Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In Acts 13, a tremendous revival was taking place in Antioch of Pisidia. This provoked the Jewish leaders there to jealousy and Paul and Barnabas were summarily expelled out of their coasts. Paul had not yet written Romans 8:28, but this eternal spiritual principle was in effect as he and Barnabas arrived in Iconium. The gospel is spreading like wildfire in Galatia.

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us understanding as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 14:1-7
1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they [Paul And Barnabas] went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Here we go again. The jealous, unbelieving Jewish leaders are contradicting and blaspheming — attempting to stymie the efforts of Paul and Barnabas to spread the gospel. This is a recurring theme throughout Acts. However, these attempts to censor the gospel only furthered it. These episodes may be the first documented examples of the Streisand Effect.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

This time, Paul and Barnabas are not forced to leave. Hence, they stayed in Iconium for a long time to strengthen the brethren who were facing persecution. The Holy Spirit vindicated them and confirmed their message with signs and wonders. (Signs and wonders are no longer necessary because we have the testimony of history, among other things, to confirm the New Testament.)

Paul and Barnabas are receiving a lot of hostility as they continue on their journey, but they calmly persevere in the face of opposition. Their persecutors are driven by their emotions, but Paul and Barnabas follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. In The Spiritual Man, Watchman Nee talks about how important it is for Christians to discern between the influence of their emotions and the leading of the Spirit:

Man’s sensational life is most comprehensive, hence highly
complicated; to help believers understand it, we can gather all its
various expressions into the three groups of (1) affection, (2) desire,
and (3) feeling. These groups cover the three aspects of the function
of emotion. Should a saint overcome all three, he is well on the way
to entering upon a pure spiritual path. (1)

Reading Nee’s thoughts on this subject has helped me understand the strange behavior we are seeing in these last days, including some of my own. Reading Nee, I am reminded how important it is to discern between the soul and the spirit (Heb 4:12), and to be led of the Holy Spirit. One of the things I love about Acts is how we see the power available to us when we let the Holy Spirit lead:

What are the servants of the Lord seeking today? Countless ones
aspire to spiritual power. But this power is obtained solely by paying
a price. Should a Christian die to his emotion he will possess spiritual
might. It is because he leans too much on his emotion and is bound
too strongly to his desire, affection and feeling that the Christian
forfeits real power. Only a deeper operation of the cross can fill us
with spiritual dynamite; other than that there is no way to it. When
the cross works upon our desire enabling us to live completely for
God, spiritual power will naturally be evidenced in us. (2)

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Dr Luke uses the plural form of apostle, showing that Barnabas was an apostle too.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

They were such slaves to their emotions that they eventually plotted to murder Paul and Barnabas — two innocent men.

This illustrates why Jesus said Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matt 5:21f) Murder begins in the heart with anger. Jesus went on to say Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. As fellow Jews, they were supposed to be brothers, but, being ruled by their emotions, they eventually gave in to the murder in their hearts and plotted to kill Paul and Barnabas. 

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Paul and Barnabas follow the directive of Jesus in Matthew 10:23: But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:

7 And there they preached the gospel.
Acts 14:1-7

So, as our section ends, we see that the persecution of Paul and Barnabas only served to further the gospel. Now the gospel was being preached in the region to the south of Iconium as well. These initial gospel outreaches by Paul and Barnabas will eventually lead to Paul writing his letter to the Galatians, one of the most powerful pieces of literature ever penned. (For example, the Epistle to the Galatians was central to the Reformation.) The Galatians were actually transplants from what we know as France — then called Gaul. Hence, Gaul-atia, shortened to Galatia. They had been there for centuries by the time Paul and Barnabas showed up. They were a warrior clan, steeped in paganism, and now part of the Roman Empire. There is more drama to come before Paul and Barnabas are done with their first missionary journey, as we shall see in our next post.

In closing, my takeaway from this post is how important it is to keep one’s emotions in check and be led of the Spirit. When I let the Bible be my guide, I am led of the Spirit. When I let my emotions dictate my behavior, I am in the flesh.

