Tag: News

Acts 22:1-24 — Paul’s Speech to his Brethren in Jerusalem

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Paul was rescued by Roman guards just before being torn to pieces by the Jews in Jerusalem. He had been falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple. When Paul asked the chief captain to let him address the people, he consented. We pick back up as Paul begins his speech.

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

Acts 22:1-24
MEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

Some commentators say Paul was speaking Aramaic, which was the common tongue in Israel in that day, but I am not so sure. An Israeli friend of mine once told me when his Israeli son saw The Passion of the Christ (with dialogue in Aramaic), he did not need the subtitles. He understood the Aramaic just fine. I suspect that Paul may have chosen to speak Hebrew, and the people understood him. In any case, hearing Paul speak in Hebrew calmed the crowd down. They are intently listening now that they hear him speaking Hebrew.

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

It has not been all that long since Jesus was teaching in the temple in Jerusalem. Paul’s audience knew who Jesus was. They knew what this way was. When Paul says he persecuted them unto the death, they continue listening intently.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

In Acts 9:7, Dr Luke said that those who journeyed with Paul heard ‘a voice’ but saw no man. It does not say ‘what’ voice they heard. It certainly does not say they heard the voice of him that spake to [Paul]. (See John 12:29, for a similar scenario.)

10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Again, as Paul tells about the murder of Stephen, they stay silent and continue to listen.

21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

They gave Paul audience unto “this word.” What word? Gentiles. The mention of the word Gentiles set the crowd off like a match to gasoline, the same way they went off when Paul was accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple. Paul knew what would happen when he told them he was sent to the Gentiles, but he did not care. All Paul cared about was being a faithful witness and telling the truth. The gospel is for everyone, both Jew and Gentile. (John 3:16; Rom 1:16)

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
Acts 22:1-24

This chapter opens the door to one of the hottest topics of the 21st Century: ‘racism’. It is also one of my least favorite topics to discuss. On a problem scale of 1 to 10, I think the greatest problem this world faces is a lack of Bible knowledge at number 10. Racism would be somewhere down around number 1. That being said, racism is a problem, although not necessarily one of the major problems facing us today. One of the best ways to fight racism, according to Morgan Freeman, is to “Quit talking about it.”

That being said, like most of our problems, the answer to the racism problem is Jesus. I recall seeing the testimony of a South African man who admittedly ‘hated’ black people for most of his life, ever since his dad had an affair with a Zulu lady. He then explained how immediately after receiving Christ, his racism was gone, and he no longer hated black people.

I can still recall the first time I saw someone who was not the same color as me. I was about four years old, and I saw a choir of inner-city children on TV singing “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.” At first, I was suspicious as they looked much different than anyone I had ever seen before, but in very short order, I noticed the quality of their song. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard. When I realized they were singing about Jesus, whom I had just recently met, I decided they were just like me. I was no longer suspicious of them.

Then there is the old anecdote about having your car break down in a very bad neighborhood. It’s dark; the streetlights are not working; seedy characters milling about. As you make your way down the street looking for a gas station, you see six big guys heading your way. You get a lump in your throat; your heart is beating fast now. But wait, then you notice they just came out of a church.

Views are shaped by experiences, and the Jews of Paul’s day had their share of bad experiences with Gentiles. From being slaves in Egypt, to being raided by the Assyrians, to having their city and their temple destroyed by the Babylonians, to seeing their fellow countrymen crucified by the occupying Romans, the Jews had plenty of reasons to hate Gentiles. Why didn’t Paul hate them? Because Paul knew Jesus.

Jesus is the way, the [TRUTH], and the life. To know Jesus is to know the truth. If you embrace and tell the truth, you will be considered an idiot, like Prince Myshkin in Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot. The Idiot was Dostoyevsky’s personal favorite among his own writings. A commentary on the way people naturally lie to navigate their way in polite society, The Idiot shows what happens to someone who always tells the truth. In the end, Prince Myshkin, the idiot, went mad. Paul was beheaded. Jesus was crucified. But that was not really the end, now, was it. Paul went to heaven. (II Cor 5:8) Jesus rose again, and ascended into heaven as his disciples watched. Myshkin was a fictional character, but had he been real, he would be in heaven too.

So as for the racist nature of the Jews in Chapter 22, the problem was not ‘racism’. That was only a symptom of the larger problem: they needed Jesus.

You need Jesus. I need Jesus. Everyone needs Jesus. We will see what happens next in our next post, but in the meantime, if you still have not received Jesus as your personal Saviour, say this prayer:

Father in heaven, I realize I am a sinner. Thank You for sending your Son to die for me. Lord Jesus, thank You for the precious blood You shed for me at Calvary. Please come into my heart; I receive You as my personal Saviour. Lord, I repent of my sins and ask You to take control of every area of my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 21:15-40 — Paul Goes up to Jerusalem – Happy Birthday America!

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, Paul returned to Israel. In this post, Paul will come full circle back to Jerusalem, from whence he began his third mission trip. We are entering the last section of Acts now. In this post, we will set the table for everything else that follows. Paul’s return to Jerusalem will set off a chain of events that will lead to Paul’s witness before Caesar Nero.

Give us understanding, Father, and fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may assimilate your precious word into our hearts, that we may be transformed, that our minds may be renewed, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 21:15-40
15 And after those days we took up our carriages [luggage], and went up to Jerusalem.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cæsarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

Paul returns to Jerusalem with an entourage of fellowservants. He is bearing a gift from the brethren in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints at Jerusalem. (Rom 15:26; Acts 24:17) This shows how the Christians in Jerusalem were having a tough time because of persecution, and also how their Gentile brethren were able to help. (Rom 15:27)

18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James [the half-brother of our Lord]; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

Dr Luke skips over the part about them glorifying the Lord for the Gentile believers so fast it is easy to miss. In the same sentence, Dr Luke goes into their concerns that Paul may be misunderstood, which, of course, he will be.

21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

None of this is true, of course. Paul circumcised Timothy for this very reason, so people would not get the wrong impression. He is in Jerusalem to keep the feast of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16) However much Paul tried to make matters clear, though, there were always those who made themselves Paul’s enemies.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

This shows why Paul may have taken the vow in Acts 18. Paul said he was all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor 9:22)

25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Again we see the declaration from Acts 15 for Gentile believers. At this time, the Jewish believers in the early church were still very much keeping the law. As long as they were trusting Jesus for their salvation, they were free to do so.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed [assumed] that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

Jesus said My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer, citing Isaiah 56:7, but Gentiles were strictly forbidden beyond the Court of the Gentiles, on pain of death. The Romans allowed the Jews to enforce this custom.

Like the pagan temples Paul has been preaching against, the temple in Jerusalem had become an abomination, since the administrators rejected Christ and continued to trust in the blood of beasts brought for sacrifice. Jesus therefore said the temple would be destroyed (Matt 24), which, of course, it was in 70 AD.

