Teaching Documents by Jeff Barger
THE CURIOUS CASE OF CORNELIUS THE GENTILE AND PETER THE JEW, 2022
A thoughtful analysis of Acts 10 reveals that the need of the Gentile Cornelius and his household... more A thoughtful analysis of Acts 10 reveals that the need of the Gentile Cornelius and his household was not for eternal salvation--they were already saved. Their need was for scriptural baptism. The Lord sent Peter to them for this purpose.
Papers by Jeff Barger
WHEN PEOPLE MAKE UP THEIR MINDS NOT TO BE PERSUADED OR CHANGE Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
Jesus experienced what pastors sometimes do. I somemes encounter people who have made up their m... more Jesus experienced what pastors sometimes do. I somemes encounter people who have made up their minds not to abandon cherished religious beliefs, even when the Bible plainly shows these to be in error. Not every believer is receptive to fresh Bible teaching. Some do not let the Bible interfere with what they believe. This category includes some legacy church members.
I have heard some confess how they could not abandon a certain erroneous belief simply because it is what they had believed for many years. What one can do and what one is willing to do are not the same thing. Change is often not a matter of, “I can’t,” but rather, “I won’t.”
DID JESUS’S PRAYERS IN GETHSEMANE CHANGE HIS FATHER’S WILL? by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
We gain our initial religious beliefs and practices by process of osmosis. Another has correctly ... more We gain our initial religious beliefs and practices by process of osmosis. Another has correctly stated: "We do not start our Christian lives by working out our faith for ourselves; it is mediated to us by Christian tradition, in the form of sermons, books and established patterns of church life and fellowship." "Our faith" in this case is our religious beliefs and practices. We learn from and emulate others. It is natural to assimilate the beliefs and practices of those to whom we look up and whose actions and words we think are correct. Some cling to certain incorrect things they have been taught out of a sense of loyalty to the one from whom they learned.
AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE CASE OF THE 12 DISCIPLES PAUL ENCOUNTERED IN EPHESUS by Dr. JEFF C. BARGER, 2025
Acts 19 provides details of the Apostle Paul’s ministry in the city of Ephesus. This was not only... more Acts 19 provides details of the Apostle Paul’s ministry in the city of Ephesus. This was not only the longest he ever stayed in one field of ministry — at least 2 years and 3 months — but also, Ephesus turned out to be the most fruitful ministry of his lifetime. In addition to a church being established in Ephesus, a most remarkable result of Paul’s 2-year ministry of teaching disciples is stated in 19:10: “...so all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” This word was not only His in the sense it was from Him, but also it was the word of, or about, His position as the crucified and risen Lord to be worshiped and served.
A Suggestion for Bible Students and Teachers by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
The words salvation and save(d) are two examples of religionized words: These words have become a... more The words salvation and save(d) are two examples of religionized words: These words have become a source of interpretational difficulty, a mental barrier if you will, for Bible students and teachers. The problem is created by the fact that many, because of religious background and environment, have been mentally conditioned to limit these words in use and application to the subjects of evangelism and “salvation from hell.” This limitation is consonant with and, in fact reinforced by the emphasis on evangelism and eternal salvation which modern Evangelicals have artificially imposed on the Scriptures. Commenting on the word salvation as it occurs in English translations of Romans 1:16, Zane C. Hodges wrote: “The word salvation prejudices interpreters right from the start since it is traditionally understood as ‘salvation from hell.’”
Luke's Example of Excellence by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
The first four verses of the Gospel of Luke are the inspired writer’s prologue to his orderly (lo... more The first four verses of the Gospel of Luke are the inspired writer’s prologue to his orderly (logically arranged) account of the birth, ministry, teachings and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
The work is a masterpiece. The writer of Luke was also the writer of Acts, in which, in his introduction to that work, he refers to the historical narrative he wrote (Luke):
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up,” (Acts 1:1-2a).
Acts is a continuation of Luke, a volume two, if you will.