Father, help us immerse ourselves in your word, that your word may live in our hearts, that we may be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led Christians. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 The Spiritual Man, pp 423, 424
2 The Spiritual Man, p 433

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In this post, we will see how the patience of the evangelists in our narrative paid off. After years and years of quietly serving and waiting on the Lord, almost the whole city of Antioch in Pisidia comes out to hear the word of God. I would have liked to have seen that!

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us understanding as we read your word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 13:44-52
44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy [cf Pr 27:4], and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Just as in the Gospels, the phrase the Jews here refers to the Jewish religious leaders. I make this statement based on the law of expositional constancy. In the Gospels, although “the Jews” opposed Jesus, the common people, who were also Jewish, heard Him gladly. (Mark 12:37)

46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Paul will continue preaching in synagogues wherever he goes. It almost seems Paul made this statement about turning to the Gentiles to take a jab at the Jewish leaders who rejected his message. When Jesus talked about prophets being sent to the Gentiles, it made his hometown synagogue so upset that they tried to throw Him off a cliff. (Luke 4:24-29) 

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. [Isa 49:6]
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Dr Luke makes a Calvinistic statement here in verse 48, emphasizing God’s role in election. If you are interested in reading a little more on this subject (free will vs election), see here. In verse 49, we see man’s role, using his free will to spread the gospel. 

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them [cf Mark 6:11], and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:44-52

 

Notice who it was that rejected Paul and Barnabas and their message. (v 50) The Jewish leaders started with the devout and honourable women. Women have always had incredible powers of influence. That is why the queen is the most powerful piece on the chessboard. Paul wisely placed restrictions on them as church leaders (I Tim 2:12), and Acts 13:50 demonstrates why. (I Tim 2:14) After recruiting the devout and honourable women to their cause, they moved on to the aristocracy, the well-healed ‘officials’, or what we might call ‘the elite’. Listen to what James has to say on this subject:

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James 2:1-7

Despite the setbacks caused by the jealousy of the Jewish leaders, Acts 13 ends with the disciples being filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. That is what I am taking away from this section: being a joyful Spirit-filled Christian in the face of adversity. (Phil 4:4)

The Christians in Acts 13 had a choice. They could gripe about those wicked leaders who expelled Paul and Barnabas out of their coasts, or they could be thankful for the good news of the gospel. They chose the latter. (And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.)

I cannot overemphasize the importance of avoiding the trap of focusing on the negative. We have all seen people who act this way. Their glass is always half empty. Einstein said, “Avoid negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” Solomon said, Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: (Pr 22:24)

A time-tested technique to kill negative thoughts and focus on the positive is to count your blessings. If you have found yourself getting angry, depressed, or discouraged lately, give it a try. Start thinking of various things you have to be thankful for, and count them as you go. By the time you get to number 10, you will feel much better.

In our next post, we will see what happens when Paul and Barnabas come to Iconium.

Father, help us to have a realistic view of the great things you are doing as You make all things new. Help us to be thankful, joyful, Spirit-filled Christians who trust You in all things. Lead us and guide us as we patiently wait for You to send your Son back for us. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prophecy Update: The drama surrounding the release of the Epstein files dovetails with the moral of this week’s post. Now that the files are finally getting released, one can choose to focus on how the release is being poorly handled (victims doxxed, perp’s names redacted, etc.), or one can be thankful that the wicked schemes of the new world order are finally being exposed. A key to staying positive is learning to view the world as it is, for now at least. The day is coming when all the wrongs will be righted, but for now, we live in a fallen world. To think that Satan would somehow allow the release of the Epstein files without fighting back is simply unrealistic. There is an old saying: If you do not believe the devil exists, try fighting him, and you will soon find out how real he is.

