Acts 7:54-60 — Saul Rejects the Witness of the Holy Spirit 

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

Before we proceed with Philip’s work in Samaria, let’s take another look at the other character mentioned in last week’s post. At the end of Chapter 7, we were introduced to the central figure in the Book of Acts next to God, Saul of Tarsus. Let’s review the end of Chapter 7 once more and consider this key historical figure. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, Father, and give us understanding, as we read your word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Acts 7:54-60
54 ¶ When they heard these things, they were
cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with
their teeth.
55 But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens
opened, and the Son of man standing on the
right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and
stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one
accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned
him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes
at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon
God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:54-60

Jesus said the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit could not be forgiven, and that is what happened here. Instead of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, the council stopped their ears and ran upon Stephen with one accord, then stoned him. 

However, God gives us a lifetime to repent. Saul blasphemed the Holy Spirit along with the rest of them. As Chapter 8 opened, Saul was doubling down on his persecution of the church, but he will be forgiven when he repents. If you are afraid you may have committed the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, you haven’t. Only people who reject Jesus with no thought of repentance commit this sin. Because Saul repented, he became one of the most important figures in church history, not to mention world history.

Saul’s missionary journeys, along with the epistles he wrote to the churches he planted, bore more fruit than anyone imagined possible. In fact, the church by and large rejected Saul when he first started out, but the Bible tells us not to despise the day of a small beginning. (Zech 4:6-10) It was because of Saul’s patience and persistence that Europe was eventually delivered from paganism and brought into the modern era.

One of the things I have noticed since coming to Greece is that Saul is everywhere you look here. He is nothing short of a national treasure.

The price Saul had to pay was tremendous. He probably lost his wife as a result of embracing the gospel, as we do not know what happened to her. (We know Saul was married as this was required to be a Pharisee.) He lost his position in Jerusalem and his reputation among the elders. He lost his health as a result of his missionary travels. (II Cor 12:7) He was beaten by the Jews with thirty-nine stripes on five different occasions, not counting the beatings he received from Gentiles. He labored endlessly for the gospel. In Lystra, he was stoned. At times, he was thrown into prison. He suffered perils wherever he went, whether by land or sea, often being robbed, attacked, and even shipwrecked. 

      In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
II Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭27‬ ‭

He willingly accepted all these hardships to spread the gospel and care for the churches he planted. In the end, he was beheaded by Nero, but let’s back up. When Saul was a party to the execution of Stephen, he had a very prestigious and lucrative career before him. (Gal 1:14) He was not only well connected with the Temple leadership, but he was one of Gamaliel’s star students. Why would he leave behind such a charmed life to be persecuted for Christ? Because Saul knew he found the truth. That is the only explanation for his radical 180 degree change of heart. Saul went from persecuting the church to leading it. His position was on par with the other top apostles.

For example, Peter allowed Saul to rebuke him (Gal 2:11), then even acknowledged Saul’s deep understanding of Christian doctrine. (II Pet 3:15f) 

I wonder what Saul was thinking as he listened to Stephen’s discourse on the history of Israel? It was a powerful and compelling message. Stephen reminded his listeners how Israel had rebelled against both God and their brethren who were sent by God, at nearly every step along the way throughout their history. 

I wonder what Saul was thinking when Stephen said he saw the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God?

Not only was Saul a firsthand witness to the power of the Holy Spirit working through Stephen and the others in the early church, but he was well aware of Jesus’ ministry and the miracles He performed. Saul was a firsthand witness to all the phenomena surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. (Widespread darkness at midday, earthquake, veil in the Temple rent from top to bottom, etc.) Saul was also well aware of the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection — which could not be disproven as no body was found. I believe there was a conflict taking place in deep down in Saul’s inner being. (Acts 9:5)

Despite the fact that Saul persecuted the church unto the death (Acts 22:4), God forgave him and used him as a powerful messenger and defender of the faith, to say the least. 

Have you done something terrible? God will forgive you too, if you will only pray and let Him:

Father please forgive me. I have sinned against You. Please have mercy on me and write my name in your Book of Life. Lord Jesus, thank You for the precious blood You shed for me on Calvary. Please come into my heart, take control of my life, and direct my path. I ask this in your holy and precious name, the name above all names. Amen.

Memorial to Paul in Berea.

PS: Endofdays.press will expire in January. Notes on Acts will continue to be posted at: MichaelJamesHarvey.substack.com

Acts 8:1-11 — Simon the Sorcerer Part I

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in Acts 7, Stephen was being received into heaven as they stoned him with stones. Saul was present as a party to his execution. As Chapter 8 opens, Dr Luke mentions Saul again, as consenting to Stephen’s death, and then engaging in the persecution of other believers as well. Give us understanding, Father, and fill us with your Holy Spirit, as we read your word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 8:1-11
AND Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The apostles did not fear the persecution. They stayed in Jerusalem and cared for the church.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus gave the outline for Acts. We now come to Section II, as the gospel goes into Samaria. The persecution is watering the church and making it grow, as rank-and-file Christians go out from Jerusalem into Samaria. Similar to how the wind spreads the seeds of a dandelion, the Spirit is using their evangelism to spread the seeds of the gospel.

Just as the Holy Spirit raised up Stephen from among the seven deacons selected in Chapter 7, likewise now Philip steps out in faith:

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies [paralized], and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.

Wherever the gospel is received, it brings joy. Reading Acts reminds me of when I was young and living in San Diego. My friends and I met in houses, churches, Christian coffee shops, on the beach, in the park, and Jesus always came with. When one of my friends was diagnosed with a fatal disease, we all felt the leading of the Holy Spirit telling us to hold a prayer meeting. After we laid hands on her and asked for healing, the Spirit spoke to us and told us she was healed, so we sent her back to the doctor to get tested again. When we went to collect her at the hospital, she informed us the test was negative and she had a clean bill of health. Do you think we had joy? You bet we did, but eventually hardships hit our group and we all splintered off in different directions. That was bitter, but when I ended up in the mission field I found even more joy.

