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ANGLICAN CHURCH. The national church of England. The Church of England was formed in 1534 when King Henry VIII rebelled against the Roman Catholic pope and proclaimed himself the head of the national church in England. "His quarrel with the pope was not on religious grounds, but merely on the selfish grounds that the pope would not sanction Henry's proposed divorce of Queen Catherine. Henry himself (though excommunicated) remained a Catholic in doctrine and practice all his days. The pope entitled him `Defender of the Faith' for a book he had written against Luther in 1521" (Lion History of Christianity).

There was a brief return to Roman Catholic control of the Church of England during the reign of Queen Mary from 1553 to 1558, but Protestant control returned after her death. More than 200 Protestant Christians and church leaders were murdered during the rule of Mary.

According to the London-based Anglican Consultative Council, there are more than 70 million Anglicans in 164 countries. The Episcopal Church in America is part of the worldwide Anglican communion. Though the Church of England claims a membership of 27 million, this counts every person who has been baptized as an infant; only nine million have been confirmed, and fewer than 1.7 million attend services even at Christmas or Easter when attendance is at its peak.

Though not under papal authority, many Catholic practices remain intact in the Church of England.

Episcopal church government: Anglican church government is the unbiblical episcopal system--the local church is governed by outside control through a hierarchy of priests and bishops. The highest Anglican bishop is called the Archbishop of Canterbury. [See Church.]

Infant baptism: The Anglican Church practices infant baptism, teaching that infants receive the Holy Spirit and are regenerated through baptism. [See Baptism - Infant.]

Ritualistic worship: The Anglican Church has a highly ritualistic form of worship foreign to that of the churches of the N.T. [See Church.]

Consubstantiation: Though the Anglican Church rejects the Catholic dogma of transubstantiation (the teaching that the elements of the Lord's Supper actually become Christ), their doctrine of the Supper is not far removed from that false Catholic concept. The official doctrine of the Lord's Supper held by the Anglican Church is that while the elements of the Supper do not actually become Christ, Christ comes to dwell within the elements spiritually so that the church members can partake of Him through the meal. This is contrary to the apostolic teaching in 1 Corinthians. Paul said the Supper is a remembrance, not a sacramental partaking of Christ (1 Co. 11:24-25). [See Lord's Supper.]

We can see, then, that though the Church of England is separate from the Catholic Church organizationally, it has clung to many of the false beliefs and practices of Romanism.

Modernism: In this century liberalism has largely taken over the Anglican denomination. A large percentage of its bishops and pastors are modernists who deny the miracles of the Bible. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie illustrates this sad trend. In an interview with a newspaper the editor picked up in London on Easter 1982, Runcie was asked about the meaning of the cross. He replied, "As to that, I am an agnostic." Runcie was not certain of the meaning of the cross! In the same interview he said he felt Buddhism is a proper way to God and that Christians should not say that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Anglican bishop David Jenkins openly questions every major teaching of the Bible. Of Christ's resurrection, this Church of England bishop says, "The Christian is not bound up with freak biology or corpses getting up and walking around." Of Christ's virgin birth, Jenkins says, "As for the virgin birth, they're the sort of stories that get told after you already believe somebody is very important. You don't have to believe in the virgin birth..." [See Fundamentalism.]

Ecumenism: For the past two decades or more many Anglican leaders, including the archbishops, have been attempting to reconcile the Church of England with the RCC. The Catholic pope visited England for the first time in 1982 and held a joint meeting and service with Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie. Runcie has said, "We should like to see the churches of England, Scotland, the United States and any other countries, bound together in one body. If the pope would like to come in as chairman, we should all welcome him" (Why Were Our Reformers Burned? p. 13). After three years of theological debate, the members of the Second Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission issued a statement which concluded that the doctrine of salvation taught by Rome and by Anglicanism is so close that there need be no more division between them. They are correct, of course, because both preach a false sacramental gospel which adds the works of the church to the free salvation in Jesus Christ.

Women priests: As of 1993, 17 of the 30 independent Anglican communions around the world had approved ordination of women priests. The Episcopal Church in the United States, which approved women's ordination in 1976, has 1,070. The Episcopalians ordained the first Anglican female bishop in 1989. The "mother church" in England gave final approval for the ordination of women priests in 1993. [See Pastor, Deacon, Ecumenical, Episcopal, Women Preachers.]

ANIAM (sighing of the people). 1 Ch. 7:19.

ANIM (fountains). A town of Judah (Jos. 15:50).

ANIMAL. [See Beast.]

ANIMISM. The belief that natural phenomena and objects, as rocks, trees, the wind, etc., are alive and have souls (Webster's Deluxe Unabridged Dictionary). The Bible says God created the world; but God is not the world. The inanimate creation is not living soul. There are spirit forces, devils and angels, who operate in the world, but these are created beings separate from the elements of this world. [See Devils, God, Idolatry, Satan, Soul.]

ANISE. The aromatic seed of a plant of the parsley family, the oil of which is used in medicine, cooking and liqueurs for its licoricelike flavor (Random House) (Mt. 23:23).

ANNA (grace). The aged widow who rejoiced in the baby Jesus when He was first brought to the temple (Lk. 2:36-38).

