"The Shepherds Way" E.W.King: The Ancient Antiochene Church of God

The Ancient Antiochene Church of God

Here, Rebbe Eric W. King covers some historical facts about…

"The Ancient Antiochene Church of God" ~ Hasidic Christians.

*Notes taken from sources in the Ancient Antiochene Library:

The true Christian community traces its origins to the Christian community founded in Antioch. This was the Antioch in Syria built in 301 B.C. It became the third largest city in the Roman empire with a population of 500,000 people.

Ancient Antioch basically became the leading center of Christian thought. The term "Antiochene" designates a distinct theological style. The original "followers of the Way" were first called "Christian" in Antioch (Acts 11:26) One of the leading members of the Antiochene Church was St. Barnabas. He was sent to organize the new church (Acts 11:19-25).

Some Cypriote and Cyrenic Jews who had been brought up in Greek communities and who had different perspectives on the world than Palestinian Jews resided in Antioch. The bulk of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God was in fact Gentile. The Greeks that accepted the Gospel were referred to by the Antiochene Christian Jews as “Godfearers”.

Antioch became the center from which many missionaries were trained and sent forth. From Antioch Apostle Paul started his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) and returned to it (Acts 14:26. His third journey also started from there.

St. Ignatius of Antioch (3rd Bishop of Antioch) was Bishop there for forty years.

The early church of Antioch had prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1-5). Some important people in the early Antiochene Church were:

1- Barnabas “Son of Encouragement”

2- Simeon (who is called Niger) “black man”

3- Lucius of Cyrene

4- Manean (member of the court of Harod)

5- Saul (Apostle Paul)

Antioch was a great business center because of its trading by ships in the Mediterranean Sea - Great business connections and multi-cultural. Now we will cover some history regarding the first Antioch School of Theology and theological development there.

Developing theology in the school involved:

A tendency toward Aristotelian stress on concrete reality, factual historic information and analysis. They favored a historical understanding and factual, literal reading of Scripture (Plainest). They also did not deny the Mysteries of the Scriptures but held many of these sacred teachings for the more mature Christians (Such as the Cabalistic teachings). Their Soteriological understanding is in agreement with St. Luther’s as expressed in “The Book of Concord”, thus the modern day Antiochene Christians use the Lutheran Orthodox catechism in their teachings.

In Antiochene theology the Original Model predominates (Dual nature/dual will). Though early Antiochene Christians struggled about issues regarding the incarnation and Deity of Messiah, their early appointed Bishops helped clear the path to proper understanding. They also fought against Docetism. The seventh and last true great Bishop of Antioch (before the Alexandrian teachings started to corrupt, and come in) was St. Theophilus. He was the first to use the theological term, “Trinity” (169 – 182 A.D.) showing that the doctrine of the Trinity came from the Ancient Antiochene School. (Not from Roman Catholics)

The Ancient Antiochene Church of God also has the proper understanding between Apophatic and Cataphatic theology from Absolutism. We believe that Cataphatic theology keeps Apophatic theology from subjectivisim.

We also hold to early and latter developmentism of Dispensational Theology. Thus, we believe in seven literal dispensations and numerous “Earth Ages” (Earth Ages before the “first humans” and a final three after the first humans).

We believe that we are “partakers of the Divine Nature” (2^nd Peter 1:4) and that we must be constantly aware of God’s presence in us just as a pregnant woman is aware that a growing and living child dwells within her. (Jeremiah 30:6)

Begin to truly understand the Depth of Ancient Antiochene Christian theology….

We recognize 32 Bishops from the Ancient Antiochene Church but we really only “super trust” the first seven because Bishop Maximus was the 8^th and brought some pagan Alexandrian teachings into the church. After him, most all other early bishops were corrupted by it and in fact brought other heresies in. Here is the list of the first seven:

1-Apostle Peter (Spoken of in Scripture)

2-Evodius – (53-69 A.D.) Protector of the original ‘Q’ document.

3-Ignatius – (70-107 A.D.) He was martyred in the reign of Trajan. His Seven Epistles are unique sources for the Church even today.

4-Heron – (107-127 A.D.) Had some of the early and proper Christian Cabbalah teachings.

5-Cornelius – (127-169 A.D.) Had the proper doctrine of True Israel.

6-Eros – (154-169 A.D.) Known as “Eros of Antioch.

7-Theophilus – (169-182 A.D.) The last true Greek Bishop.

As time went on, with the help of the Cappadocian Fathers (320-400 A.D.) the true Antiochene Church escaped the neo-Arian heresy.

Regarding one of the last things that Bishop Theophilus (7^th Bishop) left the church was his letters titled “Apology to Autolycus” which contain a series of books defending Christianity that were written to a pagan friend of his.

The Basic Beliefs of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God

Before I go on regarding true Hasidic Christianity, let me list our basic beliefs here:

“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:6-9).

Return to the Truth......