They have been preparing to rebuild the temple for a long time now. Eventually, the temple will be rebuilt (Rev 11), and the Antichrist will be worshiped in it. (II Thess 2:4) In the millennium, however, Jesus will be glorified in the temple in Jerusalem. (Hag 2:9)

31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Ironic, is it not, that Paul is rescued from the Jews by the Romans?

33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. [ie, the Antonia Fortress]
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Paul was just as comfortable with Greek as he was with Hebrew, being from Tarsus. The chief captain was surprised to hear Paul speaking Greek, since he mistook Paul for an Egyptian dissadent who had been causing problems in Judea:

38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean [ordinary] city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Being from Tarsus afforded Paul the approval of the chief captain, Claudius Lysias. (Acts 23:26) He allowed Paul to speak to the crowd when he realized Paul was not who he thought he was.

40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
Acts 21:15-40

I’m afraid we will have to leave off here. In our next post, we will look at Paul’s speech to his fellow countrymen. In this post, we saw the beginning of the persecution that the Holy Spirit has been warning Paul would meet him in Jerusalem. Jesus said Paul would bear his name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Paul has already taken the gospel to some Roman officials. Now he is getting to know the chief captain in Jerusalem, Claudius Lysias. Before he is done, Paul will also stand before Antonius Felix, Porcius Festus, and king Agrippa II, together with his sister, Bernice. He will also meet Publius of Malta before finally standing before the emperor of the Roman Empire, Caesar Nero. This is one of the reasons I believe Paul was in God’s will in going to Jerusalem. Paul is fulfilling his destiny. All together, Paul will witness to eight important Romans in government that we know of:

In closing, Happy Birthday America! As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of our sacred Declaration of Independence, I am heartened to see people from around the world changing their opinions about us after getting to know us a little better.

The World Cup visitors are a reality check for Americans who are not thankful for all God has blessed us with, like the girl at the beginning of the video below:


Finally, Whitney Houston started singing in the choir at Newhope Baptist Church in Newark when she was five years old. She went on to sing the greatest rendition of our national anthem ever recorded (IMO). Rest in peace, Whitney.

Father, thank You for 250 years of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; please give us one last Great Awakening, for your glory, Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 21:1-14 — Paul Returns to Israel, Stands by his Convictions, Prepares to go up to Jerusalem

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

Throughout this study in Acts, we have seen how the Holy Spirit speaks to his people and leads his church. I recently finished reading The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee, and the last part of the book proved to be most interesting. It shows how our spirits not only receive leadings from the Holy Spirit, but how the enemy can place thoughts in our minds as well. This explains a lot about human behavior, especially among those who do not know Christ. (II Tim 2:26)

Understanding this is fundamental if we are to take control of our own thoughts. (II Cor 10:5) In doing so, we can quash petty squabblings and arguments that seem to come out of nowhere. When we rebuke the enemy, we can then take control of the situation and let the Holy Spirit have his way. This works for evangelism, too.

It used to be that when I would ask people if they wanted to receive Christ, if they said no, I just accepted it. It was while reading Rebecca Brown, who had read Nee, that I realized we do not have to accept the negative reply. If we rebuke Satan out loud, then change the subject (since the person we are evangelizing will be taken aback), we remove Satan’s control over his mind, which keeps him from receiving Christ. (II Cor 4:4) Then I say, I feel like I should ask you one more time, do you want to receive Christ? Then he says yes. I have seen it work this way over and over.

At the same time, we must also learn to overcome our flesh and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is easier said than done, of course, but essential if we are to be victorious and live an abundant Christian life. (John 10:10)

In our last post, Paul gave his farewell address to the elders who came down to Miletus from Ephesus. We pick back up here, going into Chapter 21.

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

Acts 21:1-14
1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them [in Miletus], and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos [Cō•os], and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Passing by Rhodes, Paul may have seen the ruins of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When Paul saw the ruins of his day, he must have felt he was living in the modern age, the same as we do.

2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Paul was traveling on a cargo ship. His accommodations were probably quite minimal. We never read about Paul riding a horse or travelling in a carriage. We do read about him walking a lot and getting thrown in jail. Paul was a rugged man, a working man. Paul was the David Livingstone of his day.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Herein arises the question of whether Paul was in God’s will, going to Jerusalem. My take on the situation is this: These disciples knew through the Spirit that bonds and afflictions awaited Paul in Jerusalem. However, I believe it was their own opinion, not God’s, that Paul should not go. The Holy Spirit had already been telling Paul what awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22f), and would continue to make it known (see below). In verse 14, when Paul pushes back, Paul’s companions will stop trying to persuade him, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city [ie, Tyre]: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

We left Philip in Acts 8. He met a nice girl in Caesarea and settled down. Now he has four daughters. Dr Luke reminds us that Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6. Paul was involved with the murder of one of the others, Stephen. Paul is forgiven, and Philip is happy to host him. This is true Christianity. 

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Not only does Philip have four daughters, but they prophesy. That could mean they make prophecies, or it could mean they were able to open the understanding of the Scriptures to others, show others the mind of Christ.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

The last time we heard from Agabus, he prophesied that a famine was coming. (Acts 11) His prophecies do not exactly tickle the ears, but someone has to be willing to say the things people do not want to hear. I respect Agabus for that.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Acts 21:1-14

We are at the end of Paul’s third missionary journey now. In our next post, Paul returns to Jerusalem against the pleas of his fellowservants who have been telling him not to go. The ‘we’ in verse 14 shows even Dr Luke was against it, but the truth is not found in a majority. Christians disagree about all sorts of things, but we are still family. I believe Paul knew what he was doing. Paul was willing to go all the way for God. He forsook all to fulfill God’s call on his life, which meant suffering:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Acts 9:16

Paul is the New Testament Job. Paul had a more impressive set of credentials than any of those beseeching him not to go to Jerusalem. (Eg, II Cor 11:23-28) Therefore, I trust Paul’s discernment and decision-making above those who told him not to go to Jerusalem. Paul was a man who had learned to crucify his flesh and let the Spirit lead. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman, and He warned Paul what was coming. He did not force Paul to go. He let Paul make up his own mind. Would to God that we could let the Spirit lead us as Paul did.