ANNAS (grace of Jehovah). Lk. 3:2; Jn. 18:13; Ac. 4:6; Lk. 3:2.

ANNIHILATION. The false idea that Satan and the unsaved will be utterly consumed in the lake of fire. In reality, the Bible teaches that Satan and the unsaved will suffer eternal conscious torment (Mt. 25:46; Re. 14:9-11; 20:10,15). Groups which hold the view of annihilation include the Seventh- day Adventists and the Jehovah's Witnesses. [See Hell, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventism.]

ANOINT. To pour or rub with an ointment. In the Bible there are many different kinds anointings: (1) Anointing the head of a guest as a token of hospitality (Lk. 7:46; Ps. 23:5). (2) Anointing the head of the high priest (Ex. 29:7; 40:13). This symbolizes the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest (Ac. 4:27; 10:38; Mt. 3:16). (3) Anointing the sons of Aaron (Ex. 30:30; 40:15). This symbolizes the Holy Spirit's anointing of Christians (2 Co. 1:21; 1 Jn. 2:27). (4) Anointing on the offerings (Ex. 29:2; Le. 2:4). This symbolizes Jesus anointed by the Holy Spirit. See verses listed under #2 above. (5) Anointing the head of a king (1 Sa. 9:16; 15:1; 16:3,12; 1 Ki. 1:34). This symbolizes God's choice of the man and the Holy Spirit's anointing for service. (6) Anointing to heal the sick (Jam. 5:14). This is symbolic of the Holy Spirit's healing ministry. The same Greek translated "anoint" is translated "unction" in 1 Jn. 2:20. [See Healing, High Priest, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Unction.]

ANON. Immediately; directly (Mt. 13:20).

ANTHOTHIJAH (answers of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 8:24.

ANTHROPOLOGY. The doctrine relating to man. [See Creation, Heart, Sin, Soul, Spirit, Justification.]

ANTICHRIST. A N.T. word used in two senses: 1 Jn. 2:18 speaks both of present antichrists and a future Antichrist. (1) The term antichrist refers in general to Satan's working in the world whereby he resists the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and particularly attacks the deity of Christ (1 Jn. 2:18-33; 4:1- 3; 2 Jn. 7). This evil work is as old as the world, but began in a special way in the days of the Apostles and is carried on by false teachers energized by demonic powers (1 Ti. 4:1; 2 Ti. 3:7,8,13). (2) Antichrist also refers to the man who will arise in the world to make one final attempt to destroy Christ's work and people before Jesus returns from Heaven (Re. 13).

The N.T. teaches that the evil workings in this world will grow increasingly perverse, culminating in the brief worldwide rule of the antichrist just prior to Christ's return. Compare 2 Ti. 3:13; Mt. 24:24; 2 Th. 2:1-12; Re. 13.

The prophet Daniel foretold of a "little horn" which would come into the world and do terrible things. Jesus said this "little horn" is yet future and will come during the tribulation period just prior to His coming (Mt. 24:15-29; Da. 8:11; 9:27; 11:31; 12:1). The "little horn" in Daniel, the "man of sin" in 2 Th. 2, and the "beast" in Re. 13 refer to the same person.

Bible names for the Antichrist: (1) Little horn (Da. 7:8; 8:9). (2) King of fierce countenance (Da. 8:23). (3) Prince that shall come (Da. 9:26-27). 4. Man of sin (2 Th. 2:3). (5) Son of perdition (2 Th. 2:3). (6) The wicked (2 Th. 2:8). (7) Antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18).

The nationality of the Antichrist: Antichrist will arise out of and rule over the revived Roman empire. He is the prince of the people who destroyed Jerusalem after Christ's death (Da. 9:26-27). This, of course, was Rome.

Old Testament types of the Antichrist. The following is from H.L. Wilmington's Guide to the Bible: (1) Cain--by his murder of the chosen seed (Ge. 4:5-14; Jude 11; 1 Jn. 3:12). (2) Nimrod--by his creation of Babylon and the tower of Babel (Ge. 10,11). (3) Pharaoh--by his oppression of God's people (Ex. 1:8- 22). (4) Korah--by his rebellion (Nu. 16:1-3; Jude 11). (5) Balaam--by his attempt to curse Israel (Nu. 23,24; 2 Pe. 2:15; Jude 11; Re. 2:14). (6) Saul--by his intrusion into the office of the priesthood (1 Sa. 13:9-13). (7) Goliath--by his proud boasting (1 Sa. 17). (8) Absalom--by his attempt to steal the throne of David (2 Sa. 15:1-6). (9) Jeroboam--by his substitute religion (1 Ki. 12:25-31). (10) Sennacherib--by his efforts to destroy Jerusalem (2 Ki. 18:17). (11) Nebuchadnezzar--by his golden statue (Da. 3:1-7). (12) Haman--by his plot to exterminate the Jews (Es. 3). (13) Antiochus Epiphanes--by his defilement of the temple (Da. 11:21- 35).

The reign of Antichrist:

1. The time period of his rule--during the great tribulation just preceding Christ's return (Mt. 24:15-31).

2. The length of his rule--7 years altogether (Da. 9:27), but he will be given 3.5 years (42 months) of complete power (Re. 13:5). [See Seventy Weeks for more information.]

