Psalm 124:1-8 From Fear to Freedom
6 Blessed be Yahweh, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare. The snare is broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh, who made heaven and earth."
Observations: (*See note on Ps 120) 124:1-5 This psalm provides the solution to the previous distress in Psalm 123. The enemy was overwhelming, and if God hadn't helped, Israel would have been destroyed. Israel's helper is the maker of the heavens, the same place their help came from in Psalm 121:2 “My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” and the the place where the psalmist looked in Psalm 123:1 “Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.”
124:6-8 The psalmist responds to God's help with praising and blessing Him, who not only helps, but frees His people, destroying their enemies in the process.
Application: Call out to the God who is on your side, and then bless Him for His salvation.
Prayer: My Creator and my God, thanks that You are on my side, and that I can trust You to help and deliver me, especially in overwhelming circumstances, for I am Your child. Amen.
Proverbs 30:11-12 The Stinky Me Generation
Pr 30:11 “There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.“
Observations: 30:11-12 Welcome to our world. Ever since the ten commandments were removed from the educational process back in the 1960's there has not been respect for authority. Therefore, this current generation measures goodness by their own standard, themselves: “If it's me, it must be good.” Unfortunately, the unregenerate and unsanctified adults of the “me generation” stink like a toddler with a poopy diaper. Because parents have bought into the innate goodness of humans, and abandoned their responsibility to Biblically parent their offspring, they have raised a generation of self-centered uncivilized life forms, barely discernible from animals (except animals know to respect their elders).
Application: Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and stays there unless trained out of them by Biblical parents who love their kids.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would guide, protect, and prosper parents who seek to obey You and raise up godly children. I pray the same for the children who will shine as lights in their dark and perverse generation, may they not be targets, but may they attract others to You. Amen.
Acts 8-12 In this section the good news goes to the Gentiles as the Holy Spirit expands the witness according to Acts 1:8. The Ethiopian eunuch is converted, as is Saul, and Cornelius the centurion. As the Gentiles come into the Church, the Jews resist them until Peter has a vision and the Gentiles have a Pentecost. The Church gets established in Antioch, and the Jewish Christians are persecuted in Jerusalem; James is killed and Peter walks. Herod gets eaten by worms and the word of God multiplies. Pay close attention to the role of the Holy Spirit as you read these chapters.
Acts 8 Philip Ministers
5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 There was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man, Simon (Magnus) by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, 10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of God." 11 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." 24 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me." 25 They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
Observations: 8:1-4 God used the persecution that arose after Stephen was stoned to scatter the church to all Judea and Samaria in accord with Acts 1:8. (See map.) Building on the momentum of Stephen's death, Saul even went into houses to drag men and women off to prison. Only the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Everyone else scattered and shared the good news about the word of the Kingdom and Jesus (8:12) as they went. Peter wrote his first epistle to these sojourning saints, encouraging them with the glories that awaited those who were faithful.
1Pt 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the sojourners scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the refining of your faith...may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 10 Of this salvation the prophets...prophesied of the grace that would come to you 11... testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12... ministering the things reported to you by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven
8:5-14 Philip, the servant listed after Stephen in 6:5 (remember the apostles were still in Jerusalem), delivered God's message and demonstrated His power in Samaria, the former capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Two potential snares to Biblical church growth are avoided. A sorcerer (one who does miracles by drawing on the power of the dark side) named Simon (Magus is translated sorcerer above), had amazed the city with his miracles, and everyone had listened to him. (Memo to self: people who don't know the truth pay attention to the lies of the devil, authenticated by dark power.) Simon hears and believes the truth Philip is teaching, gets baptized, and sticks around to learn more.