Over the years, I have been attacked in so many ways that if I listed them all, you would not believe me. And I’m not even someone who has a lot of influence. How much more must Satan be interested in intimidating and controlling people at the federal level? The refusal of the DOJ to prosecute based on the information in the files reveals the extent to which the new world order controls the levers of power. In last week’s House Judiciary Committee hearing, Representative Massie (R-KY) raked AG Bondi over the coals for her role in the decades-long cover-up of the Epstein network. Whether AG Bondi is providing cover for the new world order because she wants to, because she is compromised, or simply because she fears for her life, the curtain has been pulled back. The release of the files has laid bare the satanic network that is the new world order. People like me, who have always been labeled ‘conspiracy theorists’, are now vindicated. (Yet mainstream sources like Fox News are ignoring the release of the files — the biggest story of the century — and instead covering a kidnapping.) The release of the Epstein files has teed up the conclusion of our age, detailed in Revelation 17-19. 

In closing, part of being realistic is acknowledging the horrible things that are taking place in these last days, but that must not be our focus. We are on the side of victory. Our King is coming back. The devil is going to be thrown into the lake of fire with the beast and the false prophet. Their wicked kingdom is fallen. (Rev 18:2) Jesus’ kingdom is everlasting. We will rule with Him for eternity. Now that is something to rejoice about!

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

As Acts 13 opened in our last post, we saw God take the sight away from Elymas the sorcerer, who was like a Rasputin to Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor of Cyprus. This led to the conversion of Sergius Paulus. As we continue in Acts 13, we see a shift in roles. In Acts 11 and 12, Dr Luke wrote “Barnabas and Saul,” but in Acts 13:13 he writes, “Paul and his company.” From now on, it will be “Paul and Barnabas.”

Fill us with your Holy Spirit, Father, and give us understanding as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 13:13-43
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Dr Luke does not tell us what made John decide to go back home to Jerusalem, but Paul did not appreciate it. This will later become a bone of contention between Paul and Barnabas

One possible reason for Mark’s departure is that he was rebelling against the transition of leadership from his uncle Barnabas to Paul, especially when considering the verse number, 13:13. In Bible numerology, 13 is the number of rebellion (eg, see Gen 13:13).

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

From Grokipedia:
Pisidia came under Roman control in 25 BCE when Emperor Augustus annexed the region and integrated it into the province of Galatia, which included key Pisidian cities such as Antioch and Apameia. This incorporation followed Roman military campaigns aimed at stabilizing the area after Hellenistic fragmentation, marking the transition from semi-independent tribal territories to imperial administration.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

It was customary in the synagogues to afford visitors an opportunity to speak. It was often a time to hear news they may have had from abroad. Paul took advantage of this opportunity and preached in the synagogue nearly everywhere he went.

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Paul is evangelizing using the same technique that Stephen used in Acts 7—by giving a history lesson. By invoking the history of the nation of Israel, Paul reminds his audience of their sacred covenant with God and God’s promise of a Redeemer through the line of David. (II Sam 7:12-16; cf Matt 22:42) Paul then tells them that the promise has been fulfilled in Jesus.

Paul’s history lesson also reminds them of their tendency to rebel against God. Paul reminds them that when they were a theocracy with God as their King, they rejected Him and desired a king like other nations. The same thing has happened more or less in the United States. In the 1960s, we rejected God as well. As a nation, we kicked Him out of our classrooms, our courtrooms, and the public square in general. The bitter fruit of these tragic decisions is evident in so many ways that one would have to be blind not to see it. And like Israel, we seem to be desiring a king. The founding fathers subscribed to the doctrine of Lex Rex. This principle, popularized by Samuel Rutherford, asserted that the law is king, not the ruler. However, since America rejected God, we now see presidents, both Democrat and Republican, acting like kings, arbitrarily enforcing laws and ruling by fiat through executive orders. This seems to be exactly what the public wants (when their candidate wins). 