3. The extent of his rule--all the world (Re. 13:7; Da. 7:23). He will rule all people, nations, religions (Re. 13:14,15), and the entire world economy (Re. 13:17).

4. The source of his power--Satan (2 Th. 2:9; Re. 13:4).

5. His rise to power--a. It involves a great miracle (Re. 13:3-4). b. It involves a peace pact with Israel (Da. 9:27). c. It involves the overthrow of other kings (Da. 7:8,24).

6. The characteristics of his rule--a. He rules by miracles and deception (Re. 13:11-15; 2 Th. 2:9-12). b. He rules by terror, persecution (Re. 13:15). c. He rules by force (Re. 13:16,17).

The mysterious origin of the Antichrist: The beast ascends out of the bottomless pit. He might be a demon (Re. 11:7; 17:8). Antichrist will be Satan incarnate in some mysterious way, and yet he will also remain an independent personality who will be cast into the lake of fire with the false prophet 1,000 years before Satan meets the same doom (Re. 19:20; 20:7-10).

The character of the Antichrist: (1) He will be a blasphemer, a hater of God (Re. 13:5,6). (2) He will be a murderer and a destroyer (Re. 13:7,15; Da. 7:23; 8:24). (3) He will be a liar and deceiver (2 Th. 2:9,10). (4) He will have great intelligence (Da. 8:23). (5) He will be exceedingly proud (Da. 8:25. (6) He will have an impressive appearance (Da. 7:20; 8:23). (7) He will exalt himself (Da. 11:36,37). (8) He will worship military might (Da. 11:38).

The end of the Antichrist: Antichrist will be overthrown at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and cast into the lake of fire to suffer eternal torment (2 Th. 2:8; Re. 19:19-21). [See Abomination of Desolation, Bottomless Pit, Daniel, Great Tribulation, Prophecy.] [Click here for chart]

ANTINOMIANISM. The teaching that the gospel or the Christian faith does away with the old moral law, so that the Christian is not bound by it (Handbook). Antinomians are those who claim to be Christians but refuse to follow any moral code, claiming that Christian freedom liberates them to live entirely as they please. The Bible warns Christians to avoid this false doctrine (1 Co. 6:12; 10:23; Ga. 5:13; Ep. 5:5-11; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 1 Pe. 2:16). [See Separation.]

ANTIOCH OF SYRIA. Together with Jerusalem, the greatest center of the early Christian church. Located on the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea, about 20 miles inland, it was the third largest city in the Roman empire. Here the followers of Christ were first called Christian (Ac. 11:20-26), and here Paul began his ministry to the Gentile world (Ac. 13:1-4) (Famous Bible Places).

ANTITYPE. The fulfillment, or reality, of a type. [See Type.]

ANXIOUS. Worrying; fretting; carefulness. [See Careful.]

APHEK (fortress). Jos. 12:18.

APOCALYPSE. A term referring to the book of Revelation, and less frequently, to O.T. prophecies of the future. It is also used of prophetic visions in general. [See Prophecy, Revelation.]

APOCRYPHA. The word apocrypha is derived from the Greek abscondita, which historically identified writings which had an obscure origin or which were heretical. In the Talmud the Jewish rabbis used this word to describe works which were not canonical Scripture. The term has come to be applied particularly to the 15 books added to the Roman Catholic Bible but ordinarily rejected by non-Catholics. These were written during the two hundred years preceding and one hundred years following Christ's birth. The Roman Catholic Church considers most of these writings to be part of the inspired Scripture. In 1546 the Council of Trent decreed that the canon of the O.T. should include them (except the Prayer of Manasseh and I and II Esdras) ... the decree pronounces an anathema upon anyone who "does not accept as sacred and canonical the aforesaid books in their entirety and with all their parts" (The Oxford Annotated Apocrypha, pp. x,xv).

The Council of Trent was an attempt by the Catholic Church to counteract the Protestant Reformation with its battle cry of "faith alone" and "Scripture alone." By adding the Apocrypha to the canon of Scripture, the Catholic Church, in effect, rendered the rest of the Bible impotent. "The books named in the decree [of Trent] include the apocryphal Old Testament books, and placed unwritten traditions of the church upon an equal footing with Holy Scriptures as approved of Christ or of the Holy Spirit. Any appeal to Holy Scripture as expressing the supreme will of God was thereafter useless in the Latin Church" (Edwin W. Rice, Our Sixty-six Sacred Books, p. 112).

The Apocrypha have a variety of content. Some are histories of events concerning the Jews. Some are short sayings similar to the Proverbs. Some are sermons; others are like novels. One purports to be symbolical prophecy.

Why reject the Apocrypha: It is important that God's people understand why the Apocryphal books (also called the Deuterocanonical Books) are rejected from the canon of inspired Scripture. Because of ecumenical activities involving the Roman Catholic Church, there is an increasing tendency for publishers to include the Apocryphal writings with the Bible. This is being done by the United Bible Societies in many languages. By 1981, for example, the American Bible Society had published over 500,000 copies of the Today's English Version with the Apocryphal books included. In the mid-1980s I visited the Bible Society book depot in Calcutta, India, and was shown massive stacks of Revised Standard Version Bibles containing the Apocrypha. These had been published by the American Bible Society and shipped to India for distribution. The 1992-93 American Bible Society catalog of Scripture Resources lists at least nine different Bibles containing the Apocrypha.

