How does God do what He does? So often His ways are a mystery or counterintuitive to our finite, human minds. It shouldn't surprise us when we read that He chooses to spread the Gospel of Jesus like this: "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."
We witness Saul beginning to "destroy the church" by "going from house to house". Philip goes to Samaria, followed by Peter and John, and we see men and women believing and being baptized.
We see a strange encounter between Peter and Simon the Sorcerer. Simon seems sincere; himself believing and being baptized as well. He then experiences a misstep, offering money in return for the ability to lay hands and give the Holy Spirit. Peter's response is intense! Simon appears to be sincerely sorry and then he disappears from the scene. I wonder what his life was like after that.
I also wonder what the life of the Ethiopian eunuch was like after his conversion on the road to Gaza. How did God use him in the lives of others? His position as an official of the queen would have provided him great opportunities to be influential, to share what he had learned and experienced. And yet we are left to wonder.
What about us? Can we learn the lessons of Acts 8? Can we recognize hardship as a God-ordained condition used to accomplish His divine purpose in the lives of people? Can we obey God's voice as Philip did when he began working his way down a road toward nothing in particular, simply because the Lord's angel told him to? Can we respond to the Good News of Christ with the enthusiasm and sincerity of the Ethiopian eunuch, and help others to do the same?
Can we forgive and trust God like some of the early believers are going to need to do in Chapter 9?
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Acts 7 - A Long Answer to a Short Question and the Church's First Martyr
Read the chapter here.
We learned in Acts chapter 6 that Stephen was known to be filled with the Holy Spirit, a phrase that is repeated in chapter 7 verse 55. We see this in his speech that goes from 7:2-50 that passionately recaps the history of the Israelites, and leads into Stephen turning on his accusers. "And now you have betrayed and murdered him (Jesus) - you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
We see how being filled with the Spirit results in Stephen's incredible courage, as well as giving him a window into heaven, as he looks up and is able to see "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." I've heard a couple people comment on how notable it is that Jesus was standing rather than seated as Stephen looked up....perhaps we get a glimpse of the Lord's passion for us. He is not content to sit while His beloved suffer on His behalf. Stephen provides one final act of courage as he begs God to pardon those who are murdering him.
Finally, we get our first look at Saul, who will go on to become the most prominent figure in the remainder of the book of Acts.
We learned in Acts chapter 6 that Stephen was known to be filled with the Holy Spirit, a phrase that is repeated in chapter 7 verse 55. We see this in his speech that goes from 7:2-50 that passionately recaps the history of the Israelites, and leads into Stephen turning on his accusers. "And now you have betrayed and murdered him (Jesus) - you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
We see how being filled with the Spirit results in Stephen's incredible courage, as well as giving him a window into heaven, as he looks up and is able to see "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." I've heard a couple people comment on how notable it is that Jesus was standing rather than seated as Stephen looked up....perhaps we get a glimpse of the Lord's passion for us. He is not content to sit while His beloved suffer on His behalf. Stephen provides one final act of courage as he begs God to pardon those who are murdering him.
Finally, we get our first look at Saul, who will go on to become the most prominent figure in the remainder of the book of Acts.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Acts 6 - Stephen's debut on the scene
Just 13 short verses in this week's chapter, but plenty to discuss. I hope you have a Bible nearby, but remember, you can always visit biblegateway.com to find whatever you're looking for in God's Word.
Unless I missed something from earlier chapters, verse 1 gives us the first taste of the young church failing its people, as the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. I wonder what was behind all that, but I'm glad the solution to the problem was handled quickly and apparently satisfactorily. We see a great example of the 'one body, many parts' theme, as seven men who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom were chosen to handle the food. How cool is it that being full of the Spirit was a requirement to serve food? Would church leaders today take that much care in choosing people to do such a seemingly mundane task? Do we value those who do that type of work in the Body of Christ?
Here we meet Stephen, one of the seven chosen to handle the food service issues, and apparently a guy who made the powers that be uncomfortable; reminiscent of Peter and John from a few chapters earlier. We'll see how Stephen's story turns out next week, but do you notice how his accusations remind us of those that were thrown not only at Jesus, but also the accusations of Daniel from the Old Testament? It seems, that there's something about righteousness that can make evil really, really nervous.
Unless I missed something from earlier chapters, verse 1 gives us the first taste of the young church failing its people, as the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. I wonder what was behind all that, but I'm glad the solution to the problem was handled quickly and apparently satisfactorily. We see a great example of the 'one body, many parts' theme, as seven men who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom were chosen to handle the food. How cool is it that being full of the Spirit was a requirement to serve food? Would church leaders today take that much care in choosing people to do such a seemingly mundane task? Do we value those who do that type of work in the Body of Christ?
Here we meet Stephen, one of the seven chosen to handle the food service issues, and apparently a guy who made the powers that be uncomfortable; reminiscent of Peter and John from a few chapters earlier. We'll see how Stephen's story turns out next week, but do you notice how his accusations remind us of those that were thrown not only at Jesus, but also the accusations of Daniel from the Old Testament? It seems, that there's something about righteousness that can make evil really, really nervous.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Acts 5 - Two Bizarre Deaths, Healing and Persecution
This chapter starts with one of the most difficult stories to stomach in the entire New Testament. A married couple pulls some treachery and winds up dead for it. There's so much to comment on and wonder about - I'm not sure where to begin. Why did they do what they did? Why was it punishable by death? How did Peter know Sapphira would die too? Who were the young men who had the job of wrapping up and carrying out dead bodies, and how did they get that gig? What is the significance of the 'great fear' that seized the whole church, and what, if any, are our modern parallels to this great fear?
