DRIVEN TO DISCOVERY
#770a DRIVEN TO DISCOVERY
Scripture Acts 4:23-37, NIV Orig. 1/27/1980
Rewr. 10/19/1989
Passage: 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.[a]’[b]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Purpose: To remind my people that it is often out of some prescribed opposition that we are driven to the greatest discoveries about ourselves and our capabilities.
Keywords: Faith Opposition Prayer Resources
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
On the football field, encroachment is nothing more than over-eagerness on the part of an occasional defensive player. For people living in the third world nations where there are desert lands it is a life-and-death situation. What little arable land there is, is being lost to encroachment by the desert sands.
Ancient people also had to learn to live with the desert. Their lands also were bordered by it. Their fertile fields were encroached upon. We can remember that the desert marched right up to the gates of Jerusalem itself. The desert was a breeding ground for fierce, nomadic tribes.
Even before, the desert became training ground for the people God. Upon their failure to move steadily into the promised land, it was necessary for them to endure forty years training in the desert. From slaves of Egypt’s passions, they had to be disciplined to become a nation of God’s people.
Great men of God had flowered in the womb of the desert. Not only Moses, but Elijah, Amos, and Jeremiah also. John the Baptist, reared as he surely was by the Essenes, came out of a community of believers who lived with the desert. It was there that the Essenes established their ethic, and left evidence in the form of the “Dead Sea Scrolls.”
The desert also saw the fledgling ministry of Jesus amidst wild animals and ministering angels. To the desert, Saul of Tarsus would be consigned to ready him for his tasks. One is more apt to recognize and appreciate blessings when they are seen objectively.
I. First, We See God’s People Driven to Their Knees. V23, “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24. . . They lifted up their voice to God with one accord.”
We need, of course, to be reminded that it was partly their success to blame. They had forthrightly spoken the word, and people had responded. It was their success that had disquieted their enemies. From 120 they ministered and 3,000 (2:4) are saved. Shortly after, 5,000 (4:4). The religious bureaucrats were angry. The priests were becoming sensitive to acceptance of the gospel by Jews. The temple police were more interested in their authority than they were in religious freedom. The Sadducees had some vested interests to protect.
Thus, this success-generated opposition puts them on their knees in alarm and concern. They are convinced that God will honor His word to them. They remembered David. Psalm 2:1, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” 1:2, “In his law doth he meditate day and night.” IMAGINE/MEDITATE hagah (Hebrew, Strong’s, 1897). The word for “rage” suggests the excitement of show animals. Why should we imagine in vain things when we can meditate in God’s word. They stand in marked allegiance to Jesus. V24, “Lord, thou art God . . . (creation).” Word chosen is despota. Despot, sovereign master. Other kings (Herod, Pilate) railed against Him.
In success or in failure, the Christian’s posture is kneeling. Again and again we have witnessed it. 1:14 UR/1:24 LOT/2:42 PENTECOST/2:47 Daily. Before Pentecost, such as happens here would have done them in. The living Lord is with them. They know that God can turn this opposition to bless them. They pray, not for protection, but for boldness, v29, parrésia—freedom. Acts 28:31, “boldness, unhinderedly.”
II. Next, We Glimpse God’s People Demonstrating Their Faith. V29, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.”
We might expect them to be on the raw edge of despair. They are misunderstood, abused, accused. Their most noble efforts go lacking. Such voices can be found. “He trusted in God that He would deliver him.” “We trusted that it would be He who delivered Israel.”
In the place of despair there is discovery and distinction.
I prayed to see the face of God,
Illumined by the central suns.
Turning in their central track;
But what I saw was not His face at all.
I saw His bent figure on a windy hill,
Carrying a double load upon His back.
We hear them pray, and their prayer is as those who are slaves to God’s purpose. To be a slave is to delight when chosen to serve the honored guest. He will delight also when chosen to pluck foulness from the barnyard nest.
So, it was not deliverance they sought, but boldness. We find no pretense of strength here. They offer only empty vessels, to be filled by Him who has no lack. Ephesians 4:10, “The One who descended to the deepest level of man’s emptiness, reacted also to the supreme heights of God’s fulness, that he might be the supplier of every need.”
They learned, what we have been taught, but fail to claim. It is better in the darkest pit with Jesus, than anywhere without Him.
For all your days prepare,
And meet them ever alike;
When you are the anvil, bear . . .
When you are the hammer strike.
III. Finally, It is Herein that God’s People Discover Our Resources. V31, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.”
Their need, then as now, is in what God would supply for them. God does not give of His Spirit randomly. John 3:34, “For God giveth not the Spirit by measure.” Because of leaky vessels we need constancy in renewing. Matthew 26:41, “The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I Thessalonians 5:19, “Quench not the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.”
There is also the resource of the people of God gathered together. They are drawn away from the majestic to the practical. Prayer, if it is, takes wings to lift up hands of help. Northern California needs Red Cross/Salvation Army; we can help through hunger relief. They share a concern for each other. Deeper understanding of stewardship. There is a new spontaneity in sharing. Communism: Not new (Essenes)/doesn’t abolish private property. Not required, they gave voluntarily/consequence of inner working of Holy Spirit, to meet needs. Works in conjunction with end-time, or unlimited capital.
Conclusion
From this, five important lessons are to be learned: 1-We are to be convinced of God’s power to redeem His Word; 2-We are to recognize the futility of man’s rebellion; 3-We must establish a relationship of remembrance of Jesus; 4-We are to pray; 5-We are to be open to Holy Spirit.
Links/references
Perkins: https://www.poetryexplorer.net/poem.php?id=10114763
Markham: https://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id=3149
THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS
#770 THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS
Scripture Acts 4:1-22, NIV Orig. 1/6/1979
Passage: The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
Purpose: To continue our study of the Book of Acts calling attention to the boldness, and the Christ-centered message of the early church.
Keywords: Bible study Healing
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
There are all kinds of changes that can take place in the lives of people. We regularly hear of the effect of physical changes that enable people to live different lives. There are kidney transplants that effectively remove people from the prison of dialysis. We hear of corneal transplants that enable people to see again, after they have lost perhaps our second most significant physical attribute. We hear of heart transplants which become extensions of life to some recipients. One of our own men has this week had the implantation of a pacemaker, which will extend and give to him a more normal life.
On the negative side of the summary sheet, we hear of the highly problematic sex-change procedure. It is hard for us to grasp what is happening in that person’s life as they deliberately attempt what is beyond the comprehension of most of us. We cannot help but wonder if the person so miserable in his birth gender, is going to be any less miserable in a cosmetic gender.