ZACCHAEUS: IS THE SUBJECT OF ETERNAL SALVATION PRESENT IN LUKE 19:1-10 by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
The primary issue with which I deal in this article is the question of whether Luke 19:1-10 is a ... more The primary issue with which I deal in this article is the question of whether Luke 19:1-10 is a record of the occasion when Zacchaeus received eternal salvation. This, of course, is the traditional and popular assumption. Most preachers use the text as a basis for evangelistic-themed sermons directed to people who do not need to be saved because they already are. A thoughtful evaluation of relevant data, however, might reveal that Zacchaeus’ story is not about what many people assume it is. A vital issue for which we seek clarity is this: Is the subject of eternal salvation really even present in Luke 19:1-10? A proper understanding of Zacchaeus’ story requires a brief look back to events recorded in the previous chapter.
KCCW: Truths About God by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
The title of this article is not the call sign for a radio station. Each letter, rather, represen... more The title of this article is not the call sign for a radio station. Each letter, rather, represents a truth about God, and the combination of letters forms a helpful aid to memory. The simple truths represented by the letters not only have great potential to calm and settle God's children, but when understood and accepted will inform the way one prays. For many Christians, prayer is frustrating. This can only be because they don't understand it. Though prayer that meets God's conditions honors Him, prayer is really for the benefit of God's children. It's intended to calm our minds by reminding us of some things we tend to forget. K represents "God KNOWS." God is omniscient-all-knowing. His understanding is infinite. A child of God cannot have a problem of which his heavenly Father is unaware. Whatever the problem is-poor health; job, financial or relationship challenges, etc.-He knew all about it before it happened. Whatever one's problem might be; he couldn't have it unless God allowed it. No one gives God information He doesn't already have. Though God's children are instructed to "let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6), prayer never informs Him. He knows what's going whether we tell Him or not.
BUT THEY UNDERSTOOD NONE OF THESE THINGS: IMPLICATIONS OF THE SAVED APOSTLES' REACTION TO GOSPEL INFORMATION by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2025
The case of the apostles makes clear the fact that those who were saved before Christ came were n... more The case of the apostles makes clear the fact that those who were saved before Christ came were not saved by believing specifically in details of His death, burial and resurrection. Among other things this article will debunk the idea that OT people were saved by “looking forward to the cross.”
IS IT NECESSARY FOR CHRISTIANS TO PRAY FOR GOD TO CONVICT AND SAVE “THE LOST”? by Jeff C. Barger, 2024
It is common for Evangelical Christians to pray for “the lost” and ask God to convict and save th... more It is common for Evangelical Christians to pray for “the lost” and ask God to convict and save them. While the motives for this might be sincere, the practice is not consistent with Scripture teaching. Though every Christian should have a genuine concern for the eternal destiny of his fellow man, it is unnecessary for one to ask God to convict and save the lost. Uninformed is the prayer that asks God to convict a lost person so strongly that his personal choice is overruled in the manner of his salvation. God will never do this. In this article I will reason from Scripture and demonstrate why is it unnecessary to ask God to convict and save the lost. Honest Bible study removes religious misconceptions and frees God’s people from fear and superstition.
UNDERSTANDING SAUL’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE RISEN JESUS ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED? by Jeff C. Barger, 2024
The purpose of this article is to gain a theologically consistent understanding of Saul of Tarsus... more The purpose of this article is to gain a theologically consistent understanding of Saul of Tarsus’ Damascus Road encounter with Jesus Christ. Many, if not most, Evangelical Christians say that Acts 9:1-9 record Saul’s salvation experience. This is the historical, popular and accepted assumption.
The primary questions for which we seek to achieve biblically supportable answers are: 1) Is Acts 9:1-9 a record of the occasion when Saul was spiritually saved? Or, 2) Is it possible Saul was already saved before Acts 9? To get to where we are going, it is necessary I give some essential preparatory information. I provide this information in the first half of this article.
