Archives for November 2017

OVERVIEW: The revelation of the righteousness of God reproduced in the church (chapters 12-16).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

After introducing the theme of the Book of Romans, the revelation of the righteousness of God in the gospel of Christ (1:16-17), Paul walked us through eight chapters of PRINCIPLES related to that gospel. Then, beginning in chapter 9 and continuing through chapter 11, Paul identified and addressed the PROBLEMS of the gospel as they related to the nation of Israel. We called this section a “parenthesis” because if you were to read from Romans 8:39 right into 12:1, it would make perfect sense! Check it out…

Paul says in Romans 8:38–39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Now, beginning with Romans 12:1, we move into the third and final section of this great epistle. Having considered the PRINCIPLES and PROBLEMS of the gospel in the first 11 chapters, in these final five chapters (12-16), Paul takes us into an examination of the PRACTICE of the gospel. What he does in these chapters is a classic Pauline pattern that we will be able to observe in all of his writings.

In each of the New Testament letters God inspired Paul to write, he always establishes the specific DOCTRINES in the beginning of the book. Each letter then concludes by providing the reader with a series of practical DUTIES which are based upon the DOCTRINES he’s presented. Paul was aware of the danger in laying down PRINCIPLES without identifying how those PRINCIPLES were to affect the PRACTICE of our lives. (i.e. Receiving INFORMATION with no regard for TRANSFORMATION!) As Bible-believers, we must understand that DOCTRINE and DUTIES always go hand-in-hand. Each time we approach the Word of God, we must ask ourselves two very simple questions: “What is it that God wants me to BELIEVE?” and “How is it that God wants me to BEHAVE?” You see this pattern established very clearly in the Book of Romans. For the first eight chapters Paul identifies the DOCTRINAL PRINCIPLES related to the gospel; then in the final five chapters, he provides the PRACTICAL DUTIES based upon those principles.

Beginning in chapter 12 and continuing through chapter 14, Paul identifies the following relationships that have been dramatically affected by receiving the gospel. With each RELATIONSHIP he provides a corresponding RESPONSIBILITY:

• Our relationship to God…Offer reasonable service. (12:1-2)
• Our relationship to other believers…Minister our gifts. (12:3-16)
• Our relationship to our enemies…Overcome evil, with good. (12:17-21)
• Our relationship to rulers…Be subject (submissive). (13:1-7)
• Our relationship to our neighbors…Owe nothing but love. (13:8-14)
• Our relationship to weaker believers…Receive and edify. (14:1-23)

Realizing the benefit of an example when transitioning from theory to practice, in chapter 15, Paul provides three examples of people who ministered to others: He begins with the ministry of Christ and how He pleased and received others. (15:1-13) Next, he provides himself as an example of one that forwarded God’s message. (15:14). Finally, he holds up the Gentile churches and their sacrificial giving to the impoverished believers at Jerusalem as an example. (15:25-35)

In chapter 16, God finds an incredible way to teach us about the important keys to Paul’s ministry. Paul sends his greetings to 26 individuals, two households, and several churches that are meeting in people’s homes. That’s a lot of relationships, considering these people reside in a city that Paul has not yet been permitted to visit! As we read this list, we can’t help but be impressed with the fact that Paul loved people. No doubt, many of these names represented people he had personally won to Christ in other cities, who now resided in Rome. It is more than apparent that Paul’s ministry centered around two key things: the GREAT COMMANDMENT (Loving God and loving people), and the GREAT COMMISSION (Reproducing reproducers — i.e. Making disciples!) May each of our ministries reflect the same.

OVERVIEW: The revelation of the righteousness of God rejected in Judaism (chapters 9-11).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Today we move into the second half of this great doctrinal epistle of the Apostle Paul. Keep in mind that the purpose of the writing of Romans is to reveal the righteousness of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1:16-17) In the first half of Romans (Chapters 1–8), Paul identified a number of PRINCIPLES related to the righteousness we receive through the gospel:

• Sin is a universal reality. (Chapters 1-3)
• Salvation is a free gift. (Chapter 3)
• Salvation is received by faith. (Chapter 4)
• Salvation is secure and forever. (Chapter 5)
• Sanctification is from sin and the law. (Chapters 6-7)
• Sanctification is by the Spirit. (Chapter 8)

But beginning in chapter 9, Paul turns his attention to some of the PROBLEMS related to the righteousness we receive through the gospel, particularly, problems that relate to the Jews. The first problem had to do with the fact that at the time Paul wrote the Book of Romans, the Old Testament sacrifices were still being offered in the temple at Jerusalem. The principles Paul laid out in Romans 1-8 have rendered those sacrifices completely MEANINGLESS.