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
30 But God raised him from the dead:
31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
32 And we declare unto you glad tidings [ie good news], how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. [Ps 2:7]

Psalm 2:7 refers to the resurrection, not the nativity in Bethlehem. Jesus was not begotten in the usual sense. He is from of old, from everlasting. (Mic 5:2) 

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. [Isa 55:3]

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of a ‘witness’, a ‘commander’, and a ‘leader’ to the people in Isaiah 55:4, through the Son of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [Ps 16:10]
36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

John the Baptist said For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Not that the law was not true, but it was not the whole truth. The truth is that the law was given to point us to Christ. (Gal 3:24) We cannot keep the law; therefore, we cannot be justified by the law. Only through the gift of God’s only begotten Son can we be justified from all things.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. [Hab 1:5]

I am always amazed by how Paul will take an Old Testament verse and amplify it to mean something different from its literal meaning. In Habakkuk’s day, this verse meant that they were going to be taken captive by the Chaldeans. Since they did not believe what the prophets declared unto them, many of them perished. Paul says that what this verse means now is that they will perish if they reject the gospel that he is declaring unto them. I have always felt that Habakkuk 1:5 can be applied to the rapture of the church as well.

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 13:13-43

Like Peter before him, Paul used Scripture to show that the coming of the Messiah fulfilled Bible prophecy. Paul preached on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the grace of God, which is the good news of the gospel. The law condemns us, but the grace (unmerited favor) Jesus offers is life everlasting to all who believe on Him. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Paul caused quite a stir with his message. He has them wanting more in verse 42, as they ask him to come back next week. In our next post, we will see what happens when Paul preaches on the following sabbath.

Prophecy Update: You may have noticed, as I have, that although there have been no arrests, the release of the Epstein files is finally starting have an effect. As red-faced elites are in full damage control, attempting to spin the narrative, some of them are losing their positions and titles. The most interesting thing yet, though, in terms of Bible prophecy to come out of the latest release, is the assertion in an email that the most prolific child molester, trafficker, and ostensible blackmailer in American history, Jeffrey Epstein, once lived with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican, to which Epstein replied, “Yes.”

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her [MYSTERY BABYLON]; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Revelation 18:11-13

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In Acts 11, we saw how the church was starting to thrive in Antioch, where they were first called Christians. In Acts 12, we have more church persecution in Jerusalem, a lesson about prayer, and a warning to those who seek to aggrandize themselves. (Jam 4:10)

Give us understanding, Father, as we read thy word. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and transform our minds, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 12
NOW about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Herod the king is Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the not-so-great (Herod I). Herod I had both Mariamne I (Agrippa’s grandmother) and Aristobulus (Agrippa’s father) killed out of paranoia.

Herod I also killed:

• His mother-in-law through his wife Mariamne I, Alexandra.
• Two of his other sons, Alexander and Antipater.
• His brother-in-law through his wife Mariamne I, Aristobulus IV.
• His brother-in-law through his sister, Salome I, Costobarus.

Besides family members, Herod I also killed every baby under two years old around Bethlehem (Matt 2:16), and numerous priests and Jewish leaders. Augustus famously said it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son. (1)

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

A chip of the ol’ block, Agrippa has James beheaded. His uncle, Herod Antipas, had John the Baptist beheaded. (Mark 6:27)

James and John desired to be seated at Jesus’ right hand and his left. (Matt 20) Now, James is the first apostle to be martyred for the faith. John will be the last to die. Was this a coincidence or an answer to their petition?

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

As a client king of Rome, one of Agrippa’s main responsibilities was to prevent discontent and rebellion among the populace in Judea. Peter’s arrest was a political maneuver.

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter [Gk pascha] to bring him forth to the people.

Four quaternions of soldiers make sixteen soldiers in total. They probably had four six-hour shifts, with four soldiers on each shift. This is Peter’s third time in prison. Since he mysteriously escaped the last time he was arrested, Agrippa takes extreme measures, thinking he can outsmart Peter and keep him from escaping.

