The persecution in Jerusalem that scattered the church sent disciples off to many new places. In Acts 11:19-20 they were “proclaiming the message” in Antioch, first only to the Jews, and then some began to speak to others. And people believed, just has had happened as Peter spoke to Cornelius and his whole house. Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem and rejoiced and encouraged them and went to find Saul. Barnabas and Saul taught the people for a year and then the Holy Spirit spoke through prophets sending Barnabas and Saul on a mission. The church was not only growing in Jerusalem, but in Antioch and other places. This growth was not only in numbers, it was also a growth in spiritual gifts.

Proclaiming the Good News

Acts 11:19–24
What was intended to stop the spread of the gospel, the persecution in Acts 11:19, sent disciples to “Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch”. But they were “proclaiming the message to no one except the Jews”. Then in Acts 11:20-21 it says that “some of them … began to speak to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord”.

Then, the church in Jerusalem heard, in Acts 11:22 “and they sent Barnabas” who in Acts 11:23-24 “saw the grace of God, rejoiced and encouraged them … and a large number were added to the Lord”.

They Met Together And Taught

Acts 11:25–30
The church at Antioch was growing and Barnabas vs 25 went to get Paul and in Acts 11:26 “they met together … and taught a large number of people”. This is the first time since the early days in Jerusalem (see Acts 2:42, 46-47) where we see extended teaching. There are principle for living in God’s word and Paul taught them from the Old Testament scriptures with the revelation he had received by Jesus and the Holy Spirit as this new testament was yet to be written.

Acts 11:27 says “prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch” but we have not read about prophets until now. They, the church, even the apostles, were just experiencing how God would work through his disciples and would eventually write Ephesians 4:7-16. But here, now, there was a word from God, in Acts 11:27-30 “a great famine” which wasn’t taken as just information for them, they took action on what God was saying through the prophet and “each one of them determined to send financial aid”.

See also 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Now you are the body of Christ, and members ⌊of it individually⌋j, 28 and whom God has appointed in the church: first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.

Prayer Was Fervently Being Made to God

Acts 12:1–5
In Acts 12:1 “Herod the king—grandson of Herod the Great, and son of Aristobulus. He at this time ruled over all his father’s dominions … For thirty years before this there was no king at Jerusalem … nor was there ever afterwards, save during the three last years of Herod’s life”.¹

And this fulfill the words of Jesus to James “You will drink the cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with” (See on Mark 10:38–40.) ²

And in Acts 12:3 we see Herod, the politician, “he saw that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also”. But something was happening in the church in Acts 12:5 “but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church for him”.

Gird Yourself and Put On Your Sandals

Acts 12:6–11
Peter’s life is in danger. It doesn’t say how many days, it just says in Acts 12:6 “when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night” so it may have been many night, but it was at least a few. And “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door were watching the prison”. There was no way Peter was getting away, but, in Acts 12:7-10 “an angel of the Lord stood near him … and the chains fell off”. The guards next to him didn’t wake up. It is no wonder that Peter thought this was a vision in vs 9. They passed the first guards, then the second, then the main gate opened before them, and the angel departed in vs 10. Then Peter said to himself, in Acts 12:11
“Now I know truly that the Lord has sent out his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and all ⌊that the Jewish people expected⌋!”

Many People Were Gathered Together and Were Praying

Acts 12:12–19
In Acts 12:12, when Peter realized he was free, he thought to go to “the house of Mary … where many people were gathered together and were praying”. I am sure the church was getting daily reports on Peter and they were in Acts 12:5 praying “fervently”. But when Peter got to the door, they couldn’t believe it. Look at Acts 12:16 “Peter was continuing to knock, and when they* opened the door* they saw him and were astonished”. Isn’t that just like us, we are praying for something and when it comes, we can’t believe it! These were the people of God with great faith and power. So, in Acts 12:17 “But motioning to them with his* hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and to the brothers,” and he departed and* went to another place”. Peter knew that Herod would be looking for him so stayed out of sight.

Of course, Herod couldn’t believe that this was anything but failure or collusion on the part of the guards, and in Acts 12:18-19 when Herod couldn’t find Peter so killed the guards and left town.

We may now better understand the admonition in Colossians 4:2-5 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also ⌊I am a prisoner⌋a, 4 so that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak. 5 Live with wisdom toward those outside, making the most of the time.

And 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.

Because we do have an adversary and it is good for us to “Pray to prevent evil” and “Pray to escape evil”.