Following are the reasons the Apocrypha are rejected by Bible believers:

1. They are not included in the original Hebrew O.T. preserved by the Jews. Ro. 3:1-2 states that God used the Jews to preserve His Word; therefore, we know that He guided them in the rejection of the Apocryphal books from the canon of Scripture.

2. They were not received as inspired Scripture by the churches during the first four centuries after Christ.

3. They were not written in the Hebrew language, which was alone used by the inspired historians and prophets of the O.T.

4. They do not claim to to be the inspired Word of God. Unlike the inspired Scriptures, the Apocryphal books contain no statements such as "thus saith the Lord" or "these are the words of God."

5. They contain teachings contrary to the biblical books. II Maccabees teaches praying to the dead and making offerings to atone for the sins of the dead. Consider this quote from II Maccabees 12:43-45: "He also took up a collection ... and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering. ... For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen asleep would arise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead ... Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." The Bible, though, says there is only one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Ti. 2:5-6). Also He. 10:10-14 says believers have been perfected forever through Christ's one sacrifice. Thus, the dead in Christ need no human, earthly prayers or offerings. At death the lost go immediately to a place of torment; thus there is no purpose in praying for them (Lk. 16:22-23).

II Maccabees also contains the heresy that deceased saints are interceding in heaven for those on earth (15:11-14). The Bible teaches that it is the Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who is interceding for us in Heaven--not deceased saints (He. 4:14-16; 8:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:1-2).

6. In quality and style, the Apocryphal books are not on the level of Bible writings. Even a hurried reading of the Apocryphal books reveals the fact that here we are touching the uninspired writings of men apart from divine inspiration. These writings are not "God breathed," as 2 Ti. 3:16 says all Scripture is. There is not in the Apocryphal books the supernatural depth and bredth of thought, the rich complexity yet simplicity of language, which goes beyond mere writings of men.

7. The Apocryphal writings are not quoted by the Lord Jesus or the Apostles, while every part of the O.T. Scriptures are quoted. This is a very important point. Though some claim to find allusions to the Apocrypha in certain N.T. passages (Mt. 7:12; 27:43-54; Ro. 9:21; Ep. 6:13-17; He. 1:3; Jam. 1:6,19; 5:6), this is not a proven fact. While it is possible that the N.T. writers were familiar with the Apocrypha, it is plain that they did not directly quote from these books. The supposed allusions to the Apocrypha in the N.T. could just as easily be allusions to other O.T. histories or to facts given directly by revelation. We must remember that the N.T. Scriptures are not the product of man, but of God.

8. Some Apocryphal books, though written as history, are actually fiction. This is a form of deception not found in divinely inspired books of the Bible. "Ostensibly historical but actually quite imaginative are the books of Tobit, Judith, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon, which may be called moralistic novels" (Oxford Annotated Apocrypha, p. xi). Noteworthy examples of ancient fiction they might be, but such books have absolutely no place among the seven-times purified Word of God (Ps. 12:6-7).

9. The Apocryphal books were rejected from the canon of Scripture by the early church leaders. "It is a significant fact that the best of the early Fathers adopted the Hebrew canon as giving the authoritative Scriptures of the O.T." (Analytical, p. 1083).

10. The book of Tobit contains many false things.

First, there is the account of a supposed high and good angel of God who lies and teaches the use of magic! In Tobit 5:4 we are told that the angel's name is "Raphael," but later he lies to Tobit, claiming to be "Azarias the son of the great Ananias, one of your relatives" (Tobit 5:12). This angel professes to be "one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One" (Tobit 12:15). Yet he not only lies about his name, but teaches magic. "Then the angel said to him, `Cut open the fish and take the heart and liver and gall and put them away safely.' ... Then the young man said to the angel, `Brother Azarias, of what use is the liver and heart and gall of the fish?' He replied, `As for the heart and the liver, if a demon or evil spirit gives trouble to any one, you make a smoke from these before the man or woman, and that person will never be troubled again. And as for the gall, anoint with it a man who has white films in his eyes, and he will be cured'" (Tobit 6:4,6-8). The Bible clearly condemns magicical practices such as this (consider De. 18:10-12; Le. 19:26,31; Je. 27:9; Mal. 3:5).

Second, the false doctrine of salvation through works is taught in the book of Tobit. "For almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin" (Tobit 12:9). "So now, my children, consider what almsgiving accomplishes and how righteousness delivers" (Tobit 14:11). These false teachings must be contrasted with Le. 17:11, which says "it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul," and with Tit. 3:5 which says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

Third, Tobit taught that help is only to be given to the deserving. "Place your bread on the grave of the righteous, but give none to sinners" (Tobit 4:17). Contrariwise, in Ex. 23:4-5 God taught even in O.T. times that His people were to do good to their enemies and not only toward the righteous.