I have heard various explanations for why pascha (lit Passover) is translated as Easter. If Occam’s razor is any guide, it is simply what translators call a ‘dynamic equivalency’. Ie, something that the readers understand more easily than the literal translation, sort of like the word ‘hosen’ in Daniel 3. Of course, Daniel’s friends were not wearing hosen, but whatever they were wearing, it probably would not have made much sense to the Anglo-Saxons reading the KJV in 17th-century England.

As a Jew, Peter was reminded of the Exodus at Passover. As a Christian, Peter was reminded of the death and resurrection of Christ at Passover. Now, Peter will experience his own exodus and his own deliverance from death at Passover.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

One of the many things I enjoyed in Zimbabwe was the practice of all-night prayer, where the church would gather and pray until dawn. In the West, we seem to have lost this biblical custom, which is an indictment against us. (I Thess 5:17)

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

I’m reminded of how Jesus slept through the storm on the sea of Galilee. Peter, awaiting execution, was sleeping so soundly that the angel had to hit him on the side to wake him up. (Ps 4:8; 127:2) 

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Peter is naked again. Maybe this was an extra precaution to keep him from escaping, but this seems to be Peter’s preference even when fishing. (John 21:7)

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

The angel easily releases Peter’s chains and opens the iron city gate, probably without even a hand gesture. 

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews [ie, death].
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

J Vernon McGee points out that the word for angel here is not angelos, but pneuma, or literally, spirit. They weren’t saying that it was Peter’s guardian angel, but Peter’s spirit, because they thought he had already been executed.

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

They were praying for Peter to be released, yet they were astonished when their prayers were answered. I recall praying for a co-worker to get saved when I was working in Carlsbad, CA, in the 90s. Then they sent us both up to the Irvine office to cut pieces of Velcro. As a Scitex Prisma and Mac operator, I felt insulted that I was assigned such a menial task. Then I heard the Holy Spirit say, Haven’t you been praying for him? Now you have your entire shift to witness to him. As a result, he left Mormonism and received Christ as his Saviour.

The takeaway here is, when you pray for something, be ready for the results.

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

James, the brother of John, was killed by Agrippa (v 2). Therefore, Peter is referring to James, the Lord’s brother. (Matt 13:55; Gal 1:19) (2) We will not hear much more from Peter in Acts save his appearance in Chapter 15.

In I Corinthians 9:5, Paul mentions that Peter had an itinerant ministry traveling with his wife. We know from his first Epistle that he went to Babylon, and Mark was with him. (I Pet 5:15) Babylon could be a code word for Rome, but Wiersbe makes the interesting observation that if Peter was in fact in Rome, Paul should have mentioned him in his Epistle to the Romans.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. [Chip off the ol’ block.] And he [Agrippa] went down from Judæa to Cæsarea, and there abode.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

According to Josephus, this took place at the Roman theater in Caesarea, during games in honor of the emperor. Agrippa’s ‘royal apparel’ was made of silver. The sunlight reflecting off the sea and his silver apparel created a theatrical effect. (Like an angel of light, or a shining one?) The theater is still there today.

The Theater at Caesarea

22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 12

The story of Herod Agrippa I is a reminder of what happens to those who, like Satan, seek or accept the worship which belongs to God alone.

The story of Peter shows how God answers prayer and how God protects his people. (Ps 34:15f; I Pet 3:12) Peter was delivered, while Herod was struck dead. (Pr 11:8)

The story of James shows how persecution grows the church (v 24). The Bible says it is appointed unto men once to die. We all have an appointment. If we should die an untimely death for our faith, we will receive a better resurrection.

As the chapter closes, we see Saul and Barnabas returning to Antioch with John Mark. This foreshadows their first missionary trip, beginning in Chapter 13.

Father, increase our faith, that we may be like those we are reading about in the Book of Acts. Help us to face our challenges with courage as they did. We pray for the word of God to grow and multiply now as it did then, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Macrobius, Saturnaliorum Libri Septem.
2 Or, possibly James, the son of Alphaeus.