Paul’s treatise on joy, his letter to the Philippians, was written while he was in prison, as joy is not necessarily dependent on circumstances. As Christians, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10), whatever our situation may be. Moving through Acts, Dr Luke has been highlighting the joy and gladness that the gospel brings. (Acts 2:41, 46; 3:8f; 5:41; 8:8, 39) Dr Luke highlighted the joy that accompanies the gospel in his first letter to Theophilus as well, but not everyone is filled with joy. We should endeavor to rejoice in the Lord alway (Phil 4:4) but remember to weep with those who weep. (Rom 12:15)

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Acts 8:1-11

That is a very interesting word in verse 11, sorceries (Gk mageia).  Simon fooled people by pretending to be “some great one.” I suspect he wore a costume, as that is usually the first requirement to be a convincing con man sorcerer. For example, a Catholic priest wears a costume, says some mysterious-sounding Latin words, “Hoc est enim Corpus meum,” and turns a piece of bread into Jesus. (Did you know that is where the phrase ‘hocus pocus’ comes from?) 

Anthony Fauci’s costume was his tie and white lab coat. His silver tongue was every bit as effective as a mysterious-sounding foreign language. The tie and white lab coat is probably the most effective costume there is in this regard. People will believe almost anything or do almost anything if a man in a tie and a white lab coat tells them to. This has been demonstrated, for example, in the Milgram experiment, where people delivered what they believed were life-threatening electric shocks to others because a man in a tie and a white lab coat told them to. 

The TV set is an effective prop for sorcery as well. Viewing something on TV, or even in the new media if it is presented well, creates a psychological effect of believability. Why am I talking about this? Because Jesus warned us not to be deceived. (Matt 24:4) 

Whether Simon’s ‘sorcery’ involved any real magic, as seemed to be the case with Pharaoh’s magicians, for example, is not certain, but what real difference does it make? Consider our situation today; when spiritual wickedness in high places takes control of peoples’ minds through control of mass media, turns them away from the gospel, and convinces them to trust new-world-order narratives that are harmful to themselves and others, what real difference does it make how they manage to pull it off? 

Let us consider the contrast between the ‘magic’ Simon used and the power of the gospel that Philip possessed:

Magic requires skill, deception. It enriches the practitioner as he deceived his victims.

The gospel requires humility, obedience, and faith to minister the truth of the the word of God (creation, death and resurrection, second coming, etc). The gospel benefits all who receive it.

The word for Simon’s magic, mageia, is different than pharmakeia, which specifically refers to deception using drugs or poisons. That one, pharmakeia, is a hallmark of the end-times deception. (Rev 9:21; 18:23) 

Although we are not currently experiencing 2020-level lies and deceptions, there is deception all around us. Even for those of us who know Christ, this deception is dangerous. Otherwise, Jesus would not have bothered to warn us about it. Jesus said if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

We will see what happens with Simon the sorcerer in our next post, but for now, let’s consider the Simons in our own day. Let’s carefully consider what we are being told. Question everything and examine all the evidence when considering important issues. Remember the key question, Who benefits? Pray for discernment. Most of what we are told in the media is lies, but if we keep our focus on Christ, if we keep our armor on and continue in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, we will not have a hard time remembering that we are the ones who have the answers — not the talking heads on TV or on X. Most of them are just a distraction.

In closing, ‭‭I don’t often feel joy after reading the news, but I do after sharing the gospel with someone. It may be foolishness to those that perish, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. Father, we are living in the age of deceit and the strong delusion is already taking hold of peoples’ minds. Strengthen us Father, that we may be strong in the Spirit and in the truth of your word, that we may light the way for others. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prophecy Update: Finally, let’s consider a bit of good news concerning one of the ‘Simons’ in our day, Jeffrey Epstein bud and tech titan, Bill Gates. He has been walking back his ridiculous claims about ‘climate change’. Notice the body language in the clips below as Gates realizes people are no longer fooled by his nonsense:

Of course, profiting from ‘climate change’ through things like carbon credits and fake meat was only one of Gates’ grifts. He is a party to the mRNA vaccine catastrophe, which used the same business model he used at Microsoft; create computer viruses, then market the solution. He applied this model to vaccines, mosquitoes (more vaccines), and more — all of it tied to the new world order and their agenda of depopulation.

PS: Endofdays.press will expire in January. Notes on Acts will continue to be posted at: MichaelJamesHarvey.substack.com

Romans 12:1 — Our Reasonable Service

~ mikethemissionary

     I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭

In Acts 7:59, they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Whether or not we are ever called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice like Stephen, we are all called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. I love Romans 12 because it tells me how to be a Christian. Not always easy, because the problem with a living sacrifice is it keeps crawling off the altar. Paul described his own struggle in this regard in Romans 7. He continued to struggle until he realized he could only find victory in Christ and the new covenant of grace. Paul wrote:

     There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭

As we continue through Acts, remember to ask to be filled with the Spirit each day, to have some Scripture time with prayer each day, to sing some Psalms or hymns or spiritual songs in your heart each day, and to always trust in the grace of God. (I John 1:9) Walking in the Spirit is the key to victory. The law (the flesh) will only condemn us.

Father, thank You for remembering our sin no more, for removing it as far as the East is from the West. Thank You most of all for your Son, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS: Endofdays.press will expire in January. Notes on Acts will continue to be posted at: MichaelJamesHarvey.substack.com

Acts 7 — Stephen Is Promoted to Glory

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, they dragged Stephen before the council. In this post, Stephen is going to give the council a history lesson. Stephen understood how important history is. The enemy understands this too, which is why he constantly seeks to rewrite it, twist it, and retell it to his own liking (ie, lie). 