11. The book of Judith contains the account of how a supposedly godly widow destroyed one of Nebuchadnezzar's generals through deceit and sexual offers. It is also important to note that Judith's counsel regarding resisting Nebuchadnezzar was contrary to that given by God's prophet Jeremiah (Je. 38:1-4). God warned the Israelites to submit to Nebuchadnezzar rather than to resist, because the Babylonian captivity and destruction of Israel was a judgment from God upon the Jew's rebellion and idolatry.

The King James Bible and the Apocrypha. It is true that early editions of the KJV (as well as many other Reformation Bibles, including the German Luther Bible) contained the Apocrypha, but these books were included for historical reference only, not as additions to the canon of Scripture. Alexander McClure, a biographer of the KJV translators, says: "...the Apocryphal books in those times were more read and accounted of than now, though by no means placed on a level with the canonical books of Scripture" (McClure, Translators Revived, p. 185). He then lists seven reasons assigned by the KJV translators for rejecting the Apocrypha as inspired. The Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England clearly states that the Apocrypha have no scriptural authority. "...[the Church of England] doth not apply to them to establish any doctrine." The Westminster Confession says, "The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings." Luther included a note on the Apocrypha which stated, "These are books not to be held in equal esteem with those of Holy Scripture..."

It is important to note that in the early King James Bibles the Apocryphal books were placed between the Old and New Testaments rather than intermingled within the O.T. itself as is done in Catholic Bibles. In the Jerusalem Bible (a Catholic Bible), for example, Tobit, Judith, and the Maccabees follow Nehemiah; the Book of Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus follow Ecclesiastes; Baruch follows Lamentations; etc.

Conclusion: Though some of the Apocryphal books do have historical value, giving information regarding the inter-testament "quiet years" prior to the coming of Christ, there is no justification for giving these a place in the Holy Scripture. Their proper place is on the same level as (if not lower than) the writings of the historian Josephesus or of some other uninspired writer of that period. [The Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas are dealt with under Pseudepigrapha.] [See also Bible, Inspiration.] [Click here for a list of the Apocryphal books]

APOLLOS . A leader in the early church (Ac. 18:24-28; 1 Co. 1:12; 3:4-6; 4:6; 16:12; Tit. 3:13).

APOLLYON (destroyer). The angel of the bottomless pit (Re. 9:11).

APOSTASY. Desertion of the faith. This term is commonly used to describe a turning away from true Bible doctrine. The Bible teaches that apostasy among professing Christians will increase as the age progresses and the coming of Christ draws nigh. This apostasy will culminate in a worldwide apostate religious entity (2 Ti. 3:1-13; 4:1-5; 1 Ti. 4:1-5; Jude; Re. 17-18). [See Apostate for Greek word study.] [See also Apostate, Church, Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, False Teaching, Fable, Foolish Questions, Heresy, Inspiration, Prophecy, Revelation, Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy.]

APOSTATE. One who turns away from the true Christian faith to follow false teachings. Though the word apostasy is not used in the English Bible, the Greek word apostasia appears in two passages. In Ac. 21:21 apostasia is translated "to forsake," and refers to forsaking the law of Moses. In 2 Th. 2:3 apostasia is translated "falling away," and refers to the great apostasy from the N.T. faith which will occur throughout Christendom before Christ's return. Other passages use different terms to describe this same phenomenon. See 2 Ti. 3:1-13; 1 Ti. 4:1-3; 2 Pe. 2:1--3:16; 2 Jn. 7; Jude 4-19. [See Apostasy, Bible, Church, Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, Heresy, Inspiration, Prophecy, Revelation, Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

APOSTLE (sent forth). There are three usages of the term apostle in the N.T. (1) Apostle refers to the Lord Jesus Christ (He. 3:1). Jesus was sent from God the Father into the world to provide redemption for mankind. (2) Apostle refers to the twelve men who were chosen by Christ to lay the foundation of the church (Lk. 6:13- 16; Ep. 2:20). After Judas betrayed the Lord and hung himself, the eleven remaining Apostles selected a man to replace him (Ac. 1:15-26). Later we find that Paul was selected directly by Christ to be an apostle (1 Co. 15:7-9; 2 Co. 12:11-12; Ga. 1:1). (3) Apostle refers to Christian workers in general (2 Co. 8:23; Ac. 14:14; Ph. 2:25). The Greek word translated "apostle" (apostolos) is also translated "messenger" and "minister," and is used to refer to Christian workers other than the Twelve. Christian workers were sent by the Lord from the churches to particular ministries.

Marks of the Twelve Apostles: (1) They were chosen personally by Christ (Lk. 6:13-16; Ga. 1:1). (2) There were only twelve of them, and their office, apart from the exception of Judas, was never passed on to others at their death (Lk. 6:13-16; Ac. 1:15-26; Re. 21:14). When Judas committed suicide after betraying Jesus, the eleven remaining Apostles chose a replacement, bringing the number again to twelve. This reveals their understanding of the significance of that exact number. Later Paul was called by the Lord Jesus to be an Apostle (1 Co. 15:7-9), and it is possible that it was then that the matter of the replacement of Judas was settled from God's viewpoint for all eternity. (3) They had seen the resurrected Christ (Ac. 1:22; 1 Co. 9:1; 15:7-9). (4) They received their message by direct revelation from God rather than being taught by men (Ga. 1:11- 12). (5) They had special signs to authenticate their message (2 Co. 12:12; Ac. 2:43; 4:33; 5:12). They could also impart spiritual power and gifts to others (Ac. 8:17-19; 2 Ti. 1:6). (6) They had the same authority as O.T. prophets (2 Pe. 3:2). (7) They wrote Scripture (2 Pe. 3:15,16).