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, Peter was vindicated by the Holy Spirit for inviting the first Gentiles into the church. This move of the Spirit will continue in Antioch. Maybe not at first, as the disciples are preaching to the ‘Jews only’ in verse 19 and the ‘Grecians’, or Greek-speaking Jews in verse 20, but Antioch will eventually become the launching pad for missions.

Give us understanding and fill us with your Holy Spirit, Father, as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 11:19-30
19  ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Phenice is a harbor on the southern coast of Crete. Paul will sail by Phenice on his way to Rome before getting caught in a storm, pushed off course, and shipwrecked on the little island of Melita (Malta), just south of Sicily.

The island of Cyprus, where Barnabas was from (Acts 4:36), will be visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Antioch of Syria, not to be confused with Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14), was a great city, the third-largest in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. Located on the River Orontes, 20 miles inland from the Mediterranean coast and approximately 300 miles north of Jerusalem, Antioch will become the new center of church activity, particularly missions activity.

According to Wiersbe, there were at least sixteen different Antiochs in the ancient world, but Antioch in Syria was head and shoulders above the rest. It was known as the ‘Queen of the East’ and ‘Antioch the Beautiful’. The main street was more than four miles long, paved with marble, flanked on both sides with marble colonades, and well-lit in the evening. With its cosmopolitan population and its commercial and political power, Antioch presented the church with an exciting opportunity for evangelism. (1)

Antioch was a wicked city. They worshiped the pantheon of Roman gods, but as a Hellenistic city, their primary patrons were Apollo and Daphne. This added another element of opportunity for evangelism. If you want to see a move of the Spirit, I recommend going somewhere where there are lots of sinners to evangelize — dirty sinners who love to rebel against God. For years, the church in Southern California has thrived in this sort of environment.

Artist Rendering of Antioch

20  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Cyrene was a Greek city on the Mediterranean coast of Northern Africa (modern-day Libya), SSW of Crete. We will meet more Christians from Cyrene when we reach Chapter 13.

21  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22  ¶ Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

The church leaders in Jerusalem were proactive. Realizing the new believers in Antioch needed discipling, they sent Barnabas — the perfect man for the Job. Barnabas took note of the grace of God working in the lives of the new believers and exhorted them to cleave unto the Lord. Exhortation is not to be confused with rebuke. You might say he ‘encouraged’ them by pointing them to Jesus. When you love Jesus and set your heart on Jesus, you do not need the law. The law is for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. (I Tim 1:9, 10)

24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25  Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Barnabas was proactive as well. Realizing how much work there was to do, he knew the perfect man to call for help, Saul of Tarsus. Barnabas was open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He knew Saul had a special call on his life. (Acts 9:15)

D L Moody said, “It is better to put ten men to work than to do the work of ten men.” According to Wiersbe, many of Moody’s assistants went on to become successful Christian workers in their own right. (2)

I have heard various explanations for where the label ‘Christian’ came from; everything from being an insult to meaning ‘little Christ’. As far as I can tell, calling the disciples ‘Christians’ simply associated them with Christ, similar to how the term ‘Jesus people’ was applied to some in recent history. I recall being in Zimbabwe when a Shona lady called us “Jesus people.” She did not mean it as an insult, but not exactly a compliment either. I sure took it as a compliment, though. There is certainly no one else I would rather be associated with.

27  ¶ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.
29  Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa:
30  Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11:19-30

I believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active in the Church, but prophecy is a rare gift. I have a prophetic ministry, but I have never made a prophecy. In 2020, I posted a video from pastor Dana Coverstone of Kentucky, who shared dreams he thought may be prophetic, but he never claimed to be a prophet. I took a wait-and-see approach, which I continue to do. (I Thess 5:20)

In the early church, however, Agabus was just one of many prophets. He will appear again later in Acts and prophesy concerning Paul’s arrest. The prophecy of Agabus forewarned the church, so they were prepared to send relief where it was needed when the prophecy came to pass. The trip to distribute help to the church in Jerusalem will be Paul’s second trip to Jerusalem since his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. The first time they attempted to kill him. (Acts 9:29) He will fare a little better this time, as far as we know.

