Ready for part 2 for today? Let's do it!
Acts 17 (Read it here)
If you've been following along, you'll notice that Paul, Silas and Timothy have been traveling all over Asia Minor and Macedonia (modern-day Turkey and Greece). It may continue to be helpful to keep referring to the map here to follow along with where the story goes.
From Philippi (which is where the book of the Bible Philippians comes from), Paul and Silas continued west to Thessalonica (where the books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians bears its name). Here in Thessalonica, unlike in Philippi, there was a Jewish synagogue. (v. 1)
For three weekends in a row, Paul went to this synagogue and used the Old Testament scriptures to explain how Jesus fulfilled everything that was promised regarding the Messiah and his suffering. Some Jews were persuaded, along with God-fearing Greek men and women. (vs. 2-4)
But the other Jews became jealous of the influence that Paul and Silas were gaining so they got others like them and started yet another angry mob. They were told that Paul and Silas were staying at Jason's home, so that's where the angry mob attacked. (v. 5)
Side note: Jason is one of the 70 disciples that was sent out in pairs to share the gospel by Jesus in Luke 10. Jason was also was from the same town as Paul (Tarsus). Later, Paul would be instrumental in making Jason the bishop of the church in Tarsus.
When the mob didn't find Paul and Silas there, they still had Jason and some other believers arrested and fined for, well, nothing. (vs. 6, 9) The mob, again, gave an exaggeration about Paul and Silas' "trouble-making" reputation and details about their controversial teachings (v. 7, such as following Jesus and not Caesar, which was most likely true) until the authorities decided to appease them by fining Jason and the other believers...since they couldn't penalized Paul and Silas. Ridiculous.
We don't know exactly where the believers had hidden Paul and Silas but we do know that the believers knew where they were because the believers told them to go to Berea. And when they arrived in Berea, where did they go? The local synagogue, of course! (v. 10) The preaching never stopped; an opportunity to share the gospel was never missed.
The people of Berea are just like all pastors hope their congregations would be. They are open-minded and listen eagerly. But they didn't just take everything they heard as truth, they researched Scripture (in other words, they read their Bibles) each day to see if Paul and Silas were correct in their teachings. (v. 11) What pastor wouldn't want that? Instead most people who go to church listen to a sermon or message, don't question it or see what the Bible actually says and end up knowing less of the Bible's content than some atheists!
After reviewing the Scriptures, many more Jews and Gentiles believed! (v. 12)
But it's like a repeating story over and over again. Just like the men who traveled from Antioch and Iconium to stone Paul in Lystra, more Jews came from Thessalonica to get Paul in Berea. (v. 13) But the believers beat these Jews to the punch by sending Paul away. Apparently the Jews were only after him not Silas or Timothy. (v. 14) Paul was escorted all the way to Athens and then Silas and Timothy were advised to join him there. (v. 15)
While waiting for them to arrive, Paul sees so many foreign and false gods that he is saddened. (v. 16) As usual, Paul makes his way to the synagogue to persuade Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. And when he wasn't there, he was speaking out in public for all to hear. (v. 17)
Luke also mentions a debate that Paul has with some followers of Epicureanism and Stoicism. (v. 18) The one who thought Paul's theology was just nonsensical babbling was probably the Epicurean philosopher because followers of Epicurus believed that superstitions and divine intervention was for the intellectually weak. And to a follower of Stoicism, the thought of Jesus having to suffer made no sense, probably because their founder (Zeno of Citium) taught that suffering only happened during a lack of wise judgement. So to this Stoic, it would be impossible for Jesus to be from God, because this God must have made a mistake for His Son to have to suffer.
It is also interesting to note that Epicureans and Stoics were rivals and often at odds with each other, but in this case, they were both interested in Paul's unusual views.
The philosophers took Paul to the high council of Athens. But instead of putting him in jail, which seemingly happened every time Paul was brought before a high council, the council actually wanted to hear the gospel! (v. 19) They were all rather curious about these strange teachings. (v. 20) Athenians loved philosophy and hearing multiple points of view (v. 21), which is probably why there were so many idols represented in the city in the first place.
Paul began addressing the council by complementing them on their religious curiosity. (v. 22) As Paul was investigating the many shrines to the multiplicity of gods, he noticed one alter that was dedicated to "an Unknown God." Paul notified them that his God, the God of heaven and earth was this missing god. (v. 23)
Our God has no needs. (v. 25) He doesn't need to be made out of wood, stone or a precious metal and be moved and cleaned. He, in return, satisfies humanity's every need! This God created the earth and all who inhabit it. He also determines when people are born, how long people live (the meaning behind rise and fall) and where they would reside. (v. 26)
Did you know that? God already knows exactly how long you will live and where you will and won't go in your life. That's amazing to think about!
Paul reminds them that this God is never far away. (v. 27) It is because of God that we live and move and exist. (v. 28) And if God created us, why would we feel the need to create Him? (vs. 28-29, in the form of an idol, as if we knew what he looked like anyway)
God gave humanity the opportunity to seek after Him in ages past (v. 27) but now He has made Himself known and commands everyone everywhere to repent...and turn to Him. (v. 30)
God has preset the Judgement Day for the world and it will be carried out by, Paul says, "the man he has appointed...and raised from the dead." (v. 31, no doubt talking about Jesus here)
The Epicureans and other "realists" were probably the ones who laughed in contempt but others were struck by Paul's words and wanted to hear more. (v. 32) Some from the council joined Paul and became Christ-followers that day. The most notable new follower was Dionysius, who later became the leader of the church that started in Athens. (v. 34) Damaris, throughout church tradition is known as being Dionysius' wife, by the way.
Tomorrow, we'll see what happens when Paul visits Corinth (where the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians get their name)!
Questions
1.) Have you ever had someone attack, blame or straight-up dislike you for something a so-called Christian did or said (I'm referring to how the Jews had Jason arrested)? Have you ever considered a group of people to be evil just because of the actions of one or two? If so, what happened and why did you assume all of them were the same?
2.) Be honest, while reading the explanations about the views of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, did you relate to their thoughts about the seemingly absurdity of Paul's claims? Why or why not?
3.) During Paul's speech to the high council, he tells them that God knows exactly when people "rise and fall?" Do you believe this? Why or why not?
February 29, 2012
February 28, 2012
Day 47 - Acts 16
After reading Acts 16 I have a whole new world of respect for the apostle Paul (and you should, too). This is part one of two posts that I will putting up on Constantly Dodging Monotony today.
You ready? I am. Let's go!
Acts 16 (Read it here)
We're about to follow Paul on his second missionary journey with Silas, which totaled about 2,800 miles, twice as long as the first journey in Acts 13-14. Just for perspective, this journey is longer than a trip from the coast of NC to Los Angeles! If you would like to have an idea of what this journey looked like on a map, check that out here. You may want to refer back to this map later, as well. If not, the cities I mention may be useless information to you.
I still find it quite amazing that Paul chose to go back to Lystra where he was nearly stoned to death but he had good reason to do so. There was a young, emerging and respected leader named Timothy that Paul wanted to mentor (the books of 1 & 2 Timothy are letters that Paul wrote during this mentorship, by the way).
Luke mentions that Timothy is circumcised before joining Paul and Silas on their journey. (v. 3) Since Timothy's father was Greek, he had not been circumcised but Paul didn't want that to be an issue of contention with any Jew that they might come across. Also, I bet you his mom didn't mind her son getting circumcised, either, even though Timothy was probably in his early 20s at the time.
Even so, its kind of ironic that after Timothy's circumcision, they go town to town telling all the Jews and Gentiles that circumcision was no longer a requirement. (v. 4) Don't forget the four new requirements were being instituted, too (no eating of food, meat or blood offered to idols and avoiding fornication and prostitution).
The churches outside Jerusalem continued to grow daily! (v. 5) How many churches can say they grow daily...or even weekly?
You ready? I am. Let's go!
Acts 16 (Read it here)
We're about to follow Paul on his second missionary journey with Silas, which totaled about 2,800 miles, twice as long as the first journey in Acts 13-14. Just for perspective, this journey is longer than a trip from the coast of NC to Los Angeles! If you would like to have an idea of what this journey looked like on a map, check that out here. You may want to refer back to this map later, as well. If not, the cities I mention may be useless information to you.
I still find it quite amazing that Paul chose to go back to Lystra where he was nearly stoned to death but he had good reason to do so. There was a young, emerging and respected leader named Timothy that Paul wanted to mentor (the books of 1 & 2 Timothy are letters that Paul wrote during this mentorship, by the way).
Luke mentions that Timothy is circumcised before joining Paul and Silas on their journey. (v. 3) Since Timothy's father was Greek, he had not been circumcised but Paul didn't want that to be an issue of contention with any Jew that they might come across. Also, I bet you his mom didn't mind her son getting circumcised, either, even though Timothy was probably in his early 20s at the time.
Even so, its kind of ironic that after Timothy's circumcision, they go town to town telling all the Jews and Gentiles that circumcision was no longer a requirement. (v. 4) Don't forget the four new requirements were being instituted, too (no eating of food, meat or blood offered to idols and avoiding fornication and prostitution).
The churches outside Jerusalem continued to grow daily! (v. 5) How many churches can say they grow daily...or even weekly?
Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke must have been in constant prayer because they felt led by the Spirit not to stop in the province of Asia (v. 6, not to be confused with modern-day Asia, this land today is Turkey). They make their way to the northeast border of modern-day Turkey coming considerably closer to Byzantium or what is known now as Instabul, the capital city. However, they again felt it was not in God's best interest to preach there at that time. (v. 7)
At the seaport of Troas, Paul had a vision that a man in Macedonia in northern Greece needed his help. (vs. 8-9) God had definitely led them to the right place because Troas would be the place to catch a ship across the Aegean Sea to Greece. (The use of the word we in verse 10 is how we can assume that Luke, the writer of Acts was actually present with Paul, Silas and Timothy.)
The next day they landed in Neapolis, in the northeast portion of the province of Macedonia. (v. 11)
Are you following along with the map?
They came to the Roman colony of Philippi (v. 12), which would be the first time that the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached in Europe. There was no synagogue to meet at, mind you, so they went to a popular meeting place for prayer hoping to catch a crowd to preach to. (v. 13) They sat down with some women and one in particular, Lydia, who was a God-fearer (remember, this is a person who follows God as He was revealed in the Old Testament but not Jesus) and told her about Jesus. (v. 14)
She accepted Jesus that day and baptized there at the riverbank! (v. 15)
The next time they went down to the riverbank they met a slave girl who made a lot of money for her masters as a fortune teller. She must have been a little off because Luke calls her demon-possessed. (v. 16) She followed Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke everywhere they went and shouted (in what may have seemed ironically helpful, but then again, would you want a demon-possessed girl as your spokesperson?), “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” (v. 17)
This happened continuously day after day. Paul finally got fed up with it and commanded the demon to come out of her in Jesus' name. And it did! (v. 18)
The girl's owners were ticked. Her ability to tell fortunes was what made her valuable to them. So they brought Paul and Silas (they did most of the teaching; Timothy was being mentored and Luke probably filled the role of an assistant/historian) to the local authorities. (v. 19) These men, like so many others before, began to exaggerate and stretch the truth. They also try to manipulate the authorities into arresting them now by saying that they were being taught to disobey the Roman government. (vs. 20-21)
Nothing is said about exactly where Timothy and Luke are at this point. We don't even know if they were present during this accusation.
The accusers must have been saying these things in public because mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas. (v. 22) They were to be beaten with wooden rods, probably very similar to caning which is still practiced in southeast Asia, and thrown into prison. (v. 23) They were held in the lowest cell underground (the dungeon) and they were put into the stocks. (v. 24, which probably looked similar to this)
To my complete amazement, even though they were no doubt beaten to a bloody pulp, Paul and Silas were still ministering to the inmates and worshiping God by praying and singing songs to God! (v. 25)
Then...
God...
shows up!
An earthquake shook the prison so hard that every door flew open and every chain fell off every prisoner! (v. 26) The woke up to see all the doors open and he immediately knew that he would be put to death for this, so he drew his sword to do the duty himself. (v. 27) But Paul stopped him and told him that they were still there. (v. 28)
The jailer knew exactly what Paul and Silas were being held for, so he ran down to the dungeon and threw himself at their feet and asked “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (vs. 29-30)
Their response was simple, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." (v. 31)
Pause. Wait a minute!
Did they really just say that if he believed in Jesus that his family automatically would be saved, too? Does that mean that if one person in a household accepts Jesus then all the others are lopped in by God no matter what they actually believe? How does that work?
Yes and no.
Yes, they did mean what they said, "you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." In the culture that we're reading into, the man of the household had the supreme authority to lead his family as he saw fit. In other words, if the man of the house became a Christ-follower, inevitably, his family would follow suit because they loved and trusted the father of the home.
I say no because in my questioning I used the term automatically and the phrase no matter what they believe. It is the man's responsibility during this time-period, and still is in today's society (or the woman's, if she's a single mother) in my opinion, to instruct his family about morality, Jesus and the love of God. Paul and Silas were correctly assuming that this jailer had the authority to lead his family spiritually. Was it an automatic process? No. Would the views of the family change? Yes.
Press play.
It is easy to miss that the jailer has Paul and Silas meet his entire family IN HIS HOME! (v. 32) Can you imagine a jailer having convicted criminals in his house and the conflict of interest that would cause? Yet, the jailer cared for their wounds and then Paul and Silas baptized every single member of his family! (v. 33) They celebrated by sharing a meal together. (v. 34)
The jailer brought them back to the prison just in time for the city officials to release them. (v. 35) But Paul refused to just leave. They were beaten before even given a trial! That is not how Roman citizens should be treated. (v. 37; Philippi, like most places, was under Roman rule at this time) Apparently, the authorities thought Paul and Silas were Jewish. The officials could've faced really stiff punishment for their actions if Paul were to report them to Rome.
Paul demanded a face-to-face apology from the city officials and the officials did just that. (v. 39) After this Paul and Silas returned back to Lydia's home where they met up with believers before leaving town. (v. 40)
Come back to see where they go next and what happens in Acts 17!
Questions
1.) Jesus never traveled more than 200 miles from his birthplace but his followers now are all over the world, from the Americas to China and everywhere else in between. How much of an influence do you think missionaries play in spreading the gospel of Jesus? Have you ever thought about doing missionary work in another country? Why or why not?
2.) Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison for preaching the gospel, yet that night they are heard by the inmates praying and singing songs to God! How do you think you would have responded to if you were the one in the stocks in prison after being beaten? In other words, are you still thankful to God even though terrible things happen to you? Why or why not?