But the Word of God Kept on Increasing and Multiplying

Ac 12:20–25
Herod, in all his royal robes, in front of all the people, is struck down in Acts 12:20-23

While They Were Serving The Lord and Fasting

Acts 13:1–3
The Holy Spirit is active in the church and in Acts 13:2 “the Holy Spirit said”. The work isn’t spelled out here, but we know Paul was called to the gentiles. So, in Acts 12:3 they fasted, prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them away. The most important thing to note here is they immediately acted on what the Holy Spirit said, and sent them. And there is one other point that we often miss, they laid hands on them, and “In the Gospels, Jesus lays hands on various individuals as a sign of blessing”.³

There is a difference between:

• Just doing what God called you to do on your own.
• Being released by a ministry gift (apostle, prophet, evangelist, …) to do God’s will.
• And what we just read in Acts 12:3 to be blessed to fulfill God’s plan and purpose.

The Hand of the Lord Is Against You

Acts 13:4–12
In all their journey things seem to progress well, that is until they get to Paphos. In Acts 13:6-11 they meet “Elymas the magician” who “opposed them”. There are those that are spiritual, that have a false theology, that have what seems to be great intelligence or power to influence others. These are not of God. They may be under the influence of fallen angels or even Satan himself who may appear as an angel of light.

In Acts 13:7 “Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man” had Elymas close at his side. Some would say Elymas had his ear because when Barnabas and Saul began to speak about God, Elymas jumped in the middle, Acts 13:8. Listen to Saul’s charge against Elymas in Acts 13:10 “full of deceit”, “unscrupulous”, “son of the devil”, “enemy of righteousness”, “making crooked the straight paths of the Lord”. Then in Acts 13:11 Saul says “the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun ⌊for a while⌋.a And immediately mist and darkness fell over him, and he was going around looking for people* to lead him* by the hand”.

There is no good white magic, or black and we should not tolerate it. But, there are several of the religions we call cults that began because someone had a visitation from and angelic being. The truth of the gospel is simple, Christ, crucified, raised from the dead, seated in heaven, believe! Yet people still fall prey, even though the gospel is simple and even though we are warned in 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 (LEB) For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not a great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

When you hear something and react, for example: I don’t feel like that, or That doesn’t seem right, take it to the Lord and ask him to show you the truth.

Some people say, but my experience is … and what they say is contrary to the God’s word. Ask yourself, is it Love? Is it peace? Is it joy? Is it a sound mind? What you are asking is does it pass the Holy Spirit test? If not, it isn’t for you as a Christian.

Study Verses

• Acts 11:25–30
• Acts 12:12–19
• Acts 13:1–3

Today’s Reading

• Acts 11:19-30
• Acts 12:1-25
• Acts 13:1-12

References

• 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 188). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 188). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 3. Caulley, T. S. (2016). Ordination. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Peter was already a leader in the Church and walked in faith and power with healing miracles happening as he went. But God had a special mission for Peter. One that required preparation because, even Peter, needed to learn something more about God’s plan. This all started because, Cornelius, a gentile, a Roman, a Centurion, a man you might expect to be hardened by his position and experiences, was noticed by God. Cornelius was visited by an angel that said, in Acts 10:4-5 (LEB) “Your prayers and your charitable deeds have gone up for a memorial offering before God. 5 And now, send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon, who is also called Peter”. These events in Acts 10-11 caused a huge shift in peoples thinking to understand that as it says in Ephesians 2:11-22 we are all “built up together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit”.

What God Has Cleansed

Acts 10:9–17
Peter has been involved in major miracles, his shadow touching the sick in Jerusalem and they were healed, Aeneas had been paralyzed and was healed, and Tabitha (Dorcas) had been dead and she came back and was healed. So, Peter well deserved a few days at the seaside as Simon the Tanner was providing.

In Acts 10:9-10 “Peter went up on the housetop to pray … while they were preparing the food” His mind was on lunch, it was time for lunch. Then in Acts 10:11-13 he has a vision about food. Most of us wouldn’t know this today, but the Jews had specific dietary laws. There were some animals that were OK to eat and others that were unclean and they were not to eat. Peter was a good son of Israel, just as he was a good Christian. But this vision presents all unclean animals to him and a voice saying in Acts 10:13 “Get up, Peter, slaughter and eat!”. Naturally, Peter reacts, in Acts 10:14 But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common and unclean!”. Peter knew the voice was the Lord and he defends himself saying “I have never …”. Then in Acts 10:15 And the voice came again to him for the second time: “The things which God has made clean, you must not consider unclean!”. Then in Acts 10:16 (LEB) And this happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven.

In Acts 10:17 “while Peter was greatly perplexed” What could this vision mean? Can you hear these words ringing out in Peters mind, “The things which God has made clean, you must not consider unclean!” then, continuing in vs 17 “the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having found the house of Simon by asking around, stood at the gate”. These men were not sons of Israel, and they were not disciples, who were they?

Get up, Go Down, and Go With Them

Acts 10:18–24
In Acts 10:18 these men call out from the gate for Peter. And just as Peter might have pulled back, in Acts 10:19-21 (LEB) “the Spirit said to him, “Behold, men are looking for you. 20 But get up, go down, and go with them—not hesitating at all, because I have sent them.””

