Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” (Acts 11:1-3)
In the previous study, Peter explained a very important Truth. Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— (Acts 10:34-36;see ACTS: Jesus Christ is the Savior of All People, the Jews and "Cornelius", the Gentiles) Sadly, the Jews, even some of the apostles and disciples still didn't understand that. Remember, when Peter initially arrived at Cornelius house, he said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for." (Acts 10:28-29)
But God! But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. (Acts 11:4-10; see ACTS: Jesus Christ is the Savior of All People, the Jews and "Cornelius", the Gentiles)
"At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. (Acts 11:11-15; see ACTS: Jesus Christ is the Savior of All People, the Jews and "Cornelius", the Gentiles)
"Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” (Acts 11:16-18) Many things Christ Jesus taught, especially the parables didn't always make since at the time; but as we continue studying the book of Acts, a lot of those lessons and parables become more clear.
Jesus once taught a parable about worker's who where called to work in a vineyard at different times throughout the day. At the end of the day, the landowner paid each of them the same wage. The landowner represented God. The worker's who worked all day were upset that the worker's who came later received the same pay. These worker's represented the Jews. The "landowner" explained himself this way: Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ (Matthew 20:14-15; see THE GOSPEL: Salvation is Available to All)
There is no room for prejudice in God's church, in His body of believers. Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all! God shows no partiality, and neither should we. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him, and they should be accepted by us also. There is no one denomination, race of people, or culture that is superior over another in the eye of God, ...since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:9-11) AMEN
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
ACTS: Jesus Christ is the Savior of All People, the Jews and "Cornelius", the Gentiles!
And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. (Acts 10:24)
In the previous lesson, we learned that Cornelius was ... a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. (Acts 10:1-2) In a vision, an angel of God spoke to Him and said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” (Acts 10:4-6)
Soon after, God also spoke to Peter through a vision ...and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. (Acts 10:9-16) We must keep in mind that this is the first time that a "Gentile" would be witnessed to. (see ACTS: Cornelius, a Gentile Who Feared God, Sends for Peter!)
In the previous lesson, we learned that Cornelius was ... a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. (Acts 10:1-2) In a vision, an angel of God spoke to Him and said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” (Acts 10:4-6)
Soon after, God also spoke to Peter through a vision ...and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. (Acts 10:9-16) We must keep in mind that this is the first time that a "Gentile" would be witnessed to. (see ACTS: Cornelius, a Gentile Who Feared God, Sends for Peter!)
As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. (Acts 10:25-29) So now we understand the vision of the animals, ...the mystery ..., which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, (Ephesians 3:3-6)
"I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” (Acts 10:29-33)
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— (Acts 10:34-36) This is very important, and it is the Truth! ...God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (I Timothy 2:3-6)
Peter continued, "that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:37-43; see all "THE GOSPELS")
Peter summarized the gospel message perfectly in the above few sentences. We don't have to add to it or take away from it. If we would just put these words in our hearts and share them with all that we come in contact with, then we too will lead others to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, no matter who they are or where they're from. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. (Acts 10:44-48)
We must remember two very important facts, based on the above scriptures: baptism doesn't save us, it's just an outward showing of a spiritual rebirth that has taken place inside of us. Believing the Word of God, in Christ Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit is how we are saved. Remember Jesus told Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8; see THE GOSPEL: Born Again! How?)
Secondly, when we first studied tongues, we learned that the purpose of tongues was for the apostles and disciples to preach the gospel to people from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude [of people] came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:5-6; see ACTS: Tongues and Its Purpose, Spreading the Gospel and the Church) So why were Cornelius and all his relative and close friends speaking with tongues and magnify God, after they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit? Jesus had explained to the disciples, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;..." (Mark 16:17)
We must keep in mind that this was the first recorded time that a Gentile was witnessed to and believed; And those of the circumcision [Jews] who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles [non-Jews] also. God spoke through Paul, In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” [Isaiah 28:11-12] says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers;... (I Corinthians 14:21-22) God allowed these new Gentile converts to speak in tongues for a sign, to help Peter and those with him in their astonishment and possible unbelief.