We also know about those attempted changes in personality adjustment. Some of these are good. They are deliberate efforts on the part of people to compensate for some of their own recognized weaknesses. Others, however, are efforts to control people under the strong influence of other people.
But the changes that take place in the lives of these disciples are overwhelming. The same men, who had been victimized and intimidated by their religious overlords, are suddenly men of strength and vision and fearlessness.
If Christ is Man and only Man,
I say, I shall follow Him,
Shall follow Him always.
If Christ be God and the only God,
I swear, I shall follow Him through
The earth, the sea, the air. Author unknown
In essence, this is what has happened. Christ has become, in them, in the disciples, all that He claimed that He would. The claim continues apace for your life and mine. Observe what happens in the lives of these people who “have been with Jesus.” Changes that are significant for us today as well.
I. There is an Attempt at Intimidation. V1f, And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, . . . And . . . laid hands on them, and put them in hold. . . .
First, we must go back and see what was happening in the lives of the disciples. Occasionally they were in and about the temple. A need arises in relation to an infirm man, and the disciples become instruments of God. There is the initial healing. As a crowd gathered in excited curiosity, Simon Peter spoke to them explaining their faith in Jesus as the Messiah/Lord. They were here in the very place that Jesus had spoken to the people of Himself, and of their doubt. The people were made to face the stark reality of the crucifixion. They are called upon to give renewed consideration to the resurrection. 3:13, . . . the God of our Fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, . . . . V16, And his name, through faith in his name hath made this man strong, . . . hath given him this perfect soundness.
We must just as well remember that it has been only a few weeks at most since Jesus was crucified. The disciples have not greatly changed, except in their own inner being. They were instructed (Acts 1:4) that they “should wait for the promise of the Father.” Started with 120, Acts 1:15. Added 3,000, Acts 2:41. Another 5,000 resulted from the healing, Acts 4:4. From here it will become increasingly difficult. The officials quickly gathering here are the same ones who brought sentence upon Jesus. They intended to deal with Jesus in gory enough a fashion that it would intimidate His followers. Suddenly, they are forced to consider these followers of the hated Nazarene (2:22, 3:6, 4:10). Priests—the religious power structure; temple captain—high priest’s chief of staff; Sadducees—wealthy aristocrats who didn’t believe in resurrection; not upset vested interests.
II. There is an Actualized Opportunity. V4, Howbeit, many of them which heard the word believed, and the number of men was about 5,000. V13, Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, . . . they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
It has always been so that when we are faithful to proclaim, God is faithful to bless. Acts 6:4, We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Colossians 5:19, God . . . hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. II Timothy 4:2, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.
We immediately take note that God sustains His Word. In this simple proclamation of the Word, 5,000 men had become believers. Women who became believers are not numbered. They may not have been present. You can be sure that these 5,000 men went home to wives and children who became believers.
But what about God’s promise to the proclaimer of the Word? These men wound up in jail. But this confinement was itself a blessing and a promise. Two men, Peter, who had spoken out of turn a few times to Jesus, and later regretted it, who had also been intimidated to the point of fear and betrayal by these very men who have arrested him. And John. The one who loved people so deeply. The one, who, on the spur of the moment may not be able to speak an admonishing word. But that night, in a cell, they experience their Lord’s presence with power. Simon is to be the spokesman and he is to repeat the message that he spoke at Pentecost and in the Temple. He is to talk about the One whom God sent. Localize him. 15 or more times in John, Jesus speaks of God as “the one who sent” him (apostelló). That the Jewish fathers crucified the Lord, and that he arose from the dead. That this deed resolves sin by faith.
It must immediately and forever be noted that what the world waits to see is the presence of Christ in you and me.
“Be like Jesus, this my song;
In the home and in the throng.
Be like Jesus, all day long,
I would be like Jesus.” James Rowe, 1911
Some say, “They took note” as the IRS notes.
The Word says, “They marveled at these ignorant, unlearned men, [and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.]”
III. There is an Eloquent Impediment. V18f, And being commanded not to speak or to teach in the name of Jesus, Peter and John answered, . . . “we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
The impediment, of course, is the determination of the word that such a message as this will be silenced.
· The commercial world says, “Let’s talk about Santa Claus rather than Jesus.”
· The political world says, “It’s against the law to discuss anything that the State cannot bring under its control.”
· ACLU says, “We’ll get people the right to smoke pot or jeopardize industry, but you can’t talk about Jesus.”
· Madalyn Murray O’Hair says, “I want to be free to teach people to worship humanity, but I don’t want anyone to teach others to worship God.”
· The religious world says, “Let’s define a religious system that should be acceptable to all, and then outlaw everything else.”
The eloquence is that they may stop the music, but they never have been able to stop the song.
Links/References
“Be Like Jesus,” https://hymnary.org/text/earthly_pleasures_vainly_call_me_i_would
Rowe: https://hymnary.org/person/Rowe_James
THE MINISTRY OF HEALING
#763 THE MINISTRY OF HEALING
Scripture Acts 3:1-11, NIV Orig. 11/25/1979
Passage: One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.
Purpose: To continue the series from the book of Acts, calling attention to the insights the early church had gained from the teaching of Jesus, and their determined efforts to continue these teachings.
Keywords: Healing Bible Study Faith Ministry
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Matters related to Christian healing are matters that too many of us had just as soon avoid. In the first place, we do not need it in the 20th century as it was needed in the 1st century. As little as 50 years ago, even the most visionary practitioner of medical science could not foresee the strides that would be taken in medicine in the mid-20th century.
It probably is fair to say, however, that far more remains to be done than has been accomplished. It is most certainly true that diseases are prevalent on the world scene that were totally unknown a century ago. We who live amidst the fair practice of medical skill are not much encouraged to give consideration to healing as it was practiced by Jesus.
There is another reason why this expression of the charismatic gifts has been down-graded in importance. We see it carried on today in the “pin-striped” suit of big business. It is associated almost entirely with fund-raising escapades that are near charlatan level in their intensity. Or, we see it carried on on the level of the mundane. Growing hair on a bald head, or the lengthening of a leg, are not very meaningful expressions of healing when a few minutes away reside the hopeless intractables of the Home for Incurables. One has to make but one visit to any cancer ward of any hospital to discover a need that is overwhelming.
There is one other point for consideration. Jesus healed because He believed absolutely in the power of God to heal. The disciples were able to carry on this healing ministry because they too were able to believe, not only that God did the healing, but that He was the only one who could. It is at this point that our faith generally breaks down.