8:14-25 When the apostles hear how Samaria received the word/logos of God they sent Peter and John (who were Jesus' closest disciples, yet under the authority of the group) to go and pray that the believers might receive the Holy Spirit. The believers had only been baptized in the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit had not come upon them, as had happened in Jerusalem. A lot of confusion has arisen from failing to understand the transitional nature of the book of Acts. In Jerusalem every person was healed (5:16), every person was promised the Holy Spirit (2:38), and all were filled with the Holy Spirit (4:31) there is no mention of laying on of hands by the apostles (although reception was linked with obedience in 5:16). Later on in Acts 9:17, 10:44, and 18:24 things are different. In the epistles, the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, at the time of conversion (Eph 1:13; 1Cor 12:7,11,13). Why didn't the believers in Samaria receive the Holy Spirt when they believed? Couldn't miracle working Philip have laid hands on them? Why did the apostles need to be there? There was animosity between the Samaritans and Jews, and one of the purposes of the Holy Spirit is to create believers into one unified Body, with Christ as it's head, which will display the glory of God (1Cor 12:13; Eph 3:21). To prevent division (between the Samaritans and Jews) and preserve doctrinal purity, the receipt of the Holy Spirit was delayed to tie in the Samaritans believers to the authority and doctrine of the apostles whom Christ had trained. It was obvious to all those in Samaria that the power came from the apostles. The first potential problem of disunity was averted (temporarily).
The second problem addressed in this passage is purity of heart and thought. Simon wanted the power he saw (although he said his desire was to pass it on to others). He offered money to get the power. This practice is called “simony” and has plagued the church throughout history, though not as overtly as during the dark days of the Holy Roman Empire. Peter's rebuke reached a sensitive though misinformed heart. Peter said Simon's money would perish with him, if he didn't repent. Note that Peter didn't evangelize him and tell him to believe in Jesus, which would have been the way to deal with an unbeliever. Peter says that Simon does not have a portion or inheritance in the Spirit, because his heart wasn't right before God. The expression “gall and bitterness” is used in the LXX of Deuteronomy 29:17-21 to describe those among God's people whose hearts are seduced by idolatry, and then turn away from Yahweh, and thus reap loss of inheritance and as a bonus, get cursed. Simon is also ensnared/bound in iniquity (in Lk 13:27 used of the unfaithful and unprofitable servants who didn't do the lord's will). Peter says that if Simon repents, the thought or intent of his heart might be forgiven, and he'd avoid the fate of the unprofitable servants. Simon shows his sensitivity to truth, and repents, shown by asking Peter to pray for him. The lesson is that God requires our purity of heart, intent on doing His will, or believers will suffer loss. This lack of focus on doing God's will from the heart, wholeheartedly embracing His agenda, has brought more disgrace upon the church than simony. Mission accomplished, the apostles return to Jerusalem, evangelizing Samaria along the way.
8:26-40 An angel tells Philip to take a hike to the desert to encounter a Ethiopian eunuch of great power/authority. Ethiopia was the Hebrew Cush, south of Egypt, in the area known today as the Sudan. Eunuchs were precluded from full participation in Mosaic worship (Dt 23:1), but Isaiah 56:1-8 promised that those foreigners and eunuchs who were faithful to the covenant and did what was right in God's sight, would have a better name in the kingdom, and joy. The eunuch had been to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh, but apparently missed the Day of Pentecost and its aftermath. The Spirit (not the angel) tells Philip to approach his chariot and he hears him reading Isaiah 53:7 aloud. What a coincidence! Philip asks if he understands what he is reading, and the eunuch demonstrates great the first skill of inductive Bible Study, observation, asking: “Who is this guy?”. Philip explains Jesus to him, which probably included something about Jesus baptizing in the Spirit. The eunuch must have believed, because he asks to be baptized, in water, and finds the joy Isaiah prophesied. Philip gets shipped north, air express, to Ashdod/Azotus, where he continues preaching the gospel to all the cities on the way to Caesarea (see map).
Application: God desires purity of doctrine and desire in those believers whom He will bless; it's not much different from the OT.
Prayer: God, I pray You'd equip and use me in the lives of others, to bring them into a joyful relationship with You. Amen.
