Settled In...

Acts 28:23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”... 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

After a few more occasions on which he could demonstrate the power of the Gospel, Paul finally made it to Rome, where he was received with much rejoicing by believers there. As was his custom, he first went to the Jews of the city to share the Gospel there, but as usually happened, they rejected him when he talked of Salvation to the Gentiles.  Awaiting his appearance before Caesar, Paul had over two years to share the Gospel with all who would listen, fulfilling a desire God had placed in his heart years before. 

Not-So-Smooth Sailing

 

Acts 27:21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”

The decision finally came for Paul, along with other prisoners, to be sent to Rome.  After skipping along the coastline, it was decided to attempt travelling during the time of winter storms.  Paul had warned against their plan but was overruled. Sure enough, they were driven out to sea and the storm was tearing the ship apart. Every had given up hope, but Paul.  They same God who warned him against the trip now assured him of their "safe" arrival.  He encouraged them all to eat for strength before throwing the last of the cargo overboard.  Eventually the ship did crash, but there was no loss of life. Paul's word was kept, and God's name glorified. 

Crazy or Convincing?

 

Acts 26:24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 

Before being sent to Rome, Paul was given an appearance with King Herod Agrippa, to share his side of the story about how he came to be arrested, charged, and imprisoned.  Paul gave a concise, orderly account of his conversion and ministry, emphasizing the work of Christ both personally and in the Church.  It was a testimony aimed at Agrippa, who had an understanding of Old Testament Judaism. As a result, Festus, a Gentile, accused Paul of being crazy, but Agrippa found Paul rather convincing.  It was a "one-shot" deal, and Agrippa's response indicates he would have heard more if possible. As for Paul, he faithfully planted the seed of the Gospel anywhere and anytime he could. May we use such opportunities.

Free Trip to Rome

 

Acts 25:9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Paul had been in protective prison for a few years when Felix was replaced by Festus in Caesarea. Having been frustrated all that time, the Jewish leaders quickly pressed Festus for a new hearing against Paul. Wanting to get off to a good start in his new post, Festus promptly arranged a date for the hearing. It was immediately apparent that the Jews had "no case" against Paul, but wanting to keep the Jews happy, he tried to send the "non-case" back to Jerusalem. Paul, as a Roman citizen, had the right to refuse. He also wanted the truth to be known about his innocence, and the Truth of the Gospel to be known in Rome. He was now going to have opportunity for both. Every objective observant of his case deemed him innocent, and many were intrigued enough by the Gospel to want to hear more.  May we have such a reputation. 

A Good Way to Start...

 Psalm 25:

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
    let me not be put to shame;
    let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
    they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all the day long.

Many of the Psalms of David begin differently, based upon the current situation and topic. Most end with a call to trust God and follow His plan.  This one begins that way. David does go on and call out to God to remember His mercy and not David's sin, to instruct him in His ways and forgive his sins, and to be gracious to him and relieve him of all his afflictions.  But it all begins with trusting God with his soul, his life, and wanting God to align me with His plan, not Him with mine. 

Immanence and Transcendence

 

Psalm 23:The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

Psalm 24:The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
    the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

In these two back-to-back psalms of David, we find two complimentary, yet mind-boggling characteristics of God.  In Psalm 23 He is immanent, present, with me through every day and danger of life, which in Psalm 24 He is transcendent, "out there", watching over every aspect of the universe. This is one and the same God.  Psalm 24 goes on to say that such a God demands and deserves our worship, both at the place of worship, and with our very lives.  Indeed, what a wonderful God He is. 

Being Called Names...

 

Acts 24: 2“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

Since the establishment of the Church, followers of Christ have been called names - some good, like The Way and Christians("little Christs") - some not so good, like here: a plague, rebels who start riots, basic pests to society who cause all of society's problems, etc. During this preliminary hearing, Paul proclaimed his innocence of such charges, once again pointing to the resurrection as the issue.  Felix was hesitant to create another riot by choosing one side or the other.  He had heard of the good name "the way", and Paul's discussions on righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, intrigued him, so Paul ended up under house arrest for two years.  So much for a speedy trial! But he used the time well, telling Felix and everyone there more about Christ, writing letters to the churches and meeting with believers who were allowed to visit him.  He patiently waited to prove he was not the pest and problem of which he was being accused.  So should we. 

Going Along for the Ride...