Father, thank You for the apostle Paul. Help us to follow his teachings and submit to You and your Son and your Spirit in all things, that we may please You and be ready for your Son when You send Him back for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In closing, I have never suffered for the gospel like those we read about in the Bible, but I have certainly been misunderstood like many of them. I have had some of the nastiest lies imaginable said about me. Why? Simply for telling the truth. Recently, I watched The Mauritanian, and for the first time since publishing Dragon Slayer in 2014, I felt like someone finally told me I was right. (Thank God for attorneys Nancy Hollander and Stuart Couch.) Another film that I found inspiring was Superspreader. Sean Feucht stood against a host of people telling him he was wrong, including his own wife, to do what he knew was right in 2020. Again, I felt like someone told me I was right about what I wrote in 2014; right about the shots, right about the warped view being taught about Romans 13, right about how Christians need to tell the truth, even when everyone tells them to stop, right that the government is not God. Finally, in Dragon Slayer, I wrote that Noah’s ark has been found, and the site in question is finally getting some attention as recent experiments are confirming that it very well could be the location where the ark landed. See here also. These are just a few of the many things I wrote about that have aged well since I published Dragon Slayer 12 years ago. Whatever trials I may face for telling the truth are worth it, but telling the truth always comes with a price. Jesus was crucified for it. Then He rose again, and ascended into heaven. And He is coming back.

Acts 19:23-41 — Paul in Ephesus Part III

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Paul had just sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, as he stayed behind in Ephesus. (As discussed in our last post, Paul may have went with them for a short trip to Philippi and then returned to Ephesus.) Paul’s teaching ministry was bearing much fruit as the gospel was going out into all Asia. (Acts 19:10) This is how the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 were formed: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (and also the church in Colossae).

As the capital of the Roman province of Asia, Ephesus was a strategic location for Paul’s ministry. Its massive harbor made it an economic powerhouse. The heavy traffic by land and by sea fostered the spread of the gospel.

Ephesus was also home to the Artemision (the temple of Artemis), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was four times larger than the Parthenon and overlooked the city of Ephesus. (See below.)


Layout of Ephesus (2nd Century)

For breathtaking photos of the ruins of Ephesus, see here. All that is left of the temple, Artemision, is one partial pillar. That is something to think about.


Artist rendition

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

Acts 19:23-41
23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

The KJV translators follow their usual practice here of using the name of the Roman counterpart to Artemis, Diana.


The Farnese idol of Artemis.

This idol was so famous and influential that one of Paul’s associates was named after it. In Titus 3:12 we find one Artemas (lit Gift of Artemis).

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

One of the features of the Second Great Awakening in America was the massive transformation that took place in towns that were touched by the revivals. For one thing, the bars went out of business. That kind of transformation was taking place in Ephesus, and the people who made their livelihood from the temple were fit to be tied.

35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts 19:23-41

As Chapter 19 ends, we see the townclerk enter as the voice of reason, and cooler heads prevail. Despite the ancient backdrop, I think this part of Acts feels quite contemporary. The more things change, the more they stay the same. In recent history, we saw a similar mob mentality in the age of Covid. The idol was not Artemis, but Anthony Fauci. They were even selling devotional candles with his image on them. I believe one day, there will be another event like Covid, but today, the massive data centers they are building in America (some 5426) are the new temples. These data centers (along with those being built in other countries) are creating a massive amount of wealth, dwarfing the wealth of the silversmiths in our narrative. What the world is going to look like once these data centers are completed is anyone’s guess, but I believe it will be a very big change.

As the world changes and new temples come and go, will you be caught up in the hysteria like the Ephesians in Acts 19? Or will you trust in your Bible and be content with your faith, as Paul and his friends were?

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22

Acts 19:13-22 – Paul in Ephesus Part II

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, we saw how Paul was getting along in Ephesus with his teaching ministry that began in a synagogue, then moved into the school of Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. In the midst of this revolution, Dr Luke includes a story about certain exorcists who find out the hard way that the deliverance ministry is not to be entered into lightly.

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

Acts 19:13-22
13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Paul had become quite well known. His gospel had become quite well known. Miracles resulting from Paul’s ministry, with people being healed and delivered from evil spirits, were getting quite well known. When certain of the vagabond Jews saw what was happening, they thought that they would try their hand at deliverance as well.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

As sons of a Jewish priest, they were probably priests as well. As sons of Sceva, who was chief of the priests, they were certainly well acquainted with the Scriptures. Whether they were believers, it does not say, but by saying Jesus “whom Paul preacheth,” it sounds like they did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. They have the right idea by using Jesus’ name. When dealing with the enemy, one should always use Jesus’ name. (I certainly cannot rebuke Satan in my own name.) However, rebuking the enemy in Jesus’ name only works if you know Him. 

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Sometimes we run across brothers or sisters who have received Christ, but because of some besetting sin they have or had, they are struggling with demonic oppression. People like this are not dangerous. But the person in the section before us was not a Christian. He was under the control of a powerful demon. People like this are very dangerous. I would not attempt to cast a demon out of someone like this. If someone feels led to this sort of ministry, they have to be prayed up, studied, and clothed in the armor of God before getting started. If you are going to cast a demon out of someone, it’s always a good idea to fast and pray first to prepare. (Matt 17:21 KJV; Mark 9:29 KJV) Furthermore, if there is any unconfessed sin in your life, that needs to be dealt with before you cast a demon out of someone, especially someone like we have in our passage here. The seven sons of Sceva are examples of what can happen if you are unprepared.

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

So here we have another Romans 8:28. When people heard what happened, it showed them just how real spiritual warfare is. This led to repentance and revival.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

The silver pieces referred to here were probably drachmas, which had various sizes but most likely weighed 4.3 grams. At today’s market price for silver ($78.46/ troy oz), the value of their books was around US $542,352, yet they put a torch to them to please God and draw close to Jesus.

This principle is not limited to occult objects or books. I heard about a lady who inherited a liquor store. Instead of selling the inventory, however, she poured it all out. On the other hand, I have known Christians who lived in depressed areas where the only job they could find was working at a beer bottling company. I believe God’s grace was upon them. Contrariwise, Christians who like to drink cocktails at home church on Bible study night, or throw keg parties after church, are weak and unfruitful. They have not learned the principle of Acts 19:18, 19.

Satan is incredibly legalistic. If you have one of his books or objects in your house, he feels he has a legal right to be there, too. This is the principle behind the legend that a vampire cannot enter your house unless he is invited. What is not a ‘legend’, however, is the Torah. Moses wrote:

26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.
Deuteronomy 7:26

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Again, we see Romans 8:28 at work here. Although the seven sons of Sceva appear to have failed, their failure led to a revival that furthered the gospel.

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

We see the work of the Holy Spirit here. Paul did not make an intellectual judgment about his next move. Otherwise, it would say Paul purposed in his mind. It is in our spirit that we communicate with the Holy Spirit. When we are born again (John 3:3), our spirit is reconnected to God. We sense his leading. When we let this leading take precedence over our mind and our flesh, we are in the spirit. Paul was so tuned into the Spirit (eg, I Cor 5:3), that he could say, For in him we live, and move, and have our being; Paul’s Letters are filled with instruction on conquering the flesh and being filled with the Spirit, but how much effort do Christians typically put into this endeavor? Speaking for myself, not enough. 