Acts 9 Saul Sees and Peter Raises the Dead
9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He said, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. 8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem, 29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. 30 When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
32 It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose. 35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. 37 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
Observations: 9:1-9 Jesus blinded Saul/Paul with a blast of light to open his eyes to the truth he was missing. Zeal without knowledge isn't good (Pr 19:2). The account is pretty straightforward. By persecuting those of “the Way” (19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22) he was persecuting Jesus. His lack of recognition of the Lord's voice indicates the lack of relationship with Him.
9:10-30 A disciple named Ananias also heard the Lord's voice, and responded immediately, but then when he heard the instructions, wanted to make sure he heard correctly. Saul was praying, and God was answering, using a disciple to tie in Saul with the church, just as He had done in Samaria. God had chosen Saul specifically to carry His name to the nations and Israel. All the rest of us have a written invitation to service (called the Bible). Ananias lays hands on Saul, restores his sight, and Saul is filled with the Holy Spirit; then he gets baptized. His background in the Scriptures, natural debate skill, zeal, reputation and conversion story, combined with the Spirit's enablement, make him a formidable foe. As his strength grows and he becomes a star witness to Jesus, the Jews make plans to kill him. God uses fairly normal means to deliver Saul, a basket over the wall at night, no air express, walking through walls, nor angelic escort. The major use of miracles is to authenticate the message, and to get through to the thick-skulled. (Compare with the visions in the next chapter.) When Saul arrives at Jerusalem, the apostles are gun shy, but Barnabas goes to bat for him. Saul's skill arouses the ire of the Hellenists, who also seek to kill him, so the disciples send him off to Tarsus.
9:31 Another “progress report” indicates that the message of Jesus had spread through Judea and Samaria according to plan (Acts 1:8). The churches (some versions have the singular form, “church”) were at peace, increasing/multiplying, and note the two chief characteristics: they lived/walked in the fear of God (careful to do what was right in His sight) and lived/walked in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, which indicates a close dependence upon Him.
9:32-43 Peter does two miracles in a region occupied by both Jews and Gentiles, healing a paralytic and raising a woman from the dead (Mt 10:8). The miracles result in the conversions of many, and pave the way for lunch with Cornelius, a non-Jewish centurion, in the next chapter, which receives more coverage than these two miracles combined. Through the Jews the whole world would be blessed.
Application: Most of us aren't going to get knocked off our donkey like Saul and become a star witness, nor heal the blind like Ananias, nor raise the dead like Peter, but each of us can be a disciple like Barnabas and help people get established in the faith. Learn how to own and pass on the 7PASSAGES (in the sidebar). What are you waiting for? A bolt of lightening?
Prayer: Lord, please open my eyes to the needs of those around me, and Your will for them; then give me the grace to accomplish Your purposes in their lives. Amen.
Acts 10 Peter Sees, and Pentecost Repeats
9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, 12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 13 A voice came to him, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat!" 14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." 15 A voice came to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean." 16 This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate, 18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men seek you. 20 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them." 21 Peter went down to the men, and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?" 22 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say." 23 So he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. 25 When it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am also a man." 27 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. 28 He said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean. 29 Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?" 30 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, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God."
34 Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him 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. 39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins."
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?" 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
Observations: 10:1-8 God needs to change the Jewish prejudice against the Gentiles so He can bless them through the Jews, according to the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12), Messianic promises (Isa 40-66), and the plan of Acts 1:8. Peter had been staying at the house of Simon the tanner (an “unclean” profession) perhaps as the warm up to interacting with unclean Gentiles. Cornelius was an honorable and devout Roman Gentile, who feared God, gave alms generously, and always prayed. That's better than the majority of the Jewish nation in both testaments. God responded to his prayers, (perhaps for righteousness, or greater intimacy or blessing) with a vision telling him to send for Simon Peter.