 

Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

When we ended our study yesterday, we noted that Paul was under protective custody, awaiting an appearance before the Jewish leaders.  This chapter begins with that appearance, which did not last long. Paul immediately got on the bad side of the High Priest, and when he mentioned the resurrection, the group was divided in a heated debate.  Things got so out of hand the tribune once again put Paul back into the prison.  When it was discovered that a plot was being made on Paul's life, the Tribune had Paul taken to the provincial capital of Caesarea, where a fair hearing could be had, and a heavier Roman presence felt.  The Jewish leaders would have their day in court, but Paul, a Roman Citizen, would be protected. More than that, God was working out His plan for Paul to take the Gospel deep into the Empire through a Roman network.  It was something Paul had longed for but had never been able to do by his own planning. 

Finding Out Why...

 

Acts 22:22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

As we saw yesterday, Paul had been taken into protective custody because of the ruckus that was created then Jews thought he had brought Gentiles into the temple. Here he was given opportunity to address the crowd and give his testimony. All was going well until he mentioned being called by God to go to the Gentiles with the Gospel.  The Romans did not understand what was going on. He needed to find out why the Jews were so upset, which is what he will find out tomorrow...

Traffic Signs

 

Acts 21:10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

As Paul made his way back to report to the Jerusalem church what had been taking place in the ministry to the Gentiles, he kept getting warning signs from his fellow believers. In the opening paragraph, when he and his team arrived at Tyre, they told him to stop, to not to go to the Jerusalem. In the paragraph above, when he got closer, in Caesarea, prophecy was given that Paul would end up a prisoner, so they begged him not to go on to Jerusalem, but do a u-turn.  But Paul proceeded to go, and getting close to Jerusalem, he stopped to see James, who warned him to proceed with caution, giving him a way to not look so radical.  Paul pressed on, and entered into the city, into the temple.  He was recognized, and through a case of mistaken identity, some Jews thought he had brought Gentiles into the temple court to worship. There was a near riot, and Paul was taken into protective custody.  This also gave him a "captive audience." We will see what he said tomorrow. 

Human Trophies

 Acts 20:1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

The events of this chapter are an exciting celebration of what God had been doing in getting the Gospel to the Gentiles.  Above we see this collection of people who had come to faith and were accompanying Paul as he visited other churches and leaders. These people were representatives of each province and city where the Church was active and growing. The next section of this chapter reminds us never to fall asleep in church, describing the revival of Eutychus who had fallen out the window when he fell asleep during Paul's long message.  Finally, Paul meets with a large group of church leaders giving them a charge which is still a challenge and encouragement to leaders today: to set an example of endurance, to protect the church from false teaching, and to remain humble and faithful no matter what opposition they may face. It was both a spiritual and emotional event for all involved, knowing these fellow servants may never see each other again. 

Yet YOU...

 

Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
    and by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy,
    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted;
    they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued;
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

The opening verse of this psalm of David is well-known, being quoted by Christ on the cross.  In this psalm David alternates back and forth between his present condition of being surrounded, scared, and suffering and the assurance that God is present and has not forsaken him. As he turns his eyes upon God, he transitions his statements with phrases like "Yet You", "But You", or "From You." By the end of the psalm he has not only assured himself that God will hear and deliver, but also enjoins us all to turn to the Lord, bow down to Him in worship, and trust Him with our concerns. 

Trusting in the God of Strength

 

Psalm 20:6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
    but we rise and stand upright.
9 O Lord, save the king!
    May he answer us when we call.

Psalm 21:1O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,

    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

2 You have given him his heart's desire

    and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

Above are the ending verses of one psalm of David and the opening verses of the following Psalm, also by David.  Psalm 20 begins with a blessing on the people, asking God to answer their prayers, protect them from danger, and provide them with salvation.  David then gives the words of testimony above: he himself has experienced God's answer to His prayers and learned to trust in God instead of military might. After the "Selah" meditation in Psalm 21, he goes on to share more of his testimony about God's deliverance as the foundation for trusting in God to do the same for His (and his) people. David then concludes with a call for the king and his people to rejoice together: 13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.

"The Way" Sent Every Way

 

Acts 19:8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

As we saw yesterday, Paul's strategy began to change a little, with him spending more time in each city discipling believers.  Having left Apollos in Corinth, Paul went on to Ephesus. There he met some serious disciples of John the Baptist, who, upon hearing the Gospel, trusted in Christ and were baptized, forming a core of believers.  Christians became known as The Way, obviously a reference to Jesus' words in John 14. By establishing this discipleship center, many came through Ephesus, a major thoroughfare, hearing the Gospel and taking it back to their own cities in the region. Paul was able to both evangelize and disciple. During this time the power of Christ was show through healings and victory over demons, and "The Way" became so pervasive that the idol makers of the goddess Diana, the principal religion of Ephesus, started a riot because they felt so threatened.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, but it showed how powerful "The Way" had become in the region. 