Are there apostles in this special sense today? For the following reasons we know there are not Apostles today in the same sense as the twelve chosen by Christ in the early churches: (1) No one today qualifies to be such an Apostle. We have seen the qualifications from the Scriptures, and no Christian today can meet all of those qualifications. (2) There were only twelve Apostles, and there will never be more than twelve throughout all eternity (Re. 21:14). (3) The first Apostles were called to lay the foundation of the church (Ep. 2:20). The foundation has been firmly laid, and those men, with their special authority, calling, and sign gifts, have passed off the scene. (4) No N.T. passage instructs churches to select or ordain Apostles--only pastors and deacons (1 Ti. 3; Tit. 1).

APOSTLES' CREED. An anonymous Christian doctrinal statement believed to have originated in the fourth or fifth century. It is called the Apostles' Creed because it was once purported to have been written by the Apostles, though there is no evidence that this creed was actually written or used by any of the Apostles. Some believe the Apostles' Creed contains a statement of essential doctrine, but the Bible says all doctrine is essential. The Lord Jesus instructed His people to teach "all things" (Mt. 28:20). Paul preached the whole counsel of God (Ac. 20:26-27). Jude says we are to contend for "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). There is no indication here that some portions of the faith are non-essential. [See Doctrine, Separation.]

APOSTOLIC FATHERS. A term applied to early Christian writers who lived near the times of the Apostles. Some of these writings have been preserved and are used to determine beliefs, conditions, and practices of the early churches following the passing of the Apostles. Examples of apostolic fathers are Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp.

APOSTOLIC SEE. A name for the Roman Catholic Church or for the pope. It is so called because of the erroneous Roman Catholic belief that the pope and priests are successors to the early apostles. See means seat, or place of authority. [See Roman Catholic Church.]

APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION. The belief that the authority and position of the Apostles has been transferred from generation to generation to church leaders. This belief is held by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Anglican, and other highly ritualistic denominations. The N.T. does not teach, though, that the office or authority of the Apostles was ever passed from the original man to others. The false idea of apostolic succession is a man-made, rather than a biblical, doctrine. The authority to build and govern local churches comes not from any type of apostolic succession, but directly from the N.T. Scriptures and from the Holy Spirit. [See Apostle.]

APOTHECARY. Pertaining to making perfume (Ex. 30:25,35; Ec. 10:1).

APPAIM (nostrils). 1 Ch. 2:30-31.

APPI FORUM (market of Appius). An important station on the Appian Way, the great road that led from Rome toward the Bay of Naples. It was at this point that the Apostle Paul, on his journey to Rome, was greeted by his brethren in the church (Ac. 28:15) (Famous Bible Places).

AQUILA (eagle). A close friend of Paul and a strong Christian in the early churches (Ac. 18:1-3,18-26; Ro. 16:3-5; 1 Co. 16:19).

ARABAH (desert). Jos. 18:18.

ARABIA. The peninsula between Asia and Africa where Paul went after his conversion (Ga. 1:17).

ARAD (wild ass). 1 Ch. 8:15.

ARAH (wayfarer). 1 Ch. 7:39.

ARAM (exalted). The country lying to the northeast of Palestine. It embraced both Syria and northern Mesopotamia. That portion of Aram in which Abraham had lived before coming to Canaan and in which Nahor remained is biblically known as Mesopotamia and Padan-aram (Ge. 24:10; 28:2,5). It lay east of the Euphrates river (Analytical).

ARAMAIC. A language similar to Hebrew. It was the language of Assyria and other nations nearby to Israel, and portions of the books of Daniel and Jeremiah were written in this language.

ARAN (wild goat). Ge. 36:28; 1 Ch. 1:42.

ARARAT (high ground). A twin-peaked, majestic mountain located in Armenian Asia. It was here that the ark of Noah came to rest after the great flood recorded in Ge. 6-8. The mountain stands 17,000 feet high and is one of the sources of the Euphrates river (Ge. 8:4) (Famous Bible Places).

ARCHELAUS (a chief). Mt. 2:22.

ARCHIPPUS (a master of the horse). Col. 4:17; Phile. 2.

ARCTURUS. A star constellation called the Great Bear (Job 9:9; 38:32).

AREOPAGUS (hill of Ares). A rocky height in Athens opposite the western end of the Acropolis. It was called Mars' Hill from the mythical idea that Mars, or Ares, was here tried for murder by Neptune. Here met the Council of the Areopagus ... Sixteen steps still lead up to the top of the hill where extends the bench on which the judges sat. Here Paul delivered a notable address (Ac. 17:18-34) (Analytical).

ARIEL (lion of God). Ezr. 8:16-17; Is. 29:1-2,7.

ARIMATHAEA (heights). Mt. 27:57.

