The "Other Sheep" of John 10:16

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) claims they are the 'restored church' as "prophesied" in the Bible. They use several different, unrelated verses to prove their existence, one of which is John 16:10.

John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

INC believes that it is their church that Christ speaks of as the 'other sheep' that will emerge sometime in the future. We at Cross + Crusaders believe the are not the 'other sheep'.

INC knows that there are certain groups of people that must be accounted for and categorized as one flock or sheep pen, namely the Jews and the Gentiles. INC needs you to believe that Christ, during His earthly ministry, was sent to personally bring salvation to both groups. They need you to believe that because, according to us and the vast majority of Biblical Scholars, the 'other sheep' were, in fact, the Gentiles.

INC attempts to prove that the main fold in John 10:16 consisted of the Jew and Gentiles with Luke 2:27-32:

Luke 2:27-32
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

With the above verse, INC is prepping listeners to believe that Christ was commissioned to preach to the Jews and the Gentiles during his lifetime.

In INC's publication, God's Message, an article called 'Extending the Work of Salvation' by Feljun Fuentes, he states that "His (Christ's) Apostles continued his work of preaching the gospel to the Jews first, then later to the Gentiles." This passage is misleading.

The blanket statement they use can easily infer that Christ was sent to receive both the Jew and Gentile giving us one flock during his lifetime. If that was the case, INC would be able to argue that the 'other sheep' is another group of people to be named at a later date. They argue it is INC. Their inference is simply not true.

To clarify INC's statement in the article: Christ was commissioned to preach to ONLY the Jews during his lifetime. Only until after His death, was the Kingdom opened to the Gentiles. Lets look at the passage below:

Matthew 15:21-28
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Christ's mission is clear. He tells us himself. He says that He "WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." He was not sent to receive the Gentiles during his ministry as INC would lead you to believe.

The above information about Christ's earthly ministry is key in understanding who the 'other sheep' truly are.

So who is Christ referring to when He mentions the "other Sheep" in John 10:16?

In John 10:16, he is clarifying his role as Shepherd of the Jews. He then goes on and tell His disciples of his future plans for his 'other sheep', the Gentiles.

Christ was not and did not preach to the Gentiles while on earth, but his life and deeds will be used as "A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES" as echoed with Simeon's statement in Luke 2:27-32:

Luke 2:27-32 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES and for glory to your people Israel."

Christ's earthly deeds gave the Apostles the ability to effectively preach the Gospel to the 'other sheep'. The Gentiles heard and were received into the Church. These events clearly took place after the death of Christ. By the Gentiles assimilating with the Christian Jews, the prophecy of one flock and one shepherd in John 10:16 was fulfilled.

To fortify our claim, lets look at more supporting Biblical prooftexts that paint a story of two separate folds:

The Gentiles were considered heathens during the life of Christ. In no way were they considered part of God's Kingdom during that time. These two groups of people were truly of different folds. Look at the following verses to support this claim:

Matt 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the GENTILES or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

Matt 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a GENTILE and a tax collector.

Acts 10:28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a GENTILE or visit him....

The Bible is clear on what the early Christians thought of the Gentiles. They were to be avoided. Even Jesus commands the Apostles to tend only to the lost sheep of Israel and not to go to the Gentiles and Samaritans. Jesus, in the fullness of time, will reveal the future salvation plan for the Gentiles. Those plans are precisely prophesied in John 10:16.

Only until the Holy Spirit commanded Peter to share the Word of God to the Gentiles (Acts 10), which took place AFTER the death of Christ, was it then the Kingdom of God was opened to them. The following verses show that point to be true:

Acts 13:46-48 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the GENTILES. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "`I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Acts 14:27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the GENTILES.

Acts 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the GENTILES might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.

The above verses prove that the Gentiles where admitted to the Kingdom AFTER Christ's death...AFTER He made his statement of 'other sheep' in John 10:16. Hence, the other sheep are, as we assert, the Gentiles.