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
Acts 19:13-22

For a more in-depth study, now is a good time to read I Corinthians. It appears that Paul wrote his first Letter to the Corinthians during his stay in Ephesus. He had received a letter (I Cor 7:1) and a report (I Cor 1:11) about issues that needed to be addressed. This took place circa 55 AD. While the Euthalian tradition cites Philippi as the origin of the Letter (I Cor postscript, KJV), internal evidence points to Ephesus. (I Cor 16:8) On the other hand, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that Paul made a short trip to Philippi and wrote the Letter before going back to Ephesus. As our section ends with verse 22, Timothy and Erastus are sent to Macedonia. Since we have only a truncated history in Acts, Paul could have gone with them to Philippi and then returned to Ephesus.

My takeaway from this post is threefold: First of all, if I am going to do something for God, I cannot use half measures. The seven sons of Sceva ended up naked and wounded because they were not ready for the task. Second of all, even if I fail when I try to do something for God, there will be some good that comes from it. (Rom 8:28) This was certainly the case with the seven sons of Sceva.

Thirdly, if you have questionable objects in your home, if you watch filth on the Internet, if you are smoking pot or engaging in other behavior that is not pleasing to the Holy Spirit, you are going to be like the children of Israel who were wandering around in the desert for 40 years, defeated. They should have been in the Promised Land, but they doubted and failed. (I Cor 6:9f)

The Book of Joshua, on the other hand, is a picture of the victorious Christian life. When Achan, the Son of Carmi, committed a trespass in the accursed thing (Joshua 7), he was dealt with swiftly, and the victory continued as Joshua led them in the Promised Land. We have a similar situation in I Corinthians 5, with one notable difference: Unlike Achan, Paul told them to welcome the sinner back after he repented. (II Cor 2:7) We are under grace, not law. When we trust Jesus and obey Him, He leads us into a Land of Promises. (I Cor 6:11)

In conclusion, Christianity is not a game. If we are going to live the victorious Christian life (John 10:10), we have to do what the Christians in Ephesus did. They got rid of anything that was not pleasing to the Holy Spirit and were dedicated to the word of God. We will never be perfect; even Paul said he had not apprehended, but we have to do our best. That is all any of us can do. (Phil 3:13f)

In our next post, Paul is going to get into trouble with some of the local tradesmen in Ephesus. Paul was the ultimate change agent, and change can be messy.

Father, thank You for the history we have recorded for us by Dr Luke, and for keeping your promise to preserve it for us. Your word is a treasure like none other. Your precepts are life everlasting. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS: For an advanced study on spiritual warfare, I recommend Blood on the Doorposts (Chick Publications, 1994), by William Schnoebelen. Understanding the principles of spiritual warfare is very helpful, even if you do not plan on going into the deliverance ministry. All of us deal with spiritual warfare, and Satan is alive and well on planet earth. He will be locked up one day, but for now, the Bible calls him the god of this world. (II Cor 4:4) For example, here is a picture I took in Rome. Apparently, this is where you go to buy your costume if you get invited to the Illuminati Ball:

(Or if you want to go to the Carnevale di Venezia.)

Acts 18:23-28 — Many Mansions

~ mikethemissionary

Acts 18:23-28 — Many Mansions

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In our last post, Paul completed his second missionary journey and returned to his home church in Antioch of Syria. I then remarked how Paul makes me feel wholly inadequate as a Christian. If you have ever felt that way too, I have good news for you. Your salvation is not incumbent on your performance. If we had to add anything to the cross (like the law, for example), that would not be good news. ‘Gospel’ literally means ‘good news’, and the good news is that salvation is a free gift because Jesus has paid the price for our salvation in full. (John 19:30)

Jesus told a parable about a merchant man seeking goodly pearls (Matt 13:45f), Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Some well-meaning commentators have interpreted the parable as saying that you have to ‘give everything’ for the gospel, but that is not what Jesus’ parable is saying. The merchant man in Jesus’ parable is Jesus, not you. You are the pearl. Jesus considers you so valuable that He sold all that He had to buy you:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;

Now that is what I call good news! Paul understood how greatly the world needed to hear this good news, which is why he was willing to suffer as he did to spread the gospel. What about you and me? If I want rewards, I have my work cut out for me — works of faith, that is, not works of the law.

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

Acts 18:23-28
23 And after he [Paul] had spent some time there [in Antioch], he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Paul launches out on his third missionary journey in the next verse after returning from his second, after he had spent some time in Antioch. Paul’s third missionary journey will take place between 53 or 54 and 58 AD. Virtually all commentators emphasize Paul’s conflict with the Judaizers here and say that by this time, the Epistle to the Galatians was written. However, based on the Euthalian tradition of the New Testament, I am not so sure about that. The KJV postscript at the end of Galatians says it was written from Rome. 

What I am sure of, however, is that Paul was strengthening the churches in Galatia and Phrygia with the gospel of grace, which is emphasized in the Epistle to the Galatians.

The gospel of grace says that your sins are forgiven through faith, regardless of what sins you may have committed, or when. Jesus died for all of your sins, not just the sins you committed before you were saved. When Jesus died and rose again, I was not even born yet. He died for every sin I would ever commit throughout my entire life.

The gospel of grace does not insult Jesus by trying to add something else to his gift for us on Calvary. When you give someone a gift, do you expect payment in return? Of course you don’t, but I have received ‘gifts’ like this before. When I was a manager at a certain company in Los Angeles, one of the salespeople bought an expensive lunch for my department. I soon found out, however, that she expected her orders to be put at the front of the line ahead of everyone else’s, as she continually reminded me about the lunch she bought for my department. So the lunch was not a gift; it was meant as a bribe. Jesus does not engage in bribery. When Jesus gives you a gift, it’s free. (Rom 5:15-18)

But then, someone tells me I have to keep the sabbath. Someone else tells me I have to be baptized the ‘right way’. Someone else tells me my hair is too long (or at least it used to be).

In the book of Acts, the church met on the first day of the week, the day Jesus rose from the dead, not on the sabbath. (Acts 20:7; cf I Cor 16:2) Paul addressed this issue in his Epistle to the Romans. (Rom 14:5) If baptism were necessary for our salvation, Paul would have been baptizing people, but as a matter of fact, he baptized very few. Paul said, For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Cor 1:17) Back in the 90s, a leader in a church where I was doing some teaching said I should get a haircut. I said, “Do I have to?” After a long pause, the answer was, “No, you don’t have to.” I therefore said, “Okay, then I will.” (Did you know that John Wesley, one of the greatest Christians of all time, had long hair?)