How wild is it that Peter, he of the denial and subsequent restoration from the end of John's Gospel account, is now so Spirit-filled that his shadow has healing powers?
Finally, as Peter and the other apostles continue to obey God rather than men (v. 17-32), we can see the storm continuing to brew. The leaders of the young church are forcing the hands of those in charge, and the confrontation is coming to a head.
Comment below with your thoughts and impressions on chapter 5, and we'll see you next week for chapter 6.
How wild is it that Peter, he of the denial and subsequent restoration from the end of John's Gospel account, is now so Spirit-filled that his shadow has healing powers?
Finally, as Peter and the other apostles continue to obey God rather than men (v. 17-32), we can see the storm continuing to brew. The leaders of the young church are forcing the hands of those in charge, and the confrontation is coming to a head.
Comment below with your thoughts and impressions on chapter 5, and we'll see you next week for chapter 6.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Acts 4 - No Other Name
The story continues and the action intensifies. Peter and John rocking the boat and being tossed in jail. The rulers and elders use their best intimidation tactics, but Peter, again "filled with the Holy Spirit" refuses to back down. Verse 19-20 - "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Why were the leaders so adamant that Peter and the others needed to be stopped? I believe the answer is found in verse 12, as Peter's speech includes the line about Jesus, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That's the issue isn't it? The exclusive claims of Jesus. It's not much different today. I heard a Pastor say this once: In our society we can talk about God, we can talk about Jesus, just don't you dare suggest that He's the only way to heaven. That will certainly cause a stir.
It's too bad really. If Jesus is the only way to God, doesn't it make sense to be grateful that there is a way to God?
Next week the action takes a bizarre turn as we read Acts chapter 5.
Why were the leaders so adamant that Peter and the others needed to be stopped? I believe the answer is found in verse 12, as Peter's speech includes the line about Jesus, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That's the issue isn't it? The exclusive claims of Jesus. It's not much different today. I heard a Pastor say this once: In our society we can talk about God, we can talk about Jesus, just don't you dare suggest that He's the only way to heaven. That will certainly cause a stir.
It's too bad really. If Jesus is the only way to God, doesn't it make sense to be grateful that there is a way to God?
Next week the action takes a bizarre turn as we read Acts chapter 5.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Acts 3 - A Brewing Storm
Acts chapter 3 gets right to the point, short and sweet. Peter, with John in tow, continues to amaze as he heals a man who was "crippled from birth". This act of love gets them all kinds of attention and provides Peter another opportunity to deliver a killer speech, as he proceeds to explain how their faith in the name of Jesus is responsible for the healing.
I especially like verse 19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". That sounds like a good deal to me - I like having my sins wiped out while enjoying times of refreshing. Sign me up for that.
I wonder if Peter knew what would go down when he made the decision to heal that beggar. We'll pick up the story in chapter 4 next week.
I especially like verse 19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". That sounds like a good deal to me - I like having my sins wiped out while enjoying times of refreshing. Sign me up for that.
I wonder if Peter knew what would go down when he made the decision to heal that beggar. We'll pick up the story in chapter 4 next week.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Acts 2 - "Brothers, what shall we do?"
The long-promised Holy Spirit, looking like tongues of fire (wow, there's a picture), comes to rest on the disciples gathered together in one place and immediately things are different. A few things jump out as the narrative continues:
1. Peter continues to take the lead, addressing the befuddled crowd. He boldly and clearly explains what's happening and makes the case for Jesus as Savior. He references newly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy from Joel and David, and his Spirit-led speech is convincing enough to beg the question from the people, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
2. Peter's reply? "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Peter pleaded with those gathered, and we learn about 3000 were added to their number that day. That is exponential growth. From 120 to 3120 in one day. Not bad. (Although I've always wondered how many were nearby who chose to ignore the appeal of Peter.)
3. The new believers lived in community right away, selling their possessions and giving to anyone as he had need. They demonstrated the kind of love that Jesus spoke of in John 13, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Obviously the life the new believers shared had an impact since "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
May our lives similarly impact those around us.
1. Peter continues to take the lead, addressing the befuddled crowd. He boldly and clearly explains what's happening and makes the case for Jesus as Savior. He references newly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy from Joel and David, and his Spirit-led speech is convincing enough to beg the question from the people, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
2. Peter's reply? "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Peter pleaded with those gathered, and we learn about 3000 were added to their number that day. That is exponential growth. From 120 to 3120 in one day. Not bad. (Although I've always wondered how many were nearby who chose to ignore the appeal of Peter.)
3. The new believers lived in community right away, selling their possessions and giving to anyone as he had need. They demonstrated the kind of love that Jesus spoke of in John 13, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Obviously the life the new believers shared had an impact since "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
May our lives similarly impact those around us.
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