WHAT WAS THE ETERNAL SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE FALSE TEACHERS IN 2 PETER? Jeff C. Barger, 2024
But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and,... more But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and, 'a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.'" (2 Peter 2:22, NKJV) Bible teachers and commentary writers historically and popularly suppose "them" of 2 Peter 2:22 to be reference to false professors of Christ. The common assumption is that Peter had in mind people who claimed to have been spiritually saved, but whose profession, as it turned out, was false. Many assume Peter was saying that the actions of the subjects of the pronoun were prima facia evidence they were never saved. The common interpretation and application of Peter's words have become presupposition that hinders objectivity. Underlying this way of thinking are several other false assumptions.
The Case of Ruby and "Alien Baptism": Lessons in Church Practicalities by Dr. Jeff C. Barger , 2024
I often think back on events that have occurred in my life and during my me in the ministry. I th... more I often think back on events that have occurred in my life and during my me in the ministry. I think about wonderful things God has done for my family and me. I think about people He has used to bless me. I think about mistakes I have made and how I could have handled some things differently. Some things have happened in churches that at one me I never could've imagined were possible. People have made choices that puzzle me. I have learned that things and people are not always as they appear to be, or not as we like to think they are. We can view people and things through rose-colored glasses. I recall a season of life when I thought often of a line in a Toby Keith song: "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then."
King David was a man ahead of his time. His words recorded in Psalm 51:16-17 are insightful and i... more King David was a man ahead of his time. His words recorded in Psalm 51:16-17 are insightful and impactful. David understood the essence of worship that is acceptable to God. Though ritual and animal sacrifices were elements of the Levitical system of worship, David correctly perceived the symbolic nature of these. Religious activity is only pleasing to God when it comes from a surrendered and transparent heart and is in accordance with truth. This analysis of Psalm 51 will help the reader grasp the concept of worship.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF ENOCH AND THE TURNING POINT OF HIS LIFE by Jeff C. Barger, 2024
INSIGHTS INTO THE PRINCIPLE INVOLVED IN THE SABBATH DAY INSTITUTION Jeff C. Barger, 2024
This paper reviews the topic of the Sabbath according to Our English word sabbath which traces to... more This paper reviews the topic of the Sabbath according to Our English word sabbath which traces to the biblical Hebrew verb Shavæth. 2 This word expressed the idea of ceasing from activity, of desisting from work. In noun form, sabbath simply describes a cessation from labor. 3 The verb Shavæth first occurs in the Old Testament in Genesis 2:2, which states: “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (italics mine). The verb occurs again in the next verse (2:3): “Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (italics mine).1
A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF NEW TESTAMENT GREEK WORDS TRANSLATED IN SOME ENGLISH BIBLES AS “THOSE WHO DWELL UPON THE EARTH,” “SOJOURNERS” AND “PILGRIMS” 1 by Dr. Jeff C. Barger, 2024
As used by John in the Revelation, “those who dwell on the earth” does refer to humans who physic... more As used by John in the Revelation, “those who dwell on the earth” does refer to humans who physically live on the earth, however, the emphasis of the description is moral and spiritual rather than geographical. The words are a technical description of a certain mindset, of a spiritual attitude relative to God. Not every person who is living physically upon the earth is an earth dweller in the sense John used the phrase. Believers living on earth do not fit the category described as “those who dwell on the earth.” In the Revelation, “those who dwell on the earth” are unaccepting of God’s rule and ownership of the earth.