3.) The jailer immediately shares the good news with his family by having Paul and Silas over at his house! Are you able to blur the lines when it comes to something like this? For instance, if you were told it were illegal to pray in school or in a public place, would you silence your faith or what? In the jailer's case, what would've happened if he would've followed the rules?
February 27, 2012
Day 46 - Acts 15
Just in case you haven't noticed, I only posted three chapters this past week. No worries, though, I have some time off from work coming up tomorrow and Wednesday which will give me an opportunity to do some double-posting to catch up.
We are half-way through Acts and, before you know it, we'll be in Matthew! So let's go!
Acts 15 (Read it here)
While Paul and Barnabas were away on their missionary journey some men began teaching Gentile believers something pretty controversial. They basically were teaching that all Gentiles men (non-Jewish) had to be circumcised in order to be accepted by God. (v. 1) This was an Old Testament requirement by God as a way of distinguishing people from the community of Israel from those outside. (See Genesis 17:7-14) In blunt terms, these men said that having foreskin on a man's penis separated him from God and the possibility of being saved.
Paul, who used to be the stingiest follower and teacher of the Law as a Pharisee, thought this was ridiculous! He and Barnabas completely disagreed with this teaching! But there was not complete agreement between the sides; the debate couldn't be settled. The church decided that the apostles needed to be asked their opinion on this matter. (v. 2)
They were graciously welcomed at the church in Jerusalem. However, not long after giving the church an update on how the Gentiles were accepting Jesus by the masses, other Pharisees who had become Christ-followers stood up in defense of the Old Testament law of circumcision. (vs. 4-5)
After hearing a debate back and forth, the apostles (the remaining disciples of Jesus and the leaders they had appointed over the church) met together to talk this out. (v. 6)
When the apostles and elders returned, the apostle Peter addressed the gathered crowd. He reminded them that God had given him a vision of how he shouldn't discriminate Gentiles from Jews. The Gentiles were not to be treated as demonic, unclean people. The kicker, though, is that God has been showing his acceptance of the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit! (v. 8) For when hearts come to faith in Christ, the heart makes the person (body and all) acceptable to God and worthy of salvation! (v. 9) From now on Jews and Gentiles are equals!
Peter insisted that requiring this law now would be a challenge to God's new covenant which was introduced by Jesus at the last supper in Luke 22:20. (v. 10) This covenant replaces the old covenant. Accepting Jesus and the purpose of his sacrifice is way more powerful than any removal of foreskin. All people are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus.
By the way, who would want to circumcise these grown men anyway? Ouch!
When Peter had finished, James furthered his points by suggesting that the conversion of Gentiles was a fulfillment of prophecy. The prophet Amos, who lived about 800 years prior to this time, predicted a day where God would reach out in acceptance towards the rest of humanity (non-Israelites) and James suggested that that day had come! (vs. 13-17)
And since James was the bishop (or pastor) of the church in Jerusalem, he made the decision that requiring circumcision was not biblical anymore. (v. 19) However, it was decided that the Gentiles should not eat food or meat and blood from any strangled animals offered to false gods. They also should not engage in sexual immorality (which would primarily include avoiding pre-marital sex [fornication] and prostitution). (v. 20)
You may ask, "Why these four rules?"
It may sound like a random selection to appease the Pharisees in the crowd, but these four guidelines are very specific and intricately linked to one another.
Do not eat any food or the meat and/or blood from a strangled animal refers to things that are being sacrificed to a false god or idol, we understand that. That food is tainted. However, outside most of the temples where these activities took place were prostitutes. One way of worshiping the false gods of the area was to engage in sex during the services! No lie! One of the main reasons why many false deities permitted and even promoted such a practice was for a fertility blessing. Having sex in front of these idols was thought to be a way for a man to assure that he stays fertile and able to have children.
Simply put, these rules made it impossible for the new Gentile believers to follow Jesus and the false idols. They had to choose one way or the other. God is still a jealous god. (Exodus 20:5)
The apostles and elders thought that all Gentile believers should know what they had decided. So they sent two men, Judas and Silas, with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch (v. 22, where they started their journey in Acts 13)
These men took a letter containing their decision that also was signed by all of the apostles and church leaders. (v. 23) Within the letter, the apostles and church leaders specifically said that the teaching that was going around (that Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved) was totally not from them or God. (v. 24) Apparently Gentiles were already questioning as to whether this teaching was valid or not. (v. 27)
The four requirements were laid out for all Gentiles within the letter (v. 29) and were delivered to the believers of Antioch. (v. 30) There was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message. (v. 31) Of course they were excited! No one had to be circumcised! Can you imagine such a thing without modern drugs or anesthetics?
In verse 36 Paul wanted to go back with Barnabas to all the cities that they had gone to in their journey together to check up on the believers. (v. 36) Barnabas was all for it but wanted to take along his cousin, Mark again. (v. 37) Paul wasn't cool with that since Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. (v. 38) Luke is unclear as to what the exact circumstance was when Mark left them in Acts 13:13 but we do know that when Paul was stoned and Barnabas helped him back into the city of Lystra, Mark was nowhere to be found.
Yet, Mark was Barnabas' cousin, so he insisted that he be allowed to accompany them again. The disagreement separated the two. Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus while Paul and Silas joined forces and went to Syria. (vs. 39-40) Perhaps, to Barnabas, blood was indeed thicker than water (even though Paul had shed blood with him).
Questions
1.) If circumcision is no longer a big deal to God, then what does that mean for tattoos and piercings? Are they frowned upon by God or just something that traditional church people fuss about? Why do you think that?
2.) The apostles and church leaders gave the Gentiles requirements on following God which made it impossible to serve both God and the false gods of the area. Are there things that you find difficult to leave behind that aren't beneficial to you in order to wholeheartedly follow God? If so, what are they? Why can't you have both of these things be your main focus?
3.) Paul and Barnabas had served God faithfully together. Barnabas had helped a battered Paul limp back to Lystra after being stoned. No doubt they were close but Barnabas' cousin, Mark, drove a wedge between them. Have you ever had that happen to you and a really close friend? From what you know about this story, who do you agree with Paul or Barnabas?
We are half-way through Acts and, before you know it, we'll be in Matthew! So let's go!
Acts 15 (Read it here)
While Paul and Barnabas were away on their missionary journey some men began teaching Gentile believers something pretty controversial. They basically were teaching that all Gentiles men (non-Jewish) had to be circumcised in order to be accepted by God. (v. 1) This was an Old Testament requirement by God as a way of distinguishing people from the community of Israel from those outside. (See Genesis 17:7-14) In blunt terms, these men said that having foreskin on a man's penis separated him from God and the possibility of being saved.
Paul, who used to be the stingiest follower and teacher of the Law as a Pharisee, thought this was ridiculous! He and Barnabas completely disagreed with this teaching! But there was not complete agreement between the sides; the debate couldn't be settled. The church decided that the apostles needed to be asked their opinion on this matter. (v. 2)
They were graciously welcomed at the church in Jerusalem. However, not long after giving the church an update on how the Gentiles were accepting Jesus by the masses, other Pharisees who had become Christ-followers stood up in defense of the Old Testament law of circumcision. (vs. 4-5)
After hearing a debate back and forth, the apostles (the remaining disciples of Jesus and the leaders they had appointed over the church) met together to talk this out. (v. 6)
When the apostles and elders returned, the apostle Peter addressed the gathered crowd. He reminded them that God had given him a vision of how he shouldn't discriminate Gentiles from Jews. The Gentiles were not to be treated as demonic, unclean people. The kicker, though, is that God has been showing his acceptance of the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit! (v. 8) For when hearts come to faith in Christ, the heart makes the person (body and all) acceptable to God and worthy of salvation! (v. 9) From now on Jews and Gentiles are equals!
Peter insisted that requiring this law now would be a challenge to God's new covenant which was introduced by Jesus at the last supper in Luke 22:20. (v. 10) This covenant replaces the old covenant. Accepting Jesus and the purpose of his sacrifice is way more powerful than any removal of foreskin. All people are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus.
By the way, who would want to circumcise these grown men anyway? Ouch!
When Peter had finished, James furthered his points by suggesting that the conversion of Gentiles was a fulfillment of prophecy. The prophet Amos, who lived about 800 years prior to this time, predicted a day where God would reach out in acceptance towards the rest of humanity (non-Israelites) and James suggested that that day had come! (vs. 13-17)
And since James was the bishop (or pastor) of the church in Jerusalem, he made the decision that requiring circumcision was not biblical anymore. (v. 19) However, it was decided that the Gentiles should not eat food or meat and blood from any strangled animals offered to false gods. They also should not engage in sexual immorality (which would primarily include avoiding pre-marital sex [fornication] and prostitution). (v. 20)
You may ask, "Why these four rules?"
It may sound like a random selection to appease the Pharisees in the crowd, but these four guidelines are very specific and intricately linked to one another.
Do not eat any food or the meat and/or blood from a strangled animal refers to things that are being sacrificed to a false god or idol, we understand that. That food is tainted. However, outside most of the temples where these activities took place were prostitutes. One way of worshiping the false gods of the area was to engage in sex during the services! No lie! One of the main reasons why many false deities permitted and even promoted such a practice was for a fertility blessing. Having sex in front of these idols was thought to be a way for a man to assure that he stays fertile and able to have children.
Simply put, these rules made it impossible for the new Gentile believers to follow Jesus and the false idols. They had to choose one way or the other. God is still a jealous god. (Exodus 20:5)
The apostles and elders thought that all Gentile believers should know what they had decided. So they sent two men, Judas and Silas, with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch (v. 22, where they started their journey in Acts 13)
These men took a letter containing their decision that also was signed by all of the apostles and church leaders. (v. 23) Within the letter, the apostles and church leaders specifically said that the teaching that was going around (that Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved) was totally not from them or God. (v. 24) Apparently Gentiles were already questioning as to whether this teaching was valid or not. (v. 27)
The four requirements were laid out for all Gentiles within the letter (v. 29) and were delivered to the believers of Antioch. (v. 30) There was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message. (v. 31) Of course they were excited! No one had to be circumcised! Can you imagine such a thing without modern drugs or anesthetics?
In verse 36 Paul wanted to go back with Barnabas to all the cities that they had gone to in their journey together to check up on the believers. (v. 36) Barnabas was all for it but wanted to take along his cousin, Mark again. (v. 37) Paul wasn't cool with that since Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. (v. 38) Luke is unclear as to what the exact circumstance was when Mark left them in Acts 13:13 but we do know that when Paul was stoned and Barnabas helped him back into the city of Lystra, Mark was nowhere to be found.
Yet, Mark was Barnabas' cousin, so he insisted that he be allowed to accompany them again. The disagreement separated the two. Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus while Paul and Silas joined forces and went to Syria. (vs. 39-40) Perhaps, to Barnabas, blood was indeed thicker than water (even though Paul had shed blood with him).
Questions
1.) If circumcision is no longer a big deal to God, then what does that mean for tattoos and piercings? Are they frowned upon by God or just something that traditional church people fuss about? Why do you think that?
2.) The apostles and church leaders gave the Gentiles requirements on following God which made it impossible to serve both God and the false gods of the area. Are there things that you find difficult to leave behind that aren't beneficial to you in order to wholeheartedly follow God? If so, what are they? Why can't you have both of these things be your main focus?
3.) Paul and Barnabas had served God faithfully together. Barnabas had helped a battered Paul limp back to Lystra after being stoned. No doubt they were close but Barnabas' cousin, Mark, drove a wedge between them. Have you ever had that happen to you and a really close friend? From what you know about this story, who do you agree with Paul or Barnabas?
February 25, 2012
Day 45 - Acts 14
This won't be a pleasant day for Paul and Barnabas. Let's just say that Paul will end up with tattered and bloody clothes! Not to mention how bloody the ground could've been if they wouldn't have stopped the people of Lystra from slaughtering all those animals!
What am I talking about? Let's find out!
Acts 14 (Read it here)
Again, for your frame of reference, check out this map see where Paul and Barnabas are on their journey while we read through Acts 14. Today we're catching back up with them in Iconium (modern day central Turkey).
Luke wastes no time in noting that Paul and Barnabas experience the same treatment in Iconium as they did previously in Antioch of Pisidia. They preached in the local synagogue, many believed and then some Jews told lies about Paul and Barnabas. (vs. 1-2) This didn't stop them from preaching and performing miracles. (v. 3) The Jews who were slandering Paul and Barnabas became so convincing that the town was divided as to who to believe. (v. 4)
In verse 5, a group of Gentiles and Jews come with their leaders to stone Paul and Barnabas. Their leaders would sound like a human authority figure such as a mentor, priest, governor or king but the Greek word arkousin is actually describes a supernatural power or force. So, it could be accurate to say that these Gentiles and Jews came with their gods. Of course, if their "god" was present it was because that wood or stone-carved "god" was being carried. Also, arkousin could be describing that these people were led by an evil spirit! Both are plausible.
No matter who or what their leaders were, the Paul and Barnabas escaped first to Lystra (15 miles south of Iconium) and then they continued on to Derbe (70 miles southeast of Lystra) later. They continued preaching. (v. 6)
While they were preaching one time in Lystra, Paul healed a man with crippled feet. (v. 10) Most other times the crowds would be in awe or end up believing in Jesus because of this miracle but in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas were immediately worshiped by the locals. (v. 11) They thought Barnabas was Zeus (the Greek god who was the father of all gods). I find this interesting because most of the time Paul is the one who is quoted or is said to have performed a healing. Apparently Barnabas did and said much more than we get from the book of Acts.
Yet, since Paul was the chief speaker, the locals thought he was Hermes (son of Zeus and a messenger from the gods to humanity). This brings up even more questions for me. Was Barnabas evidently older than Paul? Did Barnabas instruct Paul with what to say? Was Barnabas ultimately the one in charge? To the people of Lystra, the answers to all three of these questions seemed to be, "yes."
The temple of Zeus was just outside of Lystra, which gives us another clue as to why the people thought of Barnabas and Paul as Greek gods first. The priest of the temple of Zeus and the crowds brought animals out to offer sacrifices to the apostles. (v. 13)
The apostles responded by tearing their clothes. (v. 14)
You might ask, "why?" I'm glad you asked.
There are two main reasons why a Jew (Christian or not) would outwardly tear their clothes:
In verses 16 and 17, we get a glimpse of God in the Old Testament who focused most of His attention on Israel. Many times Israelites were commanded not to mingle with or marry anyone from another race so that their gods wouldn't lead them astray. BUT NOW, God wants to have a relationship with those people who worship false gods. It is no longer about hating those who are different but reaching them!
