know us and recognize the Messiah in us. So, rather than hiding our lights under a bushel, we must be actively revealing ourselves to the world and showing them that this remarkable transition is entirely doable.
James 4:11 - Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 - There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judges another?
When in my former corporate church I was astounded by the amount of gossip raging like wildfire through the ranks. We have no authority to judge a brother. We certainly have no authority to talk behind one another’s backs. We know from the scriptures what it is we are to do if we see a brother or sister in the faith going astray. We are to confront them in a loving attitude and try to make them see their error. If they fail to make any changes, we take it to Yahuwah and pray that he enlightens them. If he still does not respond, he shall be taken before the congregation and chastised. If he still refuses, he is to be cast out of the congregation.
2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and righteousness,
12 - Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of Elohim, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 - Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
14 - Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 - And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 - As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 – You therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Yahushua the Messiah.
By this time Peter was well aware of Shaul’s writings and may have been writing from Rome as well. Verse 11 hints at the fact that some in the congregations were not in “all holy conversation and righteousness”. This could be alluding to the fact that even then gossip was permeating the assemblies.
Verse 12 reveals that in some future point it time (when Yahuwah, himself, will be coming to dwell on the earth) the heavens and the earth will go through a transformation from physical to spiritual. This will be the refining by spiritual fire were everything that remains corruptible will be burnt up, destroyed and pass away. The universe will then be a totally spiritual dwelling place where only incorruptible righteousness dwells.
To be a part of the future spiritual existence one must be found “in peace, without spot and blameless”. In other words, one must have passed from corruptible to incorruptible. To reach this state one must achieve the oneness with the Father that Yahushua prayed we would have. This can only come from writing the Law on our minds and in our hearts as is the purpose of the new covenant. Leading people away from the new covenant and back into the old deprives one of this spiritual connection. As we have already read, the old was flawed in that almost no one sought this element of oneness with the Father. They all, instead, found only self-righteousness. Under the new covenant only oneness with the Father is sought after.
1 John 2:1 - My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yahushua the Messiah the righteous:
2 - And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 - He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 - But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of Elohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 - He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
7 - Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.
8 - Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shins.
9 - He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 - He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 - But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
When Yahuwah’s commandments are firmly written on our minds and in our hearts, we will out of love for Yahuwah and love for our neighbor walk in and do all the works of the Law by nature. This is the love commandment which encompasses all the other laws. We do not want to be found still in the darkness of either the old covenant or no covenant at all when Yahushua returns.
1 John 3:4 - Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 - And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 - Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins hath not seen him, neither known him.
9 - Whosoever is born of Elohim doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of Elohim.
10 - In this the children of Elohim are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of Elohim, neither he that loves not his brother.
Again, we must have the agape love of Yahuwah in us to be recognized as Yahuwah’s when Yahushua returns. This is what we are to be earnestly striving for. This is what will get us into the Kingdom – nothing else. This is the point Shaul was trying to make throughout all his epistles which many could not comprehend and twisted to their own destruction. We do not want to be counted among them.
The laws of creation stand as they always have. If they fail, so will the creation. Both are dependent upon one another. That is why they must remain intact until this creation passes and the new (spiritual) creation is ushered in. The laws of the former creation will then be permanently entrenched into the nature of all created in the likeness of Yahuwah. There will be no more need for the Law. Believers are to be found living symbolically in the new creation now and striving with all earnestness to write the Law into their minds and hearts.
22 - And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 - And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Yahushua the Messiah, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 - And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.
We can judge by this passage most clearly that the Law has not been done away with. Merely the manner in which we keep the Law has changed. Instead of merely wearing the Law outwardly in self-righteousness, we are to internalize it in righteousness.
1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Yahushua is the Messiah is born of Elohim: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him.
2 - By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim, and keep his commandments.
3 - For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 - For whatsoever is born of Elohim overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
5 - Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Yahushua is the Son of Elohim?
Obedience to Yahuwah is proof that we love Him. Therefore, if we do not keep His commandments, it is obvious proof that we do not love Elohim. This is what traditional Christianity is guilty of. Keeping Yahuwah’s commandments are not grievous as they help us to develop the nature of Yahuwah and prepare us for entrance into the world to come. How can that possibly be seen as grievous? It is only grievous to those who do not comprehend the good news of the gospel; who are naturally rebellious and hate Yahuwah.
The object of overcoming the world is repeatedly emphasized in the seven letters to the seven churches in Rev. 2-3. It is upon this principle that our salvation hinges. There will be no compromise, no backroom deals, no other way that we can receive salvation. We overcome the world by becoming new creatures with the Law of Yahuwah written onto our minds and in our hearts. We demonstrate that we have this new nature by showing agape (unconditional) love toward Yahuwah and all that He has created.
Let’s go back in the new testament now to hear the words of Yahushua, himself.
Matt. 22:36 - Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 - Yahushua said unto him, You shall love Yahuwah your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
38 - This is the first and great commandment.
39 - And the second is like unto it, You shall love thy neighbour as yourself.
40 - On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Again, love embodies all of the Law. However, one cannot acquire this degree of love without writing the Law of Yahuwah onto their minds and in their hearts. Carnally speaking, love is always conditional upon that love being returned. Yahuwah loved His creation even though that love was not returned to Him. This is what unconditional love is. Yahuwah loves us even though we have distinguished ourselves as His enemy in refusing to obey Him. Putting this condition behind us is not easy. It takes work. It takes constant refection on what we could have done differently or better in any given situation that would have reflected Yahushua’s love. It cannot be feigned.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 - By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.