Great good was done in the early church by experiences of miraculous healing. It would be a shame if it were God’s purpose to bless the church of the 20th century with such a gift, and we were too proud to accept it.
I. First, We Need to Consider the Circumstances as it Was Happening. In Chapter two, we walked with Simon through an opportunity to proclaim the gospel to searching hearts. He reminded them of a new day in human history. He related that new day to the life and ministry of Jesus. He declared the supremacy of that new day of grace over the old of law. He invited them to personally discover its truth.
Now another opportunity has come, and Luke here records how it was used as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel. First, a quick consideration of the Jewish day. For the devout Jew, there were three special hours of prayer. The day began at 6a.m. 3rd—9a/6th—12n/9th—3p. Any hour was a prayer hour, but these three times were special. And if that prayer time [was] spent in the temple, then all the more significant. It is timely for our consideration to note the continuation of habits learned in childhood, held onto through the influence of Jesus.
Now, consideration of the scene as it related to this first recorded healing. The afflicted man: Lame from birth. Ward of public generosity: he did have friends who brought him; or if they failed or if times were bad he had no income. R.W.E. Jones, “If your income doesn’t exceed you outgo, your upkeep is gonna be your downfall.”
It is likely that the disciples have passed this man before but did not see. Suddenly their eyes are opened to a need not seen before.
II. We Have Looked at the Circumstances of this Event—Now Let’s Look at its Character.
Look at the diversity of the Temple and the Beggars. Of white marble in grand design, started by Herod about 20 B.C. No temple ritual was interrupted. The Inner Court, sacred to the priests, was completed by 1,000 of them. Finished in 64 A.D. John 2:20 mentions “46 years” in construction. Amidst all of this beauty lay the beggar. He was there because, obviously, people in a worshipful mood stood to be the ones willing to give.
The beggar did not know who these men were, and was not asking to be healed. The disciples, who had no wealth, had something better. Remember, at this time, the common fund was in operation.
The healing was accomplished in the name of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” In Acts 2:22f great care was made to link the name of Jesus with what Peter was preaching. Again, the same is done.
The miraculous was instantaneous and complete. From a Greek word stereoō “to make firm.” It was another of Luke’s medical terms, though I can not link it with finality to a current medical practice.
III. Next, We Consider the Consequences of this Miracle. First, we have a man who was filled with joy. He did not have the experiences of other believers to compare with his own. How much happier all of us would be if we did not try to work at duplicating the Christian experience. Luke 1:14, Remember the angelic announcement, “Thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth.” John 15:11, “These things I have spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
God received the praise of this man’s outspoken witness of his faith. Luke 2:13, Listen in again on the commotion upon Jesus’ birth. “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.” Hebrews 13:15, Speaking of Jesus, the Hebrew writer puts all of us in the camp with this beggar. “By him, therefore, let us offer the praise to God continually.” Herein may be the one clearly defined determination of healing. Who is the one who stands most ready to lift his voice in praise of the Healer?
Such a scene emerged that a crowd quickly gathered here at the Temple colonnade known as Solomon’s porch. John 10:23, Jesus was in this very place when the Jews questioned [Him] about being the Christ. “The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe.”
This brings about the opening into the last part of the chapter and Simon Peter’s gospel witness.
IV. In Conclusion, Let’s Try to Define Healing from the Mind of Jesus. We discover the compassion of Christ for all hurt things. The Latin word for compassion is a compounding of two other words that mean “to suffer with.” Matthew 8:17, “He took our infirmities and bare our weaknesses.”
Jesus seems clearly to have considered pain and disease as intruders. James S. Stewart calls it to our attention that there is no instance where Jesus turned anyone away saying, “I am sorry, friend, but I can not heal you, because God wants you to suffer.”
The healing potential of Jesus was directly related to His sinlessness, His moral perfection. If we were more like Jesus, perhaps our works would be more like His works. Matthew 17:20, the epileptic boy whom the disciples could not heal. “Because of your lack of faith.” The mighty works of Jesus were the Father’s answer to the faith of His Son. In Jesus, the power of God was present and unimpeded. John 4:34, GNV, “The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fulness of His Spirit.”
As Christians, we must relate ourselves to a world, torn, not only by sin, but also by pain and disorder, and disease. Healing of the body must always be a vital ministry of the faith. Such healing portends a larger healing of the broken spirits of people.
Conclusion
A religious magazine recently shared a word of witness of one who remembered hearing a Scottish minister tell of a dream that he had had. “One night he dreamed that he saw a new shop on High Street and, going in, he found an angel behind the counter. What did the shop sell? “Everything your heart desires,” the angel said. “Then I want peace on earth,” cried the minister: “An end to sorrow, famine, and disease.” “Just one moment,” smiled the angel, “You haven’t quite understood. We don’t sell fruits here, only seeds.”
Links/references
Jones: https://www.gram.edu/academics/majors/arts-and-sciences/music/band/history.php
Stewart: https://www.preaching.com/articles/past-masters/james-s-stewart/
FELLOWSHIP SET AFLAME
#762 FELLOWSHIP SET AFLAME
Scripture Acts 2:40-47 Orig. 11/11/1979
Rewr. 2/9/1982
Passage: 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Purpose: In a series from The Book of Acts, to declare the great message of the early church as it discovers its potential to become the people of God.
Keywords: Bible Study Faith Fellowship Outreach Revival
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Acts describes “fellowship” form the New Testament perspective. We are able to see for ourselves what it is like in the 20th Century. Perhaps a view of the fields of the 17th century will help us to determine if we have lost something of a great significance. From The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder by Francis Howgill. (Editor correction: Edward Burrough, 1634-1663)
The Kingdom of Heaven did gather us and catch us all as in a net, and His heavenly power at one time drew many hundreds to land. We came to know a place to stand in and what to wait in; and the Lord appeared daily to us, to our astonishment, amazement, and great admiration, insomuch that we often said one unto another with great joy of heart: “What, is the Kingdom of God come to be with men? And will He take up His tabernacle among the sons of men, as He did of old? Shall we, that were reckoned as the outcasts of Israel, have this honor of glory communicated amongst us, which were but men of small parts, and of little abilities, in respect to many others, amongst men? And from that day forward, our hearts were knit unto the Lord and one unto another in true and fervent love, in the covenant of life with God; and that was a strong obligation or bond upon our spirits, which united us one unto another. We met together in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace, treading down under our feet all reasoning about religion. And holy resolutions were kindled in our hearts as a fire which the Life kindleth in us to serve the Lord while we had a being, and mightily did the Word of God grow amongst us, and the desires of many were after the name of the Lord. O happy day! O blessed day! The memorial can never pass out of my mind. And thus, the Lord, in short, did form us to be a people for his praise in our generation.”