The people really didn't want to listen, though. They wanted to offer sacrifices; its all they knew. (v. 18)
Bad news.
The same Jews from Antioch and Iconium who were starting trouble for Paul and Barnabas joined forces and arrived in Lystra to stone Paul. (v. 19) I don't know why Barnabas wasn't stoned, too. I suppose they wanted to kill Paul since he was the 'messenger.'
Do you remember how gruesome the process of stoning was? (If you don't remember, you can refresh yourself here)
Luke says that the believers gathered around Paul (I understand this as circling around and praying for him, but I could be wrong) and that he simply got up. But get this, he didn't escape! He went back into the town where he was just stoned!! (v. 20)
After successful preaching in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas decided to return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (I don't know if I would've gone back there after Paul's near death, but they did) to encourage the new believers. Paul was a perfect reminder of how the believers were to suffer hardships for their faith. (vs. 21-22)
At each city (Lystra, Iconium and Antioch) they appointed elders, or pastors, for each new church. (v. 23)
They made their 1,400 mile journey back to Antioch of Syria, where they had begun. (v. 26) Paul and Barnabas retold all the stories and, especially, about how many Gentiles had received the gospel and became believers. There were now churches in those cities! (v. 27) Of course, Paul had some cool scars to show off after his stoning, too.
Questions
1.) King Herod had died of scabies for accepting worship previously in Acts 12. Paul and Barnabas had to reject and correct the misdirected worship in Lystra from the followers of Zeus. Do you ever find yourself taking too much credit? Do you openly give credit to God for the things, abilities, etc that you have? What's the danger if you don't credit God for those things?
2.) You now know the two main reasons why Jews would tear their clothing (horror or mourning). What is the American equivalent of this kind of reaction? And what situation(s) would make you react with such horror or sorrow?
3.) Paul is stoned but goes directly back to the same city in which it just happened? Do you revisit places where you have had negative experiences? Do you avoid people who have treated you harshly? What can we learn from Paul's example here? He goes back twice and even encourages the believers there!
What am I talking about? Let's find out!
Acts 14 (Read it here)
Again, for your frame of reference, check out this map see where Paul and Barnabas are on their journey while we read through Acts 14. Today we're catching back up with them in Iconium (modern day central Turkey).
Luke wastes no time in noting that Paul and Barnabas experience the same treatment in Iconium as they did previously in Antioch of Pisidia. They preached in the local synagogue, many believed and then some Jews told lies about Paul and Barnabas. (vs. 1-2) This didn't stop them from preaching and performing miracles. (v. 3) The Jews who were slandering Paul and Barnabas became so convincing that the town was divided as to who to believe. (v. 4)
In verse 5, a group of Gentiles and Jews come with their leaders to stone Paul and Barnabas. Their leaders would sound like a human authority figure such as a mentor, priest, governor or king but the Greek word arkousin is actually describes a supernatural power or force. So, it could be accurate to say that these Gentiles and Jews came with their gods. Of course, if their "god" was present it was because that wood or stone-carved "god" was being carried. Also, arkousin could be describing that these people were led by an evil spirit! Both are plausible.
No matter who or what their leaders were, the Paul and Barnabas escaped first to Lystra (15 miles south of Iconium) and then they continued on to Derbe (70 miles southeast of Lystra) later. They continued preaching. (v. 6)
While they were preaching one time in Lystra, Paul healed a man with crippled feet. (v. 10) Most other times the crowds would be in awe or end up believing in Jesus because of this miracle but in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas were immediately worshiped by the locals. (v. 11) They thought Barnabas was Zeus (the Greek god who was the father of all gods). I find this interesting because most of the time Paul is the one who is quoted or is said to have performed a healing. Apparently Barnabas did and said much more than we get from the book of Acts.
Yet, since Paul was the chief speaker, the locals thought he was Hermes (son of Zeus and a messenger from the gods to humanity). This brings up even more questions for me. Was Barnabas evidently older than Paul? Did Barnabas instruct Paul with what to say? Was Barnabas ultimately the one in charge? To the people of Lystra, the answers to all three of these questions seemed to be, "yes."
The temple of Zeus was just outside of Lystra, which gives us another clue as to why the people thought of Barnabas and Paul as Greek gods first. The priest of the temple of Zeus and the crowds brought animals out to offer sacrifices to the apostles. (v. 13)
The apostles responded by tearing their clothes. (v. 14)
You might ask, "why?" I'm glad you asked.
There are two main reasons why a Jew (Christian or not) would outwardly tear their clothes:
- It was a sign of deep sorrow and mourning over someone who had died
- When something terrible happened, an indescribable horror usually relating to apparent sin (of their own or someone else's). For example, the high priest tore his clothes in when he heard Jesus claim he was the Son of God in Matthew 26:64-65.
In verses 16 and 17, we get a glimpse of God in the Old Testament who focused most of His attention on Israel. Many times Israelites were commanded not to mingle with or marry anyone from another race so that their gods wouldn't lead them astray. BUT NOW, God wants to have a relationship with those people who worship false gods. It is no longer about hating those who are different but reaching them!
The people really didn't want to listen, though. They wanted to offer sacrifices; its all they knew. (v. 18)
Bad news.
The same Jews from Antioch and Iconium who were starting trouble for Paul and Barnabas joined forces and arrived in Lystra to stone Paul. (v. 19) I don't know why Barnabas wasn't stoned, too. I suppose they wanted to kill Paul since he was the 'messenger.'
Do you remember how gruesome the process of stoning was? (If you don't remember, you can refresh yourself here)
Luke says that the believers gathered around Paul (I understand this as circling around and praying for him, but I could be wrong) and that he simply got up. But get this, he didn't escape! He went back into the town where he was just stoned!! (v. 20)
After successful preaching in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas decided to return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (I don't know if I would've gone back there after Paul's near death, but they did) to encourage the new believers. Paul was a perfect reminder of how the believers were to suffer hardships for their faith. (vs. 21-22)
At each city (Lystra, Iconium and Antioch) they appointed elders, or pastors, for each new church. (v. 23)
They made their 1,400 mile journey back to Antioch of Syria, where they had begun. (v. 26) Paul and Barnabas retold all the stories and, especially, about how many Gentiles had received the gospel and became believers. There were now churches in those cities! (v. 27) Of course, Paul had some cool scars to show off after his stoning, too.
Questions
1.) King Herod had died of scabies for accepting worship previously in Acts 12. Paul and Barnabas had to reject and correct the misdirected worship in Lystra from the followers of Zeus. Do you ever find yourself taking too much credit? Do you openly give credit to God for the things, abilities, etc that you have? What's the danger if you don't credit God for those things?
2.) You now know the two main reasons why Jews would tear their clothing (horror or mourning). What is the American equivalent of this kind of reaction? And what situation(s) would make you react with such horror or sorrow?
3.) Paul is stoned but goes directly back to the same city in which it just happened? Do you revisit places where you have had negative experiences? Do you avoid people who have treated you harshly? What can we learn from Paul's example here? He goes back twice and even encourages the believers there!
February 23, 2012
Day 44 - Acts 13
After working eight straight days I decided to take two days of from posting, however, I do have a plan to make up some time. Over the next few days you might see two posts on one day. Don't worry, read as much as you want. This is just to keep us on the 2-year schedule.
We'll start to follow Saul (or as you'll see in Acts 13 he begins to be referred to as Paul) and Barnabus on their missionary journey. They are in for a wild ride. They are on a mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world since many Jews had rejected the faith.
You ready for this trip? So am I!
Acts 13 (Read it here)
Just in case you're curious, you can see the summary map of Paul & Barnabas' missionary journey here. This map covers all of Acts 13 and half of chapter 14, as well.
To get a true appreciation for what Paul and Barnabas did, you have to realize that their journey included walking over 1,400 miles! That's roughly the distance between Washington, DC and Houston, TX! All the while they are stopping at multiple cities and preaching to people they don't even know!
Let me give you a little background on the men referred to in Acts 13:1.
Barnabus
First mentioned in Acts 4, Barnabas (which was his nickname, his given name was Joseph) was a Greek-speaking Jew from Jerusalem (an oxymoron of sorts). Some early church fathers, most notably Tertullian, credited Barnabas as being the author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. This is plausible since Barnabas was Paul's right-hand man on several missionary journeys and Hebrews' contents are so similar to all of Paul's other writings.
Simeon (also known as Niger, pronounced Ny-jer)
Simeon is not to be confused with the priest mentioned in Luke 2 who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. Simeon, or Niger, was the second bishop of Jerusalem, after the first bishop, James (the writer of the book of James in the New Testament) was stoned by the same high council that killed Stephen. The bishop of Jerusalem was known as the central Christian leader of the church in Jerusalem, which was an elected position voted on by the believers in Jerusalem. And yes, his name is the word from Latin niger (which means black) that Americans get the common hate-filled racial slur to African-Americans.
Lucius from Cyrene
This is the first time Lucius is mentioned by name but he was the first bishop of Cyrene (modern day Northeastern Libya). He was one of the first Christ-followers who began preaching to Gentiles about Jesus. Just so you know, a bishop in this time of the Early Church, was responsible for overseeing the church, teaching and rebuking its members/believers, must like a modern-day pastor.
Manaen, the childhood friend of King Herod Antipas
Very little is known about Manaen. What we do know is that he was adopted by the royal family of Israel, which is why he is listed as a friend and not a biological brother of King Herod. He was also one of the central teachers of the church in Antioch (modern day Turkey), which was attributed as being the "cradle of Gentile Christianity."
Saul
Saul, who from now on will be referred to as Paul, was a leading Pharisee who spearheaded the persecution of the Early Church after the stoning of Stephen. However, after being converted by Jesus himself, became one of the most influential early church planters, leaders, teachers and preachers. He is known for writing the majority of the New Testament including the epistles (which are formal teaching letters directed to a group of people, church) of Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, Philemon and the pastoral epistles (formal teaching letters directed to leaders of churches) 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus.
Take a breath.
Simeon, Lucius and Manaen commission Paul and Barnabas for the special work that God had for them. (vs. 2-3)
Their first stop was in the town of Salamis on the island of Cyprus (check the map linked above) to preach in the Jewish synagogues. John Mark, otherwise known as Mark the Evangelist, was there. (v. 5) He was Barnabas' cousin and the writer of the gospel of Mark, by the way. We'll cover his book after Acts and Matthew.
In Paphos, Paul, Barnabas and Mark meet a magician named Bar-Jesus. (v. 6) Ironically, his full name was Elymus, son of Jesus (Jesus and Joshua were names that were almost the same, like saying Sean and Shawn). Elymus is Arabic for wise. Bar-Jesus was probably used by the governor, Sergius Paulus, for wise counsel or possibly the other way around since the governor is said to be an intelligent man. (v. 7)
The governor had obviously heard about the great response Paul and Barnabas had received in Cyprus so he wanted to hear the word of God for himself. Bar-Jesus tried to persuade the governor to ignore their teaching. (v. 8)
Paul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, looked Bar-Jesus dead in the eye. (v. 9) Can you imagine the intensity that Paul had on his face? He was filled with the power of God in that instance. Bar-Jesus was in for it! Paul knew that Bar-Jesus knew the true ways of the Lord and intentionally didn't follow them or let anyone else, either. (v. 10)
Paul struck Bar-Jesus blind and he instantly begged others to lead him by the hand. (v. 11) This alone was proof enough for the governor to believe. (v.12)
It was at Perga (modern day southwestern coast of Turkey) that Mark left the company of Paul and Barnabus to return to Jerusalem. (v. 13) Paul would mention this later in non-pleasant terms as they continued on without him to Antioch of Pisidia. (v. 14) If you look at the map again, you'll notice that this is a different Antioch than where Paul and Barnabas started from.
They went to the local synagogue and were given the opportunity to preach. (vs. 14-15) Once he was given the floor, Paul goes through the history of Israel and how God led His people through tumultuous circumstances. (vs. 17-22)
In verse 23 Paul crescendos his message by saying that Jesus, being one of King David's descendants, is God's promised Savior of Israel! This Jesus was killed even though he did no wrong. (v. 28) But by killing him the words of the Old Testament prophets were fulfilled. (v. 27) He was raised from the dead (v. 30) and appeared to many as proof of his resurrection (v. 31) and that he is truly the Savior!
He quotes the same thing Peter does in Acts 2 when he says that God's purpose was fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus because the Holy One was not to rot in the grave. (v. 35) It is through Jesus that there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God! (vs. 38-39) The law could never do that; the law could only point out that you were imperfect but never save you!
The people within the synagogue (Jews & God-fearers) had never heard such a message. It was revolutionary! The law couldn't save you, only faith in God's sent Savior, Jesus could! For once the pathway to salvation was clear and it was through faith not works.
Everyone wanted Paul and Barnabas to come back the following weekend to teach more and they did. (vs. 42, 44)
Paul and Barnabas became overnight celebrities. Many started to follow them wherever they went but, all the while, they challenged these people to keep their focus on God, not them. (v. 43)
Their fame made some Jews jealous (obvious non-Christ followers) and they did the same thing that was done with Stephen. They spread lies about Paul and Barnabas in hopes of either making them look blasphemous and/or getting them arrested. (v. 45) But they called the Jews out by saying (and I'm paraphrasing), "Its because of people like you, who have rejected God, that we now offer eternal life to Gentiles. God Himself would rather have the Gentiles than you stubborn Jews!"
The Gentiles LOVED this and were thankful to God for the good news being preached and available to them. (v. 48) The message began to spread like crazy through that region. (v. 49)
Even though the Jews added more pressure on Paul and Barnabas by physically kicking them out of town, the believers (Paul, Barnabus and other who accepted Jesus and followed them) left full of joy and with the Holy Spirit! (vs. 50-52)
Questions
1.) Have you ever been on a mission trip? What if you were on a mission trip where you had to walk 1,400 miles? The walking time alone would take more than two weeks! How do you think Paul and Barnabas were able to physically and mentally sustain the mission, especially when there is opposition, too?
2.) Do you remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira? They were killed by God for lying and pretending to be what they weren't. Also, Jesus had said that anyone who leads a child astray (away from God) would be better off with a millstone around their neck and thrown into the sea! (Luke 17:2) Why do you think Bar-Jesus got off so easily? Was his sin the fact that he knew what was right or that he didn't want others to know what was right or both?
3.) Do you find the faith to be difficult? Do you find yourself putting impossible standards on yourself because you believe that a Christ-follower has to be perfect and above reproach? Is giving yourself those standards even biblical? How would Paul and Barnabas' message to the Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia differ from that?