Peter greets them in vs 21, they announce their reason for coming, they stayed with Peter in Simon the Tanners house vs 23, and all were together in Caesarea the next day vs 24. But why did it happen this way? An angel had appeared to Cornelius, couldn’t the angel have told Cornelius what he needed to know? Well, no, he couldn’t. Cornelius, in Acts 10:22 “was directed by a holy angel to summon you (Peter) to his house and to hear words from you (Peter).” Angels are ministering spirits (a lesson for another day), but the gospel is preached by men.

So, in vs 23 “he (Peter) invited them in” and the two slaves and a soldier Cornelius sent to Joppa, stayed overnight with a Jewish man in a Jewish household. Then vs 23 continues, “and on the next day he (Peter) got up and* went away with them. And some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. This is the first mention of “brothers from Joppa”, but Peter wasn’t alone.

Your Prayer Has Been Heard

Acts 10:25–33
In Acts 10:25-27 Peter greets Cornelius and “found many people gathered”. Then Peter opens the conversation with the group in Acts 10:28-29. Note that it doesn’t say he was filled with the Spirit as he declares the religious law, “You know that it is forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or approach a foreigner” (see Ephesians 2:11-12 to understand how alienated the gentiles were), then he refers to his vision, “to me God has shown that I should call no man common or unclean”. So, Peter has told them it is against the religious law, but God said it was OK, so, vs 29 “without raising any objection—I came”. Let me say this, not raising an objection is not the same as being excited to be there. Then Peter closes his opening comment with this demand, “So I ask for what reason you sent for me.” or in other words, “why am I here?”, or “what do you want from me?” Peter’s opening could have been warmer.

Then Cornelius explains in Acts 10:30-33 saying “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard … so now we are all present before God to hear”. Cornelius, a gracious man, and all he has any influence with, are ready before Peter.

God is Not One Who Shows Partiality

Acts 10:34–43
Peter comes face to face with his own religious prejudice as he begins to speak in Acts 10:36 saying “the message that he sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—this one is Lord of all—”. Peter then in Acts 10:37-42 presents the recent history, the gospel of the Kingdom, Jesus Christ, risen, “appointed by God as judge of the living and of the dead”. And finally in Acts 10:43 “that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.” Can you feel the change in Peter as he says these words “through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins”, not just the sons of Israel.

The Holy Spirit Fell

Acts 10:44–48 LEB
But Peter wasn’t the only one that had this religious prejudice, OK, maybe you think calling this religious prejudice is extreme, but look at these words. It says in Acts 10:45 (LEB) And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,. Doesn’t this comment “even on the gentiles” show their religious arrogance? They are the circumcision, God’s chosen people, not like these unclean gentiles! But vs 45 “the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, vs 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God”. And with, in Acts 10:47-48 “these people … who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did”, then comes baptism and acceptance as disciples.

Those of the Circumcision Took Issue

Acts 11:1–10
What happened with Cornelius and his house was big news, Acts 11:1 and Peter went back to Jerusalem to hear Acts 11:2-3 (LEB) “You went to men ⌊who were uncircumcised⌋ and ate with them!”. So, Peter recounts the vision in Acts 11:5-10 making clear the statement from the Lord, ‘The things which God has made clean, you must not consider unclean!’.

Who Was I to be Able to Hinder God?

Acts 11:11–18
Peter continues to recount the events in Caesarea in Acts 11:11-17 saying in vs 15 “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as also on us at the beginning”. Then they all responded in Acts 11:18 (LEB) And when they* heard these things, they became silent* and praised God, saying, “Then God has granted the repentance leading to life to the Gentiles also!”.

We don’t always have the full picture, in fact God says in, Isaiah 55:8–9 (LEB) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” declares Yahweh. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Each of us can learn something more from God. Are we willing to look from God’s viewpoint even if that means giving up a doctrine or even a way we want God to be?

Study Verses

• Acts 10:9–17
• Acts 10:18–24
• Acts 11:11–18

Today’s Reading

• Acts 10:9-48
• Acts 11:1-18

Persecution of the church began in Jerusalem with the stoning of Stephen. Now, Saul was on his way to Damascus to round up any escaping believers so he could bring them back to Jerusalem in bonds. And then, Jesus appears to him. In a moment, everything changes for Saul. He is blind, and has a vision that a man is coming to him as he waits three days in Damascus. Accepting Saul is hard for the disciples, but Ananias also has a vision and the Lord sends him to Saul to restore his sight. Saul begins to proclaim, and then prove that Jesus is the Son of God …

Why Are You Persecuting Me?