I. Such Fellowship Meant a Gospel Proclaimed. V40, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’”
The middle verses of chapter 2 establish gospel. Announcement of “day of the Lord.” V17, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God.” It is affirmation of basic aspects of Jesus’ life. V22, “. . . Hear what I have to say. Jesus lived among you, He died because of you, and for you, but He lives because God came to you in Jesus” (the Skinner short version of 22-25.)
What a joy to view the perspective of the land of Jesus. There is such a wealth of material available in book, on tape, in video. Too much time is spent watching unseemly TV soap operas.
The gospel authenticated the superiority of grace over law. David was dead. A great leader, but dead. His tomb was nearby. But Jesus was alive. Oh, how Satan sought to create a delusion of His death. It is still the first defense for the skeptic.
The gospel must make every attempt to call people to decision. See v21, “Whosoever shall call”; see v36, “Let all the house of Israel know”; see v38, “Repent and be baptized, every one;” see v40, “He did exhort saying, ‘Save yourself.’”
This gospel proclamation is central to our faith and must never change. There is such worth and encouragement in the evangelist who lives the life and exhorts decision. There may be variant program interests. The contemporary may show persistent differences. God help us to be faithful to proclaim the gospel and to call people to decide.
Ultimately, it is the gospel that relates sin to the cross. The human condition has not changed. The unbelieving contingent is in greater jeopardy for all the so-called Christians who do not take sin seriously. See v23—sin put Jesus on the cross.
It is the gospel that demands adjustment in the life of the believer.
It is the gospel that portrays God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness means that estrangement is gone. It means we are at peace. It means that the offending iniquity has been resolved. It does not mean that sin is gone from the extensions of our lives.
It is the gospel that forecasts the Holy Spirit’s resolve in the believer’s life.
II. Such Fellowship Meant United Purpose. V41, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls.”
There are three interrelated action words.
“Received”-- apodexomai—not the normative word for belief (pisteuó) or “to trust.” This word is mental credence and more. It is unreserved submission to a new life orientation.
“Baptized”—since you are Baptists, you know what it means. You know that only “immersion” translates the Greek. The people here being “baptized” were doing what was repugnant to them. They were Jews, God’s people. This ritualistic form meant them to be separated from their covenant God by their own sin. No person truly comes to Christ who does not deal with their own sin. Why age of accountability is so important. Also why “koinonia” Bible study, etc., are, and this brings us to the third “action” word.
“Added”—prostithémi—“to place beside.” Those who believe come to a place of equality. They take their place in the fellowship of believers. They perceive of themselves as “babes” in the faith who need to be nourished to grow.
It is interesting that medical science has taken this word, literally, to name a rapidly changing sphere of developmental medicine. “Prosthetics” is the science of artificial body parts, that which is “added.” Ask anyone who has lost a hand, arm, leg, breast, what this has “added” to their lives.
III. Finally, Fellowship Means, for All of Us, Growing, Changing in Our Faith. V42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Of what did the early church consist? Firstly, it was a learning church. The word means they persisted in hearing what the apostles had to say. The apostles were not motivators, or promoters, they were proclaimers. We are waiting for some self-styled motivator to come along to get us to do what we don’t want to do. Too many are steadfastly looking for some reason to excuse ourselves from the koinonia.
It was a church of fellowship. “Steadfastly . . . in the fellowship” says text. It is a noun. We tend to view “fellowship” as a verb. It is not what we do, it is what we are. It is the fellowship that produces harmony, that produces success. It will be interesting, after the “strike” is over, if split teams can “win.”
It was a praying church. Jesus has taught them this. They were learning more in practical experience. We are dealing with this very thing in prayer meeting. “Caring” people will want to share.
It was a reverent church. V43, “And fear came upon every soul.” The idea of reverential awe. And fear came before the “wonders and signs.” I remind you this morning the contemporary mission consequence was birthed on the concept of “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”
And it goes without saying further that it was a giving (sharing) church.
Conclusion
Using Dr. Helen Falls’ (NOBTS) story of Miss Alice Barnes of Maryland WMU. Miss Falls worked for her. Saving reusable material with a flourish “All right, Miss Annie.” Alice had worked for Annie Armstrong as Helen was working for Miss Alice. Limed funds. One year 127,000 pieces of material to Maryland WMU. They walked the streets of Baltimore to save the 2 cents it then cost to mail a letter. Alice Barnes could not break the covenant, though Annie Armstrong was long dead.
Links/References
Howgill https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/quakers/biographies/howgill_biog.html
Burrough https://www.friendslibrary.com/edward-burrough/life
Memorable Works: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A30510.0001.001/1:102?rgn=div1;view=fulltext
Burrough, E. (1671). The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder, E. Hookes.
THE QUALITIES OF A CHRISTIAN
#773 THE QUALITIES OF A CHRISTIAN
Scripture Acts 4:36-37
Orig. 2/3/1980; Rewr. 10/26/1987
Passage:
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Purpose: Using a biographical study of Barnabas to direct the attention of my people to the consideration of the qualities of the Christian life.
Keywords: Bible Study Good Works Biography, Barnabas Obedience
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
In a desperate age, desperate measures are called for. The world aches to see qualities in Christian people that mark them as different. Mark it well, no matter that many show signs of worldliness, a life lived in expression of Christlikeness will win an audience anytime.
A Christian teacher was concerned about spiritual apathy on the part of his students. One day he came prepared for a lesson. He reached in his desk and pulled out a ball point pen. “What is this for?” he asked. A couple of students quickly responded, “It’s used to write.” Then he said, “And if it does not write, what is it good for?” One student blurted out, “Nothing.”
That was the right answer. He then pulled a knife out of his pocket. “What is this used for?” he asked. “It’s used to cut,” ventured several of the students. “And if it does not cut?” he continued. “It is good for nothing,” every student fairly yelled.
Then, unexpectedly, he asked what man was made for. One student remembered a line from a philosopher that they had studied a few days before. “For fellowship with God and to enjoy Him forever,” answered the student.
This was the line that the teacher was waiting for. “If we are not in fellowship with God, what are we good for?” Every student knew exactly the answer expected, but none responded. Like the pen that cannot write, and the knife that cannot cut, the person who does not fellowship with God “is good for nothing.”
Our message this evening features a man in fellowship with God. His name was Barnabas.