We'll start to follow Saul (or as you'll see in Acts 13 he begins to be referred to as Paul) and Barnabus on their missionary journey. They are in for a wild ride. They are on a mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world since many Jews had rejected the faith.
You ready for this trip? So am I!
Acts 13 (Read it here)
Just in case you're curious, you can see the summary map of Paul & Barnabas' missionary journey here. This map covers all of Acts 13 and half of chapter 14, as well.
To get a true appreciation for what Paul and Barnabas did, you have to realize that their journey included walking over 1,400 miles! That's roughly the distance between Washington, DC and Houston, TX! All the while they are stopping at multiple cities and preaching to people they don't even know!
Let me give you a little background on the men referred to in Acts 13:1.
Barnabus
First mentioned in Acts 4, Barnabas (which was his nickname, his given name was Joseph) was a Greek-speaking Jew from Jerusalem (an oxymoron of sorts). Some early church fathers, most notably Tertullian, credited Barnabas as being the author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. This is plausible since Barnabas was Paul's right-hand man on several missionary journeys and Hebrews' contents are so similar to all of Paul's other writings.
Simeon (also known as Niger, pronounced Ny-jer)
Simeon is not to be confused with the priest mentioned in Luke 2 who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. Simeon, or Niger, was the second bishop of Jerusalem, after the first bishop, James (the writer of the book of James in the New Testament) was stoned by the same high council that killed Stephen. The bishop of Jerusalem was known as the central Christian leader of the church in Jerusalem, which was an elected position voted on by the believers in Jerusalem. And yes, his name is the word from Latin niger (which means black) that Americans get the common hate-filled racial slur to African-Americans.
Lucius from Cyrene
This is the first time Lucius is mentioned by name but he was the first bishop of Cyrene (modern day Northeastern Libya). He was one of the first Christ-followers who began preaching to Gentiles about Jesus. Just so you know, a bishop in this time of the Early Church, was responsible for overseeing the church, teaching and rebuking its members/believers, must like a modern-day pastor.
Manaen, the childhood friend of King Herod Antipas
Very little is known about Manaen. What we do know is that he was adopted by the royal family of Israel, which is why he is listed as a friend and not a biological brother of King Herod. He was also one of the central teachers of the church in Antioch (modern day Turkey), which was attributed as being the "cradle of Gentile Christianity."
Saul
Saul, who from now on will be referred to as Paul, was a leading Pharisee who spearheaded the persecution of the Early Church after the stoning of Stephen. However, after being converted by Jesus himself, became one of the most influential early church planters, leaders, teachers and preachers. He is known for writing the majority of the New Testament including the epistles (which are formal teaching letters directed to a group of people, church) of Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, Philemon and the pastoral epistles (formal teaching letters directed to leaders of churches) 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus.
Take a breath.
Simeon, Lucius and Manaen commission Paul and Barnabas for the special work that God had for them. (vs. 2-3)
Their first stop was in the town of Salamis on the island of Cyprus (check the map linked above) to preach in the Jewish synagogues. John Mark, otherwise known as Mark the Evangelist, was there. (v. 5) He was Barnabas' cousin and the writer of the gospel of Mark, by the way. We'll cover his book after Acts and Matthew.
In Paphos, Paul, Barnabas and Mark meet a magician named Bar-Jesus. (v. 6) Ironically, his full name was Elymus, son of Jesus (Jesus and Joshua were names that were almost the same, like saying Sean and Shawn). Elymus is Arabic for wise. Bar-Jesus was probably used by the governor, Sergius Paulus, for wise counsel or possibly the other way around since the governor is said to be an intelligent man. (v. 7)
The governor had obviously heard about the great response Paul and Barnabas had received in Cyprus so he wanted to hear the word of God for himself. Bar-Jesus tried to persuade the governor to ignore their teaching. (v. 8)
Paul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, looked Bar-Jesus dead in the eye. (v. 9) Can you imagine the intensity that Paul had on his face? He was filled with the power of God in that instance. Bar-Jesus was in for it! Paul knew that Bar-Jesus knew the true ways of the Lord and intentionally didn't follow them or let anyone else, either. (v. 10)
Paul struck Bar-Jesus blind and he instantly begged others to lead him by the hand. (v. 11) This alone was proof enough for the governor to believe. (v.12)
It was at Perga (modern day southwestern coast of Turkey) that Mark left the company of Paul and Barnabus to return to Jerusalem. (v. 13) Paul would mention this later in non-pleasant terms as they continued on without him to Antioch of Pisidia. (v. 14) If you look at the map again, you'll notice that this is a different Antioch than where Paul and Barnabas started from.
They went to the local synagogue and were given the opportunity to preach. (vs. 14-15) Once he was given the floor, Paul goes through the history of Israel and how God led His people through tumultuous circumstances. (vs. 17-22)
In verse 23 Paul crescendos his message by saying that Jesus, being one of King David's descendants, is God's promised Savior of Israel! This Jesus was killed even though he did no wrong. (v. 28) But by killing him the words of the Old Testament prophets were fulfilled. (v. 27) He was raised from the dead (v. 30) and appeared to many as proof of his resurrection (v. 31) and that he is truly the Savior!
He quotes the same thing Peter does in Acts 2 when he says that God's purpose was fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus because the Holy One was not to rot in the grave. (v. 35) It is through Jesus that there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God! (vs. 38-39) The law could never do that; the law could only point out that you were imperfect but never save you!
The people within the synagogue (Jews & God-fearers) had never heard such a message. It was revolutionary! The law couldn't save you, only faith in God's sent Savior, Jesus could! For once the pathway to salvation was clear and it was through faith not works.
Everyone wanted Paul and Barnabas to come back the following weekend to teach more and they did. (vs. 42, 44)
Paul and Barnabas became overnight celebrities. Many started to follow them wherever they went but, all the while, they challenged these people to keep their focus on God, not them. (v. 43)
Their fame made some Jews jealous (obvious non-Christ followers) and they did the same thing that was done with Stephen. They spread lies about Paul and Barnabas in hopes of either making them look blasphemous and/or getting them arrested. (v. 45) But they called the Jews out by saying (and I'm paraphrasing), "Its because of people like you, who have rejected God, that we now offer eternal life to Gentiles. God Himself would rather have the Gentiles than you stubborn Jews!"
The Gentiles LOVED this and were thankful to God for the good news being preached and available to them. (v. 48) The message began to spread like crazy through that region. (v. 49)
Even though the Jews added more pressure on Paul and Barnabas by physically kicking them out of town, the believers (Paul, Barnabus and other who accepted Jesus and followed them) left full of joy and with the Holy Spirit! (vs. 50-52)
Questions
1.) Have you ever been on a mission trip? What if you were on a mission trip where you had to walk 1,400 miles? The walking time alone would take more than two weeks! How do you think Paul and Barnabas were able to physically and mentally sustain the mission, especially when there is opposition, too?
2.) Do you remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira? They were killed by God for lying and pretending to be what they weren't. Also, Jesus had said that anyone who leads a child astray (away from God) would be better off with a millstone around their neck and thrown into the sea! (Luke 17:2) Why do you think Bar-Jesus got off so easily? Was his sin the fact that he knew what was right or that he didn't want others to know what was right or both?
3.) Do you find the faith to be difficult? Do you find yourself putting impossible standards on yourself because you believe that a Christ-follower has to be perfect and above reproach? Is giving yourself those standards even biblical? How would Paul and Barnabas' message to the Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia differ from that?
February 20, 2012
Day 43 - Acts 12
I hope that you've finished all your eating and snacking for the night because the end of this post is a little disgusting. But hey, its about what's in the Bible. I'm not making this stuff up!
Ready?
Acts 12 (Read it here)
Herod Agrippa was a king of the Jews around from about 10 BC to 44 AD. He was named after a then-famous Roman statesman and was devout in his Jewish faith (as in Judaism, not Christianity). So much so that he was wholeheartedly willing to participate in persecuting the followers of what he and most other Jews thought was a blasphemous movement. (v. 1) How could a man (Jesus) be God, they thought?
If only they had read and paid a little more attention to their Old Testament scriptures.
James, the brother of John, was the first apostle to be martyred. (v. 2) James was arrested for preaching in the name of Jesus and, according to the Roman historian Eusibius, was beheaded. Herod loved the attention he received for this, so he had the most influential apostle, Peter, arrested during Passover (which, ironically, was when Jesus was arrested, too).
While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly (or as the original Greek language suggests, continuously or without ceasing) for him (v. 5) for they thought his life was in danger.
God honored the believers' prayers and sends an angel to free Peter from prison. Apparently Peter was naked (v. 8) and definitely thought he was dreaming. (v. 9) (Do you realize that a naked Peter is chained between two guards? He gets dressed without the guards waking up, most likely with the angel assisting their sleep.) He didn't recognize it was real until he was walking by himself down the street. (v. 10)
Peter is stoked because he expected to be executed, too. (v.11)
And wouldn't you know it, Peter goes directly to the place where everyone was praying for him! (v.12) However, a girl answers the door. Of course, no one believes her when she tells everyone that its Peter (v. 15) until they all overhear his loud knocking. (v. 16)
He told them the whole story and encouraged them to share it with the other apostles. (v. 17, by the way, the James that Peter speaks of must be James, son of Alphaeus, because the other James is dead)
From there Peter went into hiding.
Herod was ticked that Peter had escaped. The two guards that were in charge of looking after Peter were all executed, as was customary by Roman standards. (v. 19)
In what seems like a random mention of a random meeting between Herod and a delegation of people from Tyre and Sidon, Luke makes mention of Herod's downfall. Apparently, Herod got all dressed up in his royal robe and made this eloquent speech (About what? Who knows...who cares?), as stated in verse 21.
What we do know is that the people thought the speech was so good that Herod was praised as a god. (v. 22) As Luke stated before, Herod LOVED this attention so he accepted the worship gladly. God decided to show who the real God was. Herod was struck with a sickness that filled him with worms (v. 23). Another Roman historian, Josephus, described Herod's death as excruciating. From Josephus' descriptions of Herod's autopsy medical experts propose that Herod either died of Fournier's gangrene, scabies or a combination of both.
Before you google those terms, I'll just go ahead and tell you what happened to Herod. He basically had flesh-eating worms (or bacteria) that ate away at the region between his kidney and anus (which also includes the bladder and genitals).
Mmm, glad I had already had my dinner tonight.
After Herod died, the church continued to spread and grow. (v. 24)
Only 2 Questions Tonight:)
1.) What would you do if you were Peter? Would you continue preaching or would you be thankful of your escape and go into hiding permanently? What do you think Peter does?
2.) Why do you believe God punished Herod so severely for accepting worship? Was it because of the principle, because of Herod's prominence (influence & visibility in public) or both? How do you think God deals with people who are egomaniacs like this today?
Ready?
Acts 12 (Read it here)
Herod Agrippa was a king of the Jews around from about 10 BC to 44 AD. He was named after a then-famous Roman statesman and was devout in his Jewish faith (as in Judaism, not Christianity). So much so that he was wholeheartedly willing to participate in persecuting the followers of what he and most other Jews thought was a blasphemous movement. (v. 1) How could a man (Jesus) be God, they thought?
If only they had read and paid a little more attention to their Old Testament scriptures.
James, the brother of John, was the first apostle to be martyred. (v. 2) James was arrested for preaching in the name of Jesus and, according to the Roman historian Eusibius, was beheaded. Herod loved the attention he received for this, so he had the most influential apostle, Peter, arrested during Passover (which, ironically, was when Jesus was arrested, too).
While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly (or as the original Greek language suggests, continuously or without ceasing) for him (v. 5) for they thought his life was in danger.
God honored the believers' prayers and sends an angel to free Peter from prison. Apparently Peter was naked (v. 8) and definitely thought he was dreaming. (v. 9) (Do you realize that a naked Peter is chained between two guards? He gets dressed without the guards waking up, most likely with the angel assisting their sleep.) He didn't recognize it was real until he was walking by himself down the street. (v. 10)
Peter is stoked because he expected to be executed, too. (v.11)
And wouldn't you know it, Peter goes directly to the place where everyone was praying for him! (v.12) However, a girl answers the door. Of course, no one believes her when she tells everyone that its Peter (v. 15) until they all overhear his loud knocking. (v. 16)
He told them the whole story and encouraged them to share it with the other apostles. (v. 17, by the way, the James that Peter speaks of must be James, son of Alphaeus, because the other James is dead)
From there Peter went into hiding.
Herod was ticked that Peter had escaped. The two guards that were in charge of looking after Peter were all executed, as was customary by Roman standards. (v. 19)
In what seems like a random mention of a random meeting between Herod and a delegation of people from Tyre and Sidon, Luke makes mention of Herod's downfall. Apparently, Herod got all dressed up in his royal robe and made this eloquent speech (About what? Who knows...who cares?), as stated in verse 21.
What we do know is that the people thought the speech was so good that Herod was praised as a god. (v. 22) As Luke stated before, Herod LOVED this attention so he accepted the worship gladly. God decided to show who the real God was. Herod was struck with a sickness that filled him with worms (v. 23). Another Roman historian, Josephus, described Herod's death as excruciating. From Josephus' descriptions of Herod's autopsy medical experts propose that Herod either died of Fournier's gangrene, scabies or a combination of both.
Before you google those terms, I'll just go ahead and tell you what happened to Herod. He basically had flesh-eating worms (or bacteria) that ate away at the region between his kidney and anus (which also includes the bladder and genitals).
Mmm, glad I had already had my dinner tonight.
After Herod died, the church continued to spread and grow. (v. 24)
Only 2 Questions Tonight:)
1.) What would you do if you were Peter? Would you continue preaching or would you be thankful of your escape and go into hiding permanently? What do you think Peter does?
2.) Why do you believe God punished Herod so severely for accepting worship? Was it because of the principle, because of Herod's prominence (influence & visibility in public) or both? How do you think God deals with people who are egomaniacs like this today?
Day 42 - Acts 11
You all are blessed with the shortest blog post ever for tonight! It is mostly a recap of what happened in Acts 10 with a little bit of added history at the end.
Let's knock this out...