Acts 9:1–9
It wasn’t enough for Saul to pull people out of their houses in Jerusalem, he wanted to follow those that left the city and arrest them also. In Act 9:2 he wanted authority to find “any who were of the way”and to return them “tied up” to be punished and executed. Paul says later in Acts 22:4-5 (LEB) ⌊I⌋ persecuted this Way to the death, tying up and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as indeed the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me, from whom also I received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and* was traveling there* to lead away those who were there also tied up to Jerusalem so that they could be punished. And, he didn’t just bring them in Paul says in Acts 26:10 (LEB) which I also did in Jerusalem, and not only did I lock up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when* they were being executed, I cast my vote against them.*

Is it any wonder that the Lord asked in Acts 9:4 “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”. If Saul hadn’t been part of the mob that took Jesus before Pilate for him to be crucified, he had certainly seen the miracles done by the apostles in Jerusalem, And, is it any wonder that Saul asked in vs 5 “Who are you, Lord?” because he didn’t believe there was a Messiah, especially one that had risen from the dead. What Saul believed had changed. For now, he was blind, and was fasting and praying as he waited these three days.

He Has Seen in a Vision

Acts 9:10–19
Ananias responds quickly to the Lord in his vision even though this was likely a new experience for him. Even so, Ananias knew it was Jesus. Jesus did say, in John 10:4 (LEB) Whenever he sends out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

In this vision, In Acts 9:10-11, Jesus told Ananias exactly where to go, who to see, and what to do. He also told him that Saul was there praying and already had a vision that Ananias was coming to lay hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias reacts, in Acts 9:13 “Lord, I have heard … how much harm … and here he has authority …”. Jesus answers in Acts 9:15-16 “Go, …”. Ananias takes action on what Jesus has spoken to him, he has faith in God, and sets aside what he has heard about Saul’s past. Ananias is rightly concerned about the authority that Saul has, but God has a different future for Saul that he lays out before Ananias. We might call it revelation, but it is that knowledge of the future that empowers Ananias to go to Saul.

Saul and Ananias both had a vision. Both responded by following the instruction they had been given. And in Acts 9:17, we see that Ananias had also been shown what happened to Saul on the road so he greets Saul and lays hands on him saying “Brother Saul, …”. Saul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, was baptized, had a meal, and fellowship, not just with Ananias, but with the disciples in Damascus. Ananias had immediately accepted him as a brother in Christ.

Jesus is the Son of God

Acts 9:20–25
In Acts 9:20 “Immediately he (Saul) began proclaiming …” then it says in Acts 9:22 (LEB) But Saul was increasing in strength even more, and was confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by* proving that this one is the Christ. Saul began proclaiming, and then proving. We might interpret this as Saul, who new all of their arguments and how they interpreted scripture, was now as he debated with them, organizing, some would say internalizing, his new revelation into a full and clear understanding of the scriptures.

In Acts 9:21 “all who heard him were amazed, and were saying, Is this not the one who was wreaking havoc …”. Then in Acts 9:23 (LEB) And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted to do away with him. No one could counter his statements, they exhausted themselves trying, then “plotted” as they had with Jesus, as they had with Stephen.

But they wouldn’t take him in public, Saul was in the synagogue, he was with the other disciples, he wasn’t hiding, but the “Jews” that had plotted, were in Acts 9:24 (LEB) “they were also watching the gates both day and night so that they could do away with him”, to catch him away from the people if they could so they could kill him.

Saul knew how they operated, he had been one of them, and a leader of them but now he was cut off from their support and cut off from any connections he had in Jerusalem. How could he even care for his own needs aside from eluding these who sought his life. Then in Acts 9:25 (LEB) But his disciples took him* at night and* let him down through the wall by* lowering him* in a basket. How many times have I read this and not noticed, “his disciples”. When did Saul get disciples? When God called him there were those ready to stand with him. Look around, who is ready to stand with you?

Speaking Boldly in the Name of the Lord

Acts 9:26–31
It isn’t a big surprise that he wasn’t immediately accepted in Jerusalem. They didn’t have a word from the Lord as Ananias had. Then in Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him and* brought him* to the apostles and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Again in Acts 9:28–29, as he had done in Damascus, he was speaking boldly, and debating, and again, “they were trying to do away with him”. so, without his own means of support, in Acts 9:30 (LEB) And when* the brothers found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. There are times for us to intervene in the work of another, at our cost, for their protection.

A main instigator was not only removed from the area, but now was on his mission to the gentiles. And the result was in Acts 9:31 (LEB) Then the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being strengthened. And living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was increasing in numbers.* The power of the Lord had overcome the power of persecution and again, the Church “was increasing in numbers”.

Immediately He Got Up

Acts 9:32–35
In Acts 9:32 “Peter was traveling through …” apparently visiting the saints on the way. Peter came to Lydda which is West of Emmaus from Jerusalem and would have been on the road to Joppa. Then in Acts 9:33-34 there is an unusual account of healing because it says that “he (Peter) found there a certain man”. In most accounts, people are seeking healing, and then they receive. Here, Peter calls him by name and tells him to get up, and Aeneas gets up healed.

