Timothy joins Paul and Silas on their journey. Timothy was a young man but was a great asset for missionary service because he was both Jewish and Gentile. His dad had been Greek. "So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. v.5
I caught something - so proud of myself - in v.10 when the narrative goes from the third person to the first person. Luke, the writer of Acts had joined Paul, Silas and Timothy. When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Anyway, thought that was kinda cool, sort of like we were there with Luke.
Along the way they come upon a "Medium" that could see into the future being used by her masters for money. The apostles rid her of the demon, but that made her masters very angry because they lost their cash cow. The masters come up with some lame excuse, Jews vs Romans, that gets Paul and Silas arrested and thrown into the stocks. Curious as to why Luke and Timothy were not. Interesting note on the stocks: "This particular security measure was designed to produce painful cramping so the prisoner's legs were spread as far apart as possible." John MacArthur.
I didn't know the story of the medium but I do know, very well, the story that takes place next. An earthquake comes and breaks open the jail and every one's chains so they could run free. Now, a Roman Soldier who lets a prisoner escape would be put to death. Paul somehow managed to convince everyone to stay where they were, not escape, and in turn saves the jailer's life. This example of charity brought that Roman Soldier and all his household to believe on the Lord Jesus and were saved. Makes you think, huh? What example are we out there in the world...to do the right thing even if it is in detriment to ourselves but a help to others. Our witness in the world is never more seen by the unbeliever than when we do something that no one else would ever consider doing.
And speaking of something no one would ever do: Paul and Silas were sitting in their stocks, legs spread apart, legs cramping and were singing! "...Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them...: v.25 That love for God and faith brought on the earthquake.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council
There were some huge differences between the Jews and the Gentiles back in the day. The Jews had the laws of Moses and a Book they followed to the letter. The Gentiles had not and did not. So bringing such diverse folk under one roof to worship and proclaim Jesus, though right, had it's challenges. The Jews wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised - plus a bunch of other rules - to show salvation. However, Paul was teaching that no works brought on salvation, only submission and belief in Christ.
The Jerusalem Council was a conference held in about 49 a.d. with the church (delegates) of Antioch (including Paul and Barnabus) and the church (delegates) of Jerusalem. They came to meet on some of these rules and how they should be handled. The Jews really only knew one way to Salvation and what Paul was saying seemed new...note: it was not new. Salvation was always about belief and faith and submission and never about works. But still, some of these laws needed to be addressed.
"The conclusion of the Jerusalem Council, which determined that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised, was a sweeping victory for Paul's understanding of Christianity. Speaking for the council, the apostle Peter declared, 'We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved in the same manner as they (the gentiles)'. v. 11" {Quote from Nelson's Bible Dictionary.} This decision set a sort of precedent for salvation to be grounded in faith alone...but they would have to learn to be careful and sensitive to the Jewish background - the beliefs they had grown up with. What if the council had ruled differently? hmm...just a question.
One other notion came to mind in this chapter. There is another Judas that is brought up in v.22. Of course, not the same Judas, a new one that did work with Paul. My thought...if I were to a write a fictional book of characters I would never repeat the same name, especially the same name as the "villain". It brings confusion, lessens the drama of the villain, etc. The Bible is filled with the same names being used over and over for different people. For me, proof...the Bible is not fiction! Am I not right! Kidding, of course...
There were some huge differences between the Jews and the Gentiles back in the day. The Jews had the laws of Moses and a Book they followed to the letter. The Gentiles had not and did not. So bringing such diverse folk under one roof to worship and proclaim Jesus, though right, had it's challenges. The Jews wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised - plus a bunch of other rules - to show salvation. However, Paul was teaching that no works brought on salvation, only submission and belief in Christ.
The Jerusalem Council was a conference held in about 49 a.d. with the church (delegates) of Antioch (including Paul and Barnabus) and the church (delegates) of Jerusalem. They came to meet on some of these rules and how they should be handled. The Jews really only knew one way to Salvation and what Paul was saying seemed new...note: it was not new. Salvation was always about belief and faith and submission and never about works. But still, some of these laws needed to be addressed.