Salvation is not by faith plus keeping the sabbath. Salvation is not by faith plus baptism. Salvation is not by faith plus a haircut. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Period. If one thinks that taking a day off, or getting wet, or getting a haircut, is comparable to the blood of Christ, he does not value the blood of Christ very much. It would be kind of like if I gave you some mansions in Europe, complete with servants, yachts, plus a big expense account, tax-free, and an Italian passport to go with it all, but then you gave me a penny in return and said, “I want to show that I’m willing to contribute something myself.” Would I be insulted? You bet I would be.

24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

On our map above, Alexandria would be just west of where the Nile empties into the Mediterranean.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Apollos knew his Bible, which at that time was the Old Testament. He knew only the baptism of John, so he was preaching on the prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus the Messiah.

Aquila and Priscilla, however, had been taught by Paul. They therefore taught Apollos the gospel more perfectly, ie, more accurately or more completely. (This is how perfectly was used in times past. For example, the preamble to the Constitution announced the formation of a more perfect Union.)

Apollos was humble and received their instruction. (Ps 25:9) Apollos is now preaching the gospel of grace. He must have been, or he could not have helped them much which had believed through grace:

27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Paul did not use letters of recommendation (II Cor 3:1), but Apollos was happy to use such letters.

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ [Messiah].
Acts 18:23-28

As Acts 18 concludes, we see that as Paul was ministering the gospel of grace in Galatia and Phrygia, Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos were ministering the gospel of grace in Ephesus and Achaia. These four Jews were just a few of those we read about in Acts who were working in concert to further the gospel of grace.

A good understanding of God’s grace is essential. When I understand God’s grace, I have a strong sense of security and shalom. I understand that God loves me just as much on my worst day as He does on my best day. God’s love for me is based on his Son’s righteousness, and my relationship with Him through faith, not on any righteousness of my own. In fact, Jesus said his Father loves us as He loves Jesus: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23) Isn’t that good news?!

After some time in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla went back to Rome (Rom 16:3), then eventually back to Ephesus again (II Tim 4:19). Apollos will pop back up in Chapter 19, several times in I Corinthians, and again in Paul’s letter to Titus. Apollos was such an effective teacher that Paul placed himself on the same level with him. (I Cor 3:6; 4:6)

With all the names we encounter in Acts, I like to think about these different individuals and how each of them fit into the body of Christ. Which New Testament personality do you identify with? Which one would you most like to be like? Socrates said, “Be the kind of person that you want people to think you are.” I say, Nothing to it but to do it.

Another saying I like is, Fake it till you make it. My Grandpa Harvey was a master of this technique. When he was 12 years old, he was with a group of people who were looking to get hired onto a road crew. The foreman came out and said, ‘Who can drive a tractor? My Grandpa said, ‘I can’. He had never even seen a tractor before, but he was hired and figured it out when they showed him where the tractor was. Later in the Great Depression, he went to apply for a job advertised at a machine shop. There were people lined up all the way around the block to apply. Again, a foreman came out and said ‘Who knows how to run a (some machine he had never heard of). He was the only one to raise his hand. He got the job, which turned out to be running a punch press, something he already had experience doing. The good news is that as Christians, we do not have to ‘fake it’. We have been given power and authority (Gk exousia), so even if all you know is John 3:16, you can represent heaven as long as you believe. (John 1:12) Sometimes, beginners make the best evangelists, so there are no excuses. Time’s a-wasting. 

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Revelation 3:11

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Revelation 22:7

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:12

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.
Acts 13:41

In closing, the Holy Spirit is witnessing everywhere that Jesus is coming soon. I want those mansions, but I have to remember not to put the cart before the horse. First comes the cross, then comes the crown. (Matt 16:24; Mk 8:34; Luke 9:23; John 14:2; Rev 4:12)

Father, thank You for the gospel of grace and all of the precious promises in your everlasting word, which are available to us through our relationship with your Son. Thank You for perfecting us day by day as we grow in grace, and the knowledge of your Son. He is more precious than we will ever know. Help us to walk by faith with Him as we continue on our paths. We ask this in Jesus’ name, the name above all names. Amen.

Acts 18:1-11 — Paul In Corinth Part I

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In Acts 17, Paul was in Athens, where he wrote his first Epistles: I Thessalonians and II Thessalonians. In this post, Paul will move on to Corinth.

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

Acts 18:1-11
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

Before the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC, Corinth was a powerful city-state, with many Corinthian settlements extending far beyond the city walls. After being conquered by the Romans, however, the entire region became Roman public property. By the time Paul arrived, Corinth was a Roman colony, the capital of the Roman province of Achaia.

In Athens, it was Athena who looked out over the city from high atop the Acropolis. In Corinth, it is Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the patroness not just of Corinth, but also of the many prostitutes in the city. These prostitutes took an active role in the annual festival of Aphrodesia, a celebration held in honor of Aphrodite. The temple to Aphrodite was built on the highest point of the acropolis overlooking Corinth, called Acrocorinth. As a licentious and hedonistic city, the word ‘Corinthian’ has become synonymous with licentiousness and hedonism. Corinth was also a center of trade. Because of Corinth’s unique location, there were always travelers coming and going.

Road leading to Acrocorinth

Ruins of the church, then the mosque, built where the temple of Aphrodite was.


Map of Corinth in Paul’s day

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Rabbis in the first century generally supported themselves with a trade. The rabbis famously said, He who does not teach his son a trade teaches him to be a thief. Paul’s trade was tentmaking. Paul said he had power to live off the gospel, but he did not use it in Corinth. (I Cor 9:11f)

Pricilla and Aquila were a dynamic Christian couple. They became Paul’s fellowservants and even risked their lives to help Paul. (Rom 16:3) They went on to host a home church in their house in Asia (I Cor 16:19) and also later in Rome (Rom 16:5). They will be instrumental in discipling Apollos, a mighty leader in the early church (v 28).

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Although Paul was busy tentmaking to pay the bills, he was faithful to evangelize in the synagogue on the sabbath. Opportunities probably arose throughout his workweek as well.

5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

II Corinthians 11:9 says that Silas and Timothy brought a gift from the Christians in Macedonia, which was undoubtedly a great help to Paul. It probably allowed him to spend more time ministering the gospel and less time tentmaking. We are seeing a real team effort here: Paul’s friends back in Macedonia, Silas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, plus more to come below (Justus, Crispus and his family, Apollos). This is among the most rewarding aspects of ministering the gospel, the friends and fellowservants who you meet who help you along the way.

6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Paul also said this in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:46), yet he continued going to the synagogue whenever he went to a new town, and he will continue to do so. Paul did not mean he would go unto the Gentiles, period. He meant he would go unto the Gentiles in Corinth. When he goes to Ephesus in Acts 19, he will go to the synagogue as he always does.

7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

Justus’ full name may have been Titus Justus, or possibly even Gaius Titus Justus. I will leave that for you to investigate further should you feel so inclined.