The council would have done well to heed Stephen’s lesson and consider the adage, Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, which is exactly what is going to happen. (Matt 23:37)

You may notice some differences between Stephen’s history lesson and our Old Testament; see if you can find them. As a Greek-speaking Jew, Steven used the Septuagint, which accounts for this.

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

Acts 7
1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
2 And he [Stephen] said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Stephen starts by reminding them that the father of the nation, Abraham, had to exercise faith and trust God, the implication being, they needed to do that now too. 

God told Abraham to leave all that was familiar to him. Abraham had neither the land nor the child that God promised him. He needed to have faith and trust that God would keep his promises (v 5), which He did (v 8).

9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:
21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

I love verse 22 because it shows how God can use us despite our shortcomings, or what we may think about our own abilities. Moses thought he could not speak well enough to do what God was asking him to do. (Ex 4:10)

23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
37 ¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

It has been suggested that the star of your god Remphan in verse 43 is a reference to the Star of David. I do not know, but I think it’s a fair question. The hexagram is found not only in pagan religions but also in occult magic.

If not the Star of David, what ‘star’ did Stephen mean? Stephen is quoting Amos 5:25-27, which specifically names Moloch and ‘Chiun’, which most scholars say points to the worship of Saturn, which was considered a ‘star’. 

Again, I do not know if verse 43 is talking about the Star of David, as the symbol is not found in any Jewish writings until the thirteen century (Kabbalah). It is said to have been Solomon’s seal, but it became a modern national symbol through the influence of the Rothschilds, who adapted it as their own personal symbol. More here. One interesting thing about the Star of David is that it has six points and six triangles, surrounding a six-sided hexagon (cf Rev 13:18).

Some Orthodox Jews reject the Star of David and do not recognize it as a Jewish symbol. I move to replace the Star of David on Israel’s flag with a blue menorah.

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus [Gk Iésou] into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

Stephen was speaking Greek to the council, so ‘Jesus’ is a literal translation of what he said in verse 45, but so is ‘Joshua’, which may be what he meant. I am not sure it was, as Stephen is trying to make them see that Jesus was with them when they entered into the possession of the Gentiles (as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night). If Stephen was referring to Joshua, that would still be an indirect reference to Jesus, as Joshua was a type of Christ. He led Israel into the Promised Land when Moses could not. Jesus and Joshua are the same in Greek (Iesous), Hebrew (Yehoshua), and Aramaic (Yeshua).

46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 But Solomon built him an house.
48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
50 Hath not my hand made all these things?
51 ¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Stephen’s message to the council is that throughout Israel’s history, they rebelled against God and his messengers (vv 9, 25-28, 35, 39-43, 51-53). He reminds the Sadducees how Moses, whom they greatly revered, foretold that Jesus would come, and how he commanded them to hear Him (v 37). (This, of course, is a key point. Peter pointed this out as well in Chapter 3.) Stephen concludes with a stinging rebuke, much like the rebuke Jesus gave the scribes and Pharisees before He went to the cross. (Matt 23) Stephen’s message is the Holy Spirit’s interpretation of the Old Testament.

54 ¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7

After Stephen was martyred, the persecution continued and got much worse. According to Fox, millions were martyred in the first few centuries of church history. Today, there is reportedly more persecution in Africa than anywhere else in the world. (There are also more Christians in Africa than anywhere else in the world.) In recent years, the persecution has been spreading further south into sub-Saharan Africa, affecting Burkina Faso, CAR, the DRC, and Mozambique, to name a few places, but no place has seen worse persecution than Nigeria. 

According to Chairman Chris Smith of the  House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa:

     “Northern Nigeria, and this is just Northern Nigeria alone, has seen the destruction of over 18,000 churches since 2009 -18,000 churches. And I saw five of them, completely burned out – and many people killed from car bombs and the like.

     “An August 2024 report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa found that 55,910 people were killed and 21,000 people were abducted in the context of terror groups in Nigeria within just four years from October 2019 to September 2023.”

You may recall how the media called attention to the girls in Nigeria who were abducted by Boko Haram for the crime of going to school, but Christian men are typically just killed, and the media stays silent about it.

Yesterday, October 31, President Trump acknowledged the Nigerian persecution on Truth Social. Hopefully, there will be more attention and more awareness, and ultimately an end to the bloodshed:

Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” — But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!

DONALD J. TRUMP,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

May we always remember to pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers. Nigeria is only one of many different places where this is happening. In China, for example, Christians who are arrested can reportedly become victims of organ harvesting. Persecution is increasing even in places people are less likely to suspect, like India, for example, which is ‘pro-Western’ and ‘democratic’. 

Father, thank You for the crown of life your servants receive when faithful unto death. Thank You for giving us your Son on Calvary. He is far more precious than anything or anyone in this world. Strengthen your church and make us as bold as lions. Give your persecuted church the courage of David that they may each withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 6 — As the Face of an Angel

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In the preceding chapters of Acts, we saw the rapid growth of the early church as the Holy Spirit moved in amazing ways. In Acts 6, we are going to see even more miraculous growth, but more resistance as well. Since Pentecost, there has been a steady escalation of tensions between the church and the hard-hearted religious leaders in Jerusalem. First it was jail and threats. Then, it was jail, beatings, and more threats. 

The Spirit-filled apostles ignored these threats as they continued with their ministry, right in the Temple, in clear view of the Temple administrators. As we begin Chapter 6, the simmering tensions are coming to a boil.

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

Acts 6
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians [Greek-speaking Jewish transplants from around the empire] against the Hebrews [local Jews], because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration [Gk diakonea].
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve [Gk diakonein] tables.