ARIOCH (lion-like). Da. 2:14-15.

ARISTARCHUS (excellent ruler). Ac. 19:29; 20:4-6; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Phile. 24.

ARK. A box or vessel. It is used three ways in the KJV:

Noah's ark (Ge. 6:14-21). This was the large boat Noah built to protect himself and his family and the animals from the flood. It was very large--300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. "Although we do not know the exact length of the cubit at this time, later it was about 18 inches, making the ark 450 feet long, 75 feet broad, and 45 feet high, with a displacement of about 20,000 tons and gross tonnage of about 14,000 tons. Its carrying capacity equaled that of 522 standard railroad stock cars (each of which can hold 240 sheep). Only 188 cars would be required to hold 45,000 sheep-sized animals, leaving three trains of 104 cars each for food, Noah's family, and `range' for the animals. Today it is estimated that there are 17,600 species of animals, making 45,000 a likely approximation of the number Noah might have taken into the ark" (The Ryrie Study Bible). [See Flood for the typical meaning.]

The basket in which Moses was hidden from Pharaoh was called an ark (Ex. 2:3-6).

The golden ark in the holy of holies in the tabernacle (Ex. 25:10- 22; He. 9:4). This box contained the ten commandments written on stone (Ex. 25:21; De. 10:3-5). It had a lid called the mercy seat. The ark pictures God's throne, which is now a throne of mercy and grace for those who come through Jesus' sacrifice (He. 4:16). The blood sprinkled on the ark each year on the day of atonement (Le. 16:15-16) typifies Christ's atonement, whereby the payment for our sins was made. Jesus' blood perfectly satisfied God's broken law, just as the mercy seat perfectly covered the ark and the ten commandments contained therein. [See Atonement,Day of Atonement, Law, Offerings, Tabernacle.]

ARMAGEDDON (mountain of Megiddo). The great plain of Megiddo southwest of the Sea of Galilee where Israel fought several battles (Ju. 5:19; 7:9; 1 Sa. 31:8; 2 Ki. 23:29). This will also be the scene of Christ's destruction of the Gentile armies which will be gathered together against Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation (Re. 16:16; 19:19). [See Great Tribulation.]

ARMINIAN. The followers of Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian. Arminius denied Calvin's doctrines of unconditional predestination, limited atonement, and irresistible grace, and stood for universal salvation for all who come to God through Christ (Handbook). Today the term Arminian is loosely and commonly applied to those who believe Christians can lose their salvation. Some contend that if a Christian is not a Calvinist, he must be an Arminian. This is not true. It is possible to be neither Arminian nor Calvinist, but simply to be biblical! [See Eternal Security, Gospel.]

ARMONI (belonging to the palace). 2 Sa. 21:8-11.

ARNAN (agile). 1 Ch. 3:21.

AROER (naked). 1 Sa. 30:28; De. 2:36; Nu. 32:34.

ARPHAXAD (great diffusion, one that heals). Ge. Ge. 10:22,24; 11:10,11,12,13; 1 Ch. 1:17,18,24; Lk. 3:36).

ARTIFICER. A worker in metal, wood, stone, etc. (1 Ch. 29:5; 2 Ch. 34:11).

ARTAXERXES (the great one). Ezr. 4:7.

ASA (physician). A good king of Judah (1 Ki. 15:8-24; 2 Ch. 14-16).

ASAHEL (God has made). 1 Ch. 2:16; 2 Ch. 31:13; 17:8; Ezr. 10:15.

ASAIAH (the Lord has made). 1 Ch. 6:30; 4:36; 9:5; 2 Ki. 22:12.

ASAPH (gatherer). Asaph was a prophet (2 Ch. 29:30) and one of King David's chief musicians who wrote many of the Psalms (1 Ch. 6:32,39; 16:4- 7; Ps. 50,73-83). The family of Asaph continued to be chief musicians in Israel even after the restoration from the Babylonian captivity (Ezr. 2:41; Ne. 7:44).

ASAREEL (God has bound). 1 Ch. 4:16.

ASCENSION. Ascending upward. Chiefly a reference to Jesus' bodily ascension to Heaven after His resurrection (Ac. 1:9; Jn. 6:62; Ac. 2:33-34). Other Bible ascensions include Enoch (Ge. 5:18-24; He. 11:5) and Elijah (2 Ki. 2:9-13).

ASCETIC. A hermit who lives in relative solitude and practices fasting, meditation, etc. [See Asceticism.]

ASCETICISM. The practice of giving up normal social life and comfort for solitude, fasting, celibacy, meditation, etc. This practice is contrary to the teaching of the N.T. While the Christian is to sacrifice his own self will for God's will, true Christianity is not total withdrawal from the world, but abstention from evil practices (1 Co. 5:9-11; Ep. 5). Doctrines which forbid marriage and meats are demonic and false (1 Ti. 4:1-5). [See Beast, Celibacy, Meat, Sanctification, Vegetarian.]

ASHAN (smoke). Jos. 15:42; 19:7; 1 Ch. 4:32.

ASHDOD (fortress). A Philistine city (Jos. 13:3; 15:46-47; 1 Sa. 5:1-8).