8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

This part of the narrative reminds me of an experience I had in Mudzimurema, Zimbabwe — a little town that was full of thieves. When my friends and I arrived there, we were not received warmly, and I was thinking about moving on to a different town, but one of my friends had a dream telling us there was fruit in the town that was ripe for picking. We ended up having great meetings, and the next night, people were knocking on our door to get saved. Some of the people who seemed least likely to get saved did get saved. We also found there were many others in the town besides the rough-looking guys we met when we first arrived. There were families and nice people there.

Corinth was a wicked city with a bad reputation, but there were lots of people there, and where there are people, there is a mission field. Verses 9 and 10 have spoken to me personally in many different cities I have visited throughout my travels. I have found that when I will just open my mouth and give out the gospel, people will almost always respond. I have never had a hair of my head harmed for doing so. I have been harassed in lots of different ways, but I have never been worse for wear. One guy tried to hit me once in Vasco Da Gama, but I slipped out of it, and he didn’t connect well enough to get me. I told him I wasn’t afraid of him, and he eventually left. He got his hand broken (or hurt badly) almost immediately after leaving us. I didn’t have any more trouble from him after that.

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18:1-11

I think Paul was discouraged after the opposition he met in verse 6, or else Jesus would not have had to encourage him in verses 9 and 10. Paul was encouraged, and he stayed to teach the word in Corinth for another year and a half. Paul did not give up; he persevered with some help from his friends.

Ajay Haridasse collapsed from exhaustion as he was approaching the finish line at the Boston Marathon last week, but he did not give up. He fell three more times and was getting ready to crawl when another runner, Aaron Beggs stopped to help him. This inspired a third runner, Robson De Oliveira to help as well. All three, from three different countries, and all dying of exhaustion, crossed the finish line together. Never give up, and when you see someone who needs help, be sure to help. (Matt 7:12) Paul could not have accomplished all he did without help.

Paul’s life illustrates the principle that the more you put into practice the truths that God reveals to you, the more He will continue to reveal. As Paul obediently went where God sent him, the going got harder and harder, but Paul kept going. As Paul continued in obedience, God continued to reveal more and more to him. He was given sign gifts and worked miracles. He spoke in tongues. He wrote beautiful Epistles that are still changing lives today. The fruit of Paul’s journeys was not just the souls that were saved, but the formation of the New Testament. Now that’s what I call a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In closing, let’s take a closer look at verse 2. Priscilla and Aquila had to leave Rome when Claudius Caesar kicked the Jews out of the city. Persecution because of antisemitism is something that we Gentiles do not think much about, but for a Jew, antisemitism is an ever-present danger, and it is drastically increasing in our day. The closer we get to the rapture, the more antisemitism we are seeing.

Antisemitism will not last forever. We even see a subtle allusion to this in Romans 16:3-5. Priscilla and Aquila eventually moved back to Rome. When Jesus returns, Jerusalem will be the capital of the world, and people from every country will annually flow to Israel to worship Messiah and keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Those who do not go up to Jerusalem during the millennium to worship Messiah and keep the Feast of Tabernacles will not receive rain. (Zec 14:16f)

Acts 17:15-34 – Paul In Athens

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, the troublemakers from Thessalonica pursued Paul to Berea, causing him to flee once more. This persecution kept Paul moving and, in turn, spreading the gospel even more.

In Acts 17, we get a closer look at the world of the New Testament period. Before Christianity triumphed over paganism, the ancient world was a very bizarre place.

As our section opens, Paul is being conducted by sea to Athens, while Silas and Timothy stay behind in Berea and Thessalonica. This allowed them to minister to the new believers who needed discipleship.

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

Acts 17:15-34
15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

After they drop Paul off in Athens, he gives them a message to take back to Silvanus and Timothy: Come to Athens as soon as possible. When they come, they have a list of questions from the Christians in Thessalonica. It was at this time that Paul wrote I Thessalonians. Then they returned with more questions, so Paul wrote II Thessalonians. Later, Timothy and Silas joined Paul again in Corinth to continue on the mission trip. (Acts 18:5)

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

The patroness of Athens was, of course, Athena. According to legend, Athena bested Poseidon in a contest for patronage of Athens by creating an olive tree. Her idol in the Parthenon atop the Acropolis was 39’ tall, 43’ tall including the base. Made of ivory and clothed in gold, the statue of Athena was a powerful idol, inasmuch as its aesthetic beauty made it very enticing.

For example, many in Southern India worship the folk deity, Muneeswarar, which is nothing more than an oval rock, about 15” long, painted orange, with a horizontal thick black line for a mouth and two X’s for eyes, also made with thick black lines.


AI-generated image

If people will worship that, how much more would they be enticed to worship the colossal image of Athena Parthenos, “Athena the Virgin”? I suspect this is why the Acropolis Museum in Athens does not have a replica. The museum has a small hologram that shows what the idol looked like:

    If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
    And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
    This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
Job 31:26-28

The Roman counterpart to Athena was Minerva. She was therefore worshiped in one form or another throughout the empire. Expanding on the teaching of the Old Testament, Paul wrote that behind every idol a devil is waiting to be worshiped (Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37; I Cor 10:20f), whether it be the sun, the moon, Athena, or Muneeswarar.

Athena was just one of the many idols worshiped in Athens. (More on that below.) Seeing how the city was wholly given to idolatry, a righteous indignation was stirred in Paul. If there is one sin that God really hates, it is idolatry—so much so that God forbade his people to even utter the names of the idols worshiped by the heathen nations. (Ex 23:13)

17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

What was it that Paul was disputing in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons? The Jews did not worship idols. The Babylonian captivity cured them of that, even unto today. Paul was disputing the same thing he preached everywhere he went, the resurrection of Christ.

In the market (Gk agora), Paul got the attention of the Epicureans, who were libertines, and the Stoics, who were ascetics.


The market, viewed from the north
(The Areopagus is directly behind the market, below the Acropolis.)

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?


This screenshot shows where Paul started in the marketplace (the upper-left quarter of the image) before they took him to the Areopagus (lower-left quarter of the image).

20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

The Areopagus was dedicated to Ares, the god of war. His Roman counterpart was Mars. Dr Luke gives us the Greek name, Areopagus (lit Hill of Ares), as well as the Latin name in verse 22, Mars’ Hill. This is where the Areopagus Council met to judge cases of murder, sacrilege, and arson.


The summit of Mars’ Hill viewed from the Acropolis

The fact that they led Paul to Mars’ Hill shows that they were interested in hearing what he had to say. Paul had a captive audience, as they are very much into the art of oratory. Paul does not disappoint:

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

It is commonly said today that a better translation of ‘too superstitious’ would be ‘very religious’. Those who make this claim say that Paul would not start by rebuking the Athenians but would rather compliment them. I suppose these same folks would have John the Baptist beginning with ‘O generation of religious brethren, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come’. All kidding aside, Paul’s message is filled with rebukes against idolatry. It would not make much sense, therefore, for him to begin by commending them for it.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

The Athenians had an altar for every god, but if there was a god they did not know about, they did not want to offend him, so they made an altar for him, just in case. Paul is here to tell them about their UNKNOWN GOD.