Consideration . . . is that this is a man who is “good for something.” He is one who lives his life in fellowship with God, and the way he lives toward other people is clearly affected by his life in relationship with God. Two things come through very clearly to us:
· A proper relation to God.
· A proven relation to people.
I. Barnabas First Teaches Us a Proper Relation to God. Acts 11:22f, “. . . and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch . . . . For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”
Man in relation to God must reflect goodness. It was a word that had to do with consummate goodness. Matthew 19:16f, “The rich young ruler asked what good thing he could do to inherit eternal life. “Why do you come to me . . . about goodness? Only One is good.”
But it was a concept that would increase among the followers of Jesus. They had observed Jesus. They shared intimately among His followers. II Chronicles 6:41, “Let the saints rejoice in goodness.” Joshua 6:16, “Stand . . . and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and . . . find rest for your souls.” Galatians 5:22, “The fruit of the Spirit is goodness.” Romans 12:9, “Cleave to that which is good.” Matthew 25:21, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Man in relation to God must reflect God’s Spirit. Man can only encounter God at this level. The Holy Spirit is the force for our understanding of God. He is beyond comprehension without Holy Spirit.
Without the Holy Spirit there would have been no church, no relation to God at all. Pentecost—“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:4. Gentile reenactment of Peter in Caesarea—“the Holy Ghost fell on all them that had heard the word,” Acts 10:44.
The things of consequence among the believers were Holy Spirit initiated. Acts 4:8, in custody, lives in jeopardy; Peter, “filled with the Holy Ghost said . . . .” Acts 4:31, back with believers “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spoke . . . with boldness.”
The rest that we know of this man was of his faith. II Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith.” Romans 1:17, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 5:1, “justified by faith.” Galatians 3:26, “Ye are the children of God by faith.” I Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith.” I John 5:4, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The difference in faith is the difference in those who wear sunglasses or galoshes to a prayer meeting called to pray for rain.
II. Barnabas Next Teaches Us a Proven Relation to People. Acts 4:36, “And . . . Barnabas, . . . the son of consolation, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Note that he was called son of encouragement. Ask the poor people of the church in Jerusalem, Acts 4:36. Ask Saul of his journey to Jerusalem (9:27) after his conversion. Ask John Mark (15:37) when Paul determined to disassociate himself at Perga.
It is a special word to all believers. John 14:16. Jesus promised the parakletos—comforter. Barnabas is called by that same name. Paul uses it Philippians 2:1, “any consolation in Christ.”
Note that he is indiscriminate in his willingness to share with less fortunates. Not wealthy, but of some means. Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:22) to assist the fledgling church in Antioch. A year later he went back to Jerusalem (Acts 11:29) with help to them from Antioch.
In this context, they began to search for a means of kingdom support. The return of Jesus is inordinately delayed. The believers began to admit to themselves that leaving financing the kingdom to the wealthy was a dead end street. Now they see God’s plan: the tithe.
Note that he believed in people. He came to Paul’s assistance with the apostles. He befriended John Mark before Paul; Colossians 4:10 refers to them as cousins; A.V. represents “nephew” but from a later time frame (E40p250). His effort in behalf of the church at Antioch was not to be remembered, not to be memorialized, but to reach out in Christ’s name to people.
Note then that he was a man worthy of trust. They bestowed on him apostleship. Acts 14:14, “. . . When the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people.” Into his hands were placed the funds of assistance for other churches.
Note that he was a man of selflessness. Arriving at Antioch, the first order of business was to “encourage” them. Acts 11:23; same word as in 4:36; same as 9:31, “comfort of the Holy Spirit.”
While there he went to Tarsus for Paul. Acts 11:25; missionary relationship with Paul begins; interesting that Barnabas is here mentioned first. Also 13:7. But from 13:9 on, Saul becomes Paul and is the acknowledged leader. And Barnabas continues his service.
Finally, note that he is a courageous man. With John Mark, he went right to the work at Cyprus, in spite of the “sharp” words (paroxusmos)with Paul. God uses this disturbance and two mission teams are at work. Not a proof text for churches that spark and split. Barnabas and Paul remained good friends. Mentioned in I Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians.
Conclusion
If, and when, the times come that I must be a disagreeable Christian, may the dear Lord help me to disagree over worthy causes, and in a manner that calls attention to the causes and not to my disagreement.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PENTECOST
#758 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PENTECOST
Scripture Acts 2:1-13, NIV Orig. 10/4/1979
Rewr. 5/25/1990
Passage: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
Purpose: On the Sunday before a major anniversary, to remind my people of the true source of tenure for the local church.
Keywords: Bible Study Holy Spirit Church, Mission
Special Day, Anniversary
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
You may remember the rather heated discussion between Huck Finn and Jim about why people talk the way they do. Huck asked what Jim would if someone said “Parley voo franzy?” Jim declared that he would bust him over the head. Huck then tried to use the logic that cats and cows don’t talk like men, neither do they sound like each other, therefore Frenchmen and Americans sound different.
Jim accepted the logic relative to cows and cats but no more. Jim said, “Is a cat a man? Or a man a cat?” Huck agreed with this. Then he asked, “Is a Frenchman a man?” Huck responded affirmatively. “Well, den, dad blame it, why don’t he talk like a man? You answer me dat!”
Does everyone you talk to understand everything you say? Do you have a problem communicating certain things to certain people? In this last decade of the 20th Century there is still a communications gap. We have all kinds of sophisticated equipment, but the problem persists. We have electronic typewriters with memory. We have access to fax machines that will speed the lengthiest of messages anywhere in the world in the briefest of time spans. We can listen to a thirty minute news program and learn every important thing that has happened in the world even as recently as two hours prior. We can read one page in the tabloid, U.S.A. Today, and learn selected news features from every one of our fifty states.
Yet, the world knows no peace, and families are still in trouble because they fail to communicate one with the other at an acceptable level. And we Christians are not able to make our beliefs known to others. Surely, with such a message, there is a means also.
I. The Question from Pentecost are All about the Holy Spirit. (Terminology). V4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
What means the expression “filled with the Holy Spirit” or “full of the Spirit”? Luke, who wrote Acts, found this to be a favored way to describe believers. Chapter 2:1-13 describes Pentecost; 2:14-39, Peter’s sermon to throng, v38 “name of Jesus”; 2:40-47, v47 “the Lord added daily.”
But it was not the Holy Spirit, but Jesus who is at the heart of this movement. Acts 7:55, Stephen faced martyrdom. “Being full of the Holy Ghost, . . . saw . . . Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
John 16:14, “He shall glorify me.”