The second problem was related to the reality that each time Paul preached in a Jewish synagogue, he knew that Judaism and Christianity could not co-exist. If Christianity continued to spread across the world, Judaism’s fate was sealed. It was just that reality that caused Paul to so bitterly oppose Christianity prior to his conversion.

Finally, the greatest problem Paul faced was reconciling in people’s minds the doctrines of the church with the covenants God had made to the nation of Israel. The two questions that continually surfaced each time Paul preached in the presence of Jews were: “Are the promises of God to the nation of Israel now null and void?” and “Where does the Jew stand in relationship to God in this dispensation?” The purpose of Romans 9, 10, and 11 is to provide answers to those questions. The Spirit of God obviously knew that these answers would blast Satan’s attempts to pervert the gospel with the false teachings of the Judiazers (those who were zealous for Judaism).

Some have called chapters 9, 10, and 11 a parenthesis in the Book of Romans. A parenthesis is defined as a sentence or paragraph that provides the reader with an explanation. That’s exactly what Romans 9, 10, and 11 do! They provide us with an explanation of how it is that God could set aside His chosen people for a period of time, and how it is that God will restore Israel at a future date, and fulfill all the promises He made to them in the Old Testament. The three chapters of this parenthesis can be broken down as follows:

• In Romans 9, the emphasis is on Israel’s PAST ELECTION.
• In Romans 10, the emphasis is on Israel’s PRESENT REJECTION.
• In Romans 11, the emphasis is on Israel’s FUTURE RESTORATION.

A couple of other side notes:

Don’t let Paul’s statement in Romans 9:13 freak you out: “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” The “as it is written” lets us know that Paul is quoting an Old Testament reference. He is quoting Malachi 1:2-3, where this statement is made in reference to NATIONS, not INDIVIDUALS! “Esau” is representative of the Edomite nation. “Jacob” is representative of the nation of Israel. Because of John 3:16 and countless other Scriptures, there is no way that the Bible teaches that God loves some sinners, and hates others.

Concerning the hardening of Pharaoh in 9:17-18, understand that God always gives people exactly what they want. If we want truth, God will give us truth. If we want a lie, God will give us a lie. Exodus 8:15 says that Pharaoh hardened his heart. Then in Exodus 9:12, it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. The fact is, God simply gave Pharaoh what he wanted. It is the same principle that is repeated in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. This passage identifies people who have understood the truth and have had the opportunity to receive the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (2:10), but rather than receive the truth, they “had pleasure in unrighteousness,” (2:12) and, therefore, lied to themselves, and rejected the truth. The passage teaches that in the Tribulation Period when the antichrist comes on the scene, God will say in effect, “You wanted a lie—that’s exactly what you’ll get!” Verses 11 and 12 say that God Himself will “send them strong delusion” so that they will believe the lie of the antichrist, and be forever damned. In Pharaoh’s case, GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart because PHARAOH hardened Pharaoh’s heart! With those who miss the rapture because they lied to themselves when God presented them the truth, God will simply give them what they proved they wanted.

We might do well to ask ourselves today, “Is there anything I’m saying to God by the message my life is communicating to Him that I want, that I don’t really want Him to give me?