This is how the office of deacon, which literally means ‘servant’, originated. The sharing of all things (Acts 4:34f) is getting a little more complicated as the church continues to grow. It looks as if some wanted the apostles to take over the ministration of the church’s physical needs, but the apostles knew better.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Notice how the apostles are not micromanagers? (I Pet 5:3) They did not even give the church a shortlist to choose from. They simply said, You choose the deacons, bring them to us, and we will take care of it. The apostles came up with a solution this time, but Paul said if there is a disagreement in the church, do not ask the pastor. Let the janitor settle it. (I Cor 6:4)

In more recent history, the birth of America was in many ways a rebuke against overbearing ecclesiastical government. According to the author of The Religious History of America, a widespread “antiprelatical” bias contributed to the spirit of the Revolution in America. Professor Carl Brindenbaugh called it the “Great Fear of Episcopacy.”(1) This shift was a much-needed break from the Catholic traditions of the old world that had corrupted the simplicity of the gospel. 

In contrast to England, where the head of the government was also the head of the church, following the Revolution in America, the First Amendment said the government “shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

This has proven to be the sweet spot. In authoritarian Communist countries, people lose the ability to make their own decisions or think for themselves. In authoritarian Christian governments, the gospel is stifled by overbearing leaders who are in the flesh.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Christians who make light of teaching and preaching as if it is not all that important are in the flesh. The apostles knew how important their teaching and prayer time was, and their decision paid off (v 7).

5 ¶ And the saying pleased the whole 
multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Choosing church leaders is a serious matter (I Tim 5:22). However charming or charismatic someone may be, however talented or however much they contribute financially, it is of no matter. According to the apostles, what mattered when choosing deacons was that they were honest, wise, and full of the Holy Ghost (cf I Tim 3:7-13). Those who were chosen were not from among the ‘Hebrews’. Each had a Greek name. I am sure there were qualified candidates among the Hebrews, or local Jews, as well (who incidentally spoke Aramaic, as well as Greek), but they probably thought that choosing ‘Grecians’ would nip the favoritism problem in the bud, since they were the ones who felt neglected. 

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

According to Wiersbe, there were an estimated 8000 priests who served in the Temple. That a great company of them became Christians no doubt irritated the Temple higher-ups.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
9 ¶ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

The ones who are starting trouble now are Greek-speaking transplants like Stephen. ‘Libertines’ were Freedmen, freed slaves or descendants of slaves who had been emancipated. Ironic, how they are opposing the messenger of freedom, Stephen, in favor of slavery. (Gal 4:21-31) 

As a Jew who was steeped in Greek culture, Stephen was familiar with democratic principles — concepts like the importance of debate on public issues and direct participation in civic matters. When his fellow ‘Grecians’ oppose him, Stephen is up for the challenge.

I have been in Greece for a couple of weeks now and it occurs to me that maybe it is not only our modern form of government that the Greeks influenced. I believe the Greek culture (or at least certain Greek writings) influenced Paul and other New Testament writers as well, and hence, the church. Paul preached against idolatry in Greece, but at the same time, Greek values — like freedom of speech and the value of each individual’s contributions, virtues like bravery and self control — comport with the gospel. The author of the letter before us, Dr Luke, is said to be master of the Greek language. As the impeccable historian that he was, Luke must have also been well-versed in both Greek and Roman culture.

10 And they were not able to resist the 
wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. [Luke 21:15]
11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

The Libertines did not believe in the adage, If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. They believed, If you can’t beat ‘em, pay someone to falsely accuse ‘em. When Stephen won the debate, they resorted to breaking the very law that they accused Stephen of speaking against. (v 13; Ex 20:16)

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Acts 6

Stephen’s name comes from the word for ‘victory crown’ (Gk stephanos), which is a fitting name for the church’s first martyr. (Rev 2:10) 

A clever liar can use a bit of truth out of context and twist it to sound plausible, so the false accusations against Steven could sound true from a certain point of view. Jesus did say the Temple would be destroyed (Matt 24:2), and He did rebuke the scribes and Pharisees for the way they had twisted the customs Moses delivered to them. This technique is widely used today on the Internet with great success: Tell some half-truths, add some sophistry, delete important details, and voilà, people suddenly believe the earth is flat; Hitler was really a great guy; the Jews are not really Jews (fact check); the Jews are all horrible people. Satan is really pushing those last two hard, because the Jews are so essential to God’s plans and the prophetic template of the Bible. (Rev 7 et al) 

Hence, Stephen is dragged before the Sanhedrin (or council, v 15). This is the chance they have been waiting for, but they are compelled by Stephen’s countenance to hear him out, as his face is as the face of an angel. I cannot say for sure what that means, but I cannot help but think Stephen’s face was shining like Moses’ face was after he came down from Mt Sinai. (Ex 34)

We will have to wait to unpack what happens next, but in closing, consider that Christianity does not have a man-centered power structure. One might say the structure is top-down, yet God-centered. Ordinations come from God, and if a piece of paper is given, it is only given to agree with the Holy Spirit. A rigid system never would have picked Peter to be a church leader, but Jesus did. 

Likewise, the Holy Spirit raised up Stephen who,

full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Stephen started by serving tables, but soon he was led of the Spirit to do much greater things. He did not ask for permission. He just did what he felt led to do. What about you? Do you think it’s possible, for example, that the Holy Spirit may want you to go to a hospital with your Bible and read it to some of the patients?

The organized church with its man-centered hierarchy oftentimes follows what Jesus called the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which He hates. (Rev 2:6, 15) The end of this system is the one-word church, which is led by MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (Rev 17:5), which will be the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (‭‭Rev‬ ‭18‬:‭2)

If you feel led to start ministering the gospel, do not be surprised if other Christians tell you to stop. They may say things like, ‘You should not do that unless you go to seminary first’. They probably mean well, but Christians who say such things are not in the Spirit. Believe it or not, most seminaries spend a great deal of time trying to convince their students not to believe the Bible. Therefore, cemetery is probably the last place you want to go if you want to be used by God. (If you want to go to school, a good Bible college would be a much better choice.) 

Never doubt that God speaks to you. Never doubt that He wants to use you. When you are headed for that hospital to share the gospel, do not listen to the voice of the enemy telling you to turn around and go back. God used Stephen with very little training. To use Paul, the scholar, the Holy Spirit had to spend three years retraining him.