For many of us, it's one thing to say we believe something and tell it to others, but many times we aren't really convinced. Peter did what God commanded him to do, but this was still the first time he had done anything like this. Remember he said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. The apostles and disciples had also heard Jesus say, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Whoever believes, but now the the mystery has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs. What better confirmation from God than to let the Gentiles speak in tongues just as the apostles and disciples had, when they had also received the Holy Spirit? Whether this happens to each of us or not when we believe is debatable, because there are many gifts of the Spirit. (I Corinthians 12) But it was very important to God to allow it to happen when the Gentiles believed, for the benefit of His holy apostles and prophets!
We must remember two very important facts, based on the above scriptures: baptism doesn't save us, it's just an outward showing of a spiritual rebirth that has taken place inside of us. Believing the Word of God, in Christ Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit is how we are saved. Remember Jesus told Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8; see THE GOSPEL: Born Again! How?)
Secondly, when we first studied tongues, we learned that the purpose of tongues was for the apostles and disciples to preach the gospel to people from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude [of people] came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:5-6; see ACTS: Tongues and Its Purpose, Spreading the Gospel and the Church) So why were Cornelius and all his relative and close friends speaking with tongues and magnify God, after they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit? Jesus had explained to the disciples, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;..." (Mark 16:17)
We must keep in mind that this was the first recorded time that a Gentile was witnessed to and believed; And those of the circumcision [Jews] who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles [non-Jews] also. God spoke through Paul, In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” [Isaiah 28:11-12] says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers;... (I Corinthians 14:21-22) God allowed these new Gentile converts to speak in tongues for a sign, to help Peter and those with him in their astonishment and possible unbelief.
For many of us, it's one thing to say we believe something and tell it to others, but many times we aren't really convinced. Peter did what God commanded him to do, but this was still the first time he had done anything like this. Remember he said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. The apostles and disciples had also heard Jesus say, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Whoever believes, but now the the mystery has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs. What better confirmation from God than to let the Gentiles speak in tongues just as the apostles and disciples had, when they had also received the Holy Spirit? Whether this happens to each of us or not when we believe is debatable, because there are many gifts of the Spirit. (I Corinthians 12) But it was very important to God to allow it to happen when the Gentiles believed, for the benefit of His holy apostles and prophets!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
ACTS: Cornelius, a Gentile Who Feared God, Sends for Peter!
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. (Acts 10:1-2)
Caesarea was a Roman city Herod established on Israel's coast. (read "Caesarea"). A centurion was a Roman army officer, theoretically in charge of 100 men. Cornelius was not a Jew, but a Gentile. This would be very significant in the early church, because up to this point, no Gentiles were recorded in the scriptures as being converted. We studied when Phillip lead the Ethiopian to Christ, but back then, an African would not have been considered a Gentile. Today we refer to all non-Jews as Gentiles, but back then, only the Roman occupiers were referred to as Gentiles. (read "The Meaning of the Word Gentile as Used in Scripture")
Caesarea was a Roman city Herod established on Israel's coast. (read "Caesarea"). A centurion was a Roman army officer, theoretically in charge of 100 men. Cornelius was not a Jew, but a Gentile. This would be very significant in the early church, because up to this point, no Gentiles were recorded in the scriptures as being converted. We studied when Phillip lead the Ethiopian to Christ, but back then, an African would not have been considered a Gentile. Today we refer to all non-Jews as Gentiles, but back then, only the Roman occupiers were referred to as Gentiles. (read "The Meaning of the Word Gentile as Used in Scripture")
Not only is Cornelius a Gentile, but he is a Gentile who is a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. The Roman culture, similar to most of the other nations outside of Isreal had many gods. In a future lesson we will study Paul (formerly Saul) would say, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. (Acts 17:22-23) So for Cornelius "to be monotheist, a Gentile who worshiped the One God" was very uncommon. (read "Cornelius the Centurion").
About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. (Acts 10:3-8)
The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. (Acts 10:9-16)
We have to understand Jewish culture in order to understand Peter's response that all the different four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air were common or unclean. The children of Israel were clearly instructed by God as to which foods were permitted and which foods were forbidden for them. (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21) God instructed them, " You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean, and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine." (Leviticus 20:25-26)
Being a Jew, Peter felt the same sentiment as the prophet Ezekiel, when he said, “Ah, Lord God! Indeed I have never defiled myself from my youth till now; I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has abominable flesh ever come into my mouth.” (Ezekiel 4:14) But God makes it clear to Peter, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This vision means more than what Peter could and could not eat, as we will soon study. Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:17-20)
Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. (Acts 10:21-23)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
ACTS: Peter Performs Miracles of Healing and Resurrection, in the name of Jesus the Christ!