The Scriptures: We believe the Bible, the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Holy Spirit gave the very words of these sacred writings to holy men of old. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16)

The Triune God: We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the creator of all things and upholds all things by the Word of His power. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 17:3; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:3, 8, 10-13; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15, 16, 2:9; Acts 5:3, 4)

The Lord Jesus Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, shedding His blood for the remission of sins. Christ was buried, rose bodily from the grave on the third day, and ascended back to heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father where He is our High Priest and Advocate. We are looking for His imminent return. (Matthew 1:20-25; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16)

The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Trinity. He indwells, guides, teaches, and empowers the believer for effective service and Holy living to the glory of Christ. He assures the believer of his eternal salvation. He also convicts the world of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness. (Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30; Romans 8:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 1:8; John 16:8-11)

The exceeding Sinfulness of Man: We believe that as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, man is dead in trespasses and sin. This "death passed upon all men for all have sinned." Human nature is totally corrupt and estranged from God. A new life imparted by the Holy Spirit through the Word is absolutely essential to salvation. Man must be born again to receive eternal life. (Romans 5:12; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:1, 2; John 3:3, 18; Titus 3:5; Philippians 3:4-9)

The Means of Salvation: We believe that the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ alone has accomplished our salvation. God uses His word and the Holy Spirit to call people. The Lord Jesus Christ became sin for us, and as our substitute, paid the penalty for our guilt. Through simple childlike faith alone in this substitutionary death, the repentant soul is born again by the power of God. "The old has gone, the new has come." (John 1:12; 5:24; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7)

Two Ordinances: We believe water baptism by immersion or sprinkling/pouring and the Lord's Supper (Communion) are ordinances to be observed as the Lord commanded in this age. (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30)

The True Church: We believe that the True Church is composed of all those who have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit and, thus, united together in the Body of Christ, and that sectarianism and denominationalism is to be avoided. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4-6)

The Return of our Lord: We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:12, 13)

The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust: We believe in the resurrection of both the saved, to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment. Death does not end all. (John 5:29; Revelation 20:12-15)

Satan: We believe in the reality and personality of Satan (Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:2-ll; John 8:44; Revelation 12:9,10)

The Eternal Destiny of Man: We believe in the eternal destiny of man. Heaven is a real place of eternal joy and bliss for the redeemed, and Hell is a real place of eternal condemnation for those who reject salvation in Christ. (John 11:25, 26; Mark 3:29; Hebrews 6:2;)

The Mission of the Church: We believe that the mission of the Church is to spread the gospel and make disciples of people in every nation. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

The Shepherds Way - Original Christianity

“The Shepherds Way” & “Nugget of Truth” is the true ministry of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God and of the original Hasidic Christians here in the United States of America.

The Shepherds Way continues to teach the Word of God in Truth. Showing the thread of Truth from the first Church of Antioch. Our first Bishop there being the Apostle Peter. We have the writings of our early teachers and the records of early Church history.

We show that there were no major denominations for the first 400 years of the church, before the Roman Catholic and Greek schism occurred. Hence, the first and most early church, the original church founded by our Savior, Yzues Christos, still exists today in the modern Antiochene Church.

If you are a Christian and want to truly understand the unpolluted and rich theology of the original church than you are welcome to begin your free studies here by watching all of Eric William King's theological lectures and studies.

We thank God for the teaching tools that we have been given throughout the centuries and we are blessed to have in our Antiochene Library much information on the earliest manuscripts.

So, welcome all fellow brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Antiochene Church regarding Salvation

Today we hear many preachers say that; “You must accept Jesus Christ or be lost.” In one sense this is true but to really understand salvation you must understand that it is a complete work of God. In the fourth century the Christian church dealt with the heretic Pelagius who taught that man has just enough good in him to choose God and love God correctly by himself…minus the Holy Spirit. He taught that after you accept God then God may do the rest.

Many Christian churches or “denominations” do not understand properly the doctrine of Original Sin. Original sin as taught in Scripture teaches that not even man’s own will can properly accept Jesus Christ as savior. The Bible teaches that man is “spiritually dead” …and dead means dead. The whole man is lost, not just partially lost.

So, the only way to truly be saved is by God. Man has free-will in basic decision making throughout his life regarding mundane things. We make decisions and choices every day. Regarding spiritual things man is dead. To truly understand spiritual things properly one must have the Holy Spirit’s revelation given to him or her. “However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him – but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (1^st Corinthians 2:9,10)

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1^st Corinthians 2:14)

The Bible does not teach that it is the human “will” that accepts Christ. This is difficult for many of the fallen denominations to understand. Those “reformed” churches that came after St Martin Luther’s reformation became lost in too much human reason and logic. They tried to explain the mysteries of God’s work through human understanding to the point that they lost touch with simple and true Faith (Sola Fide)

One must hear the message of the true Gospel in order to come to Jesus Christ. Also, the Holy Spirit must call one unto contrition and true repentance. The Bible states that faith comes through hearing the Word of God and the call of the Holy Spirit. These are the two means through which one is called unto salvation, the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Actually, one’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his or her Lord, God, and Savior is a secondary act to the call from God Himself. First it is God’s act to call and save…if one has been given the true gift of faith he or she responds with acceptance. This process of salvation in and of itself is a mystery of God.

I have to admit that whenever I share the Gospel, I hope that the person that I am sharing it with truly feels the love of God or what I call “the tug” but ultimately true conversion and salvation is God’s complete work minus our feelings. Salvation is a complete and supernatural work of God minus us.

The Holy Spirit does not come to us by the use of our fallen will. The Holy Spirit comes to us purely as a GIFT from God. One who is called may feel the “tug” from the Holy Spirit and if truly called will indeed accept the gift of salvation. It is always my hope that those who visit here begin to feel the tug and accept through the gift of faith our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Baal Shem Tov

Why are we called “Hasidic Christians”?

