Acts 14:8-28 — And It Came To Pass In Iconium Part II

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Paul and Barnabas were preaching the gospel in Iconium. This was a difficult mission field for various reasons. First of all, because of the hardened pagan beliefs of the Gauls who lived there. People who worship idols are the hardest to reach. You become like your God, which is an unspeakable gift for Christians (II Cor 3:18), but not so much when your god has eyes that do not see. (Ps 115:4-8) The most populated area on the Joshua Project map showing unreached people groups is Northern India. Not because missionaries have never gone there, but because they repeatedly rejected the gospel. Just like the Gauls in our narrative, they are blinded by their idols.

Paul will visit the Galatians more often than any of the other people groups he evangelized, as they required the most attention. The Epistle to the Galatians contains the strongest rebuke of all Paul’s letters.

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

Acts 14:8-28
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

This is not as uncommon as one might think. When I was in India, more than once, someone attempted to worship me, and for the same reason. When I would pray for God to heal someone, and He did, they would take me for a deity of sorts. When I explained to them that Jesus is the one who healed them, they would not be swayed. They would say, “To me, you are Jesus.” I eventually stopped praying for people to be healed.

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

The KJV translators opted to use the Roman names of the pagan deities that Barnabas and Paul were mistaken for. Being a Roman province, this may indeed be more accurate. Dr Luke was writing in Greek, but he may have meant Jupiter and Mecurius, not Zeus and Hermes, which would be the literal translation.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

In hindsight, my reaction to the Indians who kowtowed to me was not strong enough. Although I did my best to explain that they must not worship me because I was an ordinary person like them, I should have reacted more like Paul and Barnabas. In the East, if you do not raise your voice and get animated, people tend to think you are not all that serious.

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

An important point to remember when evangelizing is to relate to your target audience. Paul did not use the Old Testament to evangelize the Gauls because it gave them no point of reference. Paul did use the Old Testament when evangelizing Jews, because that is what they knew. Paul said I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (I Cor 9:22b)

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

Paul’s strong reaction worked, but just barely. He scarce restrained them from offering sacrifice. The Gauls must have taken it as an insult that Paul and Barnabas refused their worship, as they quickly turned on them when certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium showed up. These are the same ones who expelled them from their cities. Not content to see them leave, they felt they had to follow them around and stir up trouble:

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Dr Luke is a bit ambiguous about what exactly happened here. It says they ‘supposed’ Paul was dead. This may have been what we today call a NDE (near-death experience). This may be the instance Paul was referring to when he said he was caught up to heaven. (II Cor 12:2-4) Whether or not Paul stopped breathing, it was a miracle that he stood up and was able to travel the next day after getting stoned.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

If you had enemies that followed you around and convinced people to stone you, would you go straight back to where you made these enemies in the first place? After they kicked you out of their cities? Paul did. His concern for his flock outweighed any second thoughts he had about his own safety.

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

When Paul said that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God, he knew what he was talking about. (II Cor 11:23-28)

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

There are several different words translated as ordained in the New Testament. According to Wiersbe, the word in verse 23 above literally means ‘to elect by a show of hands’. There was no ‘show of hands’ for Paul, however, or any of the other apostles. True ordinations come from God. If a card is given, it is only an acknowledgment of agreement with God. If God does not do the ordaining, the card is worthless.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch [of Syria], from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Acts 14:8-28

Thus concludes Paul’s first missionary journey. When Paul and Barnabas meet with their home church, Dr Luke points out that it was by the grace of God that they were originally sent out from thence, grace being at the heart of the gospel. This was the lesson that Paul had to drill into the Gauls when they were deceived by legalistic false brethren. (Gal 2-5) At the missions conference in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas emphasize faith (not works), which is the door to obtaining the gift of grace. The law is bondage. Grace is liberty and peace.

     Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:16

Paul and Barnabas give the glory to God for all God had done on their journey. They then take a good, long rest in Antioch of Syria. However, their peaceful repose will be interrupted by more legalistic troublemakers. In our next post, we will see what happens and how Paul handles it.