The meaning of the term addresses a yieldedness on the part of believers. 1:8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you . . . witnesses.”
The main association of this filling is not ecstatic speech but proclamation. 4:8, “Peter, filled . . . , spoke . . . rulers.” 4:31, “all filled . . . spoke with boldness.” 13:9, “Paul, filled . . . set his eyes on (Elymas).”
The Holy Spirit is the [energizing] means for us to share the gospel effectively. That’s what “being filled” means.
What about the term, “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”? If we are looking for a generic source we must go back to John the Baptist. Matthew 3:11/Luke 3:16, “I baptize with water, . . . but one is coming who will baptize with/in the Holy Spirit.” Note Jesus’ reference to this, 1:5. Peter 11:16 calls it to mind explaining gentile Pentecost, 10:44f.
It is a reference, not to what the Holy Spirit is doing, but what Christ has done. I Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body (Jews, gentiles, bond, free) . . . ye are the body of Christ” (27).
Then take note of “Gift” and “gifts” of the Holy Spirit. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself. This is the anointing at Pentecost. It happens twice more: Samaria (Acts 8:14f) and Caesarea (10:44f) gentiles. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are the manifestations for service given believers. All believers. Some, many disallow every manifestation.
If you are wondering about “second blessing” it is not a Biblical term.
II. What Does Pentecost Teach Us Then, About the Holy Spirit? V1, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
From whence comes concept of Pentecost? Judaic root from Leviticus 23:15f: Called Feast of Weeks, counted passing of 7 sabbaths.
Took place 50 days after Passover. By implication, a spiritual harvest, a harvest so vast that special harvest equipment was called for. River rising: 25 combines in field. Every male Jew within twenty miles of Jerusalem was required to participate. Many from far away would make this vigil back home.
We must also consider their unity. They waited for they knew not what. They knew a galvanizing joy when they were together. Their common and uncommon bond was Christ. Luke 22:12, Passover/Acts 1:13, Pentecost. Both involve “upper room.” The same??? Upper room 1:15 uses number 120 waiting. Streets. 2:14 uses 11, but 2:41, 3000.
The contemporary church must rediscover this awesome sense of togetherness. Begins with unbridled love for Jesus. Awaits the integrating leadership of Holy Spirit. Recognizes the power comes not to a person, but to the redemptive agency. John 17:11, that they may be one, as we are one.
Now, the question is “What happened at Pentecost?” V2, “Sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.” Word for “wind” may be “spirit” also. Derivative here is “breathe” (gentle). The wind is never seen, only results. RL Maddox1: “God in the form of the Holy Spirit came upon the people. Did the curtains sigh under the weight of the first breath of wind? Did the lamps flicker? Did strands of their hair rustle like angel wings? Who knows, but they would talk about that day for the rest of their lives.”
Next came “cloven tongues of fire.” AS it appeared to them. In actual fact, we do not know. Exodus 13:21, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud; . . . and by night in a pillar of fire.” A cloud, pushed on by a wisp of wind to lead them by day. Fire to lead them by night.
When God does a thing so unique that there is no human valuation, he does not leave its course to chance. Thus come “filling” and “speaking.” V4, “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues.” The Lord’s presence is magnified. The need of believers to yield to God's will is amplified. The first function clearly is to free the church to proclaim the gospel. In response to the “pouring out,” ekcheo. Same word repeatedly in Revelation 16 “bowls of wrath.” Instead, it is the proclamation of “good news.”
A question must remain about this so-called “tongues” manifestation. The Holy Spirit does not have its inception at Pentecost. Nor does “glossolalia.” For some, ecstatic speech served and serves a useful purpose. But in no sense is it normative or Biblical.
Last Sunday was not my first at Charenton, Louisiana. Twenty years ago I went with the Baldwin pastor. He turned tongues, the church died, resurrected by the mission years later.
Conclusion
Pentecost happened because God would not leave His people ill-equipped for the most important task in the world. The Holy Spirit is the loud-speaker that takes every sincere believer’s witness and amplifies it before a lost world.
Links
Maddox https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Luke-Acts-Robert-Maddox/dp/0567292703
1 Maddox, R. (1985). The Purpose of Luke-Acts, T&T Clark.
THE BOOK OF ACTS
#000 THE BOOK OF ACTS
Scripture The Book of Acts Orig. 10/5/1986
Church Training Study, First Baptist Church, Bernice, LA
Keywords: Book of Acts
Introduction 1:1-14
Prologue 1:1-5
Ascension 1:6-14
I. The Spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem and Judea, 1:15-8:3
A. The appointment of Matthias, 1:15-26
B. The Day of Pentecost, 2:1-41
C. The earliest Church, 2:42-47
D. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (A lame man healed), 3:1-4:22
E. The life of the earliest community, 4:23-6:7
1- Spirit-empowered witness, 4:23-31
2- Contrast in heart-yielding (Barnabas + Ananias/Sapphira), 4:32-5:11
3- Signs and wonders, 5:12-16
4- Conflict with the Sanhedrin, 5:17-42
5- Internal dissension and its resolution, 6:1-7
F. The martyrdom of Stephen, 6:8-7:60
1- His arrest, 6:8-15
2- His witness, 7:1-53
3- His death, 7:54-60
G. Persecution and dispersion of the Church, 8:1-3
II. The Spread of the Gospel in Samaria, Galilee, and the Coastal Regions, 8:4-11:18
A. Phillip in Samaria, 8:1-25
B. Phillip and the Ethiopian, 8:26-40
C. Saul’s conversion, 9:1-30
1. The vision, 9:1-7
2. The coming of Ananias, 9:8-19
3. Ministry and opposition in Damascus, 9:20-25
4. A beginning from Jerusalem, 9:26-31
D. Peter at Lydda and Joppa (Two miracles), 9:32-43
E. Peter and Cornelius, 10:1-11:18
1. Cornelius’ conversion at Caesarea, 10:1-48
2. Peter’s defense before the Jerusalem church, 11:1-18
III. The Spread of the Gospel in All the World: Antioch and Beyond, 11:19-15:35
A. The early Gentile Church in Antioch, 11:19-26
B. Saul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem (An offering for the Church), 11:27-30