Originally addressed December 12th 2023 – At 2023 Church Counsel of Antioch – Zaddik Elders present.

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The term “Hasidism” comes from the Hebrew word hasid which means “pious one” (Holy One).

In this important short article, I wish to give much information to many Christians that I have received letters from throughout the years about the Ancient Antiochene Church of God, and some of the titles that the Ancient Church has been called. Some have called us, "Davidian Christians" (Because of a certain doctrine), some have called us "Followers of the Way", (Original Christians) and more modernly we have become known as "Hasidic Christians" - which is to actually ‘make-fun’ of us. (We don't mind being called by any of these titles but first and foremost, we are Christians.)

In Judaism of old, after the early 1700's, Rabbi Bal Shem Tov, spread the Hasidic gospel of Judaism throughout half of Europe. Many conservative Jews (the Morally Clear) joined the movement. So, Hasidism should not be understood so much as a "religion" but instead should properly be known as an early Jewish "movement" which was fighting against Liberal Judaism (so called; “Humanitarian Judaism”) and Legalistic Judaism.

The abbreviation of Rabbi Bal Shem Tov became “Besht”. So, the Hasidim are also known as the Besht. Today there are many groups going by Besht – not all believe exactly the same way. Besht taught that humanity has an “inner spark”. It is the motivation for each Hasid to help others revive this “inner spark”. This was considered true redemption. In the Hasidic Christian message, we believe that true faith “comes through hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17) and that one must be truly Born Again to receive true salvation. (John 3:3)

Jewish Hasidism was seen as a return to “true Judaism” much like “The Ancient Antiochene Church of God” is seen as that which teaches “true Christianity”. Thus, many scholars have picked on us (Antiochene Christians), calling us in this modern age – “Hassidic Christians”. Many Ancient Antiochene Christians, even today, wear what the world calls, “Jewish garb” (More accurately, “Israeli garb” – “Issac’s sons”; Saxons). We do have traditions which are not “law”, they do not have to be observed but we understand the importance of traditions, especially in the Christian Family. For instance, many of us keep the “traditional” Christian Holidays and some of us wear the Tzitzit and Kippah, and wear the Tallit and the “Megan David” or “star of David” (Many of us even have the payees or payot). Because we also hold to many Orthodox Teachings from the early church we have been called by outsiders, Hasidic Christians. (We don’t mind.)

The Apostle Paul stated under inspiration; “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” – 2^nd Thessalonians 2:15

Some Hasidic History

Hasidism was a response to “legalistic” and extreme “liberal” Judaism. For the most part, Hasidism did not change any of the orthodox teachings of Judaism but it certainly injected an excitement and a new emotionalism (a sort of ‘spiritual ecstasy’) into Judaism.

There was an enemy (Some of them Kenites) of the early Hasidim known as the, Haskala (In Hebrew meaning the: “Illuminated”). This group could similarly be compared to the modern so called “Illuminati” (certain fraternal groups) who are still trying to disrupt the modern Hasidic Christians (Ancient Antiochene Christians) today.

The Ancient Antiochene Church of God - today, holds to many ancient Orthodox Christian Teachings that many modern American Christians have rejected. We also hold to ancient Dispensational Theology (Ages, Dispensations, & 7 Church Epochs) as mentioned by a number of saints in the early writings of the Patristic Period of the Church.

We have many lectures and articles which help document the earliest teachings of the true Christian Church. (Watch our “Kingdom Discourse Series”.) We hold to many of the pure doctrines taught in the Patristic Period (100-451 A.D.) and we accept the Salvific teachings in the Protestant “Book of Concord”. (St. Luther & St. Melanchthon – the so called, “Protestant Reformation”; Published 1580 A.D.)

Apostle Paul taught Mysteries

“Let a man consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” – 1^st Corinthians 4:1

Another important part of the Hasidic movement was the understanding of what they termed, “the mysteries of God”. This involved ancient Cabalistic mystic influence. The Ancient Antiochene Church of God teaches what we call the “mysteries of God”, such as, “the mystery of the Church”, “the mystery of the Rapture”, and our Cabalistic Christian understanding as found in Proverbs Ch. 3 (Watch our lecture; “The Holy Spirit is Female” – By E.W. King). Again, some scholars have chosen to call us “Hasidic Christians” and will use such comparisons for justification.

We believe that throughout time the Christian Church has had to learn these mysteries more in depth, it requires church history to develop. The Laodicean (last church Epoch) has become unteachable, according to Christ’s own counsel to the church. They remain “lukewarm”. They are the oldest, in the sense that they are the last remnant of the previous six churches. – what has happened to these left-overs? (Revelation 3:14-22)

God requires past, present and future accountability as to what His churches have done with His counsel for each church.

The Scriptures tell us;

“I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever, Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it, God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.” – Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

Though God works in our spacetime continuum, He is not bound by it. In fact, He can dwell outside of all space and time – past, present, future.

Though the “rapture” of the church is imminent (could happen anytime), God decides, and He has decided to take His church through a journey in time to teach her (His bride) that He is a God of relationship and loves to watch us all grow. So, since the beginning of the 6^th Dispensation, God has now led - and is leading us through 7 Epochs of the Christian Church. We have arrived in the 7^th Epoch. This is extremely important to understand.

