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There Be Some That Trouble You, And Would Pervert The Gospel (First, I must state up front, that this post is written with Saved in mind.) It has been said, in certain commentaries, that Acts 2:38's "for the remission of sins" means something else than what it plainly states. Here is what I read in a commentary- "'For' (as used in Acts 2:38 'for the forgiveness...') could have two meanings. If you saw a poster saying 'Jesse James wanted for robbery', 'for' could mean Jesse is wanted so he can commit a robbery, or is wanted because he has committed a robbery. The later sense is the correct one. So too in this passage, the word 'for' signifies an action in the past. Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the NT teaching on salvation by grace and not by works." The first thing I would like to point out about this particular commentary, is the phrase "'for' (as used in Acts 2:38…) *COULD* have two meanings" Did you notice what the commentator gave as the basis for this opinion? It is what is known as "circular reasoning". Because these folks can't accept that this passage says what it means, they interpret the passage based on their interpretations, rather than on the concrete usages, and Dictionary definitions, of such words as "eis." Here is Strong's Definition of eis- "for" New Testament Greek Definition: 1519 eis {ice} a primary preposition; TDNT - 2:420,211; prep AV - into 573, to 281, unto 207, for 140, in 138, on 58, toward 29, against 26, misc 322; 1774 1) into, unto, to, towards, for, among The word "eis" is found, according to this reference, 1774 times in the NT. It is translated as the word "into" 573 times, "to" 281 times, and "unto" 207 times. It is translated into the word "for" only 140 times in the NT. This is the word "eis" that "Just Believers" use to say that baptism isn't for remission of sins, but because remission of sins have already taken place. Her is how Saved said it to Harry- "The word *for* in the verse is the Greek word *eis*, which is the same meaning as *because of*, and in this verse that should have been used." -Saved I would like to challenge Saved to show me ONE VERSE in scripture where, without a shadow of a doubt, the word EIS has the same meaning as "because of." Yes, I am challenging Saved to show us what her evidence is for her statement, or for her to be proven here to be a liar. Because I do intend to bring you a wealth of evidence that EIS was never used to mean "because of" in scripture. To say such is a lie, and deceiving. (I will address your shock that I would dare make such a claim at the end of this.) But first, I present my evidence… **** The reason I can make this challenge SO confidently, is this- In the English, indeed, "for" could mean such as that "Jesse… is wanted because he has committed a robbery," Or even that "for the remission of sins" similarly, considering the English only, could mean that "for the remission of sins" meant for the remission of sins that had already happened." HOWEVER- in the Greek, the word is NEVER used in such a context. The fact is, there are OTHER words that were used, quite as frequently as eis, that would have the implications that these commentaries have stipulated. Now, I don't claim to be a Greek scholar- but I know how to look things up. Did any of us have to become English majors before we began to be able to effectively use and understand the English language? I should say not. The concept of learning a language is simple- repetition. Heb 5:14 …those who by reason of use have their senses exercised… When there are so many examples of the words, and we look at all the examples, things begin to sink in. And so, I'm going to give you examples- lots of them. And there are plenty more where these came from, if you require. In the book of Acts, I counted 88 occurrences of the word eis translated as "into", the most commonly used English word used to represent EIS. Let us ask ourselves, if in any of these examples, which I have limited, we could say that "eis" meant "because of" something had already happened, as these commentators would like to say of "eis" in Acts 2:38. I GUARANTEE, we will right away begin to see how ridiculous their interpretation of eis is. Remember, their interpretation of eis in Acts 2:38, is that baptism is "because of" remission of sins that had already happened…. (I will put all the groups of examples in "***********'s" in case some would rather skim them) *********** INTO (1519 eis) (1519 is the Strong's Dictionary reference number) Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into (1519 eis) heaven? Why stand you gazing up "because of" heaven "had already happened"? Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into (1519 eis) an upper room, They went up "because of" an upper room "had already happened". Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into (1519 eis) blood, The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon "because of" blood "had already happened". Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into (1519 eis) the heavens… David is not descended "because of" the heavens "had already happened". Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into (1519 eis) the temple Went up together "because of" the temple "had already happened". Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into (1519 eis) the water, They went down both "because of" the water "had already happened". Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into (1519 eis) the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Arise and go "because of" the city "had already happened". *********** And on, and on, and on, and on the examples of eis as "into" would go. Let's look at some of the occurrences of eis where the English wasn't translated as "into", not necessarily in Acts… *********** AGAINST Acts 6:11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against (1519 eis) Moses, and against God. We have heard him speak words "because of" Moses (had already happened). Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against (1519 eis) the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter "because of" the disciples, went unto the high priest Before you think you have something close there, read this next one… Acts 25:8 While he answered for himself, Neither against (1519 eis) the law of the Jews, neither against (1519 eis) the temple, nor yet against (1519 eis) Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. Neither "because of" the law of the Jews, neither "because of" the temple, nor yet "because of" Caeser, have I offended any thing at all. How about if we used "into" or "unto", which are dictionary definitions, would they fit? Neither into/unto the law of the Jews, neither into/unto the temple, nor yet into/unto Caeser, have I offended any thing at all. Now do this with Acts 9:1 (above)- Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter into/unto the disciples, went unto the high priest Which fits? Now Acts 2:38- Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for (EIS- into/to/for/unto/in/on) the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now what is EIS saying Acts 2:38? But there is more… --- AMONG (1519 eis) Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among (1519 eis) you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God "because of" you… Or- Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God " into/to/for/unto/in/on" you… I don't think we'd want to say that Jesus was approved of God "BECAUSE OF" what we've already done! Yet that is what Saved says, WITHOUT SAYING ANY QUALIFICATIONS, the word Eis means! "The word *for* in the verse is the Greek word *eis*, which is the same meaning as *because of*…" -Saved Nor do I think we would want to say that Jesus was approved of God "because of" the miracles that He had, past tense, done. He was approved of God because of His righteousness only! And because of that righteousness only, He was approved of God UNTO, TO, and FOR us by miracles. Other examples bear this (into/unto) out very clearly… Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among (1519 eis) the people, That it spread no further because, into, or unto, the people? Into or unto the people is the clear and obvious fear of the Jews here. Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among (1519 eis) the people, crying out, Baranabas and Paul… ran in "because of" the people "had happened"? No, Barnabus and Paul… ran UNTO the people! Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among (1519 eis) you, not sparing the flock. Grievous wolves enter in "because of" you had happened?? Oh my Lord no, no, no grievous wolves enter UNTO/INTO you! And there are times when you won't be able to recognized them unless you listen carefully to the scriptures, and a little help from someone with the gift of DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS wouldn't hurt either!!! Why would God put such a gift as discernment of spirits in the body, for the body, if the body was able to discern them very well by themselves, thank you very much? It's because the SCRIPTURES the WORD OF GOD warns us- 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. More on this later! Where was I? Oh yeah… --- AT (1519 eis) Acts 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at (1519 eis) Jerusalem. Were gathered "because of" Jerusalem "had happened"? No? Were gathered UNTO/INTO Jerusalem! Therefore- baptized UNTO/INTO Remission of sins in Acts 2:38!!!!!! Acts 7:26 And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at (1519 eis) one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? And would have set them "because of" one again? Then how can "eis" according to these commentators "could mean because of"??? Acts 8:40 But Philip was found at (eis) Azotus: Philip was found "because of" Azotus? I think Philip would contend he was found because of Jesus, not Azotus!!! :-) Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at (eis) Caesarea, And when he had landed "because of" Caesarea "had happened"? (Preposterous? Oh, I don't know, maybe their helmsman was drunk at the wheel? Good thing they weren't carrying crude oil!) Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at (eis) nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised... Our craft is in danger to be set "because of" nought? I don't thiiinnnk soooo!!!! Acts 20:14 And when he met with us at (eis) Assos, And when he met us "because of" Assos. ??? Acts 20:15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at (eis) Samos, Another forced landing? No, EIS simply CANNOT mean "because of" in these passages. --- BECOME (1519 eis) Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become (1519 eis) the head of the corner. This is the stone… which is "because of" the head of the corner? No, "This is the stone… which is (into/unto) the head of the corner!!! --- BEFORE Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before (1519 eis) them. Brought Paul down, and set him "because of" them? Now, to fit the commentators interpretation of eis in Acts, this would have to mean that the chief captain set Paul down "because of" the "them" had already happened! After all, they say we are baptized because remission of sins has already taken place! --- Finally, for EIS anyway, we look at the other places in the book of Acts and see, (I think this time all the places in Acts) where the word eis was translated into this "controversial" English word "FOR", and see if ANY of these instances could possibly mean "because of"… Acts 7:5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for (1519 eis) a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. yet he promised that he would give it to him "into/unto" (1519 eis) a possession. FITS! yet he promised that he would give it to him "because of" a possession? Wait a minute… He would give it to him "because of" (as in past tense, it was already) a possession? Nope, DOESN'T FIT! Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for (1519 eis) to worship, and had come to Jerusalem "into/unto" (1519 eis) to worship. FITS! (well, much better than "because of" would, anyway! Remember- nobody said there would be a word-for-word equivalent in English of any Greek word!) and had come to Jerusalem "because of" to worship (as in had already happened, remember!). DOESN'T FIT! Acts 9:21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for (1519 eis) that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? and came hither "into/unto" (1519 eis) that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests. FITS! and came hither "because of" that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests. DOESN'T FIT! You want to know why it doesn't fit? Guess what Greek word "intent" is? It is EIS! Look here, and tell me which one fits… and came hither "into/unto" (1519 eis) that "into/unto" (1519 eis), that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? FITS! OR- and came hither "because of" (had happened) that "because of" (had happened), that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? . Sorry, but that- DOESN'T FIT! Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for (1519 eis) a memorial before God. Thy prayers and thine alms are come up "into/unto" (1519 eis) a memorial before God. FITS! Thy prayers and thine alms are come up "because of" a memorial (had already happened past tense) before God. DOESN'T FIT! Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for (1519 eis) the work whereunto I have called them. Separate me Barnabas and Saul "into/unto" (1519 eis) the work. FITS! Separate me Barnabas and Saul "because of" the work. DOESN'T FIT! The work simply hadn't happened past tense yet! Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for (1519 eis) salvation unto the ends of the earth. I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be "into/unto" (1519 eis) salvation unto the ends of the earth. FITS! I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be "because of" salvation unto the ends of the earth. DOESN'T FIT! Salvation hadn't gone out unto the ends of the earth yet, like they say remission had already happened "for" baptism to take place! Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for (1519 eis) the work which they fulfilled. Did they receive grace from God because of the work they did? Or did they receive grace from God TO DO the work they did? This final example I will give, puts the "because of" people in a real pickle- because if eis could possibly mean "because of" here, then God has given grace to them BECAUSE OF works! Which, of course, would contradict their entire doctrine! Let's see… And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God "into/unto" (1519 eis) the work which they fulfilled. FITS! And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God "because of" the work which they fulfilled. *********** Is the TRUE meaning of EIS starting to sink in yet? I hope so. I think that should be enough for getting the idea. Remember, my challenge is open for anyone to find another instance where EIS means "because of" past tense. Here is your chance to prove me wrong. I'm not being vindicative. This is about telling the truth, or not telling the truth- and then some. Which I'm getting to. But next (to me anyway) is the real clincher. One of the first rules in interpreting a foreign language, is that one must accept the fact that words very seldom have one-to-one relationships regarding definitions. For example the word English word love has some seven semi-equivalent Greek words. The Greek word "Pneuma" in English can mean wind, breath, soul or spirit. But that hardly means that we have the liberty to translate wind as breath in every instance of an English statement. Can you hear a doctor saying- "Check the pulse, get the blood pressure, and time the spirit"? Yet this is PRECISELY what the commentators that I am "commentating" on did when they said that EIS "COULD" mean "because of" (or worse, adamantly said "is the same meaning as *because of*". Their contention is found to be nothing more than the error of thinking that since the English word "for" can mean "because of", then the Greek word that is sometimes translated as "for" can imply all the connotations of "for" also! |