These verses are particularly revealing and illustrate an enormously important fact to consider when studying Scripture. Why would I say this?
One of THE strongest proofs against the Trinity or deity of Messiah is not what the Scriptures say - but what they do NOT say. In fact, what is NOT said in Scripture is probably THE most irrefutable evidence proving Yeshua is NOT God. Let me say this again so that it will sink in. THE strongest evidence against the deity of Yeshua the Messiah - evidence Trinitarians and counterfeit Messianics hope you fail to notice - is what is NOT said in the Scriptures! The Tanakh AND the New Testament are literally FULL of things NOT said that prove Yeshua is NOT God. Once the sincere Bible student becomes aware of this fact and doesn't allow Trinitarian and Kabbalistic Messianic false teachers to bully them into "seeing" what is not there, the truth of Yeshua's NOT being God becomes blatantly obvious. This may not even be the best example, and I point out numerous times throughout the New Testament commentary how what Paul or others do NOT say proves Yeshua is NOT God.
Ok, note 3 points about the verses quoted above.
First, and foremost, consider what Paul and Barnabas did NOT say. Since the citizens were claiming "god" can take human form, why didn't the apostles explain how they were correct but that the "god in the flesh" was Yeshua and not them? Notice there is NOTHING SAID AT ALL that would even hint that the concept of "gods in human form" was acceptable to Paul and Barnabas! Yet, if Trinitarians and counterfeit Messianics are correct, there is absolutely nothing wrong with such a concept. Do you see Paul or Barnabas agreeing with the Trinitarians? I certainly don't. Is there something here that would suggest Paul and Barnabas considered the "god in the flesh" concept even remotely acceptable? NO! There is not even a hint. This is an example of how what is NOT said provides strong evidence against the concept of a "god in the flesh" Messiah. Paul's and Barnabas' silence in the face of a chance to clarify this issue to those ripe for acceptance of the concept should not be missed. This episode also provides good evidence of the pagan origins of the Trinity since those that so readily accepted such a revolting concept were involved in the pagan religions of the Roman empire - the same pagan religions and same empire from which the Trinity "mystery" originated. Additionally, since the counterfeit Messianic movement is Traditional Christianity dressed in Jewish garments, this is also the origins of the distorted Messianic "mystic Trinity".
Some might argue that Paul's and Barnabas' revulsion was limited to the specific references to pagan gods; however, if this were true, Paul and Barnabas missed a golden opportunity to preach the Christian Trinity and Christianized Messianic "god in the flesh" versions of the idea the citizens were expressing. They could have explained to the citizens that they were correct in their idea but that instead of Jupiter and Mercurius the true god was the one that had manifested Himself "in the human form" of Yeshua. But they did not do so. They did NOT say anything in support of the false "god in the flesh" concept; thus, providing evidence - one of countless examples - of how what was NOT said proves what IS said by the majority of Christian and Messianic leaders is incorrect. In fact, the actions of the apostles reveal utter revulsion at the notion God can take "human form" and live as a man!
Now let's now look at what Paul and Barnabas DID say. They passionately encouraged them to "turn from" such futile thoughts and turn to "the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein." This is precisely what I am saying to you now and all throughout this web site as I strive to encourage you to TURN FROM THE FUTILE "GOD IN THE FLESH" TEACHINGS OF TRADITIONAL CHRISTIANITY AND COUNTERFEIT MESSIANISM AND RETURN TO THE LIVING GOD!
Who is this Living God to whom Paul, Barnabas, and I are referring?
Note: The phrase "first and the last," like the term "alpha and omega," is simply an idiom (saying) that infers there is no other like the one to whom the phrase applies. It is applied to both YHVH G-d and to Yeshua in the book of Revelation; however, this does NOT mean they are one and the same. It simply means that there is no other G-d and, separately, no other man whom He anointed as He did Messiah Yeshua.
My immediate objective is to somehow tune you into how what is NOT said in Scripture often proves false what many promote as truth. In areas such as the Trinity, the Sabbath, the Torah, etc. what is NOT said is often just as revealing as what IS. When Yahweh through His prophets SAYS something, that should settle it. When false teachers dig and prospect for "hints" of things that are NOT directly said, that should prove something about them. When verses are interpreted in a manner that directly conflicts with what Yahweh unambiguously DID say, that suggests further review of the text is needed. In countless situations the things NOT said or the things DIRECTLY said prove false the "hinted" things the Devils agents attempt to "prove".
There is no better example of how powerfully deceptive the false teachings of the Beast are than the issue of the Trinity. Despite the fact there is virtually NOTHING said to clearly prove Yeshua is God, the majority of Christians nonetheless cling to it. In EVERY single case where a hint exist that is used to prove Yeshua's deity, it can be shown to prove nothing at all, or, even prove the opposite. I have yet to come across one single Trinity "proof" verse in either the Tanakh or New Testament that cannot be shown to be false after considering the correct rendering of the word(s), context, or proven Scribal corruption. The deity of Messiah is totally absent from Scripture. I've seen all the "proofs". If you feel you've got one that defeats my position, send it. The fact that even pastors and teachers almost never take me up on the challenge should prove something about their alleged "proofs". But don't bother to send anything if you are unwilling to sincerely discuss the issue. Also, take note of how often there is NOTHING said about Yeshua's deity in situations where the Biblical speaker had an opportunity to promote it. If the Trinity is true, there should be tons of CLEAR verses stating it.
The Trinity promoters and Kabbalistic Messianic mystics demonstrate how strong the delusion of the spirit of antichrist is.
Recalling my words near the start of this writing ...
THE strongest evidence against the deity of Yeshua the Messiah - evidence Trinitarians and counterfeit Messianics hope you fail to notice - is what is NOT said in the Scriptures! Evidence NOT presented should be just as carefully considered as that which is. Issues that are NOT discussed, even when the scenario presents an excellent opportunity, prove the issue is nonexistent.
Do not allow the Devil to convince you that UNtruths, never said, are Truths. IF Yeshua were God, the New Testament writings would be SWAMPED with verses focusing on the single issue. Such a revelation would have been a complete and total upheaval of the Hebraic faith. The simple fact is, the silence on the issue is deafening proof that it was NOT an issue and, thus, proof the Trinity or any other doctrine that promotes Messiah is God is utterly false. As I've stated before, I personally believe the concept of "god in the flesh" is a primary ingredient of the "spirit of error," "spirit of antichrist" mentioned in John's epistles.
God is testing you. He WILL find out if you love the truth - or the delusion. Do not let the Beast take what is NOT said, turn it into a "mystery" or "Kabbalah mysticism," and deceive you with wordiness and Scriptural verbal gymnastics into accepting his antichrist (replacement Christ). Consider what Yahweh's Holy Scriptures say - and consider what they do NOT say. Your eternal destiny will be determined by your decision to either follow "vanities" or the "Living God".