This is why, that at the ending time of the Seventh Church (the Seventh Church Epoch), God wants to give those who heed the counsel to Laodicea the New Light – new Truth. This new light is not an edition to the Bible but is found in the Word of God itself.

The Christian Church is receiving New Light from the pages of Scripture. Though these truths seem “new” to us they have always been right in front of us, on the pages of Scripture. Now, new possibilities are open for God’s true people to receive, if they only remain teachable.

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom (Rev. 2:17- “the Hidden Manna”) which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” – 1^st Corinthians 2:6-8

Hidden Things are Now Revealed

Jesus promised to give His true church “the Hidden Manna” – (Revelation 2:17). Hidden Manna represents a “truth” that was once hidden but is now able to be seen and understand.

The Seventh Message has arrived. The Laodicean church is now exposed. Too many Christians have become content with limited knowledge but God is asking us all to GROW. We are to remain a Living Branch. God is telling us;

“I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them. They are created now and not from the beginning; And before this day you have not heard them, Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew them.’” (Isaiah 48:6,7)

Again, God informs His people;

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Are you ready to learn? Whenever God has New Light for His people Satan comes around and sows “seeds of doubt”. The Devil does everything in his power to prevent you from receiving it. Let us not refuse the Light (the “extra oil”) that God wants us to receive. If we refuse what God wants, we will never grow but will become stale, lukewarm.

God is giving His church a last message of mercy. The Seventh Message, the counsel for Laodicea is here. Many people want the new light, but they do not like the way that God may be presenting it, so they reject it. That is a sad decision.

God promises to open the Bible to many, but to many others it remains a sealed book. God says; “The vision of ALL (The Bible) has become to you like the words of a book (Scroll) that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying “Read this, please.”; and he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying. “Read this, please.”; and he says, “I am not literate.” - (Isaiah 29:11-12)

In other words, without the Holy Spirit neither the educated or uneducated cannot figure it out. God informs us through Apostle Paul; “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age (the Church Age), nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages (before all 7 Dispensations & Earth Ages) for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” - (1^st Corinthians 2:6-8)

God promised a day when the New Testament would be completely joined to the Old Testament, making THE BOOK (THE BIBLE – “bible” means; “book”) the complete Revelation – “the vision of ALL”.

God said; “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of THE BOOK (the Bible), And the eyes of the blind (spiritually blind) shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.” - (Isaiah 29:18)

What shall they gain from proper study of THE BOOK?

God says; “These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmured will LEARN DOCTRINE.” – (Isaiah 29:24)

God says emphatically in Proverbs 4:2; “For I give you GOOD DOCTRINE.”

Another very important aspect of the theology of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God is to properly understand who Israel is, and where they are at today. This is what we will briefly look at next.

Understand True Israel

To the Ancient Antiochene Church this subject is extremely guarded and important to properly understand. As a teacher and Elder of Ancient Antiochene Theology I must say that I do not ever want to be thrown into the camp of most all those supposed Christians who teach what has become known as “Anglo-Israelism”. Why? Unfortunately, most of the groups teaching it today are “cults” or “boarder-line cults”.

Most of them reject the proper doctrine of the Deity of Jesus Christ, they reject the proper understanding of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, they reject the early and proper Patristic eschatological truths, and many other things do they heretically teach.

Unfortunately, many of them are also Judaizers. They are Kenites teaching that Christians must keep the Mosaic Covenant “feast days” and special “Sabbath days”, “food laws” and they teach a legalism that is quite frankly Satanic.

Having stated that; one group teaches that they invented the ancient doctrine about the Kenites. They state that this is original with them and their group. Wrong! Ancient Hebrew Rabbis and many ancient Christian records show that the doctrine regarding the Kenites is very old and connected to the early Antiochene Church. We have other articles which document these issues.

So, what is True Anglo-Israelism?

There are many good Christians who have written properly on the subject of Anglo-Israelism and we have many of their works in our Ancient Antiochene Libraries. This sacred and very important teaching has existed here in the United States since the beginning of this nation. It was in fact understood by our early presidents and became somewhat popularized more than a century ago. It is a highly protected doctrine.

It became somewhat popular in England just after the Elizabethan era. Here in America some early teachers of this doctrine were James Lovell and Howard Rand. Though both of them had no direct connection to the original Antiochene teachings of this doctrine they did have much of it properly understood. Some of their understandings were however incorrect and this has led many to reject the doctrine or twist it to mean things that are not true.

When the doctrine is properly taught from Scripture and from the earliest historical records it comes into its proper light. One of the dangers of wrongly teaching this doctrine results in extreme nationalism - and its distortion for some has unfortunately resulted in racism. This is why this doctrine must be taught properly or not taught at all.

We reject Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings of this doctrine in many areas. He was the founder of “The Worldwide Church of God” and they are a cult. Also, their many offshoots which still exist today teach heretical doctrines and should be ignored and rejected.

The true sacred doctrine of Anglo-Israelism is the teaching that the so called “lost ten tribes of Israel” migrated over the Caucus Mountains and are the Anglo-Saxon races which currently reside predominately in Great Britain and the United States of America.

*Our Ancient Antiochene manuscripts can properly document this.

The so called Ten Lost Tribes of Israel

Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) had twelve sons and only one of those sons produced the Jewish people - when we get technical. Jews are literally from the tribe of Judea. Apostle Paul was a Benjamite from the tribe of Benjamin who converted to Judaism which back then was the religious sect of Pharisees (Galatians 1:13).