It was Margaret Mead, the American cultural anthropologist, who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Father, help us to stay focused on You and your Son and your Spirit, and to not be distracted by the world, or the voice of the enemy. Help us to deny ourselves and tune out the noise, that we may hear your voice clearly and then respond accordingly. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People, p 361.

Acts 5:34-42 — Rejoicing That They Were Counted Worthy to Suffer Shame for Jesus’ Name

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends, 

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in Acts 5:33, the apostles were looking at possibly making the ultimate sacrifice. For Peter and John, this was their second warning from the council. Along with the other apostles now, they told the council the same thing they did the first time — they had to obey God rather than men.

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

Acts 5:34-42
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Paul boasted that he was a student of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Gamaliel (aka Gamaliel the Elder or Rabban Gamaliel I) is still revered by Jews for his wisdom. Gamaliel was president of the Great Sanhedrin and the first person to receive the title Rabban. He was able to persuade the Sadducees not to kill the apostles, but they still beat them, probably with thirty-nine stripes. Unfortunately, it will not be long before the Sanhedrin will disregard Gamaliel’s advice. Not only will they kill Steven, but according to Eusibius, James the Lord’s brother was sentenced to death by the Sanhedrin in AD 66. 

One may wonder why a wise man such as Gamaliel never received Christ as his personal Saviour. I believe it was because of one of the greatest obstacles there is for anyone to overcome: the pride of life. The way Gamaliel defended the apostles, it almost looks like he understood they were right. As a Pharisee, Gamaliel had a much greater understanding than the Sadducees, who did not even accept Scripture, except for the five Books of Moses. But if Gamaliel did understand the truth of the gospel, he was more concerned with his position in the Temple, his title as ‘Rabban’, and his reputation among the people than he was with his position before God. (Pr 11:2; 16:18; 18:12; I John 2:16f; cf John 12:43)

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:34-42

The reaction of the apostles serves as a stinging rebuke to the council — and an essential lesson for us to remember; not only were they happy about having their lives threatened and then being beaten (Phil 4:7; Jam 1:2), but they disregarded the threats from the council as nothing. (v 42) 

More often than not throughout history, persecution has been the norm, just as it has been the norm for us here in America to be free of persecution for quite some time. Below are some random excerpts from Fox’s Book of Martyrs (E. Claxton & Company, 1881):

Pages 203, 204

In the reign of Edward III the church of England was extremely corrupted with errors and superstition; and the light of the gospel of Christ was greatly eclipsed and darkened with human inventions burthensome ceremonies, and gross idolatry.

The followers of Wickliffe, then called Lollards, were become extremely numerous, and the clergy were so vexed to see them increase [that they used] whatever power or influence they might have to molest them in an underhand manner, [but] they had no authority by law to put them to death.

However, the clergy embraced the favourable opportunity, and prevailed upon the king to suffer a bill to be brought into parliament, by which all Lollards who remained obstinate, should be delivered over to the secular power, and burnt as heretics. This act was the first in Britain for the burning of people for their religious sentiments; it passed in the year 1401, and was soon after put into execution.

The first person who suffered in consequence of this cruel act was William Santree, or Sawtree, a priest, who was burnt to death in Smithfield.

Soon after this, lord Cobham, in consequence of his attachment to the doctrines of Wickliffe, was accused of heresy, and being condemned to be hanged and burnt, was accordingly executed in Loncoln’s-Inn Fields, A. D. 1419.

The next man who suffered under this bloody statute was Thomas Bradley, a tailor, and a layman; and a letter having been tendered him, which he refused, he was declared an obstinate heretic, and tied to the stake in Smithfield; where he was burnt alive, rejoicing in the Lord his God.

The next person we read of who was tried upon this abominable statute, was William Thorpe, a man of some knowledge, who adhered to all the doctrines taught by Wickliffe. He was brought many times before archbishop Arundel, and at last committed a close prisoner, where he died, but in what manner cannot now be ascertained.

About this time 36 persons, denominated Lollards, suffered death in St. Giles’, for no other reason than professing their attachment to the doctrines of Wickliffe. They were hung on gibbets, and fagots [bundles of sticks] being placed under them, as soon as they were suspended, fire was set to them, so that they were burnt while hanging. Only one of their names has been transmitted to us, which is that of Sir Roger Archer whom they distinguished from the rest by stripping him stark naked, and executing him in that indecent manner.

Page 208

In the year 1533, John Frith, a noted martyr, died for the truth. When brought to the stake in Smithfield, he embraced the fagots [sticks], and exhorted a young man named Andrew Hewit, who suffered with him to trust his soul to that God who had redeemed it. Both these sufferers endured much torment, for the wind blew the flames away from them so that they were above two hours in agony before they expired.

At the latter end of this year, one Mr. Thomas Bennet, a school-master, was apprehended at Exeter, and being brought before the bishop, refused to recant his opinions, for which he was delivered over to the secular power, and burned alive near that city.

In the year 1538, one Collins, a madman, suffered death with his dog in Smithfield. The circumstances were as follow: Collins happened to be in church when the priest elevated the host; and Collins, in derision of the sacrifice of the mass, lifted up his dog above his head. For this crime Collins, who ought to have been sent to a mad-house, or whipped at the cart’s tail, was brought before the bishop of London; and although he was really mad, yet such was the force of popish power, such the corruption in church and state, that the poor madman, and his dog, were both carried to the stake in Smithfield, where they were burned to ashes, amidst a vast crowd of spectators.

Pages 209, 210

On July 28, 1540, or 1541, (for the chronology differs) Thomas Cromwell, earl of Essex, was brought to a scaffold on Tower-hill, where he was executed with some striking instances of cruelty. He made a short speech to the people, and then meekly resigned himself to the axe.