10:9-23 God gives Peter a triple vision that annuls the Jewish rules of ritual cleanliness. What God has cleansed, by saying it was OK, Peter must not call unclean. The vision related to animals, but had application to people. As Peter is pondering what the vision meant, the delegation from Cornelius knock on the gate. The Holy Spirit tells Peter to go with them, and doubt nothing. The delegation describes Cornelius in glowing terms, as righteous, fearing God and having a good reputation among the Jews, and as having a vision to invite Peter to his house. Now the Jewish customs of ritual holiness would have prohibited Peter from going to the house (remember those plotting Jesus' death wouldn't go into Pilate's court), but the vision and the Holy Spirit trumped that tradition. Peter and a half dozen disciples (11:12) head to Caesarea.
10:24-42 Cornelius had gathered his relatives and friends to hear what Peter would say. Peter wouldn't let Cornelius bow before him, saying that he was just a man, like him. Peter recounts his vision that made it possible to be there, and Cornelius recounts his, adding everyone want to hear all things that have been commanded by God. (Where are the Cornelius' of today?) Then Peter makes the startling declaration (to a Jew) that God doesn't play favorites, but accepts people from any nation that fear Him and works/produces righteousness (Rm 2:10). God had chosen the Jews as a nation to be His point of contact with the rest of humanity, and a light to the Gentiles, but anyone who fears God and does what is righteous is welcome to join the party, regardless of race or color (creed and orientation are another story -Jn 14:6). Peter reviews what they had probably heard about Jesus, who was sent first to Israel. Jesus didn't appear to everyone after His resurrection (that would have saved a lot of difficulty, but removed the necessity for faith in God's word, which He decided is important). Jesus only appeared to a few, and commanded them to preach and testify that Jesus is appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and dead. There is more to Christianity than the death and resurrection of Christ. The return, rule and reward are why Jesus commissioned the disciples to teach all to obey (so He could reward faithfulness). Otherwise, Jesus would have appeared to everyone, they would have believed, and everyone would receive remission/forgiveness of sins, and it would be all over. Why didn't Jesus appear to Annas, Caiaphas, the chief priests and rulers like He had to Paul? It's because God is not just about forgiveness, but people living in covenant faithfulness to Him, so He can display His glory in rewarding them (1Pt 1:7,13). We'll see this theme many times in the epistles (for those who need a triple vision).
10:43 Don't miss this verse.
10:44-48 Apparently while Peter was speaking, people were believing. The Holy Spirit fell on those who believed in a variation of Pentecost, with a twist. The giving of the Holy Spirit wasn't given to convince those who didn't believe, but to convince the Jews that God did indeed accept Gentiles who believed in Jesus the Messiah. So those who had believed and received the Holy Spirit were then baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah. This should cause those who think baptism is necessary for regeneration, or a second blessing is necessary for getting the Holy Spirit to think again.
Application: If God accepts those who believe and fear Him and work righteousness, then so should we. The converse of this statement should also be true.
Prayer: Lord, may I believe all You've revealed, fear You consistently, and do what is just and righteous in Your sight, so You are pleased. Amen.
Acts 11 First Church of Antioch
19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, 23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord. 25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius. 29 As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea; 30 which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Observations: 11:1-18 The Jewish believers in Jerusalem heard the Gentiles had received the word of God but accused Peter of violating ritual cleanliness by eating with Gentiles, majoring on the minors. Peter explained everything in chapter ten again (Luke showing it's importance). Verse 12 is one of the few times one can believe “the Spirit told me.” Verse 14 gives some elaboration to Cornelius' vision, saying that Peter would speak to the words by which he and his house would be saved, which might give some insight into his prayers. If God gave the Gentiles the same outward manifestation that He gave the apostles, then why would anyone object to them being saved. In Acts 2 (seven or eight years earlier) the manifestation of the Spirit was given to authenticate the message so the Jews would believe. Here the manifestation of the Spirit was given to authenticate to believing Jews that Gentiles can believe. God had exalted Jesus to grant Israel repentance in Acts 5:31, and here He extends the same favor to the Gentiles. God grants or supplies repentance as the means of the two groups gaining life. This is not about God calling everyone to repentance, but only giving some the ability to repent.