Jacob had twelve sons and a daughter by his wives and their maids (Genesis ch.29-39). His father was Isaac and his mother, Rebecca. Jacob was a twin brother; his brother’s name was Esau. Jacob becomes the patronymic of Israelites.

Since May 14^th 1948 Israel again became a legitimate nation and many Jews have returned to their own land. This was a great and glorious fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. God promised the restoration of the nation of Israel. Today when we think of Jewish people, we lump all the 12 original tribes together and call them all “Jew”. It is true that all twelve tribes have now been categorized generically as Jews.

When we go strictly by Sola Scriptura (the Word of God alone) we see a very different picture developing. Really only those from the tribe of Judah make up the literal Jewish people. So what happened to the other eleven tribes? When we read our Bible’s, we find that when the Kingdom of Israel split Judah and Benjamin along with some Levites formed the Southern kingdom called Judea and the rest of the tribes formed Israel (the northern kingdom).

So technically speaking, after the split Israelites are NOT Jews. The Jews remained in Jerusalem.

When we say Israel sometimes, we include all twelve tribes because Israel (Jacob) is the father of all twelve tribes. In this sense of course all twelve tribes make up literal Israel. If you look in the back of your Bible you might find a map that shows that Judea (Jews) and Israel were once completely different nations.

Some from the other tribes went back to Jerusalem but the main portion of the other ten tribes eventually migrated over the Caucus Mountains and spread throughout Europe. So much of literal Israel lost its identity through captivity. The ancient ten tribes have become lost to the secular historians but not to God. God says through Amos the prophet;

“Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth; yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,’ says the Lord. ‘For surely I will command, and will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve; yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.” (Amos 9:8-9)

Not all twelve tribes come from the same mother so DNA would be different amongst the tribes. All of this is fascinating to think about. Most Christians don’t contemplate such things. To me and most Christians we realize that ALL Scripture is important so understanding what happened to ancient Israel contains moral lessons for us as well as historical facts about who we are today as Christians.

Ten Tribes of Israel Migrated

There was a 400-year gap in between the Old and New Testament so the language and much of the culture had changed by the time of Jesus Christ. During this 400-year gap “The Apocryphal” writings were written and compiled. We find some important history regarding the migration of the ten tribes found in the “Book of 2^nd Esdras” which was written a century before the time of Jesus (Yeshua). We read;

“Those ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of their own land…and he [Shalmaneser], carried them over waters, and so came they into another land. But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt…And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow passages of the river.” (2^nd Esdras 13:40-43)

This is interesting and for some it is very controversial history. Some heretical teachers developed these facts into a doctrine known as “Anglo-Israelism”. I do not teach what has popularly become known as “Anglo-Israelism”. Here at “The Shepherds Way” ministry we teach only the facts. We have been blessed with a great historical library that we use in our research. It is important for today’s Christians to be more aware of what they believe in. In this information age so much error is prevalent on the internet that you really have to do your own research to get the straight truth of anything. I encourage you to do research on what we teach here. Always test everything by the Living Word of God.

I truly believe that Christians want the facts. Some of the facts get very controversial regarding Bible topics but as long as we are honest with God and ourselves, we will always be doing and accepting that which pleases God. God’s Word…the Holy Bible is our ultimate “fact book”.

Understanding the spilt-up of Israel & Judah

Rehoboam was a son of King Solomon; he was to succeed his father on the throne. Jeroboam was the son of Nebat and of the tribe of Ephraim (Joseph’s seed). Following the death of King Solomon the people were left to choose between these two to become the new king.

Jeroboam was told by the prophet Ahijah that he would become king of ten of the twelve tribes (1^st Kings 11:29-40). When Rehoboam faced the people after King Solomon died, he wondered what to do so he consulted the Elders who told him:

“…If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” (1^st Kings 12:7)

But instead of listening to his wise Elders he sought counsel from his young friends whom he grew up with and they told him;

“…Tell these people who have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter’ – tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions’”. (1^st Kings 12:10-11)

In other words, his friends wanted power with him in his rule. Their immature and unwise minds ruled-the-roost. Today we see many government institutes ruled by young and uncontrolled minds. Isaiah foretold a time when improperly parented “children” would rule and cause chaos. God warned the prophet Isaiah;

“I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them. People will oppress each other – man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the base against the honorable.” (Isaiah 3:4-5)

We see the young violent “children” today who riot in our streets and they know nothing about what they are even rioting about. Ten Tribes out of the Twelve Tribes of Israel sided with Jeroboam and rejected the evil rule of Rehoboam. All the Jews (from the tribe of Judah) decided to stay with the evil Rehoboam along with the smallest tribe of Benjamin and some of the Levites so that they could officiate in the temple.

This revolt brought the complete separation between Judah and Israel. After this “Israel” was a complete and separate nation than that of the Jews (Judah). When we say “Israel” in its national sense of course it may refer to all twelve tribes but from here on in the Bible we see that Judah would never unite with Israel during Old Testament times. ~

Judah had Rehoboam on their throne and from here on out follow a completely different history than Israel. Understanding the promises of two different races must now be noted. So, Israel was headed by a leader and representative of Joseph and it was this “house” which was to retain the “birthright” forever (Genesis ch.48-49; 1^st Chronicles 5:1-2). Both nations have different prophetic implications. This is so very important to understand in these last days. Christians who continue to study here at “The Shepherds Way” will learn about these extremely important issues.