Acts 11 (Read it here)
As soon as the Jewish believers in Jerusalem heard about Peter visiting and preaching to Cornelius and other Romans (Gentiles), they criticized and reminded him that the Jewish law forbade him to do such a thing. (vs. 1-3)
Peter completely recounted the details of the vision that he had received on the roof of the tanner's home in Joppa. He told them about the sheet that contained the "unclean" animals and how he was commanded to kill and eat them. He refused to because of the Jewish dietary laws, of course. (vs. 4-8)
Peter repeated what he heard next from heaven, "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." (v. 9) Right after the vision concluded three Gentile men came to the tanner's home looking for him, but he had confirmation from the Spirit that it was ok to go with them. (vs. 11-12)
Then Peter recounted exactly what Cornelius had said about an angel appearing and instructing him to find Peter in Joppa. (v. 13) And here's the kicker, even though Cornelius was a God-fearer, a guy who worshiped, revered and prayed to God, he...was...not...saved! Cornelius knew it, too, because the angel told Cornelius that Peter would "tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!" (v. 14)
The proof of God being present was when the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius' household. (v. 15) Peter's explanation more than satisfied the Jewish believers. They even began to thank God for it! (v. 18)
Some of the believers that left Jerusalem after the persecution that began after the stoning of Stephen ended up in Antioch (about 330 miles from Jerusalem). Some only preached to Jews and chose to observe the outdated Jewish law of not associating with Gentiles. Others did not. (vs. 19-20) A huge number of Gentiles in Antioch responded and converted to the faith. (v. 21)
The apostles sent Barnabus down to Antioch to check out what was going on. (v. 22) Barnabus decided that Saul had been in exile long enough in Tarsus. He brought Saul to Antioch and together they taught the believers in the new church for an entire year! It was here that the believers were first called Christians (vs. 25-26, literally meaning a follower of Christ). So a Christ-follower and a Christian are one and the same.
Even though most American Christians may have never heard of Agabus, he is pretty well-known within the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches; there are actually minor holidays in his honor. The first Christian disaster relief effort ever mentioned happened during the famine that he predicted occurred around the year 45 AD. It was one of the first of many times where the Christian church would give and share outside of their community just as freely as they did within.
Saul and Barnabus were in charge of the donations from the Antioch (Gentile) church that were being given the Jewish church in Jerusalem. (v. 30) Wow, how things have changed now that Gentiles are helping the needy Jews. I bet the Jews never thought they would need the Gentiles; instant humility. Thank God that it was His decision to reach the Gentile and not the Jewish people's.
Questions
1.) Jews were not happy that Peter preached and attributed to God's saving of a Gentile family. You would think that Christ-followers would be joyful anytime ANYONE is saved. However, this isn't always true. Brutally honest question here: in your opinion (maybe at your worst), do some people not deserve salvation? If so, who and why? For example, Jenny had this thought after seeing Schindler's List and the brutality of the SS soldiers.
2.) How do you think the Jewish church felt when the Gentile church basically became the first Christian organization to sponsor a relief effort? How do you think this will change the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile believers? Personally speaking, are there some people that you wouldn't want their help just because you don't like them? Why is that ridiculous (yes, I said that its ridiculous)?
Let's knock this out...
Acts 11 (Read it here)
As soon as the Jewish believers in Jerusalem heard about Peter visiting and preaching to Cornelius and other Romans (Gentiles), they criticized and reminded him that the Jewish law forbade him to do such a thing. (vs. 1-3)
Peter completely recounted the details of the vision that he had received on the roof of the tanner's home in Joppa. He told them about the sheet that contained the "unclean" animals and how he was commanded to kill and eat them. He refused to because of the Jewish dietary laws, of course. (vs. 4-8)
Peter repeated what he heard next from heaven, "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." (v. 9) Right after the vision concluded three Gentile men came to the tanner's home looking for him, but he had confirmation from the Spirit that it was ok to go with them. (vs. 11-12)
Then Peter recounted exactly what Cornelius had said about an angel appearing and instructing him to find Peter in Joppa. (v. 13) And here's the kicker, even though Cornelius was a God-fearer, a guy who worshiped, revered and prayed to God, he...was...not...saved! Cornelius knew it, too, because the angel told Cornelius that Peter would "tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!" (v. 14)
The proof of God being present was when the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius' household. (v. 15) Peter's explanation more than satisfied the Jewish believers. They even began to thank God for it! (v. 18)
Some of the believers that left Jerusalem after the persecution that began after the stoning of Stephen ended up in Antioch (about 330 miles from Jerusalem). Some only preached to Jews and chose to observe the outdated Jewish law of not associating with Gentiles. Others did not. (vs. 19-20) A huge number of Gentiles in Antioch responded and converted to the faith. (v. 21)
The apostles sent Barnabus down to Antioch to check out what was going on. (v. 22) Barnabus decided that Saul had been in exile long enough in Tarsus. He brought Saul to Antioch and together they taught the believers in the new church for an entire year! It was here that the believers were first called Christians (vs. 25-26, literally meaning a follower of Christ). So a Christ-follower and a Christian are one and the same.
Even though most American Christians may have never heard of Agabus, he is pretty well-known within the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches; there are actually minor holidays in his honor. The first Christian disaster relief effort ever mentioned happened during the famine that he predicted occurred around the year 45 AD. It was one of the first of many times where the Christian church would give and share outside of their community just as freely as they did within.
Saul and Barnabus were in charge of the donations from the Antioch (Gentile) church that were being given the Jewish church in Jerusalem. (v. 30) Wow, how things have changed now that Gentiles are helping the needy Jews. I bet the Jews never thought they would need the Gentiles; instant humility. Thank God that it was His decision to reach the Gentile and not the Jewish people's.
Questions
1.) Jews were not happy that Peter preached and attributed to God's saving of a Gentile family. You would think that Christ-followers would be joyful anytime ANYONE is saved. However, this isn't always true. Brutally honest question here: in your opinion (maybe at your worst), do some people not deserve salvation? If so, who and why? For example, Jenny had this thought after seeing Schindler's List and the brutality of the SS soldiers.
2.) How do you think the Jewish church felt when the Gentile church basically became the first Christian organization to sponsor a relief effort? How do you think this will change the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile believers? Personally speaking, are there some people that you wouldn't want their help just because you don't like them? Why is that ridiculous (yes, I said that its ridiculous)?
February 18, 2012
Day 41 - Acts 10
In the next few days I am going to be putting together a few survey questions that I would love for anyone and everyone to participate in. I want to know how you're using the contents of the blog, what is confusing, what could be better, what is beneficial and what I could cover (or go more in depth on) that would be more beneficial. The survey will appear on Facebook. If you would like to join our Facebook group, find us here!
Thanks in advance!
Let's continue with Acts 10.
Acts 10 (Read it here)
Cornelius receives a vision from God asking him to send some of his men to find and bring Peter from Joppa. (v. 5) Cornelius is noted as Roman officer of the Italian Regiment (which consisted of roughly 600 men) and a God-fearing man. (vs. 1-2) A God-fearer was a name given to a non-Jew that worships the God of the Jews, in other words, a follower of Judaism not Christianity. A God-fearer worshiped, had deep reverence and respect for God as He was known in the Old Testament.
Cornelius had to be a unique man. Very few men of his stature and influence would be so humble as to worship the God of the people that his government had occupied. And, most of the time, with tremendous power came wealth. Jesus tells us that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God in Luke 18:25, but this guy is different. He prays, gives to the poor and has positively influenced everyone in his household.
His extraordinary character and good deeds have been recognized by God, however, we know that good deeds and following the law doesn't get anyone to heaven or earn respect from a Holy God. In response to this truth, God wants to give Cornelius the opportunity to receive the good news of Jesus, His Son from Peter.
However, Peter doesn't particularly like Gentiles. For some reason he was fine with going to Samaria to assist Philip in preaching the word to the hated Samaritans but he doesn't want to go to Cornelius.
I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's back up.
Peter is still at the tanner's house. He goes up on the roof for a few moments of prayer in seclusion. (v. 9) As he was praying he saw a vision, too. On this sheet were a slew of different animals that were against the Old Testament law to eat. (For a complete list of the animals Jews were not permitted to eat, check out Leviticus 11.) A few of the animals that Peter could have seen were a pig, a rabbit, a frog and a hawk (or any other bird that preys on carcasses or non-fish marine life).
So, in short, Jews didn't eat bacon, bunnies, frog legs or big birds (not to be confused with this).
Don't you find it interesting now that Peter was hungry and about to eat lunch when he was seeing this vision?
In the vision Peter hears a voice saying, "Get up, kill and eat." (v. 13)
Peter refuses on account of the law, thinking it is a test. (v. 14)
It is unclear exactly who is speaking to Peter whether it be God, Jesus or an angel. Either way, the voice has God's authority and makes it known by saying, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (v. 15) Peter had a little deja vu because he saw the vision a total of four times. (v. 16)
Peter was confused but he didn't time to really think on it as Cornelius' men had arrived. (v. 17) Peter was assured by the Holy Spirit that these men meant him no harm. (vs. 19-20) Cornelius' men stayed the night in Joppa and they (Cornelius' men, Peter and a few other believers) left for Caesarea the next day. (v. 23)
When they all arrived, Cornelius had already gathered his whole family and his close friends. He didn't want anyone that he cared about to miss what was about to happen. (v. 24)
When Peter entered Cornelius' home, Cornelius began to worship him but Peter quickly rebuked that behavior and told him, "I’m a human being just like you!” (vs. 25-26)
This misstep by Cornelius probably triggers Peter to think about another Jewish law that restricted him from gathering and associating with Gentiles (non-Jews). However, Peter connects the dots with his previous vision on Simon's roof and immediately knows that he is to no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean." (v. 29)
Cornelius continued to tell Peter about his vision that occurred four days ago. (v. 30; There's that word again, dazzling, which almost always denotes a supernatural being or heavenly visit.) He also told Peter the direct instructions that were given to him. (vs. 31-32) You can read the excitement in Cornelius' voice when he tells Peter that he had followed those divine instructions immediately and gathered everyone to hear the message God had given him! (v. 33)
Peter marvels at how God shows no favoritism but accepts any person who fears Him and does what is right. (vs. 34-35) Don't get it twisted, though, that isn't what saves us or gives us eternal life (fear & good deeds). If you were to stop reading there in verse 35, that's what you would get; a false, incomplete truth.
Peter says that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ. (v. 36) Jesus healed those who were being oppressed by the devil (v. 38, this goes to show that people were being punished for their sins by way of a deformity, disability, etc).
Peter also spoke of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and his command to preach to the nations. (vs. 40, 42) And Peter concludes with this, "everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” (v. 43) If amassing the most good deeds was the metric used to measure one's closeness to God, then it would be a completely self-centered measuring tool. The more a person tries to make themselves a better person, the easier it is to think that they can be good without God; as if they could really a make a name for themselves before God.
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the whole place and everyone there. (v. 44) The Holy Spirit, like God was void of favoritism, as well. Another episode like that of Pentecost happened. Everyone there started speaking in other languages! (v. 46) Peter immediately gives them the opportunity to be baptized right then and there (again, note that everyone there received the Holy Spirit before being baptized, baptism had no spiritual effect)!
Peter stayed with Cornelius and his family for several days. (v. 48) I can imagine that Peter had many, many hours of conversation and crash-course discipleship happening around the clock.
Questions
1.) Peter receives a vision of a multiplicity of animals being lowered on a blanket. Peter interprets this by saying that the Gentiles are not unclean as he initially had thought. Do you think this vision has a double-meaning? In other words, are Jews now permitted to eat bacon and frog legs, for example? Why or why not?
2.) Its easy to think that being a good person could earn you eternal life and salvation. Most non-Christians believe that is true. This can be a difficult truth to accept because Peter says that sins are forgiven through Jesus' name (later Paul would say only through Christ's name). What do you think happens to people who don't hear about Christ but are exceptionally good people? Do you think they will be reached out to by God as Cornelius was? What if Peter would've refused to go? What would've happened to Cornelius, his family and friends? Would they be saved? Explain.
3.) I know your noodle has to be cooked after that last question so we'll end with an easy one. How are you?
Thanks in advance!
Let's continue with Acts 10.
Acts 10 (Read it here)
Cornelius receives a vision from God asking him to send some of his men to find and bring Peter from Joppa. (v. 5) Cornelius is noted as Roman officer of the Italian Regiment (which consisted of roughly 600 men) and a God-fearing man. (vs. 1-2) A God-fearer was a name given to a non-Jew that worships the God of the Jews, in other words, a follower of Judaism not Christianity. A God-fearer worshiped, had deep reverence and respect for God as He was known in the Old Testament.
Cornelius had to be a unique man. Very few men of his stature and influence would be so humble as to worship the God of the people that his government had occupied. And, most of the time, with tremendous power came wealth. Jesus tells us that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God in Luke 18:25, but this guy is different. He prays, gives to the poor and has positively influenced everyone in his household.
His extraordinary character and good deeds have been recognized by God, however, we know that good deeds and following the law doesn't get anyone to heaven or earn respect from a Holy God. In response to this truth, God wants to give Cornelius the opportunity to receive the good news of Jesus, His Son from Peter.
However, Peter doesn't particularly like Gentiles. For some reason he was fine with going to Samaria to assist Philip in preaching the word to the hated Samaritans but he doesn't want to go to Cornelius.
I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's back up.
Peter is still at the tanner's house. He goes up on the roof for a few moments of prayer in seclusion. (v. 9) As he was praying he saw a vision, too. On this sheet were a slew of different animals that were against the Old Testament law to eat. (For a complete list of the animals Jews were not permitted to eat, check out Leviticus 11.) A few of the animals that Peter could have seen were a pig, a rabbit, a frog and a hawk (or any other bird that preys on carcasses or non-fish marine life).
So, in short, Jews didn't eat bacon, bunnies, frog legs or big birds (not to be confused with this).
Don't you find it interesting now that Peter was hungry and about to eat lunch when he was seeing this vision?