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. (Acts 9:32-33)
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:34-35) Jesus promised, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) From the moment the apostles and disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they had been doing the works that Christ did, they did also.
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha [Aramaic], which is translated Dorcas [Greek]. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. (Acts 9:36-38)
This disciple, Tabitha became sick and died, but other disciples still sent for Peter to come. Why? Just like with Jesus, when Lazarus was sick, his sisters Mary and Martha sent for Jesus because they believed, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (John 11:21-22; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life - 2) Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. (Acts 9:39)
What a beautiful testimony to Tabitha's life, that the widows stood by him weeping weren't hired mourners, as was the custom, but that they genuinely knew and cared about this woman. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:30-31) But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. (Acts 9:40)
Yet again, in everything Peter did, he did in the name of Jesus the Christ, and he followed Christ's example, by removing the spectators and praying to God the Father. (Matthew 9:18-26; see THE GOSPEL: Life More Than Flesh) And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (Acts 9:40-41)
What Peter did wasn't anything new. Jesus had done the same kinds of miracles when he was physically with the apostles and disciples, and many of the prophets before then had done similar miracles. (I Kings 17:17-24) Almost every time one of these miracles is recorded in scripture, it concludes with the fact that those who witnessed these miracles ended up believing the Word of God, or believing on Jesus. That should always be the intention and goal, just as it was here; And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:42-43)
Jesus explained the purpose of miracles, “This sickness [or whatever condition] is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life - 1)" “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me." (John 12:44-45) The miracles prove that God is real and that Christ Jesus is the Son of God, the Word of God in the flesh.
There is no other faith, belief or religion that glorifies God in this way. All others teach that we have to work to earn; that we have the power inside of us naturally; that all paths lead to God. We who are saved however are believers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) AMEN!
If we want to do the greater works, then we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and do all things in the name of Jesus the Christ. Jesus reassured us, "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God." (John 16:26-27) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (I John 5:14-15) Even the power the heal!
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:34-35) Jesus promised, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) From the moment the apostles and disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they had been doing the works that Christ did, they did also.
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha [Aramaic], which is translated Dorcas [Greek]. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. (Acts 9:36-38)
This disciple, Tabitha became sick and died, but other disciples still sent for Peter to come. Why? Just like with Jesus, when Lazarus was sick, his sisters Mary and Martha sent for Jesus because they believed, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (John 11:21-22; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life - 2) Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. (Acts 9:39)
What a beautiful testimony to Tabitha's life, that the widows stood by him weeping weren't hired mourners, as was the custom, but that they genuinely knew and cared about this woman. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:30-31) But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. (Acts 9:40)
Yet again, in everything Peter did, he did in the name of Jesus the Christ, and he followed Christ's example, by removing the spectators and praying to God the Father. (Matthew 9:18-26; see THE GOSPEL: Life More Than Flesh) And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (Acts 9:40-41)
What Peter did wasn't anything new. Jesus had done the same kinds of miracles when he was physically with the apostles and disciples, and many of the prophets before then had done similar miracles. (I Kings 17:17-24) Almost every time one of these miracles is recorded in scripture, it concludes with the fact that those who witnessed these miracles ended up believing the Word of God, or believing on Jesus. That should always be the intention and goal, just as it was here; And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:42-43)
Jesus explained the purpose of miracles, “This sickness [or whatever condition] is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life - 1)" “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me." (John 12:44-45) The miracles prove that God is real and that Christ Jesus is the Son of God, the Word of God in the flesh.
There is no other faith, belief or religion that glorifies God in this way. All others teach that we have to work to earn; that we have the power inside of us naturally; that all paths lead to God. We who are saved however are believers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) AMEN!
If we want to do the greater works, then we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and do all things in the name of Jesus the Christ. Jesus reassured us, "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God." (John 16:26-27) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (I John 5:14-15) Even the power the heal!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
ACTS: Phillip Preaches Christ Jesus to an Ethiopian, and He is Saved!
Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. (Acts 8:26-28)
Many times people can be heard saying, and a very famous and well known TV personality has even said this, "how can people in the most remote parts of the world believe in Christ Jesus if they've never heard the gospel or read the bible?" We have got to remember that In the beginning God created... (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Throughout the history of mankind, God revealed Himself through the children of Israel, and as recorded in Nehemiah, ...and all the nations around us saw these things,... (Nehemiah 6:16; see Christianity vs. Religion; Watch Out for Counterfeits) God has put the knowledge of Himself in all people, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (Romans 1:19-20)
The well known TV personality who couldn't believe that Christ Jesus is the only way to God was thinking of mankind more highly than she ought.; and we are not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) God doesn't need us to reveal the Truth to anyone; He has already done that! He just uses us to help explain to them what He's already put in them. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:27-31)
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 12:14-15, 17) Preachers or teachers of God's Word are so important, that's why we must Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 KJV)
And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this:
Many times people can be heard saying, and a very famous and well known TV personality has even said this, "how can people in the most remote parts of the world believe in Christ Jesus if they've never heard the gospel or read the bible?" We have got to remember that In the beginning God created... (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Throughout the history of mankind, God revealed Himself through the children of Israel, and as recorded in Nehemiah, ...and all the nations around us saw these things,... (Nehemiah 6:16; see Christianity vs. Religion; Watch Out for Counterfeits) God has put the knowledge of Himself in all people, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (Romans 1:19-20)
The well known TV personality who couldn't believe that Christ Jesus is the only way to God was thinking of mankind more highly than she ought.; and we are not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) God doesn't need us to reveal the Truth to anyone; He has already done that! He just uses us to help explain to them what He's already put in them. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:27-31)
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 12:14-15, 17) Preachers or teachers of God's Word are so important, that's why we must Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 KJV)
And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this:
“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”[Isaiah 53:7-8] (Acts 8:31-33)
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”[Isaiah 53:7-8] (Acts 8:31-33)
So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. (Acts 8:34-35)
Let this be a lesson to all of us, the only message we are to share with anyone is Christ Jesus! We don't need to try and convince anyone to go to a certain church or study group. We don't need to tell anyone they have to be baptized a certain way. We don't need to tell anyone that they need to listen to a certain TV ministry. All those things aren't bad in and of themselves. But the most important thing we can do for anyone we come in contact with is to preach [teach] Jesus to them. They have the knowledge of God manifest in them; next thing they need is the understanding of what they have read [or heard].
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36-37) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) Thank God for making this clear in the scriptures! Getting baptized does not save us!!!
Getting baptized is an outward showing of a spiritual change that has taken place within us; not by works of righteousness which we have done [like being baptized], but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:5-6) Like John the Baptizer stated so clearly, "I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)
So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. (Acts 8:38-40) ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,... (Galatians 5:22) and this Eunuch went on his way rejoicing, because he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of joy! Being in his position of authority in Ethiopia, surely he also went his way spread the Word of God, just as Phillip continued to do! For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,...! (II Corinthians 4:5)
Let this be a lesson to all of us, the only message we are to share with anyone is Christ Jesus! We don't need to try and convince anyone to go to a certain church or study group. We don't need to tell anyone they have to be baptized a certain way. We don't need to tell anyone that they need to listen to a certain TV ministry. All those things aren't bad in and of themselves. But the most important thing we can do for anyone we come in contact with is to preach [teach] Jesus to them. They have the knowledge of God manifest in them; next thing they need is the understanding of what they have read [or heard].
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36-37) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) Thank God for making this clear in the scriptures! Getting baptized does not save us!!!
Getting baptized is an outward showing of a spiritual change that has taken place within us; not by works of righteousness which we have done [like being baptized], but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:5-6) Like John the Baptizer stated so clearly, "I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)
So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. (Acts 8:38-40) ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,... (Galatians 5:22) and this Eunuch went on his way rejoicing, because he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of joy! Being in his position of authority in Ethiopia, surely he also went his way spread the Word of God, just as Phillip continued to do! For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,...! (II Corinthians 4:5)
Monday, September 23, 2013
ACTS: Introduction to Phillip; Simon the Sorcerer Believed, Baptized, but not Saved!