Documented Facts

The true Anglo-Israel doctrine teaches that the ten tribes of Israel who were caught by the Assyrian King, Sargon, are the Saxae people, or Scythians. These people migrated westward through Northern Europe and are the Saxon ancestors of England.

To the ten tribes were bequeathed the blessings of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. As the result of Jacob’s blessings over Ephraim and Manasseh they became the tribal heads of literal Israel. The blessings given to these two can never be summed up in or applied to the Jews because the Jews come from Jacob’s son Judah who received different blessings.

Jews are not the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. The blessing given to Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh) comprises a completely different race of people; even from different mothers. It is Biblically incorrect to look for the fulfillment of these promises of a “nation” and “company of nations” in the descendants of Judah. The blessings given to Ephraim and Manasseh or completely different and are for a different group of people all together.

So, these blessings are not to be found outside the “House of Joseph”. This doctrine is right in front of Bible readers’ eyes and should not be twisted to fit anybody’s bias or distorted ideas. ~

Jacob gave these blessings over Ephraim and Manasseh which were to blossom in the “latter-days”, which means our days (Genesis 49:1).

Deeper Understandings

Much of these understandings were “sealed” or “shut-up” from first century understandings because the Bible had not yet been completed. Today we are blessed to have the entire Word of God open before us so that we are without excuse.

There is so much to be understood that we cannot cover here to get a fuller and richer understanding of this most important doctrine like the warning giving by Jesus Christ about “those who call themselves Jews (from the tribe of Judah) but are not”. (Revelation 3:9) There are false “Jews” which are actually Kenites and Jesus called them out more than once. (Matthew 23:31-36; John 8:44; Jude 11). Sadly, there are still these legalists (Judaizers) amongst us today. They wish to throw us back into the Mosaic Dispensation.

Later on in Bible history we find that many Kenites accepted Yahwism and were incorporated into the tribe of Judah. By the time of Jesus Christ some of the Jews had ancestry line connections to the Kenites. The Kenites are in many bloodlines today.

Regarding just who the Anglo-Saxons are we find out some very interesting facts. The Anglo-language has no comparison to ancient Hebrew or Greek yet words and phrases were handed down in the language changes and over time so much of the ancient words and Hebraic phrases became somewhat distorted. Take for instance the Hebrew word for man which is iysh or ish.

The Anglicized word for covenant became brith. When this is followed by iysh or ish it became British which meant “covenant man” and or “the covenant people”. The word “covenant” in Hebrew is “berith” which they pronounce “brit”. True Hebrews (according to Scripture) are descendants of Isaac. In Hebrew we would drop the “I”, due to not using vowels in Hebrew, and pronounce this Saac. So, Isaac’s sons would become “Saxons”.

In other documentation we find that earlier descendants of even Abraham migrated into differing parts of Europe way before the time of Moses. We find that Tarshish is the ancient name of the British Isles known as “the young lions”.

In fact, our research shows that Joseph of Arimathea (sometime around 36-39 AD) brought Christian teachings to Britain. He was followed by an apostle named Simon Zelotes and then by a man named Aristobulus who was the first Bishop of Briton. Finally, there are in fact records of Apostle Paul journeying to Briton also.

Now of course most all of this is extra-biblical history and is not needed to receive the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is important history however, especially when it comes to the proper understanding of where True Israel is today.

In May of 1948 the nation of Israel again became an independent nation fulfilling Bible prophecy. Israelites are now allowed to return to their literal homeland (Jerusalem) as prophesied in Scripture. This too is important history when looking into correctly understanding Bible prophecy.

I have much more to share and teach regarding these most interesting topics but this is sufficient for now. Please stay here at “The Shepherds Way” and “Nugget of Truth” to get all the interesting facts regarding these subjects.

David’s Throne – “The throne of the Lord.”

“So, Solomon sat on the Throne of the Lord as king in place of his father David.” (1^st Chronicles 29:23)

Most Christians have not been taught just what the “throne of the Lord” is and where it is located. The ancient Israelites understood where God’s “Eternal Throne” is. It is in the highest heaven. When Jesus Christ resurrected, He ascended to this “Eternal Throne” and sat at “the right hand of the Father”.

The Messianic throne is a different throne, it is an earthly throne. When God called Moses and brought His people out of Egypt it was at Mt. Sinai that God set up His earthly kingdom. After the time of the “Judges” God then allowed Israel to have kings. These kings were to “hold” the Messianic throne until the Messiah. Jesus Christ [Messiah] was to be given this throne, the Davidic throne. The Davidic throne is called “the throne of the Lord” in 1^st Chronicles 29:23.

When John the Baptist came, he started to proclaim “the Kingdom of [from] God is at hand.” What kingdom did he mean? Obviously, he was not referring to the Eternal Kingdom. All understood where that was located – in heaven. He was not referring to the Christian Church either. The Christian church was a mystery only revealed more fully to Apostle Paul and referenced clearly in his letter to the Ephesians.

So what kingdom was John the Baptist proclaiming was at hand? The Messianic Kingdom! He was proclaiming the reestablishment of the Davidic throne with the Messiah as King. This was the concept understood by all the Israelites. The Hebrew prophets had proclaimed the coming of this kingdom for hundreds of years.