Prophecy Update: What we are witnessing with all of the recent disruptions is, in fact, the larger agenda of the Great Reset. Yet if we take a step back, we see that these things are only unmasking what has been simmering beneath the surface for quite some time. For example, around 15 years ago, I was told in church (where you always learn the most important things) that the cartels had created what amounted to a civil war taking place in Mexico, and 50,000 people had been killed so far. This situation continued with little media attention until recently. According to the NYT,

“Over the next decade [following 2015], at least 400,000 people were killed or disappeared in Mexico, according to conservative estimates. Analysts say Mr. Oseguera’s [El Mencho’s] cartel may have killed more of those people than any other group.”

From Venezuela to Mexico to the Ukraine to Gaza to Iran, we continue to see that the only thing we can reliably expect to continue without changing is change itself. Several other variables in the mix likewise guarantee more disruption is coming.

One of the clearest signs of positioning for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy is the war in Iran. When the rapture finally happens, and it will, a coalition of nations led by Russia and Iran is going to descend on Israel, just like the Bible always said would happen. (Ez 38, 39) It is not going to go well for the belligerents on the Russian side.

Acts 14:1-7 – And It Came To Pass In Iconium

~ mikethemissionary

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

Acts 13:44-52 — Filled With Joy, And With The Holy Ghost

~ mikethemissionary

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!

Acts 13:13-43 — Paul Preaches in Pisidia

~ mikethemissionary

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

Acts 13:1-12 — Paul and Barnabas Launch Out Into the Deep and Let Down Their Nets

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

As Acts 12 closed, we saw Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark returning to Antioch. As Acts 13 opens, we see a diverse cast of characters in the church at Antioch:

• Barnabas (lit The son of consolation) of Cyprus, named so by the apostles.
• Simeon called Niger, possibly ‘Simon of Cyrene’ who carried the cross for Jesus.
• Lucius of Cyrene.
• Manaen, who was raised in the royal household of Herod Antipas. (Pr 22:2)
• Saul of Tarsus, the main character of Acts, aside from Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

They appear to all be Greek-speaking Jews. This alludes to the shift taking place in the body of Christ as Gentiles are added to the church. Greek-speaking church leaders can more easily relate to Gentiles than speakers of Aramaic or Hebrew.

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit as we read your word. Give us understanding, that we may each grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We pray this in his holy and precious name. Amen.

Acts 13:1-12
NOW there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger [lit, Black], and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to [served] the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

In my post on Acts 11:19-30, I said I have never made a prophecy. Come to think of it, I did have something like that happen once, but it was so long ago I almost forgot about it. In the mid-90s, a friend was diagnosed with a horrible illness for which there is no cure. I said that she would be healed, which she was. That may not be a prophecy per se, but I have had many similar experiences where God showed me something concerning the future. Like in the verses above, several of my other friends were told the same thing I was, by the Spirit, and all at the same time. (It is implied in verse 2 that the Holy Ghost spoke to all of them about Barnabas and Saul.) From the beginning of the Bible, God speaks to his people. We see this continued in the Book of Acts and in the church today.

Notice it says they ministered to the Lord (not the church). This begs the question, how can one minister to the Lord? If someone is hungry and you feed them, thirsty and you give them drink, a stranger and you take them in, naked and you clothe them, sick and you visit them, in prison and you come to them, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Church service is service to the Lord.

If you will do these things, Jesus said one day you will hear Him say, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: But Jesus also said, Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

I recall an outreach by a church in Margao. They fasted and prayed for months before they went out. Then, when they went into the neighborhoods one Sunday afternoon, every door they knocked on that day was answered by someone who listened and said the sinner’s prayer with them. If you are going to evangelize, prayer and fasting are essential. 

4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Seleucia was the seaport of Antioch, on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the River Orontes. The island of Cyprus is where Barnabas is from. (Acts 4:36) This makes for a smooth transition into missions work, as Barnabas is familiar with the area.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

John Mark is Barnabas’ nephew. (Col 4:10) He was led to Christ by Peter. (I Pet 5:13) He is also the author of the Gospel According to Mark. In Mark 14:51, 52, Mark seems to drop a hint that he was there the night Jesus was arrested.