But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Acts 8:9-12)
Samaria had a very interesting history, becoming the capital of the northern kingdom, Israel, after Judah was divided. Their culture became permeated with pagan customs and loyal to the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian governments. (read "Samaria") As was the custom in most pagan societies, which was true from the time the children of Israel were in Egypt, But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. (Exodus 7:11) We must be mindful that the devil has his angels also who use people, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-15)
So Phillip, one of the ...seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,... (Acts 6:3) he went to Samaria when a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:13-17)
This is a very important fact that we must understand: we can receive the word of God, be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but still not be saved, not receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus once taught a parable about the sower, and He explained what the parable meant: “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:18-22)
Three different types of people with three different types of responses to the Word of God, two of which may appear to be believers initially, but their true heart condition eventually becomes evident. Whether the third example is a saved person or not is up for debated, but becoming unfruitful is not a good sign. But the fourth example, "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23) This person is saved and receive the Holy Spirit. The proof is because he hears the word and understands it. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:13-14)
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. (Acts 8:18-21) Jesus had made it very clear, that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Simon believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done; but he had not receive the Holy Spirit. He was mistaken like so many people are that salvation is something you can earn or work to achieve; but ...the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (Romans 5:15) It's never to late for us to change and accept this free gift of salvation. All we have to do is the same thing Peter and John told Simon to do, "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:22-24)
Peter and John told Simon what he needed to do, repent and pray to God; but how did he respond? He asked them to pray to the Lord for him. People can pray for us, but we have to pray for ourselves. Only when we ...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) That's something no one else can do for us. All the prayers in the world can't save us, but just lead us to the Truth. Once there, we have to pray and accept Christ Jesus for ourselves. Let's learn from Simon's example how not to respond to the Word of God, but to respond like so many other, who were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:25)
Samaria had a very interesting history, becoming the capital of the northern kingdom, Israel, after Judah was divided. Their culture became permeated with pagan customs and loyal to the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian governments. (read "Samaria") As was the custom in most pagan societies, which was true from the time the children of Israel were in Egypt, But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. (Exodus 7:11) We must be mindful that the devil has his angels also who use people, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-15)
So Phillip, one of the ...seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,... (Acts 6:3) he went to Samaria when a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:13-17)
This is a very important fact that we must understand: we can receive the word of God, be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but still not be saved, not receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus once taught a parable about the sower, and He explained what the parable meant: “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:18-22)
Three different types of people with three different types of responses to the Word of God, two of which may appear to be believers initially, but their true heart condition eventually becomes evident. Whether the third example is a saved person or not is up for debated, but becoming unfruitful is not a good sign. But the fourth example, "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23) This person is saved and receive the Holy Spirit. The proof is because he hears the word and understands it. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:13-14)
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. (Acts 8:18-21) Jesus had made it very clear, that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Simon believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done; but he had not receive the Holy Spirit. He was mistaken like so many people are that salvation is something you can earn or work to achieve; but ...the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (Romans 5:15) It's never to late for us to change and accept this free gift of salvation. All we have to do is the same thing Peter and John told Simon to do, "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:22-24)
Peter and John told Simon what he needed to do, repent and pray to God; but how did he respond? He asked them to pray to the Lord for him. People can pray for us, but we have to pray for ourselves. Only when we ...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) That's something no one else can do for us. All the prayers in the world can't save us, but just lead us to the Truth. Once there, we have to pray and accept Christ Jesus for ourselves. Let's learn from Simon's example how not to respond to the Word of God, but to respond like so many other, who were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:25)
Friday, September 20, 2013
ACTS: Saul, Once a Persecutor of the Church, Now a Proclaimer of the Gospel!
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:10-12)
In the previous lesson, we were introduced to Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:1-4; see ACTS: Introduction to Saul, the Conversion of the Persecutor of the Church)
Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:8-9) So Christ is sending Ananias to Saul. Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:13-16)
Now we know why Saul is called the "thirteenth apostle". As we studied in a previous lesson, an apostle is a person who was an eye witness of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and/or had direct contact with Christ and participates in the ministry of spreading the gospel. (see ACTS: Jesus is Coming Back, but We're Empowered Now) Jesus says that Saul is His chosen vessel, to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Not just Saul or the other twelve apostles, but all of us who believe in Christ Jesus ...are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9 NLT)
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:17-20)
What a transformation! And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) A personal encounter with Christ Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being strengthened, all can lead to us becoming bold witnesses for Christ, no matter what we may have been or done in the past. When we accept salvation, we can't stay the same for long, but we do transform by the renewing of our mind. Family, friends and acquaintances will notice the difference in us, just like the Jews in Damascus noticed the difference in Saul.
Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (Acts 9:21-24)
Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:25-27)
The Jews noticed the difference in Saul, but true to history, they would rather try to kill the messenger than receive the message. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. (II Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT) But none of us will leave this earth until God says it's time, and thankfully God spared Saul, because He promised that Saul would bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Saul could rest assured no matter what happened to him, he wasn't going to die until Christ's Word for his life was fulfilled, and the same is true for all of us.
As for the apostles, they had every right to be afraid of him. The last time Saul had been in Jerusalem, the council from the Synagogue of Freedmen had stoned one of the disciples, Stephen; And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 7:58) But there's nothing like an eye witness, who will speak up for us, and thankfully that's what Barnabas did for Saul. No matter what we may have done in the past, if we have accepted Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, let's start doing what He would have us to do. Somebody is watching and taking notice, even if that person is Christ Jesus Himself, and The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,... (Romans 8:16)
So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:28-31) Jesus said, "[Saul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." The church was growing, and also spreading, and it still is today, because all of us have to "Go therefore...!" (Matthew 28:19)
In the previous lesson, we were introduced to Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:1-4; see ACTS: Introduction to Saul, the Conversion of the Persecutor of the Church)
Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:8-9) So Christ is sending Ananias to Saul. Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:13-16)
Now we know why Saul is called the "thirteenth apostle". As we studied in a previous lesson, an apostle is a person who was an eye witness of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and/or had direct contact with Christ and participates in the ministry of spreading the gospel. (see ACTS: Jesus is Coming Back, but We're Empowered Now) Jesus says that Saul is His chosen vessel, to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Not just Saul or the other twelve apostles, but all of us who believe in Christ Jesus ...are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9 NLT)
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (Acts 9:17-20)
What a transformation! And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) A personal encounter with Christ Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being strengthened, all can lead to us becoming bold witnesses for Christ, no matter what we may have been or done in the past. When we accept salvation, we can't stay the same for long, but we do transform by the renewing of our mind. Family, friends and acquaintances will notice the difference in us, just like the Jews in Damascus noticed the difference in Saul.
Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (Acts 9:21-24)
Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:25-27)
The Jews noticed the difference in Saul, but true to history, they would rather try to kill the messenger than receive the message. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. (II Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT) But none of us will leave this earth until God says it's time, and thankfully God spared Saul, because He promised that Saul would bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Saul could rest assured no matter what happened to him, he wasn't going to die until Christ's Word for his life was fulfilled, and the same is true for all of us.
As for the apostles, they had every right to be afraid of him. The last time Saul had been in Jerusalem, the council from the Synagogue of Freedmen had stoned one of the disciples, Stephen; And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 7:58) But there's nothing like an eye witness, who will speak up for us, and thankfully that's what Barnabas did for Saul. No matter what we may have done in the past, if we have accepted Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, let's start doing what He would have us to do. Somebody is watching and taking notice, even if that person is Christ Jesus Himself, and The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,... (Romans 8:16)
So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:28-31) Jesus said, "[Saul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." The church was growing, and also spreading, and it still is today, because all of us have to "Go therefore...!" (Matthew 28:19)
Thursday, September 19, 2013
ACTS: Introduction to Saul, the Conversion of the Persecutor of the Church!
...and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:58-59) Now Saul was consenting to his death. (Acts 8:1)
In the previous lessons, we learned that Stephen was a disciple full of faith and the Holy Spirit. After his long speech before the Synagogue of Freedmen (see ACTS: Introduction to Stephen the Martyr, and a Lesson of Israel's History) , where he accurately declared the Jew's history based on scripture from Abraham to Christ, they stoned him. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60; see ACTS: Stephen the Martyr; Expect Persecution, but "Great is your reward in heaven!")
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:2) Remember the twelve apostles committed themselves ...continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:4) But there were thousands of believers in Jerusalem and devout men, from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5; see ACTS: Tongues and Its Purpose, Spreading the Gospel and the Church) So, as these believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, the Word of God and the message of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus was spreading also.