Peter wasn’t speaking like this to every person he met along the way, and every person under his shadow was not being healed as had happened in Jerusalem. What was different? Though it isn’t recorded, doesn’t it seem that Peter went looking for this man, “and he found there a certain man named Aeneas”. However it happened, and as a result of this miracle, in Acts 9:35 “all those who lived in Lydda and Sharon … turned to the Lord”.

He Prayed, and, He Said

Acts 9:36–43
In Acts 9:36-37 we learn of Tabitha, who was “full of good deeds and charitable giving”, but fell sick and died. Then in Acts 9:38-39 And because* Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, when they* heard that Peter was in ⌊Lydda⌋,q sent two men to him, urging, “Do not delay to come to us!” 39 So Peter got up … Joppa was perhaps three or four hours walk and that means it might have been the better part of a day after her death before Peter could arrive.

It doesn’t seem that Peter responded because of her good works, but because these disciples sought him and asked him to come. And it doesn’t seem that Peter was moved by those who were weeping and grieving because in Acts 9:40 “Peter sent them all outside”.

Peter was now doing what he had seen Jesus do, (see Matthew 9:18-19, 23-25). And, Jesus had told them in John 14:10-13 “the works I am doing he (the one that believes) will do also” and then finishes in John 14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. So, Peter prays, as it says in Hebrews 4:16 (LEB) Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. And then he simply said, “Tabitha, get up”. Once we have gone toe the throne room of heaven with our request, our intercession, there is no need for great words to impress others, just simple action, speaking the word God has given us. Jesus commended the centurion that understood this principle in Matthew 8:8-13, and Peter is now experiencing this as he give Tabitha (Dorcas) his hand.

A Memorial Offering Before God

Acts 10:1–8
In Acts 10:1 is “Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort” so he wasn’t a weak man, not a local conscript but likely a career soldier. A Centurion was a “Commander of 100 men in the Roman army … he was the working officer … besides maintaining discipline among the ranks. He had to oversee executions for capital offenses”.¹

And yet, he was not what we might expect of a battle hardened commander.

Study Verses

• Acts 9:1–9
• Acts 9:10–19
• Acts 9:20–25

Today’s Reading

• Acts 9:1-43
• Acts 10:1-8

References

• 1. Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Centurion. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, pp. 421–422). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

God is not dependent on us for anything. We are only in the conversation at all because He chose to include us. All of our conversation about how much we have given or how long we have served or any other work we can think of pale next to who He is. Our relationship with God, the Righteous one, begins when we accept Him for who He is and choose to walk in His ways. Today’s reading ends with the Ethiopian Eunuch asking, “What prevents me from being baptized? And, the answer for him, and for all of us is, “Nothing, nothing prevents you from being baptized”. And once we believe, there is nothing that prevents us from following the angels command to Philip, “Get Up and Go”, go and preach the gospel of the Kingdom and the Name of Jesus Christ.

Heaven is My Throne

Acts 7:48–53
Stephen finishes his response to his accusers with two statements:
Acts 7:48-50 “the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands”
Acts 7:51-53 “they (your fathers) killed those who announced beforehand about the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become”

They would have been nodding their heads in agreement all the way through their history with Abraham and Egypt and Moses, until now. But we can’t put Him in our box. We can’t tell Him who He is. We can “learn of him” as it says in Matthew 11:29–30 (LEB) Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to carry and my burden is light.” Or, as it says in Jeremiah 6:16 (LEB) 16 Thus says Yahweh: “Stand at the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the way of the good is, and walk in it, and find rest for your inner selves. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

And, with his last statement, he lays the murder of Jesus at their feet.

I See the Heavens Opened

Acts 7:54–60
The crowd is rising up against Stephen, Acts 7:55–56 (LEB) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and* saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Stephen is standing and looking at the glory of God and all the crowd, the mob, could see was their rage. And who do we find in the middle of the crowd? In Acts 7:58 “the witnesses” false witnesses saying Stephen was to be stoned and Saul, an instigator?

Stephen doesn’t cry out for himself in pain, his last words in Acts 7:60 are “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”.

Proclaiming the Good News of the Word

Acts 8:1–8
The mob didn’t stop with Stephen, but then went after all believers and in Acts 8:1 (LEB) “Now there happened on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria”.

There were a few that publicly remained in Jerusalem, in Acts 8:2 (LEB) “devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him” and the apostles at the end of vs 1. And, it is possible that there were some that stayed, thinking they could remain hidden.

“But Saul was attempting to destroy the church”, it says in Acts 8:3. You can imagine Saul with his troop of angry men dragging believers through the city to fill the prison. What would they do with these believers? How many could they hold? Could they get them all and stop the spread of the gospel? It was a well thought out plan, it was anger and rage.

What Saul meant as a way to stop the gospel only served to spread it. Acts 8:4 (LEB) Now those who had been scattered went about proclaiming the good news of the word.