Ephesians sum-up John 10:16 and it's fulfillment:

Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

The Jews and Gentiles had now become one body with one Shepheard as Christ had prophesied. In no way can INC claim the title of the 'other sheep'.

Summarizing the above; the historical facts show that:
1. The Gentiles were not of Christ's fold when he was alive. (Matt10:5-6, Acts 10:28)
2. Jesus explicitly commanded the Apostles to minister to the Jews and forego any contact with the Gentiles.(Matt 10:5-6)
3. Jesus was sent only to the Jews (Matt 15:21-28)
4. The Gentiles were considered not of the Jewish Fold. (Acts 10:28)
5. The Kingdom of God was opened to the Gentiles after the death of Christ.(Acts 13,14,15)
6. The prophecy of bringing other sheep into the fold is fulfilled (Eph 3:6)

Looking at it in its proper chronological order, all the evidence point to the Gentiles as being the other sheep in John 10:16.

__________________________________________________

It is not only our opinion that the Gentiles were the 'other sheep' in John 10:16, but many World renowned Biblical Scholars from all religions. Eventhough, INC further attempts to substantiate their claim stating that the 'other sheep' were no the Gentiles, but INC which will emerge in the last days. They use their interpretation of Acts 2:39 to support that claim:

Acts 2:39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

INC believes that Acts 2:39 refers to 3 groups of people on a time continuum.

'you' = Jews

'your children' = Gentiles

'all who are far off' = INC

INC is erroneous stating that this passage is some sort of timeline with each piece referring to a specific group of people. It simply cannot be. Here is the evidence.

The Greek used in this verse for "far off" is MAKRAN.

Below Strongs Greek Lexicon defines "far off" as it is in its context of Acts 2:39.

Act 2:39
For [1063] the promise [1860] is [2076] (5748) unto you [5213],and [2532] to your [5216] children [5043], and [2532] to all [3956] that are afar off [1519] [3112], [even] as many as [3745] the Lord [2962] our [2257] God [2316] shall call [302][4341].

______________________

3112 makran {mak-ran'} = far off

feminine accusative case singular of 3117 (3598 being implied);

TDNT - 4:372,549; adv

AV - far 4, afar off 2, good way off 1, far hence 1, great way off 1, far off 1; 10
1) far, a great way
2) far hence

______________________

There are 10 instances in the Bible to where 'MAKRAN' is used. ALL of the passages that contain "FAR OFF" in its Greek equivalent refer to geographical distance, not time distance.

Mat 8:30 And [1161] there was [2258] (5713) a good WAY OFF [3112] from [575] them [846] an herd [34] of many [4183] swine [5519] feeding [1006] (5746).

Mar 12:34 And [2532] when Jesus [2424] saw [1492] (5631) that [3754] he [846] answered [611] (5662) discreetly [3562], he said [2036] (5627) unto him [846], Thou art [1488] (5748) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] the kingdom [932] of God [2316]. And [2532] no man [3762] after that [3765] durst [5111] (5707) ask [1905] (5658) him [846] [any question].

Luk 7:6 Then [1161] Jesus [2424] went [4198] (5711) with [4862] them [846]. And [1161] when he [846] was [568] (5723) now [2235] not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] the house [3614], the centurion [1543] sent [3992] (5656) friends [5384] to [4314] him [846], saying [3004] (5723) unto him [846], Lord [2962], trouble [4660] [0] not [3361] thyself [4660] (5744): for [1063] I am [1510] (5748) not [3756] worthy [2425] that [2443] thou shouldest enter [1525] (5632) under [5259] my [3450] roof [4721]:

Luk 15:20 And [2532] he arose [450] (5631), and came [2064] (5627) to [4314] his [1438] father [3962]. But [1161] when he [846] was yet [2089] a great WAY [3112] OFF [568] (5723), his [846] father [3962] saw [1492] (5627) him [846], and [2532] had compassion [4697] (5675), and [2532] ran [5143] (5631), and fell [1968] (5627) on [1909] his [846] neck [5137], and [2532] kissed [2705] (5656) him [846].