In the vision Peter hears a voice saying, "Get up, kill and eat." (v. 13)
Peter refuses on account of the law, thinking it is a test. (v. 14)
It is unclear exactly who is speaking to Peter whether it be God, Jesus or an angel. Either way, the voice has God's authority and makes it known by saying, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (v. 15) Peter had a little deja vu because he saw the vision a total of four times. (v. 16)
Peter was confused but he didn't time to really think on it as Cornelius' men had arrived. (v. 17) Peter was assured by the Holy Spirit that these men meant him no harm. (vs. 19-20) Cornelius' men stayed the night in Joppa and they (Cornelius' men, Peter and a few other believers) left for Caesarea the next day. (v. 23)
When they all arrived, Cornelius had already gathered his whole family and his close friends. He didn't want anyone that he cared about to miss what was about to happen. (v. 24)
When Peter entered Cornelius' home, Cornelius began to worship him but Peter quickly rebuked that behavior and told him, "I’m a human being just like you!” (vs. 25-26)
This misstep by Cornelius probably triggers Peter to think about another Jewish law that restricted him from gathering and associating with Gentiles (non-Jews). However, Peter connects the dots with his previous vision on Simon's roof and immediately knows that he is to no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean." (v. 29)
Cornelius continued to tell Peter about his vision that occurred four days ago. (v. 30; There's that word again, dazzling, which almost always denotes a supernatural being or heavenly visit.) He also told Peter the direct instructions that were given to him. (vs. 31-32) You can read the excitement in Cornelius' voice when he tells Peter that he had followed those divine instructions immediately and gathered everyone to hear the message God had given him! (v. 33)
Peter marvels at how God shows no favoritism but accepts any person who fears Him and does what is right. (vs. 34-35) Don't get it twisted, though, that isn't what saves us or gives us eternal life (fear & good deeds). If you were to stop reading there in verse 35, that's what you would get; a false, incomplete truth.
Peter says that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ. (v. 36) Jesus healed those who were being oppressed by the devil (v. 38, this goes to show that people were being punished for their sins by way of a deformity, disability, etc).
Peter also spoke of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and his command to preach to the nations. (vs. 40, 42) And Peter concludes with this, "everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” (v. 43) If amassing the most good deeds was the metric used to measure one's closeness to God, then it would be a completely self-centered measuring tool. The more a person tries to make themselves a better person, the easier it is to think that they can be good without God; as if they could really a make a name for themselves before God.
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the whole place and everyone there. (v. 44) The Holy Spirit, like God was void of favoritism, as well. Another episode like that of Pentecost happened. Everyone there started speaking in other languages! (v. 46) Peter immediately gives them the opportunity to be baptized right then and there (again, note that everyone there received the Holy Spirit before being baptized, baptism had no spiritual effect)!
Peter stayed with Cornelius and his family for several days. (v. 48) I can imagine that Peter had many, many hours of conversation and crash-course discipleship happening around the clock.
Questions
1.) Peter receives a vision of a multiplicity of animals being lowered on a blanket. Peter interprets this by saying that the Gentiles are not unclean as he initially had thought. Do you think this vision has a double-meaning? In other words, are Jews now permitted to eat bacon and frog legs, for example? Why or why not?
2.) Its easy to think that being a good person could earn you eternal life and salvation. Most non-Christians believe that is true. This can be a difficult truth to accept because Peter says that sins are forgiven through Jesus' name (later Paul would say only through Christ's name). What do you think happens to people who don't hear about Christ but are exceptionally good people? Do you think they will be reached out to by God as Cornelius was? What if Peter would've refused to go? What would've happened to Cornelius, his family and friends? Would they be saved? Explain.
3.) I know your noodle has to be cooked after that last question so we'll end with an easy one. How are you?
Day 40 - Acts 9
Good evening, ladies and gents! Today we'll see that Saul will be knocked down to the ground and that his past leads people to distrust him and his present confidence almost gets him killed, TWICE!
Let's dig in together!
Acts 9 (Read it here)
Saul becomes more aggressive in his pursuit not only to disband the church but he is eager to kill the Lord's followers. (v. 1) He even wanted to ask local priests to assist him in arresting any followers of the Way that attended synagogue. (v. 2)
The Way was simply a nickname of the early church. Its unclear exactly what the symbolism behind The Way is. It could possibly refer to Jesus referring to himself as "the way, the truth and the life" in John 14:6 or it could simply refer to the didache (did-da-chee), which are the teachings, that Jesus initially taught and his apostles continued, of the way of God. The Way of God is mentioned in Matthew 22:16, by the "way."
Saul was heading to Damascus as a Pharisee on a mission to end this blasphemous movement. A bright light from heaven points him out, he and the men traveling with him drop to the ground in submission. They hear the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" (vs. 3-4, Paul mentions his companion falling to the ground in Acts 26:13-14)
Notice how Jesus says that the persecution is directed at him? Contemporary persecution is no different, it still breaks God heart because not only does it rob his created beings of their freedom and/or lives but also the hatred is unmistakably directed to Him, too. After all, believers are the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12) This is one of those things that should break our hearts because it breaks our Father's. Check out more info about persecuted Christ-followers around the world at www.persecution.com.
Back to Saul. The men that were with Saul were freaking out because they heard Jesus' voice but saw nothing. (v. 7) When Saul got up off the ground, he was blind. The man who was this ruthless leader on mission was now being led by the hand with the assistance of his followers. Instant humility. (v. 8)
He stayed in Damascus for three days and fasted from food and water. (v. 9) No doubt this was in response to learning of how he was going against God. He was in deep prayer and repentance.
Jesus sent a man named Ananias (not the same Ananias that was married to Sapphira, obviously; that dude is dead) to go find Saul and lay hands on him so that he may regain his sight. (vs. 11-12) I'm paraphrasing Ananias here, "Hold up, God! I know who this guy is! He's the one that's been arresting and trying to kill all the believers! And you want me to go to him?! That's ridiculous!"
Jesus lets Ananias know that the game has changed and Saul is now on their side. Jesus had chosen Saul to be the man to take [God's] message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. Saul will also know what its like to be persecuted; he's about to walk in the believers' shoes. (vs. 15-16)
Ananias did as he was told; completely believing Jesus. Saul's sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. (v. 17) Immediately after, he was baptized and had a meal (vs. 18).
Just a few days later, Saul changed his tune in no humble way. He went straight to the synagogues in Damascus and began to recant of his mistake and preach that Jesus is indeed the Son of God! (v. 20)
The chief prosecutor of Christianity has become one of its biggest proponents.
Everybody who heard him preach had the same reaction as Ananias, "Isn't this the same guy who caused such persecution and fear among Jesus' followers? Didn't he come to Damascus to arrest us?" (v. 21) Even though Saul was saying all the right things, could it be a clever trick?
Saul kept preaching with so much power and authority that he was being targeted for persecution by Jewish religious leaders. (vs. 22-23) When Christ-followers learned of plots to kill Saul, they came to his rescue. In some cases they would notify him of the plots and in others they would help him escape the city unharmed. At least some believers began to trust him. (vs. 24-25)
The chief persecutor has now become the persecuted, just as Jesus said he would.
The believers didn't trust Saul in Jerusalem, though. (v. 26) However, Barnabus (who would become his traveling companion and had been with the church from the very beginning) came to his defense and told the believers about Saul's conversion experience with Jesus on the way to Damascus and how he had been preaching powerfully, too. (v. 27)
Saul began to hang with the apostles and preaching with them but he didn't mesh well with the Greek-speaking Jews (Saul was a Hebrew-speaking Jew, by the way) and we talked about the animosity that had been present there before in Acts 6:1 (apparently it hadn't gone way, either). To protect Saul, he was sent to his hometown to preach (v. 30)
Since Saul had been converted to the faith, the church experienced peace throughout the land. (v. 31)
--------------------
Peter is busy, preaching non-stop from town to town until he comes to this place called Lydda. (v. 32) There he heals a man named Aeneas and because of this amazing feat, (Aeneas had been bed-ridden for 8 YEARS!!) the whole population both Lydda and Sharon repented and believed in God! (vs. 33-35)
Before now, Jesus is the only one in the New Testament to have resurrected anyone, but now Peter is given that honor. There are many similarities between Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (see John 11) and Peter doing the same for Tabitha. They both are urged to come days after the person had died (Lazarus had been dead for 4 days, Tabitha for 2). Both Lazarus and Tabitha's bodies were prepared to be buried. And, of course, when they both arrived they experienced several mourners.
No doubt Peter was moved with compassion for Tabitha's friends. Tabitha had spent a lot of time serving others. Peter, being alone with Tabitha's corpse, prayed and demanded her to, "Get up!" (v. 40) And she did! Just as in Lydda and Sharon, many in Joppa came to know Christ after that day.
Questions
1.) How do you think Saul felt when he discovered that he was, in fact, persecuting Jesus the real Son of God? How do you think that reaction effected his preaching? How would you react if you were in his shoes?
2.) Saul goes from killing Christians to being nearly killed by other religious leaders and even Greek-speaking Christ-followers!! If you have decided to follow Christ, have you experienced a separation from those you used to hang with? If so, is your relationship with those people tense? Do you have tense relationships with certain other Christ-followers? If so, explain.
3.) Aeneas and Tabitha both had tragic things happen to them; paralysis and death. Many would struggle with doubt and curse God, blaming Him for their misfortune. However, both of these tragic events were used by God in order to get many, many people to believe in God's power and goodness. Have you seen something tragic be used for good by God? If so, what? Are you willing to go through something bad to be used by God? Have you been through something tragic that can be used by God? If so, what and how could it be used?
Let's dig in together!
Acts 9 (Read it here)
Saul becomes more aggressive in his pursuit not only to disband the church but he is eager to kill the Lord's followers. (v. 1) He even wanted to ask local priests to assist him in arresting any followers of the Way that attended synagogue. (v. 2)
The Way was simply a nickname of the early church. Its unclear exactly what the symbolism behind The Way is. It could possibly refer to Jesus referring to himself as "the way, the truth and the life" in John 14:6 or it could simply refer to the didache (did-da-chee), which are the teachings, that Jesus initially taught and his apostles continued, of the way of God. The Way of God is mentioned in Matthew 22:16, by the "way."
Saul was heading to Damascus as a Pharisee on a mission to end this blasphemous movement. A bright light from heaven points him out, he and the men traveling with him drop to the ground in submission. They hear the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" (vs. 3-4, Paul mentions his companion falling to the ground in Acts 26:13-14)
Notice how Jesus says that the persecution is directed at him? Contemporary persecution is no different, it still breaks God heart because not only does it rob his created beings of their freedom and/or lives but also the hatred is unmistakably directed to Him, too. After all, believers are the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12) This is one of those things that should break our hearts because it breaks our Father's. Check out more info about persecuted Christ-followers around the world at www.persecution.com.
Back to Saul. The men that were with Saul were freaking out because they heard Jesus' voice but saw nothing. (v. 7) When Saul got up off the ground, he was blind. The man who was this ruthless leader on mission was now being led by the hand with the assistance of his followers. Instant humility. (v. 8)
He stayed in Damascus for three days and fasted from food and water. (v. 9) No doubt this was in response to learning of how he was going against God. He was in deep prayer and repentance.
Jesus sent a man named Ananias (not the same Ananias that was married to Sapphira, obviously; that dude is dead) to go find Saul and lay hands on him so that he may regain his sight. (vs. 11-12) I'm paraphrasing Ananias here, "Hold up, God! I know who this guy is! He's the one that's been arresting and trying to kill all the believers! And you want me to go to him?! That's ridiculous!"
Jesus lets Ananias know that the game has changed and Saul is now on their side. Jesus had chosen Saul to be the man to take [God's] message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. Saul will also know what its like to be persecuted; he's about to walk in the believers' shoes. (vs. 15-16)
Ananias did as he was told; completely believing Jesus. Saul's sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. (v. 17) Immediately after, he was baptized and had a meal (vs. 18).
Just a few days later, Saul changed his tune in no humble way. He went straight to the synagogues in Damascus and began to recant of his mistake and preach that Jesus is indeed the Son of God! (v. 20)
The chief prosecutor of Christianity has become one of its biggest proponents.
Everybody who heard him preach had the same reaction as Ananias, "Isn't this the same guy who caused such persecution and fear among Jesus' followers? Didn't he come to Damascus to arrest us?" (v. 21) Even though Saul was saying all the right things, could it be a clever trick?
Saul kept preaching with so much power and authority that he was being targeted for persecution by Jewish religious leaders. (vs. 22-23) When Christ-followers learned of plots to kill Saul, they came to his rescue. In some cases they would notify him of the plots and in others they would help him escape the city unharmed. At least some believers began to trust him. (vs. 24-25)
The chief persecutor has now become the persecuted, just as Jesus said he would.
The believers didn't trust Saul in Jerusalem, though. (v. 26) However, Barnabus (who would become his traveling companion and had been with the church from the very beginning) came to his defense and told the believers about Saul's conversion experience with Jesus on the way to Damascus and how he had been preaching powerfully, too. (v. 27)
Saul began to hang with the apostles and preaching with them but he didn't mesh well with the Greek-speaking Jews (Saul was a Hebrew-speaking Jew, by the way) and we talked about the animosity that had been present there before in Acts 6:1 (apparently it hadn't gone way, either). To protect Saul, he was sent to his hometown to preach (v. 30)
Since Saul had been converted to the faith, the church experienced peace throughout the land. (v. 31)
--------------------
Peter is busy, preaching non-stop from town to town until he comes to this place called Lydda. (v. 32) There he heals a man named Aeneas and because of this amazing feat, (Aeneas had been bed-ridden for 8 YEARS!!) the whole population both Lydda and Sharon repented and believed in God! (vs. 33-35)
Before now, Jesus is the only one in the New Testament to have resurrected anyone, but now Peter is given that honor. There are many similarities between Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (see John 11) and Peter doing the same for Tabitha. They both are urged to come days after the person had died (Lazarus had been dead for 4 days, Tabitha for 2). Both Lazarus and Tabitha's bodies were prepared to be buried. And, of course, when they both arrived they experienced several mourners.
No doubt Peter was moved with compassion for Tabitha's friends. Tabitha had spent a lot of time serving others. Peter, being alone with Tabitha's corpse, prayed and demanded her to, "Get up!" (v. 40) And she did! Just as in Lydda and Sharon, many in Joppa came to know Christ after that day.
Questions
1.) How do you think Saul felt when he discovered that he was, in fact, persecuting Jesus the real Son of God? How do you think that reaction effected his preaching? How would you react if you were in his shoes?
2.) Saul goes from killing Christians to being nearly killed by other religious leaders and even Greek-speaking Christ-followers!! If you have decided to follow Christ, have you experienced a separation from those you used to hang with? If so, is your relationship with those people tense? Do you have tense relationships with certain other Christ-followers? If so, explain.
3.) Aeneas and Tabitha both had tragic things happen to them; paralysis and death. Many would struggle with doubt and curse God, blaming Him for their misfortune. However, both of these tragic events were used by God in order to get many, many people to believe in God's power and goodness. Have you seen something tragic be used for good by God? If so, what? Are you willing to go through something bad to be used by God? Have you been through something tragic that can be used by God? If so, what and how could it be used?
February 16, 2012
Day 39 - Acts 8
You may have noticed that I did not post last night. I just recently started my new job at Mission Hospital here in Asheville and my schedule will be radically different from what it was. I will be studying and writing some in the morning, working all day and getting off at 8pm only to, hopefully, post sometime before it gets really late.