Then we hear about Philip. As he, in Acts 8:5 “began proclaiming the Christ to them”, and in Acts 8:6 “and the crowds … were paying attention”. Philip wasn’t much mentioned in Jerusalem, but out here, proclaiming the gospel, crowds are responding, people are being set free. There seems to be a limit to what you can do in one place and Philips gift, evangelism, flourishes as he reaches out to the people of Samaria. Here, Acts 8:8 (LEB) And there was great joy in that city.

This Man is the Power of God

Acts 8:9–17
In Acts 8:9-11 We see Simon, “practicing magic“, “saying he was someone great” and this is the deception, that, if you follow some man, they have power to help you in your life. Then Philip began, in Acts 8:12-13 (LEB) But when they believed Philip as he* was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. 13 And Simon himself also believed, and after he* was baptized he was ⌊keeping close company with⌋ Philip. And when he* saw the signs and great miracles that were taking place, he was astonished. Simon recognized the true power of God’s Kingdom, and Jesus Christ.

Philip gets help. In Acts 8:14-15 (LEB) Now when* the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who went down and* prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.

Your Heart is Not Right Before God

Acts 8:18–25
Simon offered money in Acts 8:19 (LEB) saying, “Give to me also this power, so that whomever I place my* hands on may receive the Holy Spirit!”. He wanted to be great in the eyes of people.

Simon had believed in vs XX, but Peter reacts strongly, in Acts 8:22 (LEB) Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and ask the Lord if perhaps the intent of your heart may be forgiven you!” Simon responds, in Acts 8:24 (LEB) But Simon answered and* said, “You pray to the Lord for me so that nothing of what you have said will come upon me.” Clearly Simon doesn’t want to be destroyed or to have his silver destroyed. But, does Simon understand the “state of bitter envy” and “bound by unrighteousness” message? Sometimes people have strongholds in their lives that must be dealt with after they believe, after they are born again. For Simon, there is an intent of heart that is wrong, “this wickedness” Peter says.

Get Up and Go

Acts 8:26–31
It wasn’t much earlier that the apostles were hiding for fear after Jesus was crucified. They needed to have the scriptures opened to them. Jesus, for forty days appeared at different times and instructed them. Revelation came, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit came, and with boldness they are going forward.

Now, Philip follows the direction of the angel of the Lord, and is side by side with one asking, Acts 8:31 (LEB) And he said, “So how could I, unless someone will guide me?” And he invited Philip to come up and* sit with him.

What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?

Acts 8:32–40
Nothing, nothing prevents you from being baptized. It doesn’t ever say that the Eunuch believed. It doesn’t ever say the Eunuch professed the name of Jesus. The Eunuch simply asked if he could be baptized. And what he was saying is (* find words Philip would have spoken) that he wanted to repent and be obedient to the Lord in baptism.

Whatever we may think about Philips message or the Eunuchs response, the Lord confirms the result in Acts 8:39 (LEB) And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer, for he went on his way rejoicing.

Study Verses

• Acts 7:48–53
• Acts 8:26–31
• Acts 8:32–40

Today’s Reading

• Acts 7:48-60
• Acts 8:1-40

We don’t know the exact numbers involved but there were three thousand added one day, five thousand added another day, the Lord adding daily and here it says “the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing greatly, and a large number of priests began obeying* the faith”. The Church faces a need for administration, and then, opposition rises up. Here begins the response of Stephen, who in Acts 6:10 “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking”.

The Number of Disciples Was Increasing Greatly

Acts 6:1–7
While we don’t know the exact numbers involved, there were 3,000 added one day Acts 2:41, 5,000 added another day Acts 4:4, the Lord adding daily Acts 2:47, and here in this section Acts 6:7 says “the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing greatly, and a large number of priests began obeying* the faith”.

Then there was this other complication of language. Some spoke Greek and some spoke Hebrew, and I expect there were a few other that didn’t speak either of these as their native tongue in the mix as well (see Acts 2:8-11).

It takes work to organize large groups of people, and, left to themselves, people will naturally group together with others of like background or interest. That is what is happening here. So why did the apostles ask the people to select seven men? If we assume there were 10,000 believers and in our population about seven percent widowed so, even though this is a very rough estimation, I think they may have easily had 700 widows to care for. When the apostles were with Jesus he taught them in Mark 6:39-42 “to recline in groups, by hundreds and by fifties” so seven men seems like a good number.

Full of Grace and Power

Acts 6:8–15
In Acts 6:8 (LEB) Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. Then in Acts 6:10 (LEB) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. So, using the same tactics that had been used against Jesus, in Acts 6:11-13 they “secretly instigated” (see Mark 14:10-11), “incited the people” (see Mark 15:11), and “put forward false witnesses” (see Mark 14:56-57).

Stephens face was, in Acts 6:15 “like the face of an angel”. As the face of Moses was when he came from the presence of God. His face shone so brightly that he had to cover it.