OVERVIEW: The righteousness of God received by faith (chapter 4); the revelation of the righteousness of God realized in the soul (chapter 5); the righteousness of God revealed in trials (chapters 6-7); the righteousness of God represented as eternal (chapter 8).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we discussed in yesterday’s comments, in terms of doctrine, there is not a more important book in the entire New Testament than the Book of Romans. In terms of doctrine, God is more than just a little adamant about it! Though the heed and call in “Christian” circles today is to “let go” of doctrine for the sake of so-called “unity”, God’s clear admonition to His church is to “hold fast” (2 Tim. 1:13) to sound doctrine, so that we can be genuinely unified with everyone else who wraps their hands firmly around the truth of His Word! It is not simply our love that unites us, but our love of the truth! True biblical love always has truth as its basis (See 2 John 1:1-4 and the usage of the word “truth” five times in these four verses!) It is worth noting that in the epistles Paul wrote to Pastor Timothy and Pastor Titus (i.e. the “pastoral epistles”) he mentions doctrine no less than 13 times! (See 1 Tim. 1:3, 10; 4:1, 6, 16; 5:17; 6:1, 3: 2 Tim. 3:10; 4:2; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 10.) Again, doctrine is what the Book of Romans is all about, not the least of which is the doctrine of salvation! There is no other Book of the Bible that provides more complete teaching on this most important subject than the Book of Romans.

Something else that is important to note, as we make our way through this incredible Book, is Paul’s utilization of questions in presenting his case. Perhaps you picked up on that in yesterday’s reading. In yesterday’s reading alone (Rom. 1-3), do you realize that Paul asked over 25 questions?! It’s almost as if he anticipates the objections a person might raise in response to the truth he’s presenting, and takes away their argument before they can even get there. It is a masterful teaching technique that the Spirit of God uniquely gifted Paul to employ. Pay close attention to this technique as we make our way through the remainder of this Book.

As we move into chapter 4 today, it is important to note a very significant transition that is being made. Whereas chapters 1-3 focused on the fact that God’s righteousness is REQUIRED BY SINNERS, chapter 4 focuses on the fact that God’s righteousness is RECEIVED BY FAITH. Whereas chapters 1-3 focused on the “WHAT”, chapter 4 focuses on the “HOW”.

In 4:1-8, Paul introduces us to the REWARD of righteousness by faith, namely that we are “justified”. To be justified means to be rendered righteous. It may be trite for some, but a great way to remember the truth encompassed in the word “justified”, is that it means, “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned. As an illustration, Paul reaches back into the Old Testament to the life of Abraham to point to one who was justified by faith. (4:1-8) Then, Paul reveals three truths concerning how it is that justification is actually reckoned to us:

• It is not by circumcision. (4:9-12)
• It is not by the law. (4:13-15)
• It is only by grace through faith. (4:16-22)

The chapter closes with the promise that just as God imputed righteousness to Abraham because of his faith, He, likewise, imputes righteousness to each of us who receive the gospel by faith.

Having laid down the reality that the righteousness God demands is not an ACHIEVED RIGHTEOUSNESS, but a RECEIVED RIGHTEOUSNESS (that is, a righteousness that is not of WORKS, but by FAITH), Paul then moves in chapter 5 to lay out the fact that because we didn’t do anything to EARN our salvation (our righteousness), there is also nothing we can do to LOSE it! The doctrine of the eternal security of the believer (one of the most controversial doctrines in Christianity!) is firmly established in the Book of Romans, particularly in chapter 5.

This chapter can be divided into two sections.

The 1st section (5:1-10), identifies the BENEFIT of justification by faith: SECURITY.

The 2nd section (5:11-21), identifies the BASIS for justification by faith: ATONEMENT.

As we move into chapters 6-8, notice other transitions that are also being made:

• Chapters 1-5 teach us about JUSTIFICATION by faith.
• Chapters 6-8 teach us about SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit.
• Chapters 1-5 identify how God saved us from the PENALTY of sin.
• Chapters 6-8 identify how Christ saved us from the POWER of sin.
• Chapters 1-5 show us the GATEWAY to the Christian life.
• Chapters 6-8 show us the PATHWAY of the Christian life.

