Tuesday, November 7, 2023

PAUL in TURKEY

 

GOD tells Ananias about Paul:

Acts 9:13-16

King James Version

15 But the Lord said unto him, 

Go thy way: 

for he is a chosen vessel unto me, 

to bear my name before the Gentiles, 

and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things 

he must suffer for my name's sake.


Apostle Paul is a very fascinating figure.

Where before, he persecuted Christians, suddenly, he was transformed.

All because JESUS appeared to this persecuting Pharisee.

From that point on, Paul became probably the staunchest defender of the faith to both Jews, and Greeks*.

When it comes to Scripture conviction, there is none like Paul.

These verses reveal the places he ministered to in Turkey, then called Anatolia (or Asia Minor):

Acts 9:29-30

King James Version

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

and disputed against the Grecians: 

but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, 

they brought him down to Caesarea, 

and sent him forth to Tarsus.


Acts 11:22-26

King James Version

22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears

of the church which was in Jerusalem: 

and they sent forth Barnabas

that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, 

was glad, and exhorted them all, 

that with purpose of heart 

they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, 

and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: 

and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, 

he brought him unto Antioch

And it came to pass, 

that a whole year they assembled themselves 

with the church, 

and taught much people. 

And the disciples were called Christians first 

in Antioch.


Acts 13:46-52

King James Version

46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, 

It was necessary that the word of God 

should first have been spoken to you: 

but seeing ye put it from you, 

and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, 

lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, 

I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles,

 that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, 

they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: 

and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published 

throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up 

the devout and honourable women, 

and the chief men of the city, 

and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, 

and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, 

and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, 

and with the Holy Ghost.


Acts 14:1-7

King James Version

14 And it came to pass in Iconium, 

that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, 

and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews 

and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, 

and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore abode they 

speaking boldly in the Lord, 

which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, 

and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: 

and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, 

and also of the Jews with their rulers, 

to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, 

and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia

and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.


Acts 14:19-21

King James Version

19 And there came thither certain Jews 

from Antioch and Iconium, 

who persuaded the people, 

and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, 

supposing he had been dead.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, 

he rose up, and came into the city: 

and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, 

and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, 

and to Iconium, and Antioch,


Acts 14:24-28

King James Version

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia

they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga

they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, 

from whence they had been recommended 

to the grace of God 

for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, 

and had gathered the church together, 

they rehearsed all that God had done with them, 

and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.


Acts 15:35-36

King James Version

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, 

teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, 

with many others also.

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, 

Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city 

where we have preached the word of the Lord, 

and see how they do.


Acts 15:38-41

King James Version

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, 

who departed from them from Pamphylia, 

and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, 

that they departed asunder one from the other: 

and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, 

being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia

confirming the churches.


Acts 16:1-5

King James Version

16 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.


Acts 16:6-8

King James Version

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia 

and the region of Galatia

and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost 

to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia

they assayed to go into Bithynia

but the Spirit suffered them not.

8 And they passing by Mysia 

came down to Troas.


Acts 18:18-19

King James Version

18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, 

and then took his leave of the brethren, 

and sailed thence into Syria, 

and with him Priscilla and Aquila; 

having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

19 And he came to Ephesusand left them there: 

but he himself entered into the synagogue, 

and reasoned with the Jews.


Acts 18:21-23

King James Version

21 But bade them farewell, saying, 

I must by all means keep this feast 

that cometh in Jerusalem: 

but I will return again unto you, if God will. 

And he sailed from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, 

and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed,

and went over all the country 

of Galatia and Phrygia in order, 

strengthening all the disciples.


Acts 19:1-2

King James Version

19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, 

Paul having passed through the upper coasts 

came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, 

Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? 

And they said unto him, 

We have not so much as heard 

whether there be any Holy Ghost.


Acts 19:8-10

King James Version

8 And he went into the synagogue, 

and spake boldly for the space of three months, 

disputing and persuading the things 

concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, 

but spake evil of that way before the multitude, 

he departed from them, and separated the disciples,

 disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10 And this continued by the space of two years; 

so that all they which dwelt in Asia 

heard the word of the Lord Jesus, 

both Jews and Greeks.


Acts 19:26

King James Version

26 Moreover ye see and hear, 

that not alone at Ephesus, 

but almost throughout all Asia, 

this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, 

saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:


Acts 20:5-6

King James Version

5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.

6 And we sailed away from Philippi 

after the days of unleavened bread, 

and came unto them to Troas in five days; 

where we abode seven days.


Acts 20:15-17

King James Version

15 And we sailed thence, 

and came the next day over against Chios; 

and the next day we arrived at Samos, 

and tarried at Trogyllium

and the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, 

because he would not spend the time in Asia: 

for he hasted, if it were possible for him, 

to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, 

and called the elders of the church.


Acts 21:1

King James Version

21 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, 

and had launched, we came with a straight course 

unto Coos, 

and the day following unto Rhodes, 

and from thence unto Patara:


Acts 21:39

King James Version

39 But Paul said, 

I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, 

a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: 

and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.


Acts 22:3

King James Version

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, 

born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, 

yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel

and taught according to the perfect manner 

of the law of the fathers, 

and was zealous toward God, 

as ye all are this day.


Acts 23:34

King James Version

34 And when the governor had read the letter, 

he asked of what province he was. 

And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;


Acts 27:4-6

King James Version

4 And when we had launched from thence, 

we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 And when we had sailed 

over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, 

we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria 

sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.


When SPIRIT inspired me to create this blog seven days ago, I had no idea the volume of material, clues, and information I'd encounter.

Surely, it's not by accident JESUS converted apostle Paul.

