After Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the many-membered Christ became multi-realm, with Jesus the Head in heaven and the body/church on the earth. The Head and the body remained connected by Jesus’ life being implanted in the church.
For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2Corinthians 4:11 NASB
The apostolic church began in Jerusalem with the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, consisted of converted Jews, and was initially led by Peter, John, and Jesus’ brother James. By the time Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, the apostolic church had lost momentum because many eye-witnesses of Jesus had died. The apostolic period of the early church is from around 35 AD to approximately 100 AD.
The baptism with the Holy Spirit brought the church to the designated 60-fold level of production of spiritual fruit, which was a step up from the church at the 30-fold level and a step down from Jesus at the 100-fold level (See illustration p. 5-65). The baptism with the Holy Spirit has universal association with the Feast of Weeks/Pentecost, because the Holy Spirit was given on the day of the Pentecost feast. John the Baptist spoke of this baptism.
“As for me, I baptize you in water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not even fit to remove His sandals; He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11 NASB
Jesus spoke of this baptism.
And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5 NASB
And when the baptism came, it was accompanied by fire.
And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 NASB
The phrase “tongues as of fire” is a different characterization of the Holy Spirit than when it came upon Jesus in a bodily form like a dove.
Now it came about when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 NASB
The different representative forms of the Spirit distinguish its purpose, not its nature. On the one hand, Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit was an event associated with spiritual day/age 4, the age of Passover, a festival when bread was unleavened. The Holy Spirit was given to a sinless Jesus in full measure for enlightenment and empowerment.
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness Luke 4:1 NASB
“For He whom God has sent [Jesus] speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34 NASB
On the other hand, the baptism with the Holy Spirit of the members of the early church was an event associated with spiritual day/age 5 and Pentecost, a feast that included leavened bread.
“You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of a bushel; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as the first fruits to the LORD. Leviticus 23:17 NASB
Because the believers in the upper room were born as seed of Satan and had resident sin, it is appropriate that this event occurred on the day of Pentecost, which is associated with bread containing leaven, a symbol of sin. Consequently, the description of the Holy Spirit as tongues as of fire is suggestive of purification and refinement that are necessary for one with resident sin. Furthermore, in contrast to Jesus, the early church received the Spirit in part, as the apostle Paul told us.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. … For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. 1Corinthians 13:9-10,12 NASB
So, during the age of Passover (spiritual day/age 4), Jesus received the Holy Spirit in full measure. However at Pentecost (spiritual day/age 5), His followers, born with the Adamic nature fostering sin and requiring the refining fire for purification, received the Holy Spirit in part. Therefore, the association of the Holy Spirit with tongues as of fire was an indication of the kind of work which it would do within the recipient. Jesus, because of sinlessness, knew in full, but we, because of sin, know only in part. As Paul indicated, full restoration brings full knowledge. Thus, until full restoration, we are destined to know only in part.
After receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter and the other apostles amazed those who heard them.
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because they were each one hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and marveled, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?” Acts 2:6-7 NASB
Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, immediately began speaking to the gathered crowd, and 3,000 were converted.
But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: … So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:14,41 NASB
Thus began the ministry of the church to carry out the great commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 NASB
However, making disciples of all the nations was contrary to the Jewish training of the leaders of the early church.
And he [Peter] said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.” Acts 10:28 NASB
God Almighty showed Peter that all humanity was included in His family, and Peter expressed a newly acquired evangelical attitude in Joppa.
And opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him.” Acts 10:34-35 NASB
Peter reported to his fellow Jews in Jerusalem about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon gentiles.
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning. … If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:15,17 NASB
The baptism with the Holy Spirit was an empowerment of the church to minister to the nations of the earth at the designated 60-fold level of production of fruit of the Spirit.
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 NASB
The power of the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles, and there were many instances of the manifestation of gifts of the Spirit.
And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Acts 2:43 NASB
And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 NASB
And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. Acts 5:12 NASB
For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. Acts 8:7 NASB
At Joppa, Peter even raised Tabitha from the dead.