While there is a significant CONTRAST between Romans 1-5 and 6-8, there is an equally significant CONNECTION between Romans 6, 7 and 8. The connection between these three chapters is linked to a little phrase found in Romans 5:17: “reign in life”. Notice that Paul does not fully explain (in this verse) HOW those who have been justified by faith in Christ shall “reign in life”. The full explanation comes in Romans 6, 7 and 8. Check it out…

• Romans 6 explains how the believer can reign in life because SIN no longer REIGNS over us. (6:12)
• Romans 7 explains how the believer can reign in life because the LAW no longer has DOMINION over us. (7:1, 4)
• Romans 8 explains how the believer can reign in life because the SPIRIT now gives LIFE and LIBERTY to us. (8:2, 4)

OVERVIEW: The righteousness of God required by the heathen (chapter 1); the righteousness of God required by the hypocrite and Hebrew (chapter 2); the righteousness of God required by all of humanity (chapter 3).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

To this point in our reading through the New Testament we have been in the historical section. In the four Gospels, we were able to see four historical perspectives of Jesus Christ’s person and ministry. The Book of Acts revealed to us the history of the early church through the “acts of the apostles”, and allowed us to see the transition that occurred from God’s dealing with the nation of Israel to God’s dealing with the church.

As we have learned, there are three key transitional Books in the New Testament:

1. Matthew—which bridges from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
2. Acts—which bridges from the nation of Israel to the church.
3. Hebrews—which bridges from the church back to the nation of Israel.

We have just crossed the HISTORICAL bridge provided by the Book of Acts, and are now entering the DOCTRINAL teachings of the Church Age.

Without a doubt, the Book of Romans is the greatest book in the Bible on Christian doctrine. It is very different from the other New Testament Books in that Paul is not writing to address doctrinal or practical problems with this church. What God is actually developing through the content of this book is the handbook that gives us God’s viewpoint of what He is doing in and through His church. That’s why God placed this book immediately following the Book of Acts. Right after we come through the historical section of the New Testament, and prior to getting into the other church epistles, God provides us His handbook for understanding the DOCTRINE of the church. It is also interesting to note that the order of the letters to the churches in the New Testament follow the prescription laid down in 2 Timothy 3:16, that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for:

• DOCTRINE – Romans (the New Testament book on Christian doctrine)
• REPROOF – 1 and 2 Corinthians (books that reprove sin)
• CORRECTION – Galatians (A book specifically written to correct false doctrine)
• INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (books teaching righteous living based on sound doctrine)

The apostle God used to write this epistle (letter) is identified in the first word of the first verse of the first chapter of the book. It was written by Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), as were all of the letters to the churches. Paul was uniquely qualified to be the one God chose to write the Book of Romans in that he was born a Jew (Acts 21:39; 22:3), was completely familiar with Greek culture (Acts 21:37), and was a possessor of Roman citizenship. (Acts 16:37; 22:25; 23:37)

It is important to note that though God chose to use Paul to write this epistle to the Romans, Paul himself had never actually been to Rome. He had a passion within him to get there to minister to the believers, but somehow in God’s sovereignty, by the time of the writing of this letter, He had not allowed it. In Paul’s introduction in chapter one, he feels compelled to let the Romans (and us!) know that. He writes, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” (1:9–13)

I don’t know how your mind works, but when you read verses like that, don’t you just have to ask, why wouldn’t God let Paul get to Rome sooner? I mean, if he’s the Apostle to the Gentiles, why wouldn’t God allow him to go and minister there to his heart’s content? And don’t you think Paul had that very same question? But then, think about it. Do you realize that most of the believers to which God would use the Apostle Paul to establish in Christian doctrine (1:11), would be people just like the Romans, who had never and would never see Paul face to face? What actually happens through the Book of Romans then, is God uses His ministry through Paul to accomplish the same purposes in us that He did in the believers in Rome in the first century! It’s a very subtle reminder that when we have a passion for a good thing that God doesn’t bring to pass, it’s most likely because He is serving a much more grand and glorious purpose! In this case, if Paul would have gotten to Rome on his time schedule, we wouldn’t have the Book of Romans in our possession today!

Following the introduction in 1:1-15, Paul then identifies two ways God exhibits His power: First, He demonstrates His RIGHTEOUSNESS to those who receive the gospel by faith. (1:16, 17) Second, He demonstrates His WRATH to those who reject His truth by ungodliness. (1:18, 21) In the remainder of chapter one, Paul catalogs the sins of the Gentiles, beginning with their rejection of His glory (1:21-23), which resulted in their perversion physically (1:24-25), emotionally (1:26-27), and mentally (1:28-32).