Jesus Christ is not sitting on this Davidic throne now but is promised to receive it. The angel Gabriel proclaimed this message to Mary before she became pregnant: “He [Jesus] will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” (Luke 1:32)

King David’s throne was never in Heaven, it was on earth. Here Jesus is clearly promised this earthly throne, “the throne of the Lord.” Jesus promised His apostles a special place of rulership in this coming kingdom (Matthew 19:28). In Apostle Peter’s second sermon to the Jews, he tells them that Christ must remain in heaven until “the renewal of all things” then Christ will “change position” and come down to sit on the Davidic throne.

After Jesus resurrected His apostles asked Him; “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” (Acts 1:6) Jesus replied that it was not for them to “know the times or dates” of just when this would occur (vs. 7). So, Jesus will receive this coming kingdom and it will usher in the Millennial Reign of Christ with His church (Revelation 20:1-6).

If you continue to study here at “The Shepherds Way” you will learn that the Davidian Throne has always had a descendant of the Adamic race to sit on this throne, a “seed of David” which has never been destroyed. This is highly protected knowledge and has been since the “foundation of this world”. The throne and the seed are still here. For Jesus to come back and take the “throne of His father David” that throne must still be here. Next, we will begin to reveal “the Kingdom in Mystery” which of course involves the Christian Church.

The Lord’s Supper and the True Mystery

I realize that what most of you as “Christians” have read (so far) is controversial, however, we need to truly understand what the “First Church” – Jesus Christ’s Church- really understood and taught. Now we will look at a great mystery and just how the original Antiochene Church understood and understands it:

The famous coined phrase “Sola Scriptura” or “the Scriptures Alone” was started by St. Martin Luther. Many Calvinists and Reformed Christians have stolen this from him. They do not use it in the same way that Confessional Lutherans do.

Today the so called “reformed” churches have distorted much of the revealed truth in Scripture by the over use of human reason and logic. In other words, the paradoxical truths have all been explained to make ‘perfect sense’ to them minus Sola Fide (True Faith Alone).

Other truths, the so called “reformers” have done away with completely - or tweaked to fit human reason and understanding. Let us take infant baptism for example. For over 1500 years of the original Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ infant baptism was practiced based on the simple command by Christ to baptize and to not forsake the “little children” to come to Him. All of a sudden, after St Martin Luther was called of God to clean up the abuses that had come into the original church a group of zealots known as the Anabaptists (from Greek meaning: “rebaptize”) came in and denied what the original Church of Jesus Christ taught and was practicing since the first Apostles…. for over 1000 years!

The fallen denominations deny the sacraments in that they see them as only mere symbols of our faith, having no saving power behind them. They deny that the sacraments given to us by Jesus Christ are a means of grace, thus denying the power of God.

Today there are over one hundred “Baptist” churches with numerous conflicting creeds and practices. In Calvinism alone there are over 60 conflicting creeds. For Lutheran Christians there are only the three earliest original Christian creeds and the ONE Augsburg Confession (Entire “Book of Concord”). There is only one true faith “once delivered” and Jesus Christ built His one true Church…not numerous conflicting denominations.

Importance of our Christian Confession

Today all of the heretical denominations throw around the name Jesus Christ and use such words as “redemption”, “salvation”, “atonement”, etc. The question becomes what do they mean when they use and interpret such words or names?

St Peter states under inspiration: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give and answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1^st Peter 3:15) One of the earliest Christian Confessions and catechisms of the original Church was the Didache and the Apostles Creed with Scriptural approval of water pouring baptism…long before the Roman & Greek schism.

Being prepared to give the “correct answer” includes the ability to clearly articulate doctrine. When somebody asks; “What does the Lutheran Church actually believe?” we may point them to the Bible and the Book of Concordia. This clearly summarizes true Christian Faith.

Proper Doctrine

Most of the fallen denominations have no one definitive declaration of faith making them prone to much confusion and not being able to “spiritually test” their doctrines (1^st John 4:1). Hence, all the denominational confusion.

The Bible instructs all true Christians;

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Preserve in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1^st Timothy 4:16)

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)

“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” (Romans 16:17-18)

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1^st Corinthians 1:10)

“…whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2^nd John 1:9)

St Martin Luther agrees with Scripture and affirmed;

“[True] Doctrine is our only light. It alone enlightens and directs us and shows the way to heaven. If it is shaken in one quarter (in una parte), it will necessarily be shaken in its entirety (in totum). Where that happens love cannot help us at all.”

“In philosophy an error that is small at the beginning becomes very great in the end. So, a small error in theology overturns the whole body of doctrine…That is why we may not surrender or change even an iota (apiculum) of doctrine.”

And again, Scripture affirms….

“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” (Galatians 5:9)

Only What Is Revealed

Many from the “denominations” and so called “reform” churches add to Scripture based on much speculation. They will say things like, “all children will go to heaven if they die.” There is no Scripture which teaches this nor states this. Lutheran Christians only accept that which God has revealed without speculating or trying to use human reason and logic to understand the rest.

We accept God as God. Thus, Lutherans only affirm that which is affirmed by Scripture. This takes true FAITH. As true Christians we are willing to accept paradox.