If I do post late (say midnight or later), I'll post a comment to my original post on Facebook so many of you will be able to see that I have posted the night before.
Thanks for understanding and reading along with me!
Acts 8 (Read it here)
Simon, who is introduced in verse 9, was a sorcerer who claimed to be of God. People listened to him intently because his magic was spectacular. (v. 11) What he actually taught is not noted by Luke.
But with Philip's presence within Samaria, Simon's influence quickly evaporated. Many Samaritans not only believed Philip's message regarding the Kingdom of God and Jesus as Messiah but they also stepped out and confessed that faith by way of baptism, including Simon! (vs. 12-13) Simon even began to follow Philip and soak in everything he could.
The apostles hear about what's going on in Samaria, so Peter and John go to check it out. (v. 14)
Verses 15-17 are confusing at the outset. How could these Samaritans believe and be baptized yet not have the Holy Spirit? Didn't the Peter say in Acts 2:38-39 when preaching to the crowd at Pentecost, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?" He even continued to say, "This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Before you start to think that here lies a contradiction and therefore the whole validity of the gospel is in question, let me give you two observations:
1. I emboldened the word Gentiles because Samaritans are not Gentiles. Of course, they're not Jews, either. They neither because their both, being a mixed-race. Samaritans, in most cases, were treated worse than Gentiles by Jews. So when Peter refers to Gentiles, he is not lopping in the Samaritans with them.
2. In Acts 6:3-5, it is clear that Philip is full of the Spirit. Even prior to that, in Acts 4:31, when all the believers gathered in prayer, everyone there was filled with the Spirit. But, having the Spirit and having the authority to impart (or give out) the Spirit are two totally different things. As far as we know, only Jesus (to the apostles at Pentecost) and the apostles themselves (following Peter's preaching in Acts 2) are the only beings who can impart the Spirit. So when Peter and John arrive in Samaria, they are coming to do just that. And its not completely up to them, either. Peter and John have to ask God in prayer for Him to release the Spirit to these Samaritan men and women. (v. 15, of course God blesses their request in v. 17)
This is another fantastic example of how baptism does NOT have any spiritual or magical power that gives its recipient the Holy Spirit or salvation.
Simon was so impressed with Peter and John's power that he offered to purchase it from them. (v. 18)
Of course, Peter being who he is (passionate with a double-portion of impulsiveness yet full of the Spirit), really rails on Simon for even thinking such a deal was possible. (v. 20)
Peter exhibits Jesus-like ability to read Simon like an open book, calling him wicked, bitter and jealous. (vs. 22-23) Peter is dead on with his read because Simon asks for prayer so these things...won't happen to me." (v. 24)
--------------------
Philip is convinced to travel more south from Jerusalem towards Gaza. (v. 26) On the road he meets up with a small caravan in which the treasurer of Ethiopia was sitting on top of a carriage reading aloud from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. (vs. 27-28) This man was a eunuch. Just so you know, eunuchs were men who had been forced into castration (their testicles were removed) in order to fulfill a specific purpose, usually to be a keeper of women (most of the time women who were married to men in power, such as wives of kings, emperors, governors, etc.) The word eunuch in Greek literally means bed keeper.
Philip hears the Scripture being read and offers his instruction. The eunuch happened to be reading Isaiah 53:7-8 which was all predicting about the coming of Jesus and the suffering he would endure. Philip informed the eunuch of this truth (and more) in verse 35.
I can imagine the great conversation they were having; the eunuch was having his world being reshaped at the teaching of Philip. The caravan came upon a ditch and the eunuch immediately wanted to be baptized. (v. 37) Apparently, Philip had mentioned the importance of baptism as a mode of confession. Philip gladly baptized him! (v. 38)
I don't know exactly how this next part works, but Philip is "snatched away" by the Spirit of the Lord. (v. 39). The very next verse its like Philip looks around and notices that he has been transported north to Azotus (about 44 miles from Gaza) and Philip continued going north and preaching to every town along the way to Caesarea (Azotus was about 95 miles from Caesarea).
I can almost guarantee that Philip was commanded to travel without food, extra clothes and money like the disciples were by Jesus, making this little mission trip all the more impressive (especially if he were by himself).
Questions
1.) Who can give out the Holy Spirit today? I don't really know the answer to this (I have a pretty good idea), so I'm throwing it out as a complete and transparent question to get you thinking.
2.) Are you like the eunuch in that you're willing to admit your ignorance and ask for someone else's wisdom and instruction regarding the Bible, spiritual matters and other things? Or are you more guarded or worried about looking stupid? Why?
3.) Are you like Philip in that you're willing to help others who have questions about Jesus, the faith or other spiritual matters that you can easily answer? Or are you worried about saying something wrong and/or seeming like a goody-goody? Why?
If I do post late (say midnight or later), I'll post a comment to my original post on Facebook so many of you will be able to see that I have posted the night before.
Thanks for understanding and reading along with me!
Acts 8 (Read it here)
After the previous post, it is good to note that a few devout Christ-followers came and removed Stephen’s body and gave it a proper burial. (v. 2)
Saul (who would become known as Paul later in Acts) was greatly inspired to inflict persecution on believers in an attempt to disband the church after the stoning of Stephen. He attempted to do this “legally” by throwing them all in prison and putting each on trial in order to possibly execute them as they did Stephen. (v. 3) So much for Gamaliel’s advice, right? (See Acts 5:33-40 for a refresher)
The high council had agreed with Gamaliel that if this movement didn’t cease after Jesus’ death then it would be like fighting against God and what He intends.The intensity of Stephen’s accusations sparked such a hatred for Christ-followers that a great wave of persecution began that day over Jerusalem. Everyone except the apostles got out of dodge (left the region)! (v. 1)
To prove that this persecution didn't really effect the believers, Luke tells about Philip's experience in Samaria (this is the Philip who was chosen along with Stephen and five others to distribute food in Acts 6:5, not to be confused with the apostle with the same name). Philip preached and performed miracles there. (vs. 5-6) This goes to show that the Spirit was present and being used by every believer who was bold enough to stand out for God (not just for the big wigs like Peter, Stephen wasn't even an apostle).
I also want to remind you of where Philip is; he's in Samaria! Even though Philip is of Greek descent, this new Christian faith was still regarded as a Jewish sect. Jews and Samaritans don't mix (Samaritans were considered half-breeds who didn't have a pure religion) but that doesn't stop Philip from preaching about Jesus Christ (who was also a Jew). You'll see later that not every apostle felt it was their responsibility to preach to non-Jews. Yet Samaria accepted Philip and the message of Jesus with open arms, which was not a small feat to accomplish. (v. 8)
Simon, who is introduced in verse 9, was a sorcerer who claimed to be of God. People listened to him intently because his magic was spectacular. (v. 11) What he actually taught is not noted by Luke.
But with Philip's presence within Samaria, Simon's influence quickly evaporated. Many Samaritans not only believed Philip's message regarding the Kingdom of God and Jesus as Messiah but they also stepped out and confessed that faith by way of baptism, including Simon! (vs. 12-13) Simon even began to follow Philip and soak in everything he could.
The apostles hear about what's going on in Samaria, so Peter and John go to check it out. (v. 14)
Verses 15-17 are confusing at the outset. How could these Samaritans believe and be baptized yet not have the Holy Spirit? Didn't the Peter say in Acts 2:38-39 when preaching to the crowd at Pentecost, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?" He even continued to say, "This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Before you start to think that here lies a contradiction and therefore the whole validity of the gospel is in question, let me give you two observations:
1. I emboldened the word Gentiles because Samaritans are not Gentiles. Of course, they're not Jews, either. They neither because their both, being a mixed-race. Samaritans, in most cases, were treated worse than Gentiles by Jews. So when Peter refers to Gentiles, he is not lopping in the Samaritans with them.
2. In Acts 6:3-5, it is clear that Philip is full of the Spirit. Even prior to that, in Acts 4:31, when all the believers gathered in prayer, everyone there was filled with the Spirit. But, having the Spirit and having the authority to impart (or give out) the Spirit are two totally different things. As far as we know, only Jesus (to the apostles at Pentecost) and the apostles themselves (following Peter's preaching in Acts 2) are the only beings who can impart the Spirit. So when Peter and John arrive in Samaria, they are coming to do just that. And its not completely up to them, either. Peter and John have to ask God in prayer for Him to release the Spirit to these Samaritan men and women. (v. 15, of course God blesses their request in v. 17)
This is another fantastic example of how baptism does NOT have any spiritual or magical power that gives its recipient the Holy Spirit or salvation.
Simon was so impressed with Peter and John's power that he offered to purchase it from them. (v. 18)
Of course, Peter being who he is (passionate with a double-portion of impulsiveness yet full of the Spirit), really rails on Simon for even thinking such a deal was possible. (v. 20)
Peter exhibits Jesus-like ability to read Simon like an open book, calling him wicked, bitter and jealous. (vs. 22-23) Peter is dead on with his read because Simon asks for prayer so these things...won't happen to me." (v. 24)
--------------------
Philip is convinced to travel more south from Jerusalem towards Gaza. (v. 26) On the road he meets up with a small caravan in which the treasurer of Ethiopia was sitting on top of a carriage reading aloud from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. (vs. 27-28) This man was a eunuch. Just so you know, eunuchs were men who had been forced into castration (their testicles were removed) in order to fulfill a specific purpose, usually to be a keeper of women (most of the time women who were married to men in power, such as wives of kings, emperors, governors, etc.) The word eunuch in Greek literally means bed keeper.
Philip hears the Scripture being read and offers his instruction. The eunuch happened to be reading Isaiah 53:7-8 which was all predicting about the coming of Jesus and the suffering he would endure. Philip informed the eunuch of this truth (and more) in verse 35.
I can imagine the great conversation they were having; the eunuch was having his world being reshaped at the teaching of Philip. The caravan came upon a ditch and the eunuch immediately wanted to be baptized. (v. 37) Apparently, Philip had mentioned the importance of baptism as a mode of confession. Philip gladly baptized him! (v. 38)
I don't know exactly how this next part works, but Philip is "snatched away" by the Spirit of the Lord. (v. 39). The very next verse its like Philip looks around and notices that he has been transported north to Azotus (about 44 miles from Gaza) and Philip continued going north and preaching to every town along the way to Caesarea (Azotus was about 95 miles from Caesarea).
I can almost guarantee that Philip was commanded to travel without food, extra clothes and money like the disciples were by Jesus, making this little mission trip all the more impressive (especially if he were by himself).
Questions
1.) Who can give out the Holy Spirit today? I don't really know the answer to this (I have a pretty good idea), so I'm throwing it out as a complete and transparent question to get you thinking.
2.) Are you like the eunuch in that you're willing to admit your ignorance and ask for someone else's wisdom and instruction regarding the Bible, spiritual matters and other things? Or are you more guarded or worried about looking stupid? Why?
3.) Are you like Philip in that you're willing to help others who have questions about Jesus, the faith or other spiritual matters that you can easily answer? Or are you worried about saying something wrong and/or seeming like a goody-goody? Why?
February 15, 2012
Day 38 - Acts 7
I'll go ahead and forewarn you that there are some pretty graphic and gnarly details in today's post. I pray that it not only grabs your attention but allows you to feel emotionally tied to the persecution that was and still is experienced by Christ-followers to this day.
Let's get to it.
Acts 7 (Read it here)
When we left off yesterday Stephen was being dragged to trial after schooling some men at the synagogue. These men spread a whole bunch of nasty rumors that got him arrested and brought before the high council.
The high priest gave an opportunity for Stephen to defend himself by asking, "Are these accusations true?" (v. 1)
Stephen replies with, literally, a survey of most of the Old Testament. He mentions all of the patriarchs of the faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, etc) and, basically, summarizes from Genesis 12 (Abraham leaving his native land, current day Iraq, to what is now Syria) to 1 Kings 5 (Solomon building the temple).
So if you ever wanted a condensed version of the Old Testament, reread what Stephen had to say between Acts 7:2-50 again. He even quotes the prophets Amos and Isaiah. (vs. 43, 50)
This was a good indication that Stephen was most likely formally educated by a rabbi (which also hints that Stephen was probably brought up in a wealthy family). Even children and teenagers who were fortunate enough to be trained in the yeshiva (the main arena for learning the Torah, the first five books of the Bible) didn't get a comprehensive study of the prophetical books, too.
Anyway, back to Acts 7. It seems that Stephen is primarily telling the whole story before hinting at his point around verse 35, where Moses is rejected by his own people prior to the exodus. Even though Moses did lead the Israelites out of Egypt and the bonds of slavery and predicted that a savior figure/prophet would come (Jesus would easily fit this billing), he and God were constantly rejected (see verses 39-40).
God permitted the Israelites to worship whomever they wanted, but it came with its own consequence. It was God who had rescued them from Egypt, it was God that had provided water from a rock and manna (like crackers or wafers) from heaven. (See Exodus 17:1-7 and Exodus 16, respectively)
To get the full gravity of what Stephen is talking about, it is worth talking about the two pagan gods of Molech and Rephan. (v. 43) Molech is mentioned 16 times in the Bible and one of the most detestable acts of worship that was required by Molech was the sacrifice of children, primarily the firstborn. (See Leviticus 18:21).
Rephan was another name for Saturn, the god of the stars, and was the Bible's version of worship via astronomy. Rephan was particularly worshiped for his control over agriculture and the harvest. It was in observance of Rephan (or Saturn) that gave the date of what we know as the Christmas season, which began on December 17 and ended on the 25th. Christians simply began celebrating Jesus' birth to "overshadow" the worship and celebration of Saturn.
God, himself, ridiculed the Israelites for the creation of idols; idols made from wood and stone—gods that [can't] see nor hear nor eat nor smell. (Deuteronomy 4:28)
If God could describe the Israelite people in one word, He would have been accurate in choosing the word stubborn. They continually complained against, rebelled and rejected God.
In verse 51, Israelites are described by God as stubborn, heathen at heart, deaf to the truth and those who resist the Holy Spirit!
Even though the council may have been rolling their eyes, wondering when Stephen would ever stop giving his lecture, Stephen grabs their attention by implying that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Stephen says, "That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” (vs. 52-53)
Do you understand the intensity of the insult that Stephen just laid down? He called the council the equivalent of
baby killers,
star worshiping-pagans,
stubborn,
impure at heart,
those who ignore God and the truth!!
Take any brutally honest talking-to that Jesus or Peter ever gave and multiply it times a thousand!