"The conclusion of the Jerusalem Council, which determined that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised, was a sweeping victory for Paul's understanding of Christianity. Speaking for the council, the apostle Peter declared, 'We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved in the same manner as they (the gentiles)'. v. 11" {Quote from Nelson's Bible Dictionary.} This decision set a sort of precedent for salvation to be grounded in faith alone...but they would have to learn to be careful and sensitive to the Jewish background - the beliefs they had grown up with. What if the council had ruled differently? hmm...just a question.
One other notion came to mind in this chapter. There is another Judas that is brought up in v.22. Of course, not the same Judas, a new one that did work with Paul. My thought...if I were to a write a fictional book of characters I would never repeat the same name, especially the same name as the "villain". It brings confusion, lessens the drama of the villain, etc. The Bible is filled with the same names being used over and over for different people. For me, proof...the Bible is not fiction! Am I not right! Kidding, of course...
Acts 14
The farther I get into Acts, the tougher it is too keep reading. I am finding it very dry...I am sure there is a lot of wisdom to be pulled from these chapters, I am just not seeing them. One note is that physically I seem to be getting attacked - my face today looks like a puffer fish and the doctor doesn't know why - so maybe my concentration is not as it should be. I'm normally a pretty healthy person so I am wondering why these off-the-wall ailments keep showing up, one after the other...hmmm...just a question.
One thing I learned today was that while Paul and Barnabus were in Lystra they healed a lame man. The people saw the man get up and walk so they decided that Paul and Barnabus were Zeus and Hermes from mythology!! LOL The people even wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabus. Boy was Paul mad! They were not hearing his message.
The second thing I learned is that Paul was stoned - to the point the Jews thought he was dead and dragged him out of the city - but survived. The disciples were standing around him when he got up! Up and back to work. Wow. Up and back to the city to carry on. How strong his belief how deep his love and commitment to his glorious Jesus, whom he met on the road to Damascus.
Part of their work as they go from city to city is to encourage the new disciples, the new converts and the new churches. Verse 23 is the second time the word elders is used. The young churches needed elders for example, support and leadership when Paul or one of the other apostles were not present. The same is true today in our churches.
One thing I learned today was that while Paul and Barnabus were in Lystra they healed a lame man. The people saw the man get up and walk so they decided that Paul and Barnabus were Zeus and Hermes from mythology!! LOL The people even wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabus. Boy was Paul mad! They were not hearing his message.
The second thing I learned is that Paul was stoned - to the point the Jews thought he was dead and dragged him out of the city - but survived. The disciples were standing around him when he got up! Up and back to work. Wow. Up and back to the city to carry on. How strong his belief how deep his love and commitment to his glorious Jesus, whom he met on the road to Damascus.
Part of their work as they go from city to city is to encourage the new disciples, the new converts and the new churches. Verse 23 is the second time the word elders is used. The young churches needed elders for example, support and leadership when Paul or one of the other apostles were not present. The same is true today in our churches.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Acts 13
First some general information according to my Bible's commentary: Chapter 13 marks a turning point in Acts. The first 12 chapters focused on Peter, the remaining chapters will focus around Paul and his ministry with the gentiles. Also, from here on out Saul will be known as Paul. Saul is his Hebrew name and Paul is his Roman name. Here he is traveling with Barnabas.
The biggest thing that goes on in this chapter is Paul's lengthy speech in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, where he pretty much gives the story of the Jewish people starting with the wandering in the desert and ending with Jesus' Resurrection. He proclaims, "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses." v. 38-39 The people loved his message and were begging for more; good news since he was speaking to Jews.
Then Paul makes the announcement that he received from the Lord, "I have placed you as a light for the gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth."v. 47 So off they go.
The biggest thing that goes on in this chapter is Paul's lengthy speech in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, where he pretty much gives the story of the Jewish people starting with the wandering in the desert and ending with Jesus' Resurrection. He proclaims, "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses." v. 38-39 The people loved his message and were begging for more; good news since he was speaking to Jews.