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3) This Saul was an evil man, or was he? We'll learn more about him in future lessons, but for now, suffice it to say that he believed as the Jewish religious leaders did, and he did not want the gospel message to be taught or spread, so much so that made havoc of the church, and committed men and women to prison. Unheard of!
But as we learned in a previous study, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31; see ACTS: Bold Witnesses, No Matter Who Opposes) Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8)
Phillip was one of seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom was appointed...(Acts 6:3; see ACTS: Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, to Serve How and Where We're Most Needed) We will study more about the works the Holy Spirit did through him in the next lessons. But as for Saul, Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:2-6)
The world can hate God and hate the message of salvation, but when Christ speaks to us and we hear and listen to Him, it doesn't matter if we are the chief of sinners (I Timothy 1:15), we will not be able to ignore Him. Just as the Jewish religious leaders had marveled over the apostles, because they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13), the world tries to silence the messengers because the message is powerful and convicting; but Jesus told Saul, and all of us need to understand that It is hard for you to kick against the goads. In other words, as the Pharisee Gamaliel said to the council when the apostles were on trial, "...if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
Well, Saul couldn't fight against God anymore! And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:7-9) When we go through major spiritual changes in our lives, we need to do just like Jesus always did and like Saul is doing now, fast, neither eat nor drink, or watch TV, or get on social media, or whatever other worldly distractions we have. (see THE GOSPEL: The Right Time to Fast)
Let Jesus be our example, Who when He had fasted forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:2), He was tempted by the devil; but Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, (Luke 4:1), overcame every temptation with the Word of God. (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. (Luke 4:14-15) We all need to spend time with Jesus, by studying the Word of God, praying and fasting; and then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Gives Final Instruction, then He Ascends)
In the previous lessons, we learned that Stephen was a disciple full of faith and the Holy Spirit. After his long speech before the Synagogue of Freedmen (see ACTS: Introduction to Stephen the Martyr, and a Lesson of Israel's History) , where he accurately declared the Jew's history based on scripture from Abraham to Christ, they stoned him. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60; see ACTS: Stephen the Martyr; Expect Persecution, but "Great is your reward in heaven!")
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:2) Remember the twelve apostles committed themselves ...continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:4) But there were thousands of believers in Jerusalem and devout men, from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5; see ACTS: Tongues and Its Purpose, Spreading the Gospel and the Church) So, as these believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, the Word of God and the message of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus was spreading also.
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3) This Saul was an evil man, or was he? We'll learn more about him in future lessons, but for now, suffice it to say that he believed as the Jewish religious leaders did, and he did not want the gospel message to be taught or spread, so much so that made havoc of the church, and committed men and women to prison. Unheard of!
But as we learned in a previous study, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31; see ACTS: Bold Witnesses, No Matter Who Opposes) Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8)
Phillip was one of seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom was appointed...(Acts 6:3; see ACTS: Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, to Serve How and Where We're Most Needed) We will study more about the works the Holy Spirit did through him in the next lessons. But as for Saul, Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:2-6)
The world can hate God and hate the message of salvation, but when Christ speaks to us and we hear and listen to Him, it doesn't matter if we are the chief of sinners (I Timothy 1:15), we will not be able to ignore Him. Just as the Jewish religious leaders had marveled over the apostles, because they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13), the world tries to silence the messengers because the message is powerful and convicting; but Jesus told Saul, and all of us need to understand that It is hard for you to kick against the goads. In other words, as the Pharisee Gamaliel said to the council when the apostles were on trial, "...if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
Well, Saul couldn't fight against God anymore! And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:7-9) When we go through major spiritual changes in our lives, we need to do just like Jesus always did and like Saul is doing now, fast, neither eat nor drink, or watch TV, or get on social media, or whatever other worldly distractions we have. (see THE GOSPEL: The Right Time to Fast)
Let Jesus be our example, Who when He had fasted forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:2), He was tempted by the devil; but Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, (Luke 4:1), overcame every temptation with the Word of God. (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. (Luke 4:14-15) We all need to spend time with Jesus, by studying the Word of God, praying and fasting; and then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Gives Final Instruction, then He Ascends)
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