It is, we think, with great propriety, that this nobleman is ranked among the martyrs; for although the accusations preferred against him did not relate to any thing in religion, yet had it not been for his zeal to demolish popery, he might have to the last retained the king’s favour. To this may be added, that the papists plotted his destruction, for he did more towards promoting the reformation, than any man in that age, except the good Dr. Cranmer.

Soon after the execution of Cromwell, Dr. Cuthbert Barnes, Thomas Garnet, and William Jerome, were brought before the ecclesiastical court of the bishop of London, and accused of heresy.

Being before the bishop of London, Dr. Barnes was asked whether the saints prayed for us? To this he answered, that he would leave that to God; but (said he) I will pray for you.

On the 13th of July, 1541, these men were brought from the Tower to Smithfield, where they were all chained to one stake; and there suffered death with a constancy that nothing less than a firm faith in Jesus Christ could inspire.

One Thomas Sommers, an honest merchant, with three others, was thrown into prison, for reading some of Luther’s books; and they were condemned to carry those books to a fire in Cheapside; there they were to throw them in the flames; but Sommers threw his over, for which he was sent back to the Tower, where he was stoned to death.

Dreadful persecutions were at this time carried on at Lincoln, under Dr. Longland, the bishop of that diocess. At Buckingham, Thomas Bainard, and James Moreton, the one for reading the Lord’s prayer in English, and the other for reading St. James’ epistles [sic] in English, were both condemned and burnt alive.

Anthony Parsons a priest, together with two others, were sent to Windsor, to be examined concerning heresy ; and several articles were tendered to them to subscribe, which they refused. This was carried on by the bishop of Salisbury, who was the most violent persecutor of any in that age, except Bonner. When they were brought to the stake, Parsons asked for some drink, which being brought him, he drank to his fellow-sufferers, saying, “Be merry, my brethren, and lift up your hearts to God; for after this sharp breakfast I trust we shall have a good dinner in the kingdom of Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. ” At these words Eastwood, one of the sufferers, lifted unhis eyes and hands to heaven, desiring the Lord above to receive his spirit.

Parsons pulled the straw near to him, and then said to the spectators. This is God’s armour, and now I am a christian soldier prepared for battle: I look for no mercy but through the merits of Christ; he is my only Saviour, in him do I trust for salvation; and soon after the fires were lighted, which burned their bodies, but could not hurt their precious and immortal souls. Their constancy triumphed over cruelty, and their sufferings will be held in everlasting remembrance.

In 1546, one Saitees, a priest, was, by order of bishop Gardiner hanged in Southwark, without a council process; and all that was alleged against him was, that of reading Tindal’s New Testament.

This year one Kirby was burned in Ipswich, for the testimony of the truth, for denying the real presence in the sacrament. When this martyr was brought to the stake, he said to one Mr. Wingfield, who attended him, “Ah! Mr. Wingfield, be at my death, and you shall say, there standeth a christian sufferer in the fire.”

Prophecy Update: As we can see from the excerpts above, the Reformation was about a lot more than Henry wanting a divorce. The Reformation was one of the most important developments in world history; by far, the most important in the modern era. Yet, over the past some 60 years — since around the time of Vatican II — we have been watching a slow reversal of the Reformation take place. Simultaneously, and this started long before Vatican II, we have been witnessing the creation of the one-world church prophesied in Revelation 13. Now, Buckingham Palace has announced that soon the king of England will meet and pray together with the pope, something that has not happened in 500 years. This will be a milestone event in the progression towards the one-world church. Geopolitical and economic news dovetails with this development, in terms of Bible prophecy and the way the planet is stumbling into the New World Order, but do your own research. Never forget what they did to us in 2020 and 2021 and how they called it a ‘test run’.

Father, thank You for our brave sisters and brothers who went before us and sacrificed everything so we could have the word of God in our own language. Fill us with your power, and give us the courage and wisdom to make good decisions, that we may make them proud when we meet them someday. Give us the faith to persevere come what may, that your Son may be pleased with us when we kneel before Him in his kingdom. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 5:15 — Mustard Seed

~ mikethemissionary

     Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In this post, let’s take a closer look at the way people were healed when Peter’s shadow touched them. Jesus endowed the apostles with immense power to lead the early church. (Matt 18:18 et al) The people were witnessing mighty miracles at their hands. (Acts 3:7 et al) The witness of the Holy Spirit was strong in the hearts of the people. (Acts 5:32)

Jesus said that if we have only a mustard-seed-sized faith, we can move mountains. That statement shows how lacking our faith is. We murmur and complain. We faint in the day of adversity. We are prone to disobey Jesus’ commandments and quick to forget God’s promises.

Sometimes, people decide in their heart that if such and such happens, then they will have faith. For a certain woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years, it was touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. Her faith was only strong enough to believe she would be healed if she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. When she was healed, Jesus told her that her faith had made her whole (not his garment). 

The kind of faith that is the most pleasing to Jesus is the faith that does not need to see to believe (John 20:29), the kind of faith that believes without pretense (Luke 7:8f). Yet, Jesus also honors the faith of those who need a little something extra to believe. I have met people who would pray over a glass of water, then drink the water believing it would heal them, and it did. They offered me some of the water and I politely declined, because it did not add anything to my faith, but it did to theirs. I believe such was the case with Peter’s shadow.

When people believed ‘If only we can get Hannah close enough to touch Peter’s shadow, God will heal her’, it was good enough for Jesus. Jesus wanted them to believe the gospel Peter was preaching, and the miracles helped them to believe. Jesus always meets us where we are. At first, our faith is weak and our understanding is shallow. Then over time, our faith increases as we see Him answer our prayers and guide us through our trials. It helps when we spend time in the word each day (Rom 10:17), and always remember to pray before we read our Bible. This process is key to our walk with Jesus. (Rom 1:17; II Cor 5:7)

In closing, sometimes God’s answer is no, regardless of how strong our faith is. True faith continues to believe even when God does not heal. (II Cor 12:8f)

Father, increase our faith. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Direct our paths. Use our lights to shine in the darkness and light the way for others to believe on your Son, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 5:19-33 — We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends, 

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off at Acts 5:18, the envious religious leaders who ran the Temple were beside themselves, as people flowed into the city to get saved and/ or healed of whatever was afflicting them. Instead of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, the Sadducees tried to silence the apostles by arresting them.