Listen, The God of Glory Appeared

Acts 7:1–10
They asked if the accusations were true, knowing they weren’t. In reply, in Acts 7:2 (LEB) So he said, “Men—brothers and fathers—listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he* was in Mesopotamia, … and begins to rehearse their history. This is a long account, and it is seldom that we have a word for word transcription, but there are a few places where the words are especially significant and are recorded as spoken.

Look at the wisdom of this response, remember that Stephen is filled with the Holy Spirit as he speaks. If we were to reply, we would likely respond in anger, defending our position, denying what they had said. Instead, His first words are inclusive, “Men and Brothers” then he says “Listen”. He quiets everyone and brings their attention to his words. Then he makes a statement that all of them accept as true, “the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham”. Stephen continues to build one truth upon another leading them into Egypt with Joseph second only to Pharoah.

The People Increased and Multiplied in Egypt

Acts 7:11–19
Their history as a people continues to unfold as Jacob sends his son’s to Egypt and they find Joseph alive in Acts 7:13. Stephen then reminds them in Acts 7:17 (LEB) “But as the time of the promise that God had made to Abraham was drawing near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt” and goes on in vs 18-19 to talk about how “this man deceitfully took advantage”, “causing them to abandon their children”.

God cares about children (*study this).

Who Appointed You a Ruler and a Judge?

Acts 7:20–29
Stephen moves on to the birth of Moses, “at the time”, when the children of Israel were being killed. And in Acts 7:20 (LEB) At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God. ⌊He⌋ was brought up for three months in his* father’s house … But the children had to be abandoned, as Moses was.

Then, he was taken and raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and in Acts 7:22 (LEB) And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was powerful in his words and deeds. But he also received instruction from his mother and knew his heritage. These two identities were warring in him and he gets ahead of God’s plan trying in Acts 7:26 to “reconcile them in peace”. This time separated him from his status as a leader in Egypt, and it humbled him as a man as he fled and became a foreigner. From this point, we don’t see him as described in vs 22, “powerful in his words and deeds”.

God Will Raise Up For You a Prophet

Acts 7:30–38
Stephen continues, telling them everything they know and believe about their history. How, in Acts 7:30 (LEB) “And when* forty years had been completed, an angel appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai in the flame of a burning bush.”

When Moses responded, he asked for one to speak for him, … get Exodus ref … , no longer the powerful Egyptian son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

Stephen is still reciting fact, the basis of their faith, the truth’s of their history, and now he makes three statements. First, that God did set, in Acts 7:35 (LEB) This Moses whom they had repudiated, saying, ‘Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer with ⌊the help⌋ of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. and last, in Acts 7:38 (LEB) This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and who with our fathers received living oracles to give to us, these two that they would easily accept, but in the middle, comes revelation about the Messiah as he recounts in Acts 7:37 (LEB) “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’

The Tabernacle of Testimony Belonged to Our Fathers

Acts 7:39–47
The truth now gets heavy because God, who delivered them was rejected. These people that had seen great signs and wonders were still holding on to Egypt, and the gods of Egypt. They refused to have faith in God (see Numbers 14:11, 20). But, in Acts 7:44–45 (LEB) The tabernacle of the testimony ⌊belonged⌋ to our fathers in the wilderness, just as the one who spoke to Moses directed him* to make it according to the design that he had seen, 45 and which, after* receiving it* in turn, our fathers brought in with Joshua ⌊when they dispossessed the⌋ nations that God drove out from the presence of our fathers, until the days of David, we find that God was with them still.

Amos 5:25 asks, “Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings those forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?”

Study Verses

• Acts 6:1–7
• Acts 6:8–15
• Acts 7:30–38

Today’s Reading

• Acts 6:1-15
• Acts 7:1-47

What is the worst thing someone might accuse you of as a believer? No, I don’t really want to go there, but look at the worst accusation the accusers could throw at the Apostles in Acts 5:28 “You Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Teaching!”. Now, that is an accusation I could take. In fact, that is a pretty good start to a prayer, but first look at the example, the pattern for prayer, given in Acts 4:24-30. And after they had prayed, they were bold, they were protected, and signs followed through the name. Jesus!

Extend Your Hand to Heal

Acts 4:23–31
This band of believers had been together with one mind and one purpose since Jesus sent them to Jerusalem. It is right that Peter and John would go to report to them what had happened. Then, in Acts 4:24 (LEB) And when they* heard it,* they lifted their voices with one mind to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, …

They give us a lesson in prayer as they quote what has already been written, from Psalm 146:6 (LEB) who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, the one who keeps faith forever, and then they quote David and acknowledge the anointing of the Holy Spirit in his words from Psalm 2:1–2 (LEB) Why are nations in tumult, and countries plotting in vain? 2 The kings of the earth establish themselves, and the rulers conspire together against Yahweh and his anointed:. Now, they turn their attention to naming the enemies that set themselves against Jesus and now have set themselves against his apostles and his people. Then, in Acts 4:29-30 they ask for three things: 1. “Lord, concern yourself with their threats” and this is unspoken but clearly a request for God to remove the threat and protect his people. 2. “grant your slaves to speak your message with all boldness” which is what we have seen happening as they are filled with the Holy Spirit. 3. “extend your hand to heal” they wanted God’s confirming power manifested through the name of Jesus.

