WHO ARE THE “THEM THAT BELIEVE”?

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1901

WHO ARE THE “THEM THAT BELIEVE”?

A PAPER that bears the term “Bible” prominently in its name answers this question: “These signs shall follow them. Mark 16:16, 17. Who is meant by them and they?”—by saying that a part of the apostles did not believe, and by “them” and “they” our Saviour meant those who did believe. The editor tells us that this power of miracle-working, healing, etc., “was alone invested in the apostles.” To prove this he quotes Acts 8:12, and tells us that “Philip was one of the twelve apostles.” This is a good illustration of much of Bible study and knowledge. Here are some simple facts: (1) When Jesus spoke Mark 16:16, 17, all the eleven believed. (2) They were to preach the Gospel, and the signs should follow those who believed from their preaching. (3) One of the twelve bore the name of “Philip,” but the Philip of Acts 8 was in all probability one of the seven deacons, appointed from among the believers on the advice of the apostles. See Acts 6:2–5. (4) Another deacon, Stephen, appointed from among the believers, “full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 6:8. (5) The deacon Philip had four daughters who exercised the gifts of prophecy, and the same connection mentions Agabus, a prophet not of the twelve. Acts 21:8–10. (6) Peter tells us that these gifts were to be widely distributed in the last days. Acts 2:16–20. (7) And Paul clearly declares, in I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and elsewhere, that all these various gifts and powers were placed in the church for all time. What hinders their working is unbelief.