Acts 17:30 “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
11:19-30 Now we find out that when the Jews were scattered after Stephen was stoned, they went everywhere telling only Jews about Jesus. Apparently the synagogues didn't spend a lot of time in the prophets. It was in Antioch that the witnesses of Pentecost started preaching to the Hellenists (Greek speakers), and a number of them believed. The assembly in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to investigate. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and encouraged the believers to purpose in their hearts to abide in the Lord. A close relationship with God doesn't come automatically, one must purpose to make it happen. Then Barnabas goes to Tarsus to look for Saul and brings him to help teach. A prophesied famine prompts the Greek believers in Antioch to send relief funds to the brothers in Judea.
Application: You have the quality of spiritual life that you purpose to have; if it's not a close dependent, and exemplary daily walk with Jesus, it's because you've purposed to do something else. It's never too late to repent and do the right thing.
Prayer: Lord, may my chief purpose be to abide in You as You desire and commanded; and then as You promised, may my joy be full. Thanks. Amen.
Acts 12 Death and Deliverance
5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him. 6 The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands. 8 The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me." 9 And he went out and followed him. He didn’t know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."
12 Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. 17 But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, "Tell these things to James, and to the brothers." Then he departed, and went to another place.
18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had sought for him, and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them. 22 The people shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John whose surname was Mark.
Observations: 12:1-11 Meanwhile back in Jerusalem Herod does the devil's work in persecuting Christians. He kills James, one of the closest three of Jesus' disciples (so he can't be the James in Acts 15:13 who gives the executive summary of the Jerusalem council). Seeing that murder boosted his ratings, Herod seized Peter to kill after Passover. This time, Peter gets an angel escort out of prison in response to the concerted prayer by the assembly of believers.
12:12-17 Coming into the city with the angel, Peter finds himself near the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where the believers were praying. A little comic relief ensues as Peter finally gets admitted (it was easier to get out of prison), and tells them what God did. He wants James to know what happened, who appears to be leading the assembly in Jerusalem, and then leaves town.
12:18-23 Herod gets really upset, questions and kills the guards, and leaves town too. He gives a speech that get him proclaimed as a god by those who were currying his favor for food in the famine. Accepting the glory due God, gets him turned into worm food before he dies.
12:24-25 While worms munch, the word of God grows, and multiplies in this mini “progress report.” Barnabas and Saul return to Jerusalem and take John Mark with them for their next missionary journey.
Application: God is always able to deliver His servants from danger, and does so in response to prayer, when it's best.
Prayer: God, may my life bring You glory, regardless of whether I die or live. Amen.
Digging Deeper
God in a nutshell: God desires to bless the entire world through the forgiveness and grace found in Jesus. He uses His people to share that message. He guides and authenticates their message by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Build-a-Jesus: Jesus desires that both Jews and Gentiles live in close relationship with Him, and gives them the power to do that.
Us in a nutshell: If we purpose to walk closely with God, He will use us to accomplish His purposes and bring Himself glory. If we fight against Him, we will lose.
Where to Go for More:
Truthbase.net
Acts complete text
Acts 8
8:1 Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him. 3 But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.
4 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralysed and lame were healed. 8 There was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, 10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of God." 11 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." 24 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me." 25 They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert." 27 He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot." 30 Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth." 34 The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?" 35 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus. 36 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?" 37 38 He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.
Acts 9
9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he travelled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He said, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men who travelled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. 8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold, it’s me, Lord." 11 The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake." 17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. 19 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus. 20 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!" 22 But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem, 29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. 30 When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32 It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralysed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose. 35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. 37 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
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