6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer [Gk magos (1)], a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:

Like Simon in Acts 8, we have another ‘sorcerer’ here. 

7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

From this point forward, Dr Luke refers to Saul by his Greek name, Paulos, meaning ‘small’ or ‘humble’. According to Weiersbe, as a Roman citizen, Paul’s full Roman (Latin) name was probably Saul Paulus, as many Jews had both Jewish and Roman names.

10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Acts 13:1-12

Paul deals with Elymas in much the same way that Peter dealt with Simon the sorcerer, with a stinging rebuke. Paul, however, adds a curse. He removes the sorcerer’s ability to see, but only for a season. The Holy Spirit is patient, even with wicked sinners. Thank God for that, because I need that grace. Elymas may look bad, but not so much if I take an honest look at myself. Sin always looks worse on someone else. We all need God’s grace and mercy.

For Paul to make such a pronouncement — that Elymas would not be able to see — it took faith. The Bible says faith is a spiritual gift. (I Cor 12:9) When had my prophetic experience concerning my friend’s healing in the 90’s, I had the faith to tell everyone in my office that God was going to heal her. It was not very difficult, as God had spoken this truth into my heart, the same way I suppose He did for Paul. It says that when Paul made this pronouncement, he was filled with the Holy Ghost. If you fill your mind and your heart with the word of God, He gives you the gift of faith. (Rom 10:17) If you fill your mind with the things of the world, it will have the opposite effect.

We are now into the final division in the Book of Acts, following the outline in Acts 1:8. Paul, Barnabas, and Mark are taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. As our section ends, the curse on Elymas leads to the conversion of the deputy, Sergius Paulus, and we have another astonished Christian, much like we had in Chapter 12. Our God is an astonishing God, indeed.

 

1 The sorcerers in Acts (Gk magi) were foolish, but the magi in Matthew 2 were wise men. Greek words, like words in any other language, have different definitions depending on the context.

Acts 12 — Persecution, Prayer, and Punishment

~ mikethemissionary

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.

Now Available in Paperback!

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

The ten-year anniversary edition of Dragon Slayer Jesus Christ, The Rise of the New World Order, is now available here in paperback.

From the Introduction:

The events of the past ten years have proven Dragon Slayer Jesus Christ to be right on target. A few of the more crucial topics included the dangers of vaccines (Chapter IV), the importance of taking control of your own health (Chapter VII), the authority of the church (Chapter XIII), government entrapment (Chapter XV), mind control (Chapter XV), and the attack on the American soldier (Chapter XVI). Dragon Slayer forewarned and forearmed readers concerning these subjects. Several other themes proved to be prescient as well. Volumes could be written detailing how the topics covered in Dragon Slayer have developed over the last ten years. Other authors, more capable than myself, have already covered much of this ground. Therefore, in lieu of another book or books, I offer this ten-year anniversary edition as a limited update. A brief section follows each of the non-fiction chapters to examine how the ideas discussed are playing out. I have left the original text as it was. Many of the websites cited in Dragon Slayer have been taken down, but they can still be found using the Internet Wayback Machinee: <www.archive.org>. A lot has changed over the last ten years. God-fearing Americans have been treated as enemies of the state. (For example, moms who spoke out at school-board meetings have been placed on FBI watchlists.) The good news is that despite the rise of the new world order, we still have it better than many of the generations who proceeded us. Provided one is aware of the dangers and willing to take steps to avoid them, the problems we are facing are not unsurmountable. What Paul wrote nearly two thousand years ago is still true today: to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If you have received Christ as your personal Saviour, the greatest Warrior of all, the most powerful Being there has ever been or ever will be lives in your heart. (I Cor 1:22; Gal 4:6; Eph 3:17) Therefore, you have nothing to fear.