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Paul made this declaration in the midst of a city filled with temples—on Mars’ Hill, where there were many sanctuaries, including that of the Erinyes, or the Furies to the Romans. Directly above was the temple of Athena on the Acropolis.


The Acropolis viewed from Nymphs Hill at nightfall

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

First Paul attacks their temples, then he attacks the idols inside their temples. Paul’s reference to ‘men’s hands’ was a direct reference to idoatry, ie the work of men’s hands. (Deut 4:28; II Kings 19;18; Ps 115:4; Ps 135;15; Isa 37:19) The Athenians felt their idols honored God, but Paul dispelled this idea. If for no other reason, you have to admire Paul for his bravery. Preaching against idolatry in Athens would be like preaching against basketball in the Crypto.com Arena. 

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Because of their fine architecture, their famous philosophers, their theaters, and the arts, the Athenians thought they were a ‘cut above the rest’. Paul is rebuking their conceit. We have all been made of one blood (ie Adam). The ‘time before appointed’ in their day was the beginning of the church age following the first coming of Christ. In our day, the ‘time before appointed’ is the closing of the church age and the second coming of Christ. They owe their Greek pedigree, which they are so proud of, to God, as He set the bounds of their habitation.

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

The idea that you are closer to God when you go to a temple (or a church) is still widespread today. This was one of the tenets of the Reformation, and born-again Christians understand that one can be just as close to God in his garage or his basement as in a church.

Paul drives his point home by quoting a couple of their Greek poets, Aratus of Soli and Cleanthes. Both had written odes to Zeus, which said, ‘We are his offspring.” Paul does not put a fine point on it to clarify his meaning. They know what he means. Luke 3:38 says Adam was the son of God (cf Gen 2:7).

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

Again Paul strikes at their false gods, which were made of gold, silver, and stone.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

The age in which God closed his eyes to their idolatry was so brief from God’s perspective that it was just a wink, but now that Christ is risen, Paul says that all men everywhere need to repent.

31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

The ancient Greeks, heavily influenced by Plato, saw bodily resurrection as a foolish idea. Nevertheless, whenever the gospel is given out, there are always those who respond.

33 So Paul departed from among them.

Paul drops his mic and walks away. But some of them follow after him:

34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Acts 17:15-34

To the west of the summit, Mars’ Hill sloped down toward the marketplace. On this slope was the Areopagus residential area, which belonged to the prestigious district of Melite. Dionysius lived there, which means he was a well-to-do individual. According to tradition, Dionysius was Athens’ first bishop, but I wonder who Damaris was? When I was in Athens last year, I noticed that the women were into health and beauty. Many of them could be described as chic. I like to think of Damaris as a Greek matron with style and grace.


Images of Greek matrons

There is no Epistle to the Athenians. Paul preached in the center of Greek philosophy and learning, but the message was not received as well as it was in Thessalonica and Berea. I think it was because they were too smart for their own good. (Pr 26:12; Luke 10:21; I Cor 1:26)

I believe another reason the gospel was not well received in Athens was because of their idolatry. I have never met anyone so blinded to spiritual truth as those who worship idols. There is something of a revival taking place in the Muslim world, but not among Hindus. My experience with them was similar to Paul’s in Athens. There were some who believed, but most were not open to the gospel.

15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
Psalm 135:15-18

The Bible begins with a commandment not to worship idols (Ex 20:3-5), and ends with people worshiping the image of the beast. (Rev 13:14f) Then, as the canon of Scripture closes, those who worship idols are cast into the lake of fire. (Rev 21:8)

But before we are too quick to pass judgment on the Athenians in our text, let us take a look at ourselves. Concerning idolatry, the Bible says:

     For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
1 Samuel 15:23

Have you been resisting God’s will in a certain matter? According to the Bible, that is idolatry, and idolaters will not get into heaven. In I Corinthians 6:9, Paul says as much and gives a long list of other sins that will keep people out of heaven. But then he writes, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (I Cor 6:11) In other words, our sins are forgiven. If you have not yet received Christ as your Saviour, do not delay. Repent of your sin, and abide in the word which will cleanse you of your sins. (Ps 119:9)

In closing, I do not think there is any question that AI is the Parthenon of our day. I used AI to generate an image for this post, which is a story in itself. First, it denied that such an idol as I described existed in India. Then, I used a more advanced version that conceded the idol existed, but said there are no images available on the web. So I had it generate one, which was laughable, as it made it look shiny and spiffy. After some more tries and Photoshoping it to make it look realistic, I asked the AI how it was able to generate the image if it could not find a picture to go by. It then denied generating the image. The amount of money and energy consumption being poured into AI is nothing short of obscene, but that is nothing compared to the effect it is having on society. It is all leading to the mark of the beast and the image of the beast in Revelation 13. Jesus is the way out. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 16:16-40 — Spiritual Warfare In Philippi – New Life In Christ

~ mikethemissionary

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Paul and Co (Silas, Timothy, and Dr Luke) were being hosted by a Christian family in Philippi — Lydia of Thyatira and her household, who were all baptized shortly after Paul arrived in Philippi. (Acts 16:15) The year is now circa 50 AD.

Philippi was an economic powerhouse, made rich by nearby gold mines. Shortly after the famous Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, a decisive engagement that changed the course of Western history, Philippi was made a Roman colony. Philippi was a walled city with an impressive Roman forum. Adjacent to the forum was a theater that was built in the 4th Century BC.

Aside from the imperial cult of the Roman emperor, Claudius, the standard pantheon of gods was worshiped in Philippi, along with other deities. By preaching Christ, Paul was declaring war on the order of the day, not just for the Romans, but the Greeks and the Jews as well. Paul was God’s CDO.

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

Acts 16:16-40
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

This is typical of demonic behavior I have witnessed myself firsthand. She is drawing attention to herself and away from Paul, making a mockery of his ministry. Satan is not happy with Paul’s preaching.

18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Curious that even though the demon did not instantly come out, Paul did not continue with a lengthy deliverance session. Ostensibly, Paul trusted by faith that the demon would leave after his rebuke, and shortly thereafter, it did.

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

The word translated as marketplace is agora, but most of the Philippians would have called it the forum, as Romans who spoke Latin.