Sticking Around for Awhile...

 

Acts 18:9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

As we have seen so far in both missionary journeys of Paul, he often drew opposition - especially from the Jews who refused to respond to the Gospel. This kept many of his city visits short, often a matter of weeks. But as we see above, there were some places where Paul stuck around for months, or longer, up to three years.  These longer stays allowed Paul to do some deeper discipleship with the likes of Priscilla and Aquila and others. The next paragraph goes on to tell how eventually opposition did arise in Corinth, but Paul himself was not harmed.  He went with them to Ephesus, leaving them there to strengthen the church, while he went back through other cities to strengthen them on the way back to Antioch.  While there this couple had the opportunity to disciple many, including Apollos, who became a great apologist, giving depth to the church there. 

Seekers

 

Acts 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”

As Paul and his missionary team went on into the provinces of the Roman Empire, they continued to have mixed responses to the Gospel.  At Thessalonica some Jews and not a few Greeks responded before the Jewish leaders gave them such grief they had to move on. Next, at Berea, they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so, until once again, the Jewish leaders came and stirred things up, forcing Paul to move forward, leaving his team behind.  They joined him in Athens for the events described above.  They really wanted to hear what Paul had to say. By the end of the chapter we find believers listed by name, and many continuing to follow them to find out more. 

New Friends, Foes, and Focus

Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. 

As Paul set out on his second missionary journey with Silas, bringing with him the decision of the Jerusalem Council, God provided new friends for the journey, as well as those whose homes would become places to which he could return later. Mentioned here is Timothy, but by the end of the chapter he will have been invited into the homes of Lydia and the Philippian Jailer, baptizing the households of both new believers. But he would also face a number of new foes: the owners of the fortune-telling slave, and many who did not want to be challenged by the message of repentance.  We also find that Paul keeps moving forward into new provinces, going wherever God will allow, to preach the good news of the Kingdom. If we are faithful to our call, we will experience the same: new friends, new foes, and a focused life that can take us places we would never expect. 

No Small Debate

Acts 15:But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

Having completed their first missionary circuit, Barnabas and Paul had returned to their sending church in Syria for a praise report.  The celebration was interrupted by these legalists who were having trouble accepting Gentiles into the people of God.  An answer was needed to this issue once and for all, so the two missionaries went through the areas between Syria and Judea giving their missionary report to those churches as well, then on to Jerusalem to meet with the Apostles and other Church leaders.  The meetings were conducted in a meaningful and God-honoring way until a unanimous decision was reached. This message joined together Jewish and Gentile Christians with a sense of solidarity and power which made them stronger and able to reach deeper into the world with the Gospel. May we always seek to establish such a strong base of solid doctrine and brotherly love. 

Two Great Revelations

Psalm 19: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5     which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

Very little comment here: these two witnesses testify to and reveal God in His perfect nature: His awesome creation and His matchless Word.  They give us what we need to know and what we need: Him. Make sure you get a good dose of both today. 

Built-Up Praise

 

Psalm 18:1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

This Psalm of David was written when he finally became king over Israel, having spent years on the run from Saul and the Philistines. He goes on to describe his previous predicament as being strangled, entangled, entrapped, and in great distress. But then God unleashed the power of His creative hand: He came like an earthquake with thunder and lightning, pulling David up and giving him strength for the battle. God also gave him the character he needed to endure such a long struggle, cleansing him and giving him the humility he needed to trust Him.  God became the Solid Rock upon Whom David stood.  Have we allowed Him to do the same for us?

Mistaken Identity

Acts 14:8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 

As Barnabas and Paul continued to infiltrate the Roman provinces with the Gospel, they not only saw these men as Christians - they were so different and full of the Spirit of God they saw them as gods.  The two apostles made it very clear that they were not, but they also pointed out that God had been giving them revelation of Himself throughout history, sending them signs that He was out there waiting to be known and trusted. God had been preparing them for this very moment of hearing the Gospel. As the chapter, and the first missionary journey, concludes, we find Barnabas and Paul were also mistaken as evil troublemakers and often mistreated, but God used them to spread the good news nonetheless. 

Beyond Herod's Realm

Acts 13:44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
    that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 

We are almost halfway through the book of Acts, but to this point the Gospel had barely gotten beyond Judea and Samaria.  The Church was being released to spread now that She accepted freely into fellowship those who were of Gentile background.  This chapter begins with the intentional sending of Barnabas and Saul to take the Gospel into the Roman provinces. They first would go into the synagogues to share the good news of the Messiah with the Jews, but each time it was not long until they were kicked out and took the Good News to the Gentiles. Word began to spread quickly, and they continued on city by city.   