Acts 11:19-30 — Antioch Becomes the New Center of Church Activity

~ mikethemissionary

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.

 

Acts 11:1-18 — Peter Accused And Vindicated 

~ mikethemissionary

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. 

Acts 10:19-48 — Soldier to Soldier

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In this post, we pick back up with the story of Cornelius, Peter, and the visions that God used to bring them together. 

Acts is the great turning point in Scripture. From Genesis 25 through the Gospels and the beginning of Acts, the focus of Scripture is on Israel. There is much for the heathen nations as well — like the occasion when Jonah tried to take a boat from Joppa to Tarshish, only to end up on a mission trip to Nineveh — but the focus is on Israel.

Then in Acts, the focus starts shifting to the church, a body of believers made up of both Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 10 in particular the Gentiles start coming in to the church.

Later in Acts, Paul will tell the philosophers in Athens that God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth. That’s a good message for the ‘philosophers’ of our day too. If someone has a problem with the way God made your skin tone, tell them to take it up with Him. We all have the same Creator and we all need the same Saviour. (Acts 4:12; 17:26) 

The Letters that follow Acts focus mostly on the Gentiles. James addressed his Letter to the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad, and there is also the Letter to the Hebrews; yet, overall, the focus of the church age has been the Gentiles. This change started in Acts 10. 

This transition continued through the first century, as the gospel is to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Gentile). Paul in his Letter to the Romans demonstrates how this transition was foretold in Scripture:

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. [II Sam 22:50; Ps 18:49]
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. [Deut 32:43]
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. [Ps 117:1]
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. [Isa 11:10] 
Romans 15:8-12

Yet later in Revelation 7, God calls 12,000 Jewish believers from each of the twelve tribes, 144,000 in total. At this point (in the not-too-distant future), not only will the church age be over, but the times of the Gentiles will be wrapping up as well. When Jesus comes back, the leader of the free world will be Jewish and Jerusalem will be the capital. This is God’s plan for Israel. (Rom 11:25)

Hence, we have a watershed moment here. Before Acts 10, none of the apostles were preaching to Gentiles. The Ethiopian eunuch and the diverse crowd in Acts 2 were all either Jews or Jewish proselytes, but Cornelius is a Roman Gentile. Let’s see what happens. 

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit as we read your word. Give us understanding. We pray these sayings will sink down into our souls and bear fruit in our lives, as well as the lives of others. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 10:19-48
19 ¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

I love how the Spirit speaks directly to Peter here. Throughout the Bible, God speaks to his people. Christianity is not a religion. It’s a relationship, and in a healthy relationship, people talk to each other. If you’re not hearing Him, read your Bible more and remember to always pray before you read your Bible. (Also as you’re reading it.)

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Cornelius was a man who gave God his best, like the woman who poured her precious spikenard on Jesus’ head before He went to the cross. In our last post, we read that Cornelius gave much alms to the people. (Matt 25:40)

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter is being obedient to the vision he had in the first part of the chapter (see here) by inviting the Romans in and letting them stay in the same house with him. 

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

Cornelius was an evangelist even before receiving Christ. Peter has a nice-sized audience waiting to receive him. It reminds me of the party Matthew threw to receive Jesus. (Matt 9)

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Notice Peter does not tell Cornelius to kiss his ring, much less his toe. When I was recently in St Peter’s Basilica, I watched as someone went past the velvet rope and kissed the toe of Peter’s effigy — famously worn down from centuries of kissing and touching.

Rather, Peter sets Cornelius straight and tells him to stand up. 

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

This is Peter’s first time in a Gentile home. He explains to them how God showed him that he has to accept them. As I said in the last post, the unclean beasts in Peter’s vision were not just meant to signify food — the Romans themselves are the unclean animals in the vision. God said he had cleansed them and not to call them unclean. I don’t know how they ever got that idea in the first place, as I do not find that in the law of the Old Covenant. Jesus did not think going to the house of Cornelius(?) was breaking the law in Luke 7:6, but traditions passed down by the scribes and Pharisees came to be accepted more or less as law.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

Peter makes Cornelius spell it out for him.