And it came about at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. … But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 9:37,40
Around 50 AD, the apostle Paul began his ministry among the Gentiles and expedited the evolution of the church from a sect of Judaism to a distinct, gentile religion. The missionary work of Paul and others in gentile regions resulted in the establishment of numerous churches, locally governed by elders:
- Jude and Bartholomew founded churches in Judea, Samaria, and Armenia;
- Mark founded churches in Africa including Egypt and Ethiopia;
- Peter founded churches in Antioch (Turkey) and Asia Minor;
- Andrew founded churches in the Black Sea area; and
- Paul founded churches among Greeks.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost is evident in other patterns which we have been using. For instance, we can extend the analogy of Jesus as a spiritual seed planted in humanity (John 12:24,33) with consideration of the rain necessary for growth of the plant from the seed. In the growing season of the Promised Land and the surrounding area, (early) rain comes in the fall to water the planted seed and (latter) rain comes in the spring to ripen the grain for harvest. This early-late rain pattern is mentioned in the Book of James.
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. James 5:7 NASB
Joel spoke of these rains when he described the church following the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
So rejoice, O sons of Zion, / And be glad in the LORD your God; / For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. / And He has poured down for you the rain, / The early and latter rain as before. … And it will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; / And your sons and daughters will prophesy, / Your old men will dream dreams, / Your young men will see visions. / And even on the male and female servants / I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:23,28-29 NASB
After Jesus was planted as a Seed within humanity, the early rain for the Seed occurred with the outpouring of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The latter rain occurred with the Pentecostal revival in the 1900’s, which is toward the end of both the gentile church era and spiritual day/age 5.
In Section 5.9, during the discussion of the creation of a female partner for Jesus, we suggested that Jesus, after ascending to heaven, has produced a many-membered, spiritual son with His newly formed partner, the church, and we now develop that idea. To begin with, we establish that Jesus, the Christ, is the father of a spiritual son. The prophet Isaiah tells us that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the Eternal Father.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NASB
In the book of the Revelation, we find that Jesus says the following to John.
And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” Revelation 21:6-7 NASB
Thus, in Isaiah and in Revelation, Jesus is identified as divine and as a Father.
The scripture from Revelation states that Jesus’ many-membered son is composed of overcomers, meaning that, after being adopted as mature sons of God Almighty, they have overcome Satan’s temptation (Section 5.7). These overcomers, from all the ages, are collectively a many-membered son and considered a generation succeeding Jesus.
Yet the LORD was willing To crush Him, causing Him to suffer; If He would give Himself as a guilt offering [an atonement for sin], He shall see His [spiritual] offspring, He shall prolong His days. And the will (good pleasure) of the LORD shall succeed and prosper in His hand. Isaiah 53:10 AMP
This many-membered, spiritual son of Jesus is counted as a generation by the apostle Peter.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into the marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1Peter 2:9-10 KJV
This many-membered, spiritual son of Jesus provides the resolution to a seeming contradiction in the genealogy of Jesus given in Matthew 1.
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17 KJV
The generations from Abraham to Christ listed in Matthew 1 are tabulated below.
Though stated as 14, there are only 13 generations listed by Matthew from the carrying away into Babylon until Christ. This seeming contradiction is resolved because the term “Christ” represents two different entities (Section 5.2). There is Jesus the Christ, and there is the many-membered Christ with Jesus as Head and the redeemed comprising the body. At His baptism, Jesus the Christ was the only member of Christ. But, after Jesus started His ministry, the apostles and other believers joined Him in the body of Christ, the church. Thus Jesus became the head of the many-membered Christ, the collection of people who were called and chosen to believe and accept His message. Since Jesus’ ascension, the many-membered Christ has had a presence in both the heavenly and earthly realms. Jesus, the Head, is in heaven. Those of us who are redeemed and are currently in our earthly journeys are the feet of the body of Christ, that part of the body in contact with the earth. These many members, spread through all ages, are all connected.