Meanwhile... Back in Jerusalem

Acts 12:1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

In the past few chapters we have seen the growth of The Church into Samaria, Ethiopia, up the coastline, and north into Syria. We ended yesterday with the fact that Jerusalem and Judea were being affected by a great famine.  But that wasn't all that was happening. Christians were being blamed for all the woes, and persecution intensified. But once again, God takes them through all this, as Peter was miraculously delivered, and then Herod, the official representative of the persecution was "taken out" by God.  The bottom line again was this: 24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.  The truth of the Gospel continued to spread and people were coming to Christ. 

Major Milestones

 Acts 11:19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

This chapter begins with the response of the First Church at Jerusalem to the message Peter brought back about Cornelius and other Gentiles responding to the Gospel. At first there was apprehension, but soon Peter convinced them that it was real and wonderful.  Meanwhile, this church at Antioch became a stronghold of faith and growth, evidenced by the effect they had on the community: The name of Christ was being glorified.  After this, the expansion of the Gospel was confirmed when the Gentile believers responded generously to the news that the church in Jerusalem and Judea was experiencing hardship.  Both churches were of one heart and purpose, ready and waiting for what would come next. 

No Perplexation or Partiality

 

Acts 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

This chapter begins with two men having visions from God: Cornelius and Peter. Both were perplexed by the things God was telling them, but both responded in obedience to God's call for them to get together. When Peter arrived, he made the statement above.  He was no longer perplexed but understood the import of what God was doing: using him to take the Gospel yet further from Jerusalem to all the nations and peoples of the world. God shows no partiality. It has actually always been that way; we just are slow to recognize it, and slow to take to gospel to the next home, town, or people. 

Two Beautiful Pictures

 Psalm 17: 

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me. 

This is one of many of David's songs for deliverance.  He has been laying on his bed thinking about his situation and his relationship with God.  He cries out to God thinking, knowing that God hears and sees. He expresses his full faith in the character of God, and then makes parallel pleas based thereupon. Since God sees everything, and David knows He loves and wants what is best for him - he is the apple of His eye - then David can remind God of that.  David also knows that God can and will protect him. He has done so countless times before, and David needs to sense that protection so he can rest and sleep peacefully.  The enemy may be close by and surrounding, but God's protection is stronger and closer. 

Where I Want to Be...

 

Psalm 15:1: O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

Psalm 16:5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

In these two successive psalms of David he reveals His greatest desire: the presence of the Lord.  For God's people in that day, His presence was represented by His tabernacle.  The first psalm goes on to describe one who would and could be in God's presence. His life was not marked by perfection, but by a consistent character of a life lived before God.  In the second Psalm above David talks about the impact of the Lord's presence: wise counsel, stability, the fellowship of His people, joy, and the assurance that God is with him and is in control.  There was no place David would rather be than with the Lord.  How about you?

An un-Believable Difference

 

Acts 9:19 For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

After the scattering of the disciples when Stephen was stoned, God continued to show His power in the most dramatic ways. Of great note was the conversion of Saul.  Having been the leader of persecuting the Christians he encountered Christ in the most life-changing way. People couldn't believe it and many were afraid to go near him, but his testimony created shock-waves across the religious world.  But in this chapter we find that was not all God was doing.  Peter was making his way along the coastline where many believers had fled, preaching and healing, just as Christ had told them.  God used him to heal a man with paralysis in Lydda and bring Dorcas back to life in Joppa.  The Lord was reinforcing the truths that the Christians had been telling the people there about Jesus, and many believed in Christ as Savior.

Understanding Why...

 

Acts 8: And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

As we saw yesterday, the more the church grew, and the more bold both the apostles and believers became, the more opposition and persecution became.  The apostles had faced repeated and increasing arrests, beatings, and warnings, but now Stephen, one of the first deacons, had been martyred for his testimony. And that was just the beginning of even more intense persecution, scattering believers away from Jerusalem. And that was the point.  Why? To help answer the How question. How would the good news spread to every nation, as Jesus had predicted and promised? Through persecution. And it worked. As the chapter goes on, we find details of the next geographical zone: Samaria. Then Philip proceeded from there up the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, taking the gospel to port cities, from which it could go all over the Roman provinces (to prepare the way for Saul, later named Paul.) Along the way he had an encounter with an Ethiopian leader, who would take the Gospel the other direction, where we have record of the church developing soon after.  The further we go, the more the confusing makes sense, if we will be faithful to what God has called us to do in Christ.