C. Persecution by Herod Agrippa I, 12:1-25
1. Death of James and imprisonment of Peter, 12:1-5
2. Peter freed, 12:6-19
3. Death of Herod, 12:20-24
4. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch with Mark, 12:25
D. The first missionary journey, 13:1-14:28
1. Sent out by the Antioch church, 13:1-3
2. Itinerant missionary, 13:4-14:28
a) Cyprus, 13:4-12
b) Antioch of Pisidia, 13:13-52
c) Iconium, 14:1-7
d) Lystra, 14:8-20
e) Antioch in Syria, 14:21-28
E. The Apostolic Council , 15:1-35
IV. The Spread of the Gospel in All the World: Around the Aegean Sea, 15:36-21:16
A. The second missionary journey , 15:36-18:22
1. Asia Minor and Cyprus, 15:36-16:10
2. Macedonia, 16:11-17:14
a) Philippi, 16:11-40
b) Thessalonica, 17:1-9
c) Berea, 17:11-13
3. Achaea, 17:14-18:17
a) Athens, 17:14-34
b) Corinth, 18:1-17
4. Return to Antioch via Ephesus, 18:18-22
B. The third missionary journey, 18:23-21:16
1. Galatia and Phrygia, 18:23
2. Apollos meets Aquila and Priscilla, 18:24-28
3. Paul in Ephesus, 19:1-41
a) Paul baptizes followers of John the Baptist, 19:1-7
b) Ministry in Ephesus, 19:8-20
c) Future plans, 19:21-22
d) Demetrius stirs mob, 19:23-41
4. Paul in Macedonia and Achaea, 20:1-5
5. The return from Philippi to Caesarea, 20:6-21:14
a) At Troas, 20:7-12
b) Itinerary continues, 20:13-16
c) At Miletus with elders from Ephesus, 20:17-38
d) The travels continue, 21:1-7
e) At Caesarea, 21:8-16
V. The Spread of the Gospel into All the World: From Jerusalem to Rome, 21:17-28:31
A. Arrival in Jerusalem and riot against Paul in the Temple, 21:17-39
B. Paul arrested and imprisoned, 21:36-26:32
1. Arrest in Jerusalem, 21:36-22:29
a) Paul’s defense before mob, 21:36-22:23
b) Paul’s witness, 22:6-21
c) Paul imprisoned, 22:22-29
2. Paul before the Sanhedrin, 22:30-23:11
3. Paul moved to Caesarea because of a plot against his life, 23:12-35
4. Jews accuse Paul before Felix, 24:1-9
5. Paul’s defense before Felix, 24:10-23
6. A convenient season, 24:24-27
7. Jews accuse Paul before Festus, 25:1-7
8. Paul appeals to Caesar, 25:8-12
9. Paul before Herod Agrippa II, 25:13-26:32
C. Paul goes to Rome, 27:1-28:32
1. Voyage and shipwreck, 27:1-44
2. On Malta, 28:1-10
3. Voyage to Italy, 28:11-13
4. Journey to Rome, 28:14-16
5. Paul under house arrest (speaks to Roman Jews), 28:17-29
Conclusion
Paul Witnesses Unhindered, 28:30-31
THE KINGDOM: SPECULATION OR ARTICULATION
#834 THE KINGDOM: SPECULATION OR ARTICULATION
Scripture Acts 1:1-11 Orig. 10/6/1986
Passage: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Purpose: Continuing the study in The Book of Acts marking the continuing presence of Christ as guide for the disciples.
Keywords: Bible Study
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Christian Faith and Natural Science is a book written about thirty years ago by Karl Heim partly to express his disdain for the contemporary role of the church. He wrote, “The church is like a ship on whose deck festivities are still kept up and glorious music is heard, while deep below the water line a leak has been sprung and masses of water are pouring in, so that the vessel is settling hourly lower, though the pumps are manned day and night.”
Jesus knew such rebukes of unbelief would come. To that end, He admonishes his church to move out on the real mission with which He has left us. The angelic charge might well be restated: “Why stand ye gazing? Get down where the danger is! Stop the leak! Dispose of the waters! Turn your attention to that which is your real purpose!”
So, these last days are spent vitalizing the disciples for what [lies] ahead. The gospel is complete. The “good new” really is! And in their hands has fallen the task of breaking through the barriers of human hindrance so that all the world may come to know what the gospel is.
For hundreds of years, the Hebrews have speculated incorrectly about the Kingdom of God. Now, the believers in Christ, armed with the fuller insights of gospel meaning are to articulate this redeeming message far and wide.
I. For Three Unbelievable Exciting Years, the Mentor of this Movement was Jesus. V1, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”
Strong link to Luke’s gospel. (Sequel.) You were told of Jesus before, you will be told no less here. Former told of the Christ alongside. This would tell of the Christ within. The former introduces Jesus’ disciples. We learn of the progress of most; the despair of one; the enlistment of many new ones. The former declares his birth/life/death, now we will see death conquered, the human spirit sanctified. Here is an extension of all that Jesus “began.” King/Kingdom.
II. Now, We Notice His Presence with Them. V3, “To whom also he showed himself alive.”
Two things stand out here. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem. He commands them to await the “promise” of the Holy Spirit. These are simple men, getting away from the scene of these events would be natural to them. They have seen political power break in and debilitate their band. They’ve seen Jesus abused, crucified. They’ve felt the longing of loss, grief. They’ve seen one of their own betray Him. They’ve experienced the ascension, and heard Jesus talk about His kingdom, a kingdom of control of men’s hearts. And, He will tell them of a world to reach. We will deal with the “promise” later.
First, we must view this contrasted baptism. V5, “John baptized with water. Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” John, himself, describes his baptism. Luke 3:16-17; Matthew 3:11f; Mark 1:7. “I baptize with water (unto repentance—Matthew); he baptizes with the Holy Ghost.”
Isaiah 44:2-5 [pour water on the thirsty land]. Joel 2:28-29 [pour out my Spirit on all people].
All these gospels have associated his preaching with repentance, and this with baptism. In fact, he refuses baptism where repentance is not clear (see Luke 3:7), which tells us what he thought about efficacy (weren’t saved by baptism). Baptism was for those who gave evidence of repentance.
Being in Christ meant more than being in a state of repentance. That, but more. Gift of the Holy Spirit (Ghost) is associated with Christian baptism but not dependent upon it: Acts 19:1f, Ephesus/disciples/without Holy Spirit/John’s baptism; I Corinthians 12:13, “by one spirit all baptized into one body.” We will see diversity in baptism sequence: Samaria (Acts 8:15)—Spirit/laying on of hands; Caesarea (Acts 10:44f)—before baptism, without laying on of hands; Ephesus (Acts 19:1f)—after baptism, laying on of hands by Paul (with a prior baptism).