Jhn 21:8 And [1161] the other [243] disciples [3101] came [2064] (5627) in a little ship [4142]; (for [1063] they were [2258] (5713) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] land [1093], but [235] as it were [5613] [575] two hundred [1250] cubits [4083],) dragging [4951] (5723) the net [1350] with fishes [2486].

Act 2:39 For [1063] the promise [1860] is [2076] (5748) unto you [5213], and [2532] to your [5216] children [5043], and [2532] to all [3956] that are AFAR OFF [1519] [3112], [even] as many as [3745] the Lord [2962] our [2257] God [2316] shall call [302] [4341] (5667).

Act 17:27 That they should seek [2212] (5721) the Lord [2962], if [1487] haply [686] they might feel [5584] (5659) after him [846], and [2532] find him [2147] (5630), though [2544] he be [5225] (5723) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] every [1538] one [1520] of us [2257]:

Act 22:21 And [2532] he said [2036] (5627) unto [4314] me [3165], Depart [4198] (5737): for [3754] I [1473] will send [1821] (5692) thee [4571] FAR hence [3112] unto [1519] the Gentiles [1484].

Eph 2:13 But [1161] now [3570] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] ye [5210] who [3588] sometimes [4218] were [5607] (5752) FAR OFF [3112] are made [1096] (5675) nigh [1451] by [1722] the blood [129] of Christ [5547].

Eph 2:17 And [2532] came [2064] (5631) and preached [2097] (5668) peace [1515] to you [5213] which [3588] were AFAR OFF [3112], and [2532] to them that were nigh [1451].

"FAR OFF" in Acts 2:39 and in all the above verses that it is used refer to a geographical distance, not a time continuum. This is another proof which fortifies our claim that INC is NOT the "OTHER SHEEP" in John 10:16.

To prove their claim that the Apostle was naming three groups of people in Acts 2:39, INC goes to I Cor 4:15 which explains who the 'children' are in Acts 2:39. INC states that the 'children' are the children in the faith, the Gentiles.

I Corinthians 4:15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

What INC implies above is that Paul is the Father and the Gentiles are the offspring, or 'children'. INC then implies that these 'children' are the same children in Acts 2:39.

INC cannot realistically use I Cor 4:15 to prove their point because that verse is implying too much in that all are begotten from the Gospel, therefore, all are children of the Gospel, be it Jew or Gentile.

If we were to use the argument of I Cor 4:15, it could've read in Acts 2:39 (the promise is for the Children of the Gospel and who all are far off), since the Jews and well as Gentiles are begotten through the Gospel.

If the Apostle wanted to keep a consistency in naming groups of people, he could've wrote (the promise is for you, the Gentiles and only to a chosen people in the distant future). What this verse really means is that the promise is for [1]you which are the current Christians which equals the Jews and Gentiles, and for [2]your children which will be the generations to come, and to [3]all who are far off which goes on to define the broad reaches of the promise.

INC also uses Eph 3:6 as another proof-text to further their claim that 'you and your children' are truly the Jews and Gentiles.

What Ephesians 3:6 does prove is the fulfillment of Christ's promise in John 10:16. It describes the other sheep becoming one fold with one shepherd.

Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

In Summary
The fatal error to INC's "other Sheep" doctrine is:
(1) As proven from the Greek in Acts 2:39, 'far off' does not mean a group in the future, it means people everywhere.
(2) INC goes on the use a another prooftext to prove their prooftext in Eph 3:6. Eph 3:6 goes on to prove too much for INC and crumbles along with the two previous points INC trys to argue.

The Chronology of history and true meaning of the Greek exposes what INC is not. INC is not the 'other sheep' of which Christ foretold in John 10:16, it is the Gentiles. The fulfillment of Christ's words are proven in Ephesians 3:6, in which the two separate folds of the Jews and Gentiles became 'one body', 'one flock', 'one shepherd'.