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. 1Corinthians 12:18-20 NASB
Christ is multi-generational because Christ includes both Jesus as the Christ and the many-membered Christ. That is, the 13th generation of the list is Jesus, called Christ. The overcomers among the body of Christ collectively are considered a son and a generation.
A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the LORD for a generation. Psalms 22:30 JKV
This son of Christ is the 14th generation that properly completes the list. Hence, Jesus is the Father of a spiritual son, comprised of the collection of overcomers and counted as the 42nd generation since Abraham. How wonderful that God Almighty provided a connection for us to the great patriarch Abraham!
The genealogy in Matthew 1 reinforces the suggestion from the pattern of the creation story that Jesus had a spiritual son with the church which had been formed from Jesus’ side. Furthermore, Jesus was obligated by the Mosaic Law to take a wife from sinful humanity and have a spiritual son, because the man Adam, Jesus’ spiritual brother (Section 4.8), died without a spiritual son (Section 2.7). Here is the relevant commandment from the Law.
“When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And it shall be that the first-born whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out from Israel.” Deuteronomy 25:5-6 NASB
By this commandment, Jesus was obligated to produce a spiritual son with the man Adam’s spiritual wife, the mother of all the living (Gen 3:20). The newly formed church was that part of the living of Jesus’ time with whom He was to produce a spiritual son.
A second pattern for Jesus taking the newly formed church as wife to produce a spiritual son is Abraham’s grandson Jacob and the two daughters of Laban (Gen 29). Jacob was sent by his father Isaac to relatives in Mesopotamia to obtain a wife, and there he met his cousin Rachel, a beautiful daughter of his uncle Laban.
Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face. Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Genesis 29:16-18 NASB
Jacob loved Rachel, and the bride price for their marriage was set between Jacob and Laban. Jacob took Rachel as his betrothed until a marriage ceremony to be held when Jacob had paid the bride price in full. However, the beautiful Rachel did not become his wife at that ceremony. Instead her older sister Leah with weak eyes was married to Jacob.
But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place, to marry off the younger before the first-born.” Genesis 29:26 NASB
Because of practice or custom, Jacob was obligated to take the older sister as wife before his beloved betrothed. Then for a second time, Jacob arranged the bride price for Rachel and they were married.
Jesus’ circumstance was similar to that of Jacob because Jesus was sent by His Father to humanity (His brethren) on earth and, like Jacob, encountered two spiritual women. Rachel is similar to the “beautiful” church whom Jesus loves.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27 NASB
The “beautiful” church, which is being cleansed … by the washing of water with the word, is betrothed to, but not yet presented to, Jesus for marriage. We are told of that future marriage in a vision in Revelation.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19:7-8 NASB
Thus, we look forward to the time when the church, in all her glory, will be clothed with fine linen, bright and clean, will be without spot or wrinkle … holy and blameless, and will be presented to Jesus as His bride. However, in the mean time, Jesus was obligated by practice–the commandment of the Law–to take as wife the “older sister” of the beloved and blameless church, that is, take as wife the newly formed church with weak eyes (Gen 29:17), which means that the church did not “see” spiritual matters well.
Hence, we have two patterns, the pattern of creation of the first couple in the garden and the pattern of Jacob and his wives, which indicate that Jesus took as wife the newly created church and produced a spiritual son with her. Furthermore, the conception of Mary with a Son of God Almighty is a pattern for the conception, within the church, of the spiritual son of Jesus.
The conception of Mary and of the church was announced by a spiritual visitor. The angel Gabriel visited Mary.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, … Luke 1:26-27 NASB
The resurrected Jesus Christ visited the church after His crucifixion and resurrection.
To these He also presented Himself alive; after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 NASB
The heavenly visitor announced a special event. Gabriel announced that Mary would conceive.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” Luke 1:31 NASB
Likewise Jesus announced a special event for the church.
And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-5 NASB
Each visitor was questioned about the announced event. Mary questioned Gabriel.
And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 NASB
The apostles asked Jesus about His announcement.