There are no new understandings. The Scriptures are complete. Apostle Paul warns all of us; “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one, we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again; If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

Why Christian Women couldn’t teach in Ephesus

In Genesis chapter-one we find that the male and female participate equally in the image of God. "So, God created man [humankind] in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen 1:27).

First, I would like to mention two important rules of the “Seven Ancient Antiochene Rules” of Biblical interpretation...which is to say “proper hermeneutics”. This rule is number 6, “Studying the Background”. Also rule number 5 which is “Grasping the Authors Intention”. Keep these in mind as we go. Let us proceed…

We are looking at 1^st Timothy 2:11-15 which says; ~

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”

The word used for “authority” here is key to understanding this. It is the Greek word authentein. Another important subject to keep in mind is the fact that Apostle Paul is writing this letter to Ephesus and to St Timothy who was residing there.

Apostle Paul’s instructions concerning women here should be understood against the cultural background of Ephesus at that time. Apostle Paul was dealing with many differing cultural backgrounds when establishing churches. St Paul states; “To the Jews I became like a Jew. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (1st Corinthians 9:20-23)

Regarding behavioral instructions and cultural issues, we find that what St Paul instructed some churches to do would be the exact opposite instruction of what he told another church. We learn about the diversity situations of early Christianity and how they were dealt with.

Pagan Women of Ephesus

When we look at our Scripture in question, found in St Paul’s first letter to St Timothy, St Paul states that he “does not permit women to teach or have authority over a man.” We know that he is referring to Ephesus women in the Ephesus church because in another one of St Paul’s epistles (Titus 2:3) to the churches on the Island of Crete he says their women can teach. This is why proper hermeneutics should be used in teaching the Word of God. People have created complete doctrines by taking things out of context.

Before I go on with this study, I would like to say to those Christians who do not believe that women should teach in the Church, please look at what the Scriptures truly say on this issue before you come to a conclusion. We find this Scripture: “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.” (Proverbs 18:13) You might just learn something new.

We notice that in 1^st Timothy 2:11-15 that right after Paul says to him: “I do not permit women to teach or have authority over man” he then immediately goes on to explain that “man was made first, and then the woman” quoting from Genesis (Torah). Why does he stress this point regarding man being created first to St Timothy? Because St Timothy was dealing with some women in Ephesus who taught that the woman was “created first” and in the pagan cults this gave some of these woman abusive powers over men. Some of these women were high-priestesses of Artemis.

It is true that many women were not allowed to speak in the Greek Religious tradition and respectable Greek women lived a very confined life. Some scholars believe that one of the reasons St Paul didn’t want the Christian women of Ephesus to teach publicly is because it would make Christian women look loose…. way too open for women of Greek culture. St Paul never wanted to turn anybody away from the Gospel.

Yet some of the powerful corrupt Greek women were connected to the powerful elite and these women could give orders to kill. Some scholars speculate that the stories of the Amazonian warrior women boosted the status of the Ephesian Pagan Priestesses. These powerful groups didn’t take to Christianity.

Some of these women were entering the Christian discussion and worshiping sites in Ephesus and creating troubles while other Greek women looked down on Christian women as being “loose”. Apostle Paul is basically saying; “Thus, St Timothy, for the Ephesus church be safe, do not let your women to teach.”

Another sad fact regarding the complicated issues with women at the time that this letter by St Paul was written was the fact that there were many female prostitutes, the so-called priestesses of Aphrodite. So, we must truly begin to understand the cultural background here.

There is also debate by theologians over the Greek word that St Paul uses here for authority – he says “or to have authority over a man”. The Greek word used here is authentein and in this context means more accurately that the women were not to usurp authority over the Christian Men teachers of Ephesus. They had the habit of interrupting and over speaking while the men taught. This Greek word here for “authority” has considerable interest among modern lexicographers and biblical scholars. The Greek word is only used once here in the entire Bible and is a bit obscure. I believe that Dibelius translates it more accurately as meaning not to “interrupt”.

Woman Saved through Child Bearing

Finally, St Paul ends our text in question with: “But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” (1^st Timothy 2:15) This statement must also be looked at in regards to its cultural setting and time. What does St Paul mean? This statement means basically that women are to help guide the church through motherhood and are in fact called to be the strong teachers of their children in the Word of God. This verse does not mean that a woman needs to give literal birth to a child to be saved. In the Christian Church there are a lot of adults who need mothering in their lives, let alone husbands.

Admittedly I believe that St Paul’s statement here results into being an idiom of sorts. There are irregularities in the sentence structure in the Greek. It is somewhat obscure also due to the brevity of the statement. It does point to the importance of the Christian woman teaching and raising children.

The older Christian women are to carry on the tradition of teaching the younger women how to do this. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to be teachers of what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.” (Titus 2:3-4)

Also, it was God’s original plan for every child to be raised properly by his or her mother. Having a mother is extremely important for the Christian child. Ultimately all of us were “saved through childbearing” when Mother Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. Amen

May you find your ultimate rest in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Let us move on in our studies…

We will now look at how the Ancient Antiochene Church understands “True Israel”.

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I have much more to share regarding Ancient Antiochene history and theology and I hope to continue sharing through more numerous articles and lectures. For now, this was much information for you. Please continue your Christian studies with us here at “The Shepherds Way” and “Nugget of Truth”.

Remain in the Word.

Eric William King (Compiled on January 11^th and 12^th 2024)