Will The Real "Other Sheep" Please Stand-up! Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) claims they are the 'restored church' as "prophesied" in the Bible. They use several different, unrelated verses to prove their existence, one of which is John 16:10. John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. INC believes that it is their church that Christ speaks of as the 'other sheep' that will emerge sometime in the future. We at Cross + Crusaders believe the are not the 'other sheep'. INC knows that there are certain groups of people that must be accounted for and categorized as one flock or sheep pen, namely the Jews and the Gentiles. INC needs you to believe that Christ, during His earthly ministry, was sent to personally bring salvation to both groups. They need you to believe that because, according to us and the vast majority of Biblical Scholars, the 'other sheep' were, in fact, the Gentiles. INC attempts to prove that the main fold in John 10:16 consisted of the Jew and Gentiles with Luke 2:27-32: Luke 2:27-32 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." With the above verse, INC is prepping listeners to believe that Christ was commissioned to preach to the Jews and the Gentiles during his lifetime. In INC's publication, God's Message, an article called 'Extending the Work of Salvation' by Feljun Fuentes, he states that "His (Christ's) Apostles continued his work of preaching the gospel to the Jews first, then later to the Gentiles." This passage is misleading. The blanket statement they use can easily infer that Christ was sent to receive both the Jew and Gentile giving us one flock during his lifetime. If that was the case, INC would be able to argue that the 'other sheep' is another group of people to be named at a later date. They argue it is INC. Their inference is simply not true. To clarify INC's statement in the article: Christ was commissioned to preach to ONLY the Jews during his lifetime. Only until after His death, was the Kingdom opened to the Gentiles. Lets look at the passage below: Matthew 15:21-28 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly. Christ's mission is clear. He tells us himself. He says that He "WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." He was not sent to receive the Gentiles during his ministry as INC would lead you to believe. The above information about Christ's earthly ministry is key in understanding who the 'other sheep' truly are. So who is Christ referring to when He mentions the "other Sheep" in John 10:16? In John 10:16, he is clarifying his role as Shepherd of the Jews. He then goes on and tell His disciples of his future plans for his 'other sheep', the Gentiles. Christ was not and did not preach to the Gentiles while on earth, but his life and deeds will be used as "A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES" as echoed with Simeon's statement in Luke 2:27-32: Luke 2:27-32 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES and for glory to your people Israel." Christ's earthly deeds gave the Apostles the ability to effectively preach the Gospel to the 'other sheep'. The Gentiles heard and were received into the Church. These events clearly took place after the death of Christ. By the Gentiles assimilating with the Christian Jews, the prophecy of one flock and one shepherd in John 10:16 was fulfilled. To fortify our claim, lets look at more supporting Biblical prooftexts that paint a story of two separate folds: The Gentiles were considered heathens during the life of Christ. In no way were they considered part of God's Kingdom during that time. These two groups of people were truly of different folds. Look at the following verses to support this claim: Matt 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the GENTILES or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Matt 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a GENTILE and a tax collector. Acts 10:28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a GENTILE or visit him.... The Bible is clear on what the early Christians thought of the Gentiles. They were to be avoided. Even Jesus commands the Apostles to tend only to the lost sheep of Israel and not to go to the Gentiles and Samaritans. Jesus, in the fullness of time, will reveal the future salvation plan for the Gentiles. Those plans are precisely prophesied in John 10:16. Only until the Holy Spirit commanded Peter to share the Word of God to the Gentiles (Acts 10), which took place AFTER the death of Christ, was it then the Kingdom of God was opened to them. The following verses show that point to be true: Acts 13:46-48 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the GENTILES. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "`I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Acts 14:27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the GENTILES. Acts 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the GENTILES might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. The above verses prove that the Gentiles where admitted to the Kingdom AFTER Christ's death...AFTER He made his statement of 'other sheep' in John 10:16. Hence, the other sheep are, as we assert, the Gentiles. Ephesians sum-up John 10:16 and it's fulfillment: Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. The Jews and Gentiles had now become one body with one Shepheard as Christ had prophesied. In no way can INC claim the title of the 'other sheep'. Summarizing the above; the historical facts show that: 1. The Gentiles were not of Christ's fold when he was alive. (Matt10:5-6, Acts 10:28) 2. Jesus explicitly commanded the Apostles to minister to the Jews and forego any contact with the Gentiles.(Matt 10:5-6) 3. Jesus was sent only to the Jews (Matt 15:21-28) 4. The Gentiles were considered not of the Jewish Fold. (Acts 10:28) 5. The Kingdom of God was opened to the Gentiles after the death of Christ.(Acts 13,14,15) 6. The prophecy of bringing other sheep into the fold is fulfilled (Eph 3:6) Looking at it in its proper chronological order, all the evidence point to the Gentiles as being the other sheep in John 10:16. __________________________________________________ It is not only our opinion that the Gentiles were the 'other sheep' in John 10:16, but many World renowned Biblical Scholars from all religions. Eventhough, INC further attempts to substantiate their claim stating that the 'other sheep' were no the Gentiles, but INC which will emerge in the last days. They use their interpretation of Acts 2:39 to support that claim: Acts 2:39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." INC believes that Acts 2:39 refers to 3 groups of people on a time continuum. 'you' = Jews 'your children' = Gentiles 'all who are far off' = INC INC is erroneous stating that this passage is some sort of timeline with each piece referring to a specific group of people. It simply cannot be. Here is the evidence. The Greek used in this verse for "far off" is MAKRAN. Below Strongs Greek Lexicon defines "far off" as it is in its context of Acts 2:39. Act 2:39 For [1063] the promise [1860] is [2076] (5748) unto you [5213],and [2532] to your [5216] children [5043], and [2532] to all [3956] that are afar off [1519] [3112], [even] as many as [3745] the Lord [2962] our [2257] God [2316] shall call [302][4341]. ______________________ 3112 makran {mak-ran'} = far off feminine accusative case singular of 3117 (3598 being implied); TDNT - 4:372,549; adv AV - far 4, afar off 2, good way off 1, far hence 1, great way off 1, far off 1; 10 1) far, a great way 2) far hence ______________________ There are 10 instances in the Bible to where 'MAKRAN' is used. ALL of the passages that contain "FAR OFF" in its Greek equivalent refer to geographical distance, not time distance. Mat 8:30 And [1161] there was [2258] (5713) a good WAY OFF [3112] from [575] them [846] an herd [34] of many [4183] swine [5519] feeding [1006] (5746). Mar 12:34 And [2532] when Jesus [2424] saw [1492] (5631) that [3754] he [846] answered [611] (5662) discreetly [3562], he said [2036] (5627) unto him [846], Thou art [1488] (5748) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] the kingdom [932] of God [2316]. And [2532] no man [3762] after that [3765] durst [5111] (5707) ask [1905] (5658) him [846] [any question]. Luk 7:6 Then [1161] Jesus [2424] went [4198] (5711) with [4862] them [846]. And [1161] when he [846] was [568] (5723) now [2235] not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] the house [3614], the centurion [1543] sent [3992] (5656) friends [5384] to [4314] him [846], saying [3004] (5723) unto him [846], Lord [2962], trouble [4660] [0] not [3361] thyself [4660] (5744): for [1063] I am [1510] (5748) not [3756] worthy [2425] that [2443] thou shouldest enter [1525] (5632) under [5259] my [3450] roof [4721]: Luk 15:20 And [2532] he arose [450] (5631), and