Then Paul makes the announcement that he received from the Lord, "I have placed you as a light for the gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth."v. 47 So off they go.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Acts 12
We see James, the brother of John put to death. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred. He was arrested along with Peter and though James was killed, Peter was rescued by an angel and escaped from the jail. James and Peter were two of the four closest to Jesus so why one was spared over the other is just a question.
Note on the historic aspect of this book: during these days an historian named Josephus was living and wrote about many goings-on with the kings, the killings (martyrs) of the apostles and disciples, and the rise of the Christian church. If you ever want an "objective" view of this history you can read Josephus. There are many books printed of his writings. He was sort of the "CNN" of the day.
Note on the historic aspect of this book: during these days an historian named Josephus was living and wrote about many goings-on with the kings, the killings (martyrs) of the apostles and disciples, and the rise of the Christian church. If you ever want an "objective" view of this history you can read Josephus. There are many books printed of his writings. He was sort of the "CNN" of the day.
Acts 11
"Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God." v. 1 "the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning..." v.15 "
"Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." v. 18 This was prophesied in Isaiah: "Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen One in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations." Isaiah 42:1 "...and I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations," Is 42:6
This is huge: "He says, " It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth". Is 49:6
So, essentially, this is a love letter to us who were not born Jewish - God's chosen people - God had all along determined that we would be saved as well and that God's final Lamb to be sacrificed would be the One to do it.
I have been singing this song for two days...one of my favorites. It is a beautiful video...enjoy.
Note, v. 26 back in Acts, "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
"Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." v. 18 This was prophesied in Isaiah: "Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen One in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations." Isaiah 42:1 "...and I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations," Is 42:6
This is huge: "He says, " It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth". Is 49:6
So, essentially, this is a love letter to us who were not born Jewish - God's chosen people - God had all along determined that we would be saved as well and that God's final Lamb to be sacrificed would be the One to do it.
I have been singing this song for two days...one of my favorites. It is a beautiful video...enjoy.
Note, v. 26 back in Acts, "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
Acts 10
Note: I am way behind on my blog. On top of finishing my recovery of my ACL repair, I broke a tooth! Yep...really? LOL This is huge, however...three steps to saving the remaining tooth, with the procedure tomorrow being the worst: A Root Canal! Kill me now. So I've had a few sleepless nights and I'm sure will not get much tonight. Aaugh!! Anyway...
As of now, I have come to the realization that my writing on some of these chapters in Acts will be short. The book is so much a history book, that I really don't have much to add...just kind of matter-of-fact with truths about the beginnings of the Christian church.
Peter was a Jew through and through and knew very well the teachings of the Old Testament. To keep the Jews safe during their wanderings and etc., God had given them very specific rules to follow as to what to eat and who they could befriend. But Jesus was the New Covenant that now had come and Peter was learning how to let go of old rules. - How many of us "old dogs" are into learning new tricks? You have to also remember that breaking an old tradition law sometimes resulted in prison or death so to trust Jesus and do something new, I'm sure was very difficult. "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." v. 15
Peter says, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ..." v. 36 "" ...through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." v. 43
But for us, here in the west, mostly being Gentiles (not Jews) this following verse is huge: "...the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the gentiles also." v.45 Wow! Yea!!
As of now, I have come to the realization that my writing on some of these chapters in Acts will be short. The book is so much a history book, that I really don't have much to add...just kind of matter-of-fact with truths about the beginnings of the Christian church.
Peter was a Jew through and through and knew very well the teachings of the Old Testament. To keep the Jews safe during their wanderings and etc., God had given them very specific rules to follow as to what to eat and who they could befriend. But Jesus was the New Covenant that now had come and Peter was learning how to let go of old rules. - How many of us "old dogs" are into learning new tricks? You have to also remember that breaking an old tradition law sometimes resulted in prison or death so to trust Jesus and do something new, I'm sure was very difficult. "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." v. 15
Peter says, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ..." v. 36 "" ...through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." v. 43
But for us, here in the west, mostly being Gentiles (not Jews) this following verse is huge: "...the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the gentiles also." v.45 Wow! Yea!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)