John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 - You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.
One can see here how attaining and demonstrating love toward Yahuwah and our fellow man is firmly rooted in obedience to the commandments of Yahuwah. One cannot separate the two and still attain salvation. Any who teach that you can is a liar.
Conclusion
Well, this has certainly been an excellent lesson for me, at least. If not for being challenged by another web site into revisiting this study, I may have gone on indefinitely on the wrong path – back to the covenant of flesh.
A new covenant has definitely been instituted. It offers a better hope and a better seal. The better hope is the hope of salvation. The old covenant was flawed and mostly all transgressed it because it did not write the commandments of Elohim on our minds and our hearts, which can only be achieved by the spirit of Elohim dwelling in us. The old covenant involved only the outward keeping of the Law. It may have served its purpose at the time, until the Messiah came, but is now (thankfully) obsolete. Only the law of love (the law by which all was created) overlaps both covenants.
The new seal is circumcision of the heart. I have no dog in this fight because I was physically circumcised at birth. In other words, I have no fear of having to go through the excruciating ordeal of circumcision, behind this study and its conclusions. I am merely striving to serve Yahuwah and seek out all truth. As we have affirmed in this study, physical circumcision did nothing to keep Israel from transgressing the first covenant. Once one is truly circumcised of the heart there is no going back to the old covenant. With the law of love firmly entrenched in our minds and our hearts we are by nature obedient to the law of Yahuwah and going back to the covenant of the flesh is no longer an option. Our nature is the same as the Father’s. We are of one mind with Him, which is the oneness Yahushua prayed for in John 17. Our conscience will not allow us to do what may be construed as an offense to Yahuwah. It is this condition that will preserve us and strengthen us through the coming tribulation. If we are not of this condition, we are doomed to fail the test of the coming tribulation.
Shaul did nothing to do away with the Law as both the Jews and the Christians claim. He was neither a traitor to the Jews or a champion of the Christian dogma. Like I mentioned earlier, the truth lies in the middle of these two extremes. Shaul taught exactly as Yahushua did – that he (Yahushua) had come to institute the new covenant as was prophesied in the Old Testament. This was not a renewed covenant at all, but an entirely new covenant with a new seal. The only thing that remains the same is the command of obedience towards Yahuwah. The Jews wanted to stubbornly cling to their old covenant of the flesh, while the Christians wanted to do away with the Law all together. In both cases, neither party achieved the purpose of writing the Law on their minds and in their hearts and have fallen short of the hope of salvation.
The love of Yahuwah extends far beyond what most humans can imagine. That is because, as carnal beings, the direction of our love is to self first. It is conditional upon whatever love is shown towards us first or returned to us afterward. If we cannot see that love being beneficial to us in anyway, we reject it.
This does not happen with Yahuwah. He unconditionally loves His creation first. He created us in His own image – i.e. He has recreated Himself in us. We are His children exactly as our children are ours. He loves us all unconditionally, as we love our own, and beyond.
We are so stifled by our biases, mistrust and insecurities that we have natural, inborn tendencies to limit the amount of love we allow to expel from our hearts – all by varying degrees. Yahuwah’s love, rather, is outpouring, unconditionally 24/7; much like the water pouring over Niagara Falls. This is the love we are to emulate. Yahuwah does not hold back. He not only possesses love, He is love personified. He is unbiased. Trust and insecurities are not an issue. He loves His creation and desires that all succeed into the next stage of the creation process. It is only then that His family will be complete. This kind of love does not beget gossip about and judging of a brother or sister behind their backs. It does not beget heated arguments, physical confrontations, name calling, deceit, treachery, lies or hatred. What it does beget is a contagious flood of love that knows no bounds, in that there is no law against it. Yahushua could see past the actions of his tormentor and still love them. It is this kind of love that is our target to achieve. It is only when we achieve it that others will recognize Yahushua in us.
We are the sons and daughters of Elohim. We were created in His likeness, with the glorious purpose of becoming elohim. This is the message that Shaul was trying to get across to the recipients of his letters. He was trying to show us the way to achieve that oneness with Yahuwah that Yahushua enjoyed and to fulfill our glorious purpose. He pointed out their errors to correct them and placed them on the right path. He acted out of the love of Yahuwah that filled him and radiated out from him. He followed precisely in the footsteps of his grand master Yahushua HaMashiyack. The Jews could find him guilty of no crime at all. Neither should we.
I hope I have done the defense of Shaul justice. I am not a lawyer; just a lowly home renovation contractor with a passion for seeking out truth. My method is to examine all the passages I can find (Strong’s Concordance) and look for harmony. Sometimes I have had to deal with over two hundred scriptures. I then weed out all that are redundant and focus on the prime interpretation. I can only say of my first study that I must have done so with a preconceived conclusion. I was sure Shaul was innocent of all charges against him, but unsure why. I also was basically writing my own commentaries on only the books of Acts and Romans and formed my own conclusions (likely because those two books alone took so long to study and understand). I should have studied all of Shaul's other books (letters) as well.
My thanks go out to my sister in the faith, Hannah in Florida for donating a new Strong’s Concordance for this work. It was an Elohim-send indeed.
Yahuwah Bless
G.P