came [2064] (5627) to [4314] his [1438] father [3962]. But [1161] when he [846] was yet [2089] a great WAY [3112] OFF [568] (5723), his [846] father [3962] saw [1492] (5627) him [846], and [2532] had compassion [4697] (5675), and [2532] ran [5143] (5631), and fell [1968] (5627) on [1909] his [846] neck [5137], and [2532] kissed [2705] (5656) him [846]. Jhn 21:8 And [1161] the other [243] disciples [3101] came [2064] (5627) in a little ship [4142]; (for [1063] they were [2258] (5713) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] land [1093], but [235] as it were [5613] [575] two hundred [1250] cubits [4083],) dragging [4951] (5723) the net [1350] with fishes [2486]. Act 2:39 For [1063] the promise [1860] is [2076] (5748) unto you [5213], and [2532] to your [5216] children [5043], and [2532] to all [3956] that are AFAR OFF [1519] [3112], [even] as many as [3745] the Lord [2962] our [2257] God [2316] shall call [302] [4341] (5667). Act 17:27 That they should seek [2212] (5721) the Lord [2962], if [1487] haply [686] they might feel [5584] (5659) after him [846], and [2532] find him [2147] (5630), though [2544] he be [5225] (5723) not [3756] FAR [3112] from [575] every [1538] one [1520] of us [2257]: Act 22:21 And [2532] he said [2036] (5627) unto [4314] me [3165], Depart [4198] (5737): for [3754] I [1473] will send [1821] (5692) thee [4571] FAR hence [3112] unto [1519] the Gentiles [1484]. Eph 2:13 But [1161] now [3570] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] ye [5210] who [3588] sometimes [4218] were [5607] (5752) FAR OFF [3112] are made [1096] (5675) nigh [1451] by [1722] the blood [129] of Christ [5547]. Eph 2:17 And [2532] came [2064] (5631) and preached [2097] (5668) peace [1515] to you [5213] which [3588] were AFAR OFF [3112], and [2532] to them that were nigh [1451]. "FAR OFF" in Acts 2:39 and in all the above verses that it is used refer to a geographical distance, not a time continuum. This is another proof which fortifies our claim that INC is NOT the "OTHER SHEEP" in John 10:16. To prove their claim that the Apostle was naming three groups of people in Acts 2:39, INC goes to I Cor 4:15 which explains who the 'children' are in Acts 2:39. INC states that the 'children' are the children in the faith, the Gentiles. I Corinthians 4:15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. What INC implies above is that Paul is the Father and the Gentiles are the offspring, or 'children'. INC then implies that these 'children' are the same children in Acts 2:39. INC cannot realistically use I Cor 4:15 to prove their point because that verse is implying too much in that all are begotten from the Gospel, therefore, all are children of the Gospel, be it Jew or Gentile. If we were to use the argument of I Cor 4:15, it could've read in Acts 2:39 (the promise is for the Children of the Gospel and who all are far off), since the Jews and well as Gentiles are begotten through the Gospel. If the Apostle wanted to keep a consistency in naming groups of people, he could've wrote (the promise is for you, the Gentiles and only to a chosen people in the distant future). What this verse really means is that the promise is for [1]you which are the current Christians which equals the Jews and Gentiles, and for [2]your children which will be the generations to come, and to [3]all who are far off which goes on to define the broad reaches of the promise. INC also uses Eph 3:6 as another proof-text to further their claim that 'you and your children' are truly the Jews and Gentiles. What Ephesians 3:6 does prove is the fulfillment of Christ's promise in John 10:16. It describes the other sheep becoming one fold with one shepherd. Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. In Summary The fatal error to INC's "other Sheep" doctrine is: (1) As proven from the Greek in Acts 2:39, 'far off' does not mean a group in the future, it means people everywhere. (2) INC goes on the use a another prooftext to prove their prooftext in Eph 3:6. Eph 3:6 goes on to prove too much for INC and crumbles along with the two previous points INC trys to argue. The Chronology of history and true meaning of the Greek exposes what INC is not. INC is not the 'other sheep' of which Christ foretold in John 10:16, it is the Gentiles. The fulfillment of Christ's words are proven in Ephesians 3:6, in which the two separate folds of the Jews and Gentiles became 'one body', 'one flock', 'one shepherd'.