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Perhaps at this time Peter remembered the great commission. Jesus commanded him (and us!) to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Now, taken together with Cornelius’ vision and his own vision, Peter knows what to say:

34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Verse 35 cannot be used to promote universalism; it says ‘every nation’, but with a qualifier: in every nation he that feareth him [Jesus], and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

There Peter goes again, preaching on the resurrection. Why does he keep playing the same song? Because that is the heart of the gospel. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important part of our faith as Christians. (Rom 4:25; 10:9; I Cor 15:14-19) 

Peter’s preaching shows that a simple message is all that is needed to win souls. (I Cor 1:17) I recall hearing about one new Christian who only knew John 3:16, yet she was an effective evangelist. You can play a song on one string, and it only takes three chords to jam.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick [living] and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter is offers a slice of John 3:16 here; you’re either a whosoever will or a whosoever won’t. This is a crowd of whosoever wills:

44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

I believe “they of the circumcision … as many as came with Peter,” probably heard the Romans speaking Hebrew. I once heard a Hebrew scholar, who was by no means Pentecostal, say that he saw a lady receive Christ on the Bayou in Louisiana and immediately start speaking Hebrew. I suspect that is the reason Peter’s friends were astonished. The Jews who accompanied Peter to Caesarea would have never believed these Romans were their brothers in Christ without this compelling evidence.

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Verse 47 destroys the false teaching of baptismal regeneration. They were already saved and had received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized. 

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:19-48

Peter may have made some big mistakes (haven’t we all), but he is really starting to get his sea legs now. Yet Peter is still just a man, the same as the rest of us.

When I was in Rome, the exaltation of Peter could be seen everywhere. The basilicas and shrines throughout the city often feature colossal statues of Peter and the other apostles, making them seem like gods. The vaulted ceilings in these shrines are very high and far away, making God seem far away. The decorations and artwork in these places are very lavish, often decked with silver and gold. 

Yet the Bible shows Peter as he really was, full of flaws yet fully accessible to the common people. Peter always directed people to the word of God and away from corruptible things like silver and gold. (I Pet 1:18-2:3)

Wiersbe said that Peter used the keys of the kingdom (Matt 16:19) to open the door of faith to the Jews (Acts 2), the Samaritans (Acts 8) and finally, the Gentiles (Acts 10). That is one possible interpretation, but even that sounds like a bit of a stretch to me. In Matthew 18:18, Jesus told the other apostles pretty much the same thing He told Peter in Matthew 16:19. I tend to think that what Jesus meant when He said the keys of the kingdom was the word of God and the faith to believe it, keys that are available to us all. (Matt 7:7; cf Luke 11:52) The ‘Church’ claims that the keys of the kingdom were passed from pope to pope, giving them their authority. That sounds nice, but it’s not in the Bible. (Neither are prayer beads, confession booths, nor a celibate priesthood. In fact, Peter himself was married.) Therefore, it is another gospel they are preaching in Rome. (Gal 1:6-9)

It is not my intention to insult anyone, but I thank God for my Christian friends who were not afraid to challenge my Catholic faith. I pray all who read this will put their faith in the word of God as I have, and not in the Church.

In closing, at this point in the book of Acts, not only have we seen the gospel go out from Jerusalem to Samaria and beyond (Acts 1:8), but we have seen the gospel received by the three major people groups in Genesis 10: Shem (Acts 2), Ham (the Ethiopian Eunuch), and Japheth (Cornelius from Italy). I wonder what Dr Luke, the Gentile, was thinking while he was writing about the conversion of Cornelius?

For the next couple of chapters in Acts, we will continue to see both Peter and Saul, before the focus shifts away from Peter towards Saul and his missionary journeys. 

Father, thank You for the open door You have set before us. Thank You that all are welcome, no matter what we may have done, however terrible it may have been. Thank You for the precious blood of your Son that washes away all our sins. Thank You that He is risen from the dead and that He is coming back again for us soon. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.