Response to comments by Mike & Nancy Sapko to study questions for Chapter 19

[Irving]

Response to the post of the Sapkos to Study Questions
1,2, 3 and 4
for chapter 19: 1-22

1. In their answer to this question, the Sapkos highlight the
incompleteness of the comprehension of many modern Christians with
respect to the dual natures of Jesus Christ and to lack of
understanding of God’s grace. Grace, by its very definition is
unmerited favor.
Ephesians 2: 6-10 is a good summary of this concept, with its emphasis
that saving faith is totally a gift, and no merit attaches to the
acceptance of it, although the benefits do.

2. This answer contains a well-phrased statement that “the teaching of
John’s disciples gave birth to a knowledge of need.” The teaching of
repentance for sin and the baptism of repentance , characteristic of
John’s teaching, correspond to the use of the law as a mirror that
shows us our sin. We look into the law, particular as it is augmented
in scope by the teachings of Jesus to include sins of omission as well
as sins of commission, e.g.,the failure of the priest and levite to
aid the man robbed and beaten ( Luke 10: 31 and 32) in this well known
parable of Jesus.

3. This insightful answer focusses on the combination of God’s
provision of assets and opportunities and the skillful use thereof by
a dedicated and skilled evangelist that together produced a remarkable
result , namely the promulgation of the Gospel to an audience
throughout a large region, then known as the Roman province of Asia.
It gives believers encouragement and confidence that God will support
such combinations

4. In their answer to this question, the Sapkos point out that Paul,
empowered by the Holy Spirit, was able to outperform Satan’s
disciples, and in so doing, used these sorcerers to demonstrate His
own power and His own grace.