One might think the apostles were in big trouble, but nothing is as it seems. Jesus said that persecution is a cause for celebration. (Matt 5:12) The apostles knew their arrest was not worthy to be compared with the tremendous move of the Spirit taking place in Jerusalem. (Acts 5:12; Rom 8:18)

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

Acts 5:19-33
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate [Sanhedrin] of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

So, the apostles are rescued by an angel. Did you know you have angels watching over you? If you are in Christ, you do. (Ps 91:11; Heb 1:14) Now that their cell is found empty, their persecutors are getting even more concerned about the spread of the gospel. 

25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

The Sadducees are indignant that the gospel has spread throughout Jerusalem, but I can almost see the apostles high-fiving each other. They have now completed the first phase of the Great Commission. (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8) 

The actions of the Sadducees seem to be prompted not only by envy, but fear as well. They are afraid the apostles intend to bring Jesus’ blood upon them, but that is what they agreed to. (Matt 27:25) How quickly they seem to have forgotten. In the grand scheme of things, I am just as guilty as they were, but they refused to repent. David committed adultery and then murder to cover it up, but he repented. Saul, his predecessor, refused to repent of his sins. As a result, he grew more and more fearful and vindictive, like the Sadducees in our text.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

There is a certain preacher with a high-profile ministry to Israel, Hagee, who tells them Jesus is not their Messiah, but he clearly missed something. (Does he know how to read?) Jesus is the only Messiah — the Messiah of Israel, the Messiah of the Gentiles.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:19-33

Jesus taught us that as Christians, we are similar to the prophets. (Matt 5:12) Thus, Peter and the apostles responded to their persecutors in the same manner as the prophets that went before them. The result is always the same, ie, their persecutors took counsel to slay them. This is what happens not only to prophets, but to all believers from Abel all the way to Jesus. Satan would gladly kill us all if he could. Thankfully, we each have a hedge of protection which Satan cannot breach without Father’s permission. (Job 1:9-2:7)

Christianity is not a game and Jesus does not like cowardice. (Josh 1:9; II Tim 1:7; Rev 21:8) The good news is that even if you are not a brave person, the Holy Spirit will make you into one. (Matt 26:56; cf Acts 5:29-32)

I have been humbled at times to meet Christians who have been jailed and beaten for sharing their faith. Although I have been ‘hauled in’ a few times, I’ve never seen the inside of a jail cell. I’ve never been beaten. I can still remember the first time it ever occurred to me that I might be tortured or worse some day for being a Christian and it freaked me out. Now when I think about it, I always remember what Opa said to Corrie ten Boom when she asked him ‘What if I’m persecuted some day and I’m not strong enough to keep from denying Jesus?’ Opa said, ‘When we take the train to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?’ Corrie answered, ‘Before we get on the train’. Opa then explained to Corrie that Jesus would give her all the strength she needs when she needs it, should that time ever come. Many years later, persecution did come, and Corrie passed her test with flying colors. 

As for the rest of us, Jesus commands us to share the truth in love. When the world calls it hate and tries to intimidate us, remember We ought to obey God rather than men.

Father, give us the boldness of the apostles, that we may always tell the truth, the way the prophets who went before us did. Should persecution come, give us the courage of David that we may obey You always, even unto death if need be, that we may receive a crown of life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 5:12 — Testudo Formation

~ mikethemissionary

    And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In this post, let’s take a closer look at the fellowship they enjoyed in the early church. The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia, which means much more to a Christian than the dictionary definitions like ‘partnership’ or ‘community’. When Christians fellowship, they share a spiritual connection with one another through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. (Matt 18:20) 

I am always amazed at how I can meet a brother from another mother (same Father) 8000 miles or more away from home, who I have nothing in common with except our faith in Christ, and immediately I feel closer to him than I do to my brother from my same mother. (No offense Todd, but you need Jesus.)

In the verse above, we see how strong their fellowship was in the early church. If you do not have Christian friends you need to make some (I John 1:7), which means you are going to have to be friendly. Solomon wrote A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: (‭‭Pr‬ ‭18‬:‭24a‬) The best place to start looking is at church. (Heb 10:25) 

When the fiery darts come, and they will (II Tim 3:12), you do not want to be standing alone. When Roman soldiers saw a barrage of missiles coming, they formed a canopy shell with their shields called the testudo (lit tortoise) formation. Likewise, our shields of faith (Eph 6:16) are more effective when we join them together with the shields of other believers. The way the Christians were all in one accord in Acts 5 is the ideal. This is what Jesus wants to see in his church (Ps 133), but the sad reality is that we have drifted a long way from Acts 5:12. (Matt 24:12; Rev 3:14-22) If you are having trouble finding like-minded believers to fellowship with, remember that all of the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 walked alone. Not by choice, but sometimes that is what happens. (Sparrows travel in flocks but eagles don’t.) We should never give up, but when all else fails, remember there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Pr 18:24b) Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Jesus is with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Father, we pray for unity in the body of Christ. We pray for your church to be in one accord, as they were in Acts 5. If anyone reading this needs help connecting with other Christians, direct her or his path as needed. Fill each of us with your Holy Spirit, that we may follow the more excellent way of I Corinthians 13, that we may obey your commandment to love one another, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 5:12-18 — With One Accord in Solomon’s Porch

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, we saw how Satan failed in his attempt to infiltrate and influence the early church through Ananias and Sapphira. God’s judgment may have seemed a bit heavy-handed to our limited understanding, but [t]he judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

The church is still united. (v 12) The church was held in reputation and the people magnified them. (v 13) The church continues to grow. (v 14)

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

Acts 5:12-18
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

The Bible says if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. That means if you do not have some Christian friends, you want to make some. Convert your own if you have to, but make some. This is a crucial point that will need to be developed further in a future study. (Pr 27:17)

When they were still meeting together in the Temple in Solomon’s porch, the old-guard Temple leadership had to watch the flurry of activity surrounding those unschooled Jesus people, who they said did not know the law. (John 7:49) They were green with envy.