And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6 NASB
After being questioned, each messenger explained the conception process. Gabriel explained how Mary would conceive.
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 NASB
Jesus used identical wording to explain what was to happen to the church.
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:7-8 NASB
Thus the Holy Spirit is the seed from heaven, which, when coming upon someone with power, conceives a new child of God Almighty in humanity. This similarity in language suggests a similar occurrence, the conception of a child within Mary and the conception of a child within the church.
After the messenger left, there was a gathering. Mary went to see her relative Elizabeth, whom Gabriel said was also with child.
“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.” … Now at the time Mary arose and went with hast to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:36,39-40 NASB
As Jesus commanded, the disciples remained in Jerusalem where they gathered with other believers.
And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, Acts 1:15 NASB
And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:1 NASB
While together in the gathering, there was a notable physical event. Elizabeth’s baby leapt in the womb.
And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 NASB
Those gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost heard and saw special things.
And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. Acts 2:2-3 NASB
At the time of these physical events, the Holy Spirit was given. While Mary was greeting Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit was given.
And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 NASB
Similarly, while the apostles met with other believers, the Holy Spirit was given.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:4 NASB
The Holy Spirit creating a stirring in Elizabeth’s womb suggests that the power of the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary with a stirring in her womb, i.e., the conception of the Son of God Almighty. Likewise the stirring within the church suggests the conception of a spiritual son of Jesus.
The power of the Holy Spirit was displayed in speech. After the Holy Spirit was given, both Elizabeth and Mary prophesied with power.
And she [Elizabeth] cried out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed among woman are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” … And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.” Luke 1:42,46-48 NASB
After the Holy Spirit was given, those gathered in the upper room spoke in other tongues, and Peter spoke with power.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. … And with many other words he [Peter] solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Acts 2:4,40 NASB
And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 NASB
In summary, Mary the mother of Jesus was promised that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and such occurred when Mary met with her relative Elizabeth. Similarly, the church was promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon it with power and such occurred on the day of Pentecost when members of the church received the Holy Spirit and spoke with power. The events of the church on the day of Pentecost are described with the language used to describe the conception of Mary. Therefore, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church conceived a spiritual child of God Almighty.
In the last chapter, we associated the three generations of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph with the three-step decline of the church into the apostate church of the Middle/Dark Ages (Table 5.4). Having used Isaac as a pattern for Jesus during His ministry, we will now use Jacob/Israel as a pattern for events in the apostolic church after the baptism with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Many of the events in the apostolic church are represented by the apostle Paul in the following table.
In addition to the birth right from Isaac, Jacob also received Isaac’s blessing which had been intended for Esau.
Now it came about, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, … Genesis 27:30 NASB
The church of Jesus Christ received God Almighty’s blessing, which had been with the Israelites.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us – for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERY ONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE” – in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
There is persecution. The transfer of the blessing to Jacob caused conflict between the brothers which evolved into the threat of death for Jacob.
So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Genesis 27:41 NASB
The persecution of the early church becomes deadly.
And when they had driven him [Stephen] out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:58 NASB
In order to avoid the wrath of Esau, Jacob was sent from the Promised Land to relatives in Mesopotamia.
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you, by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee to Haran, to my brother Laban!” Genesis 27:42-43 NASB
Then Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau. Genesis 28:5 NASB
Likewise, the persecution of the early church resulted in the dispersion of the church to areas beyond Jerusalem and thus facilitated the missionary phase of the apostolic church.
And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him [Stephen] to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 8: 1-2 NASB
God Almighty visited Jacob and Paul. When journeying from the Promised Land, Jacob in a vision saw the heavens opened with angels descending and ascending on a ladder.
Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he come to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place. And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Gen 28:10-12 NASB
Saul was visited by the Lord Jesus on a journey to Damascus.
And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,” … And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. Acts 9:3-5,8 NASB
Thereafter Saul, rather than using his Hebrew name, took up his Roman name of Paul.
But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him, Acts 13:9 NASB
Saul, persecutor of the church, became Paul, great missionary of the church to the Gentiles. From this point on, the apostolic church is represented by the apostle Paul.