Surely, it's not by accident Paul did a complete 180-degree turnaround.

Surely, it's not by accident JESUS spoke of seven churches in the Book of Revelation.

Surely, it's not by accident ALL these churches are in Asia Minor (now known as Turkey).

It's all by GOD's will, and design.

As SPIRIT and I write the articles, I'm finding out more.

GOD loves a childlike, inquiring heart.

Which I happen to have.

All because I love GOD, and care about you.

I am intent on finding out Turkey's future, through Bible prophecy.

Step by step, I'll get there.


NOTE:

*From reading the Bible, we learn that the gospel was given by the LORD's disciples to both Jew, and Greek.

Greeks were also known as "Gentiles".

If you're not a Jew, you're a Gentile.

As I am.


Related material:

PAUL's testimony 1 (Acts 22:1-21 KJV)

PAUL's testimony 2 (Acts 26 KJV)


Related video:

The Complete Story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles


Image: Clipart Library


Tuesday, October 31, 2023

church in LAODICEA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Laodicea:

Revelation 3:14-20

King James Version

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; 

These things saith the Amen, 

the faithful and true witness, 

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, 

that thou art neither cold nor hot: 

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, 

and neither cold nor hot, 

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, 

and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; 

and knowest not that thou art wretched, 

and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, 

that thou mayest be rich; 

and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; 

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, 

that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: 

be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, and open the door, 

I will come in to him, and will sup with him, 

and he with me.


To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:21-22

King James Version

21 To him that overcometh 

will I grant to sit with me in my throne, 

even as I also overcame, 

and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.


More articles here.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


church in PHILADELPHIA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Philadelphia:

Revelation 3:7-11

King James Version

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith he that is holy, 

he that is true, 

he that hath the key of David, 

he that openeth, and no man shutteth; 

and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: 

behold, 

I have set before thee an open door, 

and no man can shut it: 

for thou hast a little strength, 

and hast kept my word, 

and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, 

will make them of the synagogue of Satan, 

which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; 

behold, 

I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, 

and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, 

I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come upon all the world, 

to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: 

hold that fast which thou hast, 

that no man take thy crown.


To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:12-13

King James Version

12 Him that overcometh 

will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, 

and he shall go no more out: 

and I will write upon him the name of my God, 

and the name of the city of my God, 

which is new Jerusalem, 

which cometh down out of heaven from my God: 

and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.


The next post is on the church in Laodicea.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


church in SARDIS

 

The LORD's command to the church in Sardis:

Revelation 3:1-4

King James Version

3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith he 

that hath the seven Spirits of God, 

and the seven stars; 

I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead.

2 Be watchful, 

and strengthen the things which remain, 

that are ready to die: 

for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, 

and hold fast, and repent. 

If therefore thou shalt not watch, 

I will come on thee as a thief, 

and thou shalt not know 

what hour I will come upon thee.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis 

which have not defiled their garments; 

and they shall walk with me in white: 

for they are worthy.


To him that overcometh:

Revelation 3:5-6

King James Version

5 He that overcometh, 

the same shall be clothed in white raiment; 

and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, 

but I will confess his name before my Father, 

and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.


The next post is on the church in Philadelphia.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


church in THYATIRA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Thyatira:

Revelation 2:18-25

King James Version

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; 

These things saith the Son of God, 

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, 

and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, 

and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; 

and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, 

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel

which calleth herself a prophetess, 

to teach and to seduce my servants 

to commit fornication, 

and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; 

and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, 

and them that commit adultery with her 

into great tribulation, 

except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; 

and all the churches shall know that I am he 

which searcheth the reins and hearts: 

and I will give unto every one of you 

according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, 

and unto the rest in Thyatira, 

as many as have not this doctrine, 

and which have not known the depths of Satan, 

as they speak; 

I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already 

hold fast till I come.


To him that overcometh:

Revelation 2:26-29

King James Version

26 And he that overcometh, 

and keepeth my works unto the end, 

to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; 

as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: 

even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.

29 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith 

unto the churches.


The next post is on the church in Sardis.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


church in PERGAMOS

 

The LORD's command to the church in Pergamos:

Revelation 2:12-16

King James Version

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; 

These things saith he 

which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, 

and where thou dwellest, 

even where Satan's seat is: 

and thou holdest fast my name, 

and hast not denied my faith, 

even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, 

who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, 

because thou hast there them 

that hold the doctrine of Balaam

who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock 

before the children of Israel, 

to eat things sacrificed unto idols, 

and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them 

that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes

which thing I hate.

16 Repent; 

or else I will come unto thee quickly, 

and will fight against them 

with the sword of my mouth.


To him that overcometh:

Revelation 2:17

King James Version

17 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat 

of the hidden manna, 

and will give him a white stone, 

and in the stone a new name written, 

which no man knoweth 

saving he that receiveth it.


The next post is on the church in Thyatira.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


church in SMYRNA

 

The LORD's command to the church in Smyrna:

Revelation 2:8-10

King James Version

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; 

These things saith the first and the last, 

which was dead, and is alive;

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, 

(but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them 

which say they are Jews, and are not, 

but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: 

behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, 

that ye may be tried; 

and ye shall have tribulation ten days: 

be thou faithful unto death, 

and I will give thee a crown of life.


To those that overcome:

Revelation 2:11

King James Version

11 He that hath an ear, 

let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; 

He that overcometh shall not be hurt 

of the second death.


The next post is on the church in Pergamos.


Related material:

SPIRIT and the 7 churches


PAUL in TURKEY

  GOD tells Ananias about Paul : Acts 9:13-16 King James Version 15 But the Lord said unto him,  Go thy way:  for he is a chosen vessel unt...