“‘their demand is not now for miracles of vengeance or destruction, such as fire from heaven, but for miracles of mercy’,31 Moreover, the word and the signs would go together, the signs and wonders confirming the word proclaimed with boldness”¹

And, the place was shaken in Acts 4:31 and they were filled and they spoke with boldness and going forward, in Acts 5:12 “many signs and wonders”.

Great Grace was on Them All

Acts 4:32–37
Think about this statement in Acts 4:32 “the group of those who believed were one heart and one soul”. It is an amazing thing to have a group of people gather together for one purpose as we saw in Acts 2:46 (LEB) And every day, devoting themselves to meeting* with one purpose in the temple courts* and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart. But this goes beyond that. They also, it says, had one heart and one soul. The needs of one were the needs of all. It was not a time for them to be thinking about my family, my retirement, my property, it was truly a time of God’s grace to meet every need.

For What Reason Has Satan Filled Your Heart

Acts 5:1–11
This account makes it clear that there was no demand on anyone that they had to give. What they had was theirs. The lie in Acts 5:3-4 is not that they kept back part of what they owned, it was that they said they were giving it all. They were not honest about the amount, but even worse, they made it seem that they were. You may say that Peter had a word of knowledge or he may have had a vision as Jesus did before meeting Nathaniel. Whatever it was, the Holy Spirit intervened to keep their hearts pure.

Many Signs and Wonders Were Being Performed

Acts 5:12–16
They all continued together and God was confirming his word, he was answering their prayer from Acts 4:29-30. Even more were added in Acts 5:14 (LEB) And even more believers in the Lord were being added, large numbers of both men and women. But, now we see a shift. People are being healed as Peter’s shadow touches them. People from all around were bringing their sick and Acts 5:12 says “who were all being healed”.

There is a principle at work here. God had always been happy to heal. Jesus demonstrated God’s will to heal. Yet, even Jesus said in Mark 6:5–6 (LEB) And he was not able to do any miracle in that place except to lay his hands on a few sick people and* heal them.* 6 And he was astonished because of their unbelief. And he was going around among the villages teaching.

The principle at work is that people need to hear God’s word first. Then, they begin to believe. And as faith in God increases, people are able to receive what God has for them. As it says in Romans 10:17 (LEB) Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word about Christ. And in Hebrews 11:6 (LEB) Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and is a rewarder of those who seek him. The Apostles and the people are experiencing this in action as the word of the Kingdom is being taught, people are believing, miracles are increasing.

Go and Stand in the Temple Courts

Acts 5:17–26
The religious leaders of the day were jealous, Acts 5:17. They used their position to stop the apostles and put them in prison, not secretly, in the public prison to also taint their reputation with the people.

But God had heard their prayer in Acts 4:29-30. Their protector showed up in the prison, in Acts 19-20 an “angel of the Lord … led them out”. The angel didn’t just set them free, he also gave them a command from the Lord, in Acts 5:20 (LEB) “Go and stand in the temple courts* and* proclaim to the people all the words of this life.” And so, they went to the temple courts. Not waiting until the third hour when they might normally arrive, they began teaching at day-break. (See the message Tell The People based on these verses.)

And, then there were the religious leaders again, and their captain and his officers went again and brought them again.

You Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Teaching!

Acts 5:27–33
If only this could be said about us in our cities! But, here they are, standing in front of the Sanhedrin and the high priest and these also said, in Acts 5:28 “And you are intending to bring upon us the blood of this man!”

Peter continues to hit them hard in vs 29 “obey God rather than men”, vs 30 “Jesus, whom you killed” vs 31 “this one God exalted … Saviour”, and vs 31 “and we are witnesses … and so is the Holy Spirit”. And, in Acts 5:33 “they … were wanting to execute them”.

If this is an example of Ephesians 4:15 (LEB) But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, we may have some serious thinking to do with our 21st Century doctrine.

If This Matter is From God …

Acts 5:34–42
Religious leaders were as great an enemy of the early believers as any other. But even among their ranks, there may be wisdom. Patience is sometimes needed. God will confirm his work. And, here, in the midst of their opposition, God answers their prayer, not through retribution or destruction, but by simply having them released.

This matter is from God and in Acts 5:42 (LEB) Every day, both in the temple courts* and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ was Jesus.

Study Verses

• Acts 4:23–31
• Acts 5:17–26
• Acts 5:27–33

Today’s Reading

• Acts 4:23-37
• Acts 5:1-42

References

1. 1. Stott, J. R. W. (1994). The message of Acts: the Spirit, the church & the world (p. 100). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.