The Leaven of Pentecostalism by Dr. Jeff Barger
Many are blind to the fact — some unconsciously, some by choice — that Pentecostalism is a leaven... more Many are blind to the fact — some unconsciously, some by choice — that Pentecostalism is a leaven that has infiltrated modern Christianity. Many who consider themselves biblically conservative have not been exempt from this. This is not to say that Pentecostalism has become fully formed in all churches that, for the me being, are conservative on paper. What I do say is that the leaven of Pentecostal influence has been introduced into churches — in most cases unknowingly but in some intentionally. The potential, even likely outcome of the introduction of the leaven is corruption of doctrine.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE IN WHICH BIBLE LANGUAGE DOES NOT SOLVE AN INTERPRETATIONAL CHALLENGE BUT THE NEED FOR THEOLOGICAL CONSISTENCY DOES Jeff C. Barger, 2024
Because the Holy Spirit is the Divine Author of Scripture, we know that Scripture never conflicts... more Because the Holy Spirit is the Divine Author of Scripture, we know that Scripture never conflicts with Scripture, but always harmonizes-though we may not always easily discover the harmony! An inspired writer's specific use of a word in a particular text is some mes determined by factoring in information that occurs beyond the immediate text. I gave an example of this in a recent article. Because the Holy Spirit repeatedly warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, we determined that he was not following the leading of the Spirit when he decided to leave the successful ministry in Ephesus in order to go to Jerusalem, but rather he determined to do this "in his (own) spirit." 1 In this article I give another example of how specific meaning of a word is determined by factoring in relevant information that occurs outside the text in which the word is used. In the NT Greek Scriptures, the participle poreuthentes (poreuqe, ntej) occurs in Matthew 28:19. English language Bible translations translate this word with "go." "Go therefore…" Evangelicals insist the participle is imperative in nature. Arguments for making the participle an imperative typically are limited to linguistic considerations. Here is a case, however, in which word meaning is determined by the necessity of making Scripture harmonize with Scripture.
Unpublished, 2019
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate from Scripture that Ezekiel’s Watchman texts do not t... more The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate from Scripture that Ezekiel’s Watchman texts do not teach that Christians are responsible for the eternal destiny of other humans. In fact, the Watchman texts have nothing to do with the subjects of eternal salvation and eternal condemnation. The eternal destiny of no human ultimately depends upon what another does or does not do. To quote a friend, “God loves unsaved men too much to make me responsible for their eternal destiny, and He loves me too much to place that responsibility on me” (D. Mackey). The Lord did not make Ezekiel responsible for the eternal destiny of others, nor has He ever placed that impossible burden on Christians and churches. Importantly, no one “goes to hell” because a Christian failed to “witness” to him.
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Teaching Documents by Jeff Barger
Papers by Jeff Barger
I have heard some confess how they could not abandon a certain erroneous belief simply because it is what they had believed for many years. What one can do and what one is willing to do are not the same thing. Change is often not a matter of, “I can’t,” but rather, “I won’t.”
The work is a masterpiece. The writer of Luke was also the writer of Acts, in which, in his introduction to that work, he refers to the historical narrative he wrote (Luke):
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up,” (Acts 1:1-2a).
Acts is a continuation of Luke, a volume two, if you will.
The primary questions for which we seek to achieve biblically supportable answers are: 1) Is Acts 9:1-9 a record of the occasion when Saul was spiritually saved? Or, 2) Is it possible Saul was already saved before Acts 9? To get to where we are going, it is necessary I give some essential preparatory information. I provide this information in the first half of this article.
I have heard some confess how they could not abandon a certain erroneous belief simply because it is what they had believed for many years. What one can do and what one is willing to do are not the same thing. Change is often not a matter of, “I can’t,” but rather, “I won’t.”
The work is a masterpiece. The writer of Luke was also the writer of Acts, in which, in his introduction to that work, he refers to the historical narrative he wrote (Luke):
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up,” (Acts 1:1-2a).
Acts is a continuation of Luke, a volume two, if you will.
The primary questions for which we seek to achieve biblically supportable answers are: 1) Is Acts 9:1-9 a record of the occasion when Saul was spiritually saved? Or, 2) Is it possible Saul was already saved before Acts 9? To get to where we are going, it is necessary I give some essential preparatory information. I provide this information in the first half of this article.
part of the course name, this is a seminary-level course of instruction. In this course, we’ll discuss general rules and principles of Bible interpretation. We’ll discuss what are challenges and barriers to correct interpretation. Some things an interpreter might have to un-learn. I will
challenge you to be become aware of and to think about your thinking. As we go, we’ll buttress principles and concepts with abundant biblical examples, and we’ll put our skills to practical use.