Verse 29 seems to be the inspiration for Marx’s maxim “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” Of course, when the Christians did it, it was a voluntary offering out of the goodness of their hearts. (II Cor 9:7) When Marx said it, he meant a coerced mandate by the state, or as Kipling put it: “Robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul.”

According to Dr Halley, we have reached 44 AD in our timeline now, based on events in Acts 12, as historians have identified the death of Herod taking place in 44 AD. Paul and Barnabas returned from Jerusalem to Antioch at the end of Acts 12. We are therefore about twelve years out from the resurrection of Christ. A lot has happened so far, with a lot more to come.

Father, we have great opportunities presented to us in our day just as they did in the early church. We pray for You to fill us with the Spirit as You did them,  that we may serve You with pure hearts and gather fruit for your Son, as they did. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol 1, pp 448, 449.
2. Ibid.

 

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ,

In our last post, Peter presented the gospel to Cornelius and the others whom Cornelius invited to hear Peter’s message. As Peter was speaking, Cornelius and his guests believed on Jesus, upon which they were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. They began speaking in tongues in much the same way the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. 

You may have wondered why the Holy Spirit arranged for Peter to go to Caesarea when it looks like Philip was already there. (Acts 8:40) I think it will be clear as we get into the chapter that this was a special situation requiring someone with Peter’s gravitas. 

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us understanding as we read your word, in Jesus’ name. 

Acts 11:1-18
AND the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

This was a serious accusation. Although no actual law was broken, traditions ingrained in the Jewish religion had turned this innocent and noble act into a high crime.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

It may seem unnecessary for Dr Luke to include this story again, but the Holy Spirit (who inspired Luke) knew that his people would have a hard time accepting this new direction with the Gentiles. Repeating the story emphasizes the point that it is God (not Peter) who is inviting the Gentiles into the church. (Eph 2:11-22)

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Again, it is reiterated that Cornelius had his own vision from God that dovetailed with Peter’s vision. This was the Holy Spirit’s version of two-factor authentication (2FA). Ie, since both Peter and Cornelius received visions to bring them together, it’s clear it was not merely the imagination of one or the other. The gift of tongues provided a third level of security (3FA), proving the Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit. (This sort of ‘proof’ was necessary then, but certainly not now.) 

Hence, the Holy Spirit directed Peter to go to Caesarea to meet people he would have never met with on his own. Likewise, Philip was directed by the Lord to leave Samaria and go down to the desert to evangelize the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:26) It has been said that The Acts of the Apostles could more accurately be called ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit’. 

Paul will tell the Philippian jailer the same thing the angel told Cornelius about his ‘house’. (Acts 16:31) Dr Halley made the interesting observation that Cornelius was not required to stop being a Roman soldier. I think that says something about the sovereignty of God, which is God’s sedative. Once one sees that God is in control (sovereign), there is no need to worry. (Rom 8:28)

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Finally, Peter used the word of God (4FA) to defend his actions and prove that Cornelius and the other Gentiles were now their brothers in Christ. The word of God is still our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. 

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Acts 11:1-18

As our section ends, we see in verse 18 that those in Jerusalem who initially accused Peter of fraternizing with Gentiles changed their minds. They accepted the witness of the Holy Spirit and the word of God, and repented of their narrow view. In our next post, we see that there were others who were still preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only (v 19). Nevertheless, we will see that the hand of the Lord was with them: and a number believed, and turned unto the Lord. By the time the first century was coming to a close, the pendulum was starting to swing in the other direction. A reference in III John indicates that antisemitism was already creeping into the church (vv 9f).

Unfortunately, throughout church history, there have been wrong views, bad doctrine, and outright heresy. That is why it is so important to study The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles the apostles wrote — to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine. Ecclesiastical history has its place, but it should not be used as a measure of doctrine. Doctrine is determined by the word of God. 

Father, help us to stay rooted and grounded in your word like trees planted by rivers of water. Help us to bear fruit for your Son. Help us to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.