13 And of the rest durst [dared] no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

Many people were still afraid to be seen with them, but in secret, apparently, the people magnified them.

14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. 

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
Acts 5:12-18

Here we go again — multitudes are bringing their sick and demon-possessed people from roundabout Jerusalem and each and every one of them is healed and/ or delivered. People are believing on Jesus. The high priest and his sad-you-see comrades are fit to be tied. So, the apostles are arrested and thrown in jail — another opportunity to show the power of the Holy Spirit. (I Thess 5:18)

In our study in Acts 4:1-14, I mentioned how the Quakers were persecuted in the early days of the colonies because they believed in being guided by the “Inward Light” of the Holy Spirit (not just by ordained ministers). In fact, throughout much of church history, it was illegal to preach unless you were licensed to do so by the ‘Church’. In England, John Bunyan (who wrote what was probably the most beloved Christian book ever written next to the Bible) spent years in jail for preaching without a license. In the colonies, not only Quakers, but anyone who challenged the stale and unbiblical practices of the establishment churches was persecuted. Baptists were jailed and even whipped. (There is a widely-circulated account of a preacher who was whipped to death for not taking a license shortly before the War of Independence, but I cannot find the source of the story.) Of course, these persecutions were mild compared to the trials of the early church or what happened later in the Inquisition. Before Jesus was crucified by the religious leaders of his day, He taught us, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

Therefore, those who follow the leading of the Holy Spirit will be persecuted by those who are in the flesh, but that is not the point I want to make. The persecution fostered the spread of the gospel (Acts 8:1-4), but that is not my point either. The moral of this post is that true Christianity is not necessarily found in establishment institutions that require ordinations, seminary degrees, and the like. I believe Jesus meant to teach us this by deliberately choosing people like Simon Peter and Mary Magdalene to be his disciples. All true Christianity requires is being born again (John 3:3) and being guided and taught by the Spirit. (John 16:13) Oftentimes, various religions are mistaken for Christianity, but Christianity is not a religion; Christianity is a relationship. The only religion God ever made was Judaism, but by the time Jesus came along, even Judaism had been twisted into something that God never intended. (Matt 23:13 et al) Jesus spent three and a half years here on earth explaining this. Jesus never taught that Christianity is a new religion in addition to Judaism; rather, Christianity is true Judaism. Christianity is faith in the Jewish Messiah, the King of the Jews. (Ps 22; Isa 53; et al)

When Jesus called the notorious sinner Levi (aka Matthew), He just said Follow me. It really is that simple. Jesus said all you have to do to be born again is believe in Him. (John 3:16) Jesus said all you have to do to receive the Holy Spirit is ask. (Luke 11:13) If you will do so, you will be taking your first steps into a grand adventure. Christianity opens a door to a much larger world beyond the scope of our limited vision. Jesus is the door to this land of promises and wonders; the door to light out of darkness, the door to forgiveness, a new heart and a regenerated spirit. The door to reconciliation with the God who made you. Jesus is the door to life everlasting.

If you want Jesus, pray this prayer:

Father in heaven, I’m a sinner. I believe your Son died for me. I believe He rose again. I believe He is coming back again and I want Him in my life. Lord Jesus, please come to my heart. Please take control of my life. Thank You for the precious blood You shed for me on Calvary. I pray this in your holy and precious name. Amen.

Next, study your Bible and let the Holy Spirit take it from there. (John 8:31, 32)

PS: In Acts 4:33, Dr Luke wrote that great grace was upon the early church. We do not often see examples of the great power that was upon the apostles in the Book of Acts, but I have consistently witnessed great grace in my own walk with Jesus, as well as the lives of others close to me. Understanding grace is key to your walk with Jesus. Grace means unmerited favor. We cannot earn our salvation. It’s a gift, the same for everyone, whether she is a medical missionary or a prostitute. The same goes for God’s love. You cannot earn it. God loves you just as much on your worst day when you committed your worst sin as He does on your best day when you feel your most righteous. Regardless of what you may have done, however terrible it may have been, if you have received Christ, when God looks at you all He sees is the righteousness of his Son. Your sin is gone. When we understand this, it increases our love for Jesus and draws us closer to Him. Jesus loves you more than you can possibly imagine!

Romans 5:15-18
Romans 8:35-39
Galatians 2:16
Galatians 5:14
Ephesians 2:8, 9

PPS: Thank you for praying for my friends in South Africa. There have already been some positive results. Thank You, Father, for always answering our prayers, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prophecy update: In last week‘s prophecy update, I mentioned how a growing number of countries are requiring digital ID (including biometrics for things like employment and banking). One such country, Russia, is launching a digital ID linked to a social-media ‘everything app’ similar to WeChat — or what Musk envisions for X.

Meanwhile, although Ross Ulbricht was pardoned by Trump, Pavel Durov remains captive in France, waiting to see what will become of their case against him. (Ulbricht was targeted by corrupt agents for creating Silk Road, a marketplace website that pioneered the use of Bitcoin. Durov refused to give governments back-door access to his secure social-media app, Telegram.)

Finally, Viet Nam recently closed 86,000 bank accounts of people who did not comply with their mandatory digital ID, or about 43% of the country’s bank accounts. That’s step one. When the worldwide plan is fully implemented, you know what the next steps will be for those who refuse to comply. (Rev 13:17; 20:4) Their target date is 2030. Receive Christ now and prepare yourself before it’s too late; save yourself from this untoward generation. (I Cor 15:51-54; Rev 19:7)