Stephen spoke with the full measure of the Holy Spirit and, Luke says in verse 55, sees God and Jesus in heaven at that momen! He pays no attention to the rage of the council and continues to prophecy about how he sees Jesus at the right hand of the Father. (v. 56)
The enraged men rushed at him, dragged him outside the city and began to throw stones at him. (v. 57)
Stoning was a way of performing capital punishment without one person carrying out the deed and being solely responsible. In many cases, the accused would suffer repeated strikes with stones (as big as accusers wanted to throw) until they fell unconscious, died or both. Again, in many cases, the punishment would end with an exceptionally large stone (big enough for at least 2 men to carry) dropped on the accused, which would be the fatal blow. This place would also turn out to be the accused's grave site, no formal burial was performed. Other than crucifixion, it was one of the slowest and most torturous ways to be killed.
I know that was graphic, but that fairly gives you respect for the fear that one must have had when being faced with such a punishment.
But Stephen is not phased! During his stoning, he prays two things that are eerily similar as to what Jesus said during his final moments on the cross: receive my spirit and don’t charge them with this sin (similar to 'forgive them, for they don’t know what they do')!
His final act was to ask for the angry mob's forgiveness. After that, he dies.
By the way, Saul (who would be later known as Paul, the writer of the majority of the New Testament) was there and in support of what he saw happening to Stephen. This was before he became a Christ-follower. His time is coming. We'll find out soon enough what happens to him here in the book of Acts.
Questions
1.) God describes idols as things that don't see, hear, eat or smell. Are there things in your life that interfere with getting to know God that fit this criteria? Name a few (you get bonus points if there made of wood or stone).
2.) Have you noticed the theme that the truth tends to get the truth-teller in trouble? Does that fear stop you from being completely honest? Why or why not?
3.) Stoning has since been outlawed in every country other than in countries that are majority Muslim. The most common crime that results in stoning today is adultery. Christ-followers can also be stoned for their faith. Do you see the connection? Both accused parties are punished for being with someone their not supposed to be with (one their not married to and Jesus, for example). Explain how you feel about knowing these facts.
Let's get to it.
Acts 7 (Read it here)
When we left off yesterday Stephen was being dragged to trial after schooling some men at the synagogue. These men spread a whole bunch of nasty rumors that got him arrested and brought before the high council.
The high priest gave an opportunity for Stephen to defend himself by asking, "Are these accusations true?" (v. 1)
Stephen replies with, literally, a survey of most of the Old Testament. He mentions all of the patriarchs of the faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, etc) and, basically, summarizes from Genesis 12 (Abraham leaving his native land, current day Iraq, to what is now Syria) to 1 Kings 5 (Solomon building the temple).
So if you ever wanted a condensed version of the Old Testament, reread what Stephen had to say between Acts 7:2-50 again. He even quotes the prophets Amos and Isaiah. (vs. 43, 50)
This was a good indication that Stephen was most likely formally educated by a rabbi (which also hints that Stephen was probably brought up in a wealthy family). Even children and teenagers who were fortunate enough to be trained in the yeshiva (the main arena for learning the Torah, the first five books of the Bible) didn't get a comprehensive study of the prophetical books, too.
Anyway, back to Acts 7. It seems that Stephen is primarily telling the whole story before hinting at his point around verse 35, where Moses is rejected by his own people prior to the exodus. Even though Moses did lead the Israelites out of Egypt and the bonds of slavery and predicted that a savior figure/prophet would come (Jesus would easily fit this billing), he and God were constantly rejected (see verses 39-40).
God permitted the Israelites to worship whomever they wanted, but it came with its own consequence. It was God who had rescued them from Egypt, it was God that had provided water from a rock and manna (like crackers or wafers) from heaven. (See Exodus 17:1-7 and Exodus 16, respectively)
To get the full gravity of what Stephen is talking about, it is worth talking about the two pagan gods of Molech and Rephan. (v. 43) Molech is mentioned 16 times in the Bible and one of the most detestable acts of worship that was required by Molech was the sacrifice of children, primarily the firstborn. (See Leviticus 18:21).
Rephan was another name for Saturn, the god of the stars, and was the Bible's version of worship via astronomy. Rephan was particularly worshiped for his control over agriculture and the harvest. It was in observance of Rephan (or Saturn) that gave the date of what we know as the Christmas season, which began on December 17 and ended on the 25th. Christians simply began celebrating Jesus' birth to "overshadow" the worship and celebration of Saturn.
God, himself, ridiculed the Israelites for the creation of idols; idols made from wood and stone—gods that [can't] see nor hear nor eat nor smell. (Deuteronomy 4:28)
If God could describe the Israelite people in one word, He would have been accurate in choosing the word stubborn. They continually complained against, rebelled and rejected God.
In verse 51, Israelites are described by God as stubborn, heathen at heart, deaf to the truth and those who resist the Holy Spirit!
Even though the council may have been rolling their eyes, wondering when Stephen would ever stop giving his lecture, Stephen grabs their attention by implying that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Stephen says, "That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” (vs. 52-53)
Do you understand the intensity of the insult that Stephen just laid down? He called the council the equivalent of
baby killers,
star worshiping-pagans,
stubborn,
impure at heart,
those who ignore God and the truth!!
Take any brutally honest talking-to that Jesus or Peter ever gave and multiply it times a thousand!
Stephen spoke with the full measure of the Holy Spirit and, Luke says in verse 55, sees God and Jesus in heaven at that momen! He pays no attention to the rage of the council and continues to prophecy about how he sees Jesus at the right hand of the Father. (v. 56)
The enraged men rushed at him, dragged him outside the city and began to throw stones at him. (v. 57)
Stoning was a way of performing capital punishment without one person carrying out the deed and being solely responsible. In many cases, the accused would suffer repeated strikes with stones (as big as accusers wanted to throw) until they fell unconscious, died or both. Again, in many cases, the punishment would end with an exceptionally large stone (big enough for at least 2 men to carry) dropped on the accused, which would be the fatal blow. This place would also turn out to be the accused's grave site, no formal burial was performed. Other than crucifixion, it was one of the slowest and most torturous ways to be killed.
I know that was graphic, but that fairly gives you respect for the fear that one must have had when being faced with such a punishment.
But Stephen is not phased! During his stoning, he prays two things that are eerily similar as to what Jesus said during his final moments on the cross: receive my spirit and don’t charge them with this sin (similar to 'forgive them, for they don’t know what they do')!
His final act was to ask for the angry mob's forgiveness. After that, he dies.
By the way, Saul (who would be later known as Paul, the writer of the majority of the New Testament) was there and in support of what he saw happening to Stephen. This was before he became a Christ-follower. His time is coming. We'll find out soon enough what happens to him here in the book of Acts.
Questions
1.) God describes idols as things that don't see, hear, eat or smell. Are there things in your life that interfere with getting to know God that fit this criteria? Name a few (you get bonus points if there made of wood or stone).
2.) Have you noticed the theme that the truth tends to get the truth-teller in trouble? Does that fear stop you from being completely honest? Why or why not?
3.) Stoning has since been outlawed in every country other than in countries that are majority Muslim. The most common crime that results in stoning today is adultery. Christ-followers can also be stoned for their faith. Do you see the connection? Both accused parties are punished for being with someone their not supposed to be with (one their not married to and Jesus, for example). Explain how you feel about knowing these facts.
February 13, 2012
Day 37 - Acts 6
You guys are fortunate! Today's chapter is only 15 verses long, so today's will be a short post.
Let's get into it!
Acts 6 (Read it here)
The more the group of believers grew, the more things were missed. Anyone who has ever started a ministry would know that its great to start with 10 coming to a service, but when you hit 50, 60, 70 people, even the simplest tasks can become much more difficult to remember and monitor effectively. One of the things that bothered Greek-speaking believers was that their widows were not being fed as much as Hebrew-speaking believers. (v. 1)
As if women and, worse yet, widows didn't have it bad enough. If you were a Greek-speaking widow, even some Christ-followers wouldn't think you were worthy of getting the same amount of food as Hebrew-speaking widows.
The most viable reason for this discrimination was that Greek-speaking Jews had adopted the custom of primarily using the Greek language for use in worship settings and even translating the Old Testament from its original language (which was Hebrew). To a Hebrew-speaking believer this was most likely seen as being proponents of Roman culture, the customs of the enemy.
I find it ironic, however, that the New Testament was written in Greek first and then later translated into Hebrew.
The apostles got together and decided to delegate this responsibility to able, respected, Spirit-filled and wise men so that they could continue to focus on teaching God's word. (vs. 2-3) I think it is important to note that the apostles selected men to serve women (a practice in humility) and that those men would've been seen as leaders (Spirit-filled). The first just became last.
This decision brought about unity since "everyone liked this idea." (v. 5) The seven men were brought to the apostles and were prayed over before beginning this ministry. Again, I can't stress this enough, this work was not tedious, menial, grunt work. James, the half-brother of Jesus, would echo the sentiments of the Old Testament prophets when he wrote that, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27) Fixing this issue was a high priority to everyone involved.
Did you notice that some of the priests (no doubt part of the most anti-Christians of that time) also became Christ-followers during this time? (v. 7)
--------------------
Stephen, the most notable of the seven men selected to carry out this ministry, became known as a man who was "full of God's grace and power." He started to perform miracles as the apostles had done. (v. 8)
Just in case you're curious, the men in verse 9 who debated with Stephen, were former slaves of Jewish masters who were freed but remained Jewish in their faith (in other words, not Christ-followers).
Even though a synagogue full of these men started this debate, the wisdom with which Stephen spoke couldn't be matched. (v. 10) Stephen's superior wisdom belittled these free men so much that they began to get their friends, peers and family to lie about Stephen. They falsely accused him of saying heretical and irreverent things about Moses, God and the Temple. (vs. 11, 14)
This apparently worked because the same high council that had previously arrested the apostles on three separate occasions had Stephen arrested, too. (v. 12)
Luke ends the chapter, in verse 15, with saying that Stephen's face was "bright as an angel's." This
is very reminiscing of what happened to Moses when he saw and conversed with God face-to-face. (Check out Exodus 34:28-35) Moses' face had the same type of glow to it after speaking with God. This should have been a clue to the council that Stephen was being used by God, but like the religious leaders before them, they chose only what they themselves wanted to believe.
You'll see what happens with Stephen tomorrow in Acts 7...and it won't be pretty.
Questions
1.) The early Christ-followers experienced division when the Hebrew-speaking believers thought they were better than their Greek-speaking brothers and sisters. Churches still inexplicably experience this division when ministering to homosexuals, for example (as if God loves the heterosexual more than the homosexual). Or do you feel irritated when someone of Hispanic or Latino descent struggles or cannot speak English? Why do you think people naturally feel, in certain situations, like they are better than other people?
2.) How do you think Stephen and the other six men responded when they were chosen to make sure that all widows received the same amount of food (considering they were men chosen to serve women)?
3.) Do you find that others will lie about you when you speak the truth? What kind of things have been spread about you by those who wanted to tear you down?
Let's get into it!
Acts 6 (Read it here)
The more the group of believers grew, the more things were missed. Anyone who has ever started a ministry would know that its great to start with 10 coming to a service, but when you hit 50, 60, 70 people, even the simplest tasks can become much more difficult to remember and monitor effectively. One of the things that bothered Greek-speaking believers was that their widows were not being fed as much as Hebrew-speaking believers. (v. 1)
As if women and, worse yet, widows didn't have it bad enough. If you were a Greek-speaking widow, even some Christ-followers wouldn't think you were worthy of getting the same amount of food as Hebrew-speaking widows.
The most viable reason for this discrimination was that Greek-speaking Jews had adopted the custom of primarily using the Greek language for use in worship settings and even translating the Old Testament from its original language (which was Hebrew). To a Hebrew-speaking believer this was most likely seen as being proponents of Roman culture, the customs of the enemy.
I find it ironic, however, that the New Testament was written in Greek first and then later translated into Hebrew.
The apostles got together and decided to delegate this responsibility to able, respected, Spirit-filled and wise men so that they could continue to focus on teaching God's word. (vs. 2-3) I think it is important to note that the apostles selected men to serve women (a practice in humility) and that those men would've been seen as leaders (Spirit-filled). The first just became last.
This decision brought about unity since "everyone liked this idea." (v. 5) The seven men were brought to the apostles and were prayed over before beginning this ministry. Again, I can't stress this enough, this work was not tedious, menial, grunt work. James, the half-brother of Jesus, would echo the sentiments of the Old Testament prophets when he wrote that, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27) Fixing this issue was a high priority to everyone involved.
Did you notice that some of the priests (no doubt part of the most anti-Christians of that time) also became Christ-followers during this time? (v. 7)
--------------------
Stephen, the most notable of the seven men selected to carry out this ministry, became known as a man who was "full of God's grace and power." He started to perform miracles as the apostles had done. (v. 8)
Just in case you're curious, the men in verse 9 who debated with Stephen, were former slaves of Jewish masters who were freed but remained Jewish in their faith (in other words, not Christ-followers).
Even though a synagogue full of these men started this debate, the wisdom with which Stephen spoke couldn't be matched. (v. 10) Stephen's superior wisdom belittled these free men so much that they began to get their friends, peers and family to lie about Stephen. They falsely accused him of saying heretical and irreverent things about Moses, God and the Temple. (vs. 11, 14)
This apparently worked because the same high council that had previously arrested the apostles on three separate occasions had Stephen arrested, too. (v. 12)
Luke ends the chapter, in verse 15, with saying that Stephen's face was "bright as an angel's." This
is very reminiscing of what happened to Moses when he saw and conversed with God face-to-face. (Check out Exodus 34:28-35) Moses' face had the same type of glow to it after speaking with God. This should have been a clue to the council that Stephen was being used by God, but like the religious leaders before them, they chose only what they themselves wanted to believe.
You'll see what happens with Stephen tomorrow in Acts 7...and it won't be pretty.
Questions
1.) The early Christ-followers experienced division when the Hebrew-speaking believers thought they were better than their Greek-speaking brothers and sisters. Churches still inexplicably experience this division when ministering to homosexuals, for example (as if God loves the heterosexual more than the homosexual). Or do you feel irritated when someone of Hispanic or Latino descent struggles or cannot speak English? Why do you think people naturally feel, in certain situations, like they are better than other people?
2.) How do you think Stephen and the other six men responded when they were chosen to make sure that all widows received the same amount of food (considering they were men chosen to serve women)?
3.) Do you find that others will lie about you when you speak the truth? What kind of things have been spread about you by those who wanted to tear you down?
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