ASHER, THE TRIBE OF (happy). One of Jacob's twelve sons, the father of the tribe of Israel called by his name (Ge. 30:13; Jos. 19:24-31; Re. 7:6).

ASHKELON. A Philistine city (Jos. 13:3; Ju. 1:18; 14:19; 1 Sa. 6:17).

ASHNAH (strong). Jos. 15:33.

ASHTORETH (wife). A goddess of ancient heathen nations (Ju. 2:13; 10:6; 1 Ki. 11:5; 2 Ki. 23:13).

ASHUR (blackness). 1 Ch. 2:24; 4:5-7.

ASIA. In the Bible Asia refers to one of the chief Roman provinces, today referred to as Asia Minor. Its capital was Ephesus, and it included Bithynia, Galatia, Pisidia, Lycia, and Macedonia (Ac. 19:10-26; 20:4-18; 1 Co. 16:19; 2 Ti. 1:15; Re. 1-3).

ASIEL (God has made). 1 Ch. 4:35.

ASP. A poisonous snake (De. 32:33; Job 20:14,16; Ps. 58:4; 91:13; Is. 11:8). [See Dragon, Serpent.]

ASRIEL (vow of God). Nu. 26:31; Jos. 17:2.

ASS. An animal of burden belonging to the horse family, only smaller than a normal horse (Zec. 9:9; Mt. 21:2).

ASSAY. To try; prove; examine; test (1 Sa. 17:39; Job 4:2; Ac. 16:7).

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD. A Pentecostal denomination which was formed in 1914, eight years after the Azusa Street meetings in Los Angeles, California, from which Pentecostalism traces its roots in this century. As of 1990 the Assemblies of God (AG) had 2,160,000 members, 11,000 churches, 1,530 foreign missionaries, 18 colleges and Bible schools in the United States, and 299 Bible schools abroad (Handbook).

The AG are evangelical and dispensational and are sound concerning Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, death, resurrection, judgment, Heaven, and Hell. Their major denominational distinctives denote their errors, which are these: (1) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience to be sought subsequent to the new birth. (2) The baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit are evidenced by tongues' speaking. (3) A Christian can lose his salvation. (4) Physical healing is promised to the Christian because of Christ's atonement. All of these teachings are contrary to the Word of God. [See Eternal Security, Healing, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Tongues.]

Ecumenism: The AG has become increasingly ecumenical during the past fifty years. In 1943, the AG joined the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Thomas Zimmerman, formerly the general superintendent of the AG, served two terms as president of the NAE. In 1948 the Assemblies helped form the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America. They have held low-key dialogue with the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Sadly, the AG have also opened their arms to Romanism. The change in attitude toward Roman Catholicism is witnessed in the Assemblies' relationship with the late David du Plessis. In its first 60 years the AG had taught that the pope is of the antichrist, that Roman Catholicism is heresy, that Catholics need to hear the Gospel, and those who are converted need to separate themselves from Romanism. Thus when AG minister David du Plessis began to develop close communications with the Catholic hierarchy, he was forced to submit his resignation in 1962. Du Plessis did not change. He grew so friendly with Rome that he attended the Vatican II Council meetings in the mid-1960s. He was received in audience by three Roman Catholic popes--John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. He helped develop the Roman Catholic-Pentecostal dialogues. Rome awarded Du Plessis with the Pax Christi award in 1976 and the Benemerenti award in 1983. Du Plessis did not change, but the AG did. By 1980 the attitude within the AG had changed so radically that du Plessis was welcomed back as a credentialed minister. Today it is common for Catholic priests to speak in AG churches and for AG leaders to participate with Catholics in ecumenical meetings. [See Charismatic, Doctrine, Healing, Holy Spirit, Tongues, Women.]

ASSHUR (successful). A son of Shem (Ge. 10:22; 1 Ch. 1:17). His descendants inhabited the land of Assyria around Ninevah.

ASSIR (captive). Ex. 6:24.

ASSUR. [See Asshur.]

ASSURANCE. [For assurance of salvation see Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Hope, Propitiation.]

ASSYRIA. A nation in the O.T. times located to the northeast of Israel by the Tigris river (2 Ki. 15-19; Is. 7:17-20; 10:5; Is. 36-38). The capital of Assyria was Nineveh "named from Asshur, the Son of Shem, who was deified and worshiped as their chief god" (Smith). Prophecies against Assyria are found in Nahum, Zec. 2, and Eze. 31.[See also Ninevah.]

ASTAROTH. [See Ashtoreth.]

ASTROLOGER. One who believes the heavenly bodies influence men's lives and events on earth (Da. 1:20; 2:2). Astrology is condemned in the Bible (Is. 47:13). Called an "observer of times" in De. 18:10. [See Witchcraft.]

ATARAH (a crown). 1 Ch. 2:26.

ATAROTH (crowns). Nu. 32:3.

ATER (shut). Ezr. 2:16.

ATHACH (lodging). 1 Sa. 30:30.

ATHALIAH (whom Jehovah afflicts). (1) Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Ki. 8:18,26; 2 Ch. 21:6). (2) A Benjamite (1 Ch. 8:26). (3) Father of Jeshaiah (Ezr. 8:7).