The ruins of the agora in Philippi


Model of the agora in Philippi (2nd Century AD)

20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

The slavegirl’s masters think they can easily attack Paul because he is Jewish. There’s still a lot of that going on today. Antisemitism has been steadily increasing, particularly over the last few decades, but those who oppose the Jews bring a curse on themselves. (Gen 12:3; 27:29; Num 24:9) A guy named Haman comes to mind. (Esther 7:10) Someone may read this and protest, citing war crimes by Israel in Gaza, but in the end, God will deal with Israel the same way He will with all of us. (Ez 16:59-63) We are all a work in progress, but the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. (Ps 135:4)

21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

According to the Archaeological Museum of Philippi, this underground water reservoir was Paul’s prison cell. Later, it became a place of worship and was decorated with frescoes.


Interior of the prison cell

24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

God used the suffering of Paul and Silas as a witness to the other prisoners, the jailer, and his family. Everyone saw how these guys who were just beaten were singing praises to God. Then…

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

There was a Roman law that said if a prisoner escaped, the jailer would have to serve out his sentence. Philippi being a Roman colony, that law would have been in force. If all the prisoners escaped, the jailer would have multiple sentences stacked on him, probably including capital punishment. Yet not only are Paul and Silas still there, but the other prisoners as well.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

The thought here is not a guarantee that your family will be saved if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather that they will be saved if they too believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, I cannot help but think that maybe Paul was giving the jailer a word of knowledge. (I Cor 12:7) Maybe Paul knew the family was going to follow.

The important thing to notice about verse 31 is that salvation is a free gift that was available to the jailer and his family if they would simply believe.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

They presented the gospel to the jailer’s family. I believe Dr Luke pointed this out to show that they had to make their own decisions for Christ for themselves.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

The same thing happened with Lydia’s family. They all followed her in her new faith and were baptized, believing on the gospel. Now the jailer and Lydia are brother and sister in Christ. Their families worship together at church meetings. (Pr 22:2)

The Philippian jailer is a perfect example of a transformed life. They say that before you die, your life flashes before your eyes. When the Philippian jailer drew out his sword and looked at his life, he knew he was in trouble. He knew Paul had the truth. He wanted what Paul was offering through faith in Christ. He was immediately changed. He ministered to Paul and Silas in washing their stripes and feeding them. He and his family were rejoicing.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

This is one of the things I like about Paul; he never ‘rolls over’ but always stands up for what is right. The easiest thing to do would have been to just leave, but Paul wants the magistrates to admit their wrongdoing.

38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

Because Paul stood up for himself, he now has some information that the magistrates know he can use against them. The magistrates thought Paul and his company were Jews — ‘nobodies’ whom Claudius had expelled from Rome. (Acts 18:2) When they learn that Paul is a Roman citizen, they realize they are in serious trouble. This works to the advantage of the new church just formed in Philippi. The magistrates come to Paul with their hats in their hands now, saying, Please, sir, can you move along, and can we put all this behind us?

40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Acts 16:16-40

 

My takeaway from this section is the new life we have in Christ. Psychology tries to dig into one’s past to look for answers. Satan loves to remind us of our past. He tries to make us fixate on past mistakes. The Philippian jailer had a lot of mistakes in his past, no doubt, but looking backward is not the answer. As Christians, we are to look forward. Paul would later write to the Philippians:

   Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13, 14

The Philippian jailer is now with the in crowd, from a kingdom perspective. His future is in the New Jerusalem. I suspect that Christians in 1st Century Philippi were not the most respected people in the community, but Philippi was on the way out. Dying. Yesterday’s news. The New Jerusalem is where the future is. The jailer’s name is written in heaven now.

Father, thank You that your Son is making all things new. We pray You will send Him back soon to fetch us all home to meet You. In the meantime, fill us with your Holy Spirit day by day and give us the wisdom to make good decisions. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prophecy Update: A local teenager on Oahu, Sophia King, said what nobody else would say at a recent neighborhood meeting: The flooding was intentional. (Ps 8:2; Isa 11:6)

Fifteen-year-old Sophia’s name means Wisdom in Greek. They have had the technology to create storms or steer existing storms for decades now. The fact that they did not steer it away shows intent. It looks a lot like what happened in Lahaina on Maui. What comes around goes around, and Revelation 11:18 says that God is going to destroy them which destroy the earth. As the war in Iran continues to escalate, that day is fast approaching. Although wars in the Middle East are nothing new, this one in particular seems to be preparing the stage for the Magog scenario of Ezekiel 38 and 39, which takes place right around the time of the rapture. Of course, no man knows the day or the hour, but wisdom says it is time to prepare. (Matt 25:1-13)

Just as Philippi was on the way out, so is this world. The rich of this world think they can manipulate the future to their advantage. There is a name that appears nearly 12,000 times in the Epstein files: Rothschild. The rich think the future is in AI. They are pouring trillions into new data centers that, when completed, will make today’s AI look antiquated. They think they will be the victors in a technocratic future, but their future a house of cards. Dying. Yesterday’s news. Satan’s kingdom is fallen. (Matt 24:21f; Rev 18:2) The Bible says the great men of the earth are going to hide themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. They are going to cry, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The New Jerusalem is where the future is. Remember that if AI takes away your livelihood. Make no mistake, AI is changing things. Add 3D printing to the mix and we are looking a very different economy coming our way. I recommend you get ahead of what is coming and prepare accordingly. Here is an excerpt from the article linked above:

How fast this is actually moving
Let me make the pace of improvement concrete, because I think this is the part that’s hardest to believe if you’re not watching it closely.
In 2022, AI couldn’t do basic arithmetic reliably. It would confidently tell you that 7 × 8 = 54.
By 2023, it could pass the bar exam.
By 2024, it could write working software and explain graduate-level science.
By late 2025, some of the best engineers in the world said they had handed over most of their coding work to AI.
On February 5th, 2026, new models arrived that made everything before them feel like a different era.
If you haven’t tried AI in the last few months, what exists today would be unrecognizable to you.

By ‘getting ahead of what is coming’, what I mean is that if your job involves looking at a computer screen, you are going to have to learn to use AI or transition into a different profession. The trades are lucrative endeavors. You could probably make as much or more working for an oil company in Texas or as a welder in the Midwest, than you can as a professional working with computers. I make more as a truck driver than I ever did in printing management, which is a highly technical field.

In closing, through faith in Christ, we have new life in Christ, life everlasting. I do not need to fix the old Mike because he is dead. His sins are washed away. The new Mike is a new creation in Christ (II Cor 5:17) with a glorious future in the New Jerusalem. New Mike is still a work in progress as long as he is in his old body, but he is forgiven.

Our section began with a demon-possessed servant girl trying to disrupt Paul’s gospel presentations, but she was delivered. Our section ends with another family receiving the free gift of everlasting life through faith in Christ. Paul and Silas were thrown in jail, but they were delivered too. Everyone in this section was delivered. Paul will have to go to jail again. In fact, that is where he will be when he writes his letter to the Philippians (house arrest in Rome), but he will still be the Lord’s freeman.

Let me leave you with this, as we see the day approaching:

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14

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.