Jacob arrived in Mesopotamia/Babylon and lived with his mother’s brother Laban, who represents the Gentiles whom Paul encountered in his travels. Laban dealt deceitfully with Jacob concerning his bride.
Now it came about in the evening that he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. … So it came about in the morning that, behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:23,25 NASB
Laban’s treatment of Jacob foreshadowed the difficulties that Paul faced from Gentiles on the missionary trail.
Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thrust, often without food, in cold and exposure. 2Corinthians 11:24-27 NASB
Disputes between Jacob’s wives, Rachel and Leah, impacted him.
Now in the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it a small matter for you to take my husband [Jacob]? And would you take my son’s mandrakes also?” So Rachel said, “Therefore he may lie with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes.” Genesis 30:14-15 NASB
Disputes resolved by Ecumenical councils had an impact on the early church. The first was among the apostles in the church in Jerusalem.
But certain ones of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” And the apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. Acts 15:5-6 NASB
Though cheated by his uncle, Jacob was successful in his labors because of God Almighty.
“Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me. … Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me.” Genesis 31:7,9 NASB
Likewise, the apostolic church at the 60-fold level of production of spiritual fruit was successful. The book of Acts of the Apostles is full of stories of miracles performed by God Almighty in support of the apostles’ efforts on behalf of the church. Paul’s ministry brought many miracles.
And God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. Acts 19:11-12 NASB
There is conflict between Jacob and Laban.
“These twenty years I have been in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock; and you changed my wages ten times.” Genesis 31:41 NASB
There is conflict between Paul and gentiles.
And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her master much profit by fortunetelling. … And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities. … And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; Acts 16: 16,18-19,23 NASB
Jacob was intent upon returning to the Promised Land.
Now it came about when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my own country.” Genesis 30:25 NASB
Paul was intent upon returning to Jerusalem in the Promised Land.
“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.” Acts 20:22-23 NASB
Jacob wrestled with an angel of God, was given a dislocated hip, and renamed Israel.
Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. … And he said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:24,28 NASB
A prophet indicated to Paul, during his journey to Jerusalem, that Paul would be bound.
And as we were staying there for some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” Acts 21:10-11 NASB
Upon his return to the Promised Land, Jacob sought acceptance by Esau with a succession of gifts.
“then you shall say, ‘These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’ ” Genesis 32:18 NASB
These gifts are a type for the gifts or alms from those in Asia that Paul brought with him for those in Jerusalem in the Promised Land.
“Now after several years I came to bring alms [gifts] to my nation and to present offerings;” Acts 24:17 NASB
Jacob was accepted by Esau.
Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. Genesis 33:4 NASB
Paul was accepted in the Promised Land.
And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And now the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. Acts 21:17-18 NASB
Jacob, in order to live and not die, appealed to Pharaoh of Egypt.
Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down there and buy some for us from that place, so that we may live and not die.” Genesis 42:1-2 NASB
Paul, in order to live and not die, appeals to the Emperor Caesar in Rome.
But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews as you also very well know. If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Acts 25:10-11 NASB
Jacob was sent to Pharaoh in Egypt.
And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will close your eyes.” Genesis 46:2-4 NASB
Paul was sent away a captive to Cesar in Rome.
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. Acts 27:1 NASB
And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. Acts 28:16 NASB
Both Jacob and Paul die in the foreign land. Jacob died in Egypt after blessing his twelve sons.
When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 49:33 NASB
Tradition indicates that in 64 AD Paul was executed in Rome along with the apostle Peter by the Roman Emperor Nero who brought persecution upon Christians.
Shortly after the deaths of Peter and Paul, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman legions in 70 AD, and Jews were scattered into many nations. Thereafter, despite the great events of the apostolic church at the 60-fold level of production of spiritual fruit, the church was in decline toward the organized church at the 30-fold level of production of spiritual fruit.
In 100 AD, there were an estimated 500,000 Christians.
0 Comments