Finally, considering “baptism in fire”: (Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:11, not Mark 1:8, not Acts 1:5,11,16); John tried to be discriminating (Luke 3:7 and Matthew 3:7). He would fail (Acts 19:1). The Spirit is perfectly discriminating if His fire does not fail. Symbol used is that of wheat and chaff, the latter destroyed.
III. Now We Can Turn Back to God’s Promise. V4, “Wait for the promise of the Father.” V8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you; and ye shall be my witnesses, Jerusalem/Judea/Samaria/uttermost.”
The ascension has been a unique witness. Only Luke records it. He records it Luke and Acts. Jesus is not leaving them to the work alone. And, He is going to return: He conquered incumbent religious system; He overcame an all-powerful political state; He defeated the cross; He is not dead but alive.
John Masefield’s drama, The Trial of Jesus1, Longinus/Procula. “Do you think he is dead?” “No, lady, I don’t.” “Then where is he?” she asks. “Let loose in the world, Lady, whether neither Roman nor Jew can stop his truth.”
He is with them by means of the Holy Spirit. He is coming again to establish His rightful reign over His kingdom: Settles their priorities; establishes that God has His plan (“Wait in Jerusalem until”); this waiting is not passive but positive, not weakness and fear, but courage and trust are in the offing.
A word must be spoken about the kingdom. V6, “Lord, do you now restore the kingdom to Israel?” Undoubtedly, forced a change in concept. Yet, still Judaism was kingdom as religion was nation. The kingdom was not one of lineage, but of faith and obedience: empowered by Holy Spirit; witness to the ends of the earth; not fleshly ambition but spiritual mission.
IV. The Next Scene is That of Parting. V9, “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
Remember, there are many barriers to be crossed: Geographical—Rome had the gospel when Paul arrived; Religious—this very false concept of kingdom; National—“to the Jew first, but also”; Racial—a world in which there are Samaritans/Gentiles/Pagans/light skin/dark skin.
He leaves with them a necessary assurance: Final commendation; certification of His life; promise of His return on time—God’s plan will confront no surprises; they would not go where He was not with them; they would be happy to remember Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst (time or place) of them.”
V. And the Final Scene is One of Praying. V14, “All continued with one accord in prayer.”
They returned from Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Those present are identified—disciples (apostles), brethren (adelphos), the women and Mary the mother. They went to the “upper room.” ???Home of John Mark, Acts 12:12.
Masefield: https://allpoetry.com/John-Masefield
1 Masefield, J. (1925.) The Trial of Jesus. William Heinemann, Ltd.
INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS
#833 INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS
Scripture Acts 1:1-8, NIV Orig. September 29, 1985
Passage: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Purpose: Beginning a study for Church Training leading my people to a deeper comprehension of The Book of Acts.
Introduction
By way of beginning, we need to face up to purpose. Why did Luke write Acts? The best evidence suggests that he did. And, we can conclude that the book was written shortly before or after Paul’s death in Rome, about 58 or 59 A.D.
So, WHY did he write? To depict “Acts of the Apostles.” That is the title by which it is best known. Or, is it the book that declares the Holy Spirit’s life and work as the gospel declares the life and work of Jesus? Perhaps there is some other purpose. For instance, the revealing of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome; or, a book seeking to reconcile rivalries between different factions of the church.
Better understood, it is all of these things, but only to a limited degree. These are supplemental purposes. Its major focus has to do with expansion. Partly, the expansion that carries the gospel across geographical barriers; but even more, the author depicts how Christianity broke through the imposition of limitations placed upon it by people locked into a narrow, self-limiting culture. It is about how the gospel took on the character of its [founder], and not of His disciples.
The story begins in Jerusalem. It ends 28 chapters later in Rome. The passage was not easy. Many changes are observed. Leaders come into view, remain for awhile, and often are heard from no more. The foundling church appears, descriptions of it, single it out for what it is: a very human inducement to faith. The most obvious change is cultural. The book opens on a Jewish prayer meeting. None but Jews are there. It closes with a chronicler of the gospel, incarcerated, but proclaiming an “unhindered” gospel to all who come to hear.
I. What are the arguments for Luke’s authorship?
Both ACTS and LUKE [are] dedicated to Theophilus. Luke 1:3/Acts 1:1. Acts opens speaking of former treatises.
Similarity in style/phraseology/medical jargon.
Luke is known to have traveled with Paul. Acts 16:10/20:6 “We” passages.
Rule out Silas (16:19) and Timothy (20:4-5).
Christian tradition accepts Luke as author.
II. What can we conclude about the date?
Outset—Christ is with disciples prior to His ascension (30-40A.D.).
Conclusion—Paul arrives in Rome. Dated by mention of political figures (Acts 25:13, Agrippa, Festus/Felix). Sometime between 58 and 63 A.D. Luke was undoubtedly with Paul: II Timothy 4:6, “I have fought the good fight”; II Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me.”
III. What more needs to be said about purpose?
“Acts of the Holy Spirit”—but not to the degree that gospels are about Jesus.
“Acts of the Apostles”—a factor, but not definitive. Even Paul is left inconclusively a Roman prisoner.
“Acts of the Ascended Christ”—1:1, “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” A direct reference to the “former treatise” (gospel).
The book of gospel initiative. 1:8, “Ye shall receive power . . . and ye shall be my witnesses . . . .” 28:31, “boldly and without hindrance . . . preached.”
IV. Defining the key thought.
Verse 1:8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and . . . .”
The key in outline:
1 Introduction
2-7 Witness in Jerusalem
8-12 Witness in Judea and Samaria
13-28 Witness to the uttermost.
V. The two-part breakdown of the book.
Part I (1-12)
In Jerusalem
Peter most prominent
From Jerusalem to Judea/Samaria
Geography—Palestine (Jew/Gentile)
General rejection by Jews
Peter imprisoned (12:3)
Part II (13-28)
From Antioch
Paul most prominent
From Antioch to Empire
Geography—Mediterranean (Jew/Gentile)
Rejection by Jews of dispersion
Paul imprisoned (28:16)
VI. Peter and Paul in parallel consideration.
INCIDENT Peter Paul
1-First Sermon 2:14f 13:16
2-Healing of lame man 3:1f 14:8f
3-Dealing with a sorcerer—Simon 8:9 13:8f—Elymas
4-Influence--shadow 5:15 19:12f—high priests
5-Laying on of hands--Samaritans 8:17 19:6—pagans
6-Worshipped—Cornelius 10:25 14:11—Lystra
7-Raised from the dead—Tabitha 9:40 20:9—Eutychus
8-Imprisoned—Herod 12:3 28:16—Nero