Having proven the ungodliness of the Gentiles (HEATHEN) in chapter one, he then turns the spotlight on the sins of the HYPOCRITES in 2:1-16, and the sins of the HEBREWS in 2:17-29. He begins chapter two by showing the hypocrites the inexcusableness of their behavior. (2:1-4) Anticipating their objections, Paul informs them of an inescapable appointment they have with God’s judgment. (2:5-16) He concludes the chapter by exposing the unreliable confidence the Jews place in the law (2:17, 24) and in the unprofitable ritual of circumcision. (2:25-29)

In chapter three, Paul reaches the conclusion to which he has been moving since chapter one, verse 18. The conclusion is identified in 3:9: “For we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all UNDER SIN.” In other words, whether you’re a HEATHEN (1:21-32), a HYPOCRITE (2:1-16), or a HEBREW (2:17-29), the scriptures conclude that “there is none righteous, no, not one!” (3:10) Paul realizes that before someone receives the “good news” of the gospel, they must acknowledge the “bad news” of their sinfulness. So, chapter three begins by proving all of humanity’s condemnation before God (3:1-20), and concludes by manifesting the availability of righteousness to all who choose to receive it. (3:21-31) Take note of the fact that God’s righteousness is offered with three conditions:

• It must be received apart from the law. (3:21)
• It is only available through Christ. (3:22-26)
• It can only be accepted by faith. (3:21-31)

Note some key facts and figures about the Book of Romans:

• Approximate date of writing: 60 A.D.
• Key Verse: Romans 1:16, 17
• Key Word: “Righteousness” (appears 39 times)
• Christ is seen as OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Romans 3:23, 24)
• Chapters: 16; Verses: 433; Words: 9,477

Here is a simple outline to guide us through the Book:

• The Revelation of Righteousness in the Gospel
• The Righteousness Received in Salvation (Chapters 1-8)
• The Righteousness Rejected by the Jews (Chapters 9-11)
• The Righteousness Reproduced in Sanctification (Chapters 12-16)

OVERVIEW: Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa (chapter 26); Paul’s journey to and arrival in Rome (chapters 27 and 28).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we move into chapter 26 today, we find Paul giving his testimony before king Agrippa. Agrippa is the great grandson of Herod the Great who sought to kill Jesus at his birth. (Matthew 2:1-16) We will observe two key features of Paul’s message before King Agrippa: 1) The SINCERE CONCERN of Paul’s Message; and 2) The SIMPLE CONTENT of Paul’s Message.

1. THE SINCERE CONCERN OF PAUL’S MESSAGE.

It would have been easy for Paul to despise the corrupt and wicked rulers before whom he had been on trial. Clearly, none of them were willing to take a stand for the truth and declare Paul’s innocence. (23:27-29; 24:12-13; 26:31) The Jews falsely accused Paul and wanted to kill him. (21:28-29; 23:12-15) Felix kept Paul in prison in hopes of a bribe (24:26), and to please the wicked Jews. (24:27) Festus also kept Paul bound in an attempt to keep the Jews happy. (25:9) It seems that “justice” was going to the highest bidder, or to the best liar. But despite all of this injustice and corruption causing him to become bitter or angry, Paul simply did what Paul always did: he passionately declared the gospel of Jesus Christ, sincerely longing for the salvation of these wicked men! Even when king Agrippa, one of the most perverted and corrupt men imaginable, sarcastically commented to Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” (26:28) Paul sincerely responded, “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (26:29) Paul’s compassion for the souls of these corrupt men allowed him to see past their wickedness to the cross where Christ died for their sins. With all of the love in his heart, Paul longed to see the salvation of every man, even his persecutors! Oh, may God fill us with the sincere passion and compassion of this faithful servant and follower of Christ! Remember, Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

2. THE SIMPLE CONTENT OF PAUL’S MESSAGE.

It’s important for us to pay close attention to the content of Paul’s message each time he stood before a government official. Had it been me, I probably would have been up all night, wracking my brain, trying to craft the most moving, thought-provoking and powerful sermon imaginable. But not Paul! Each time he stands before a world ruler, he simply gives his testimony, with a very simple presentation of the gospel. He didn’t get stressed, nor did he concern himself with brilliance or eloquence. His message was essentially this: “I once was lost, but now I’m found!” Paul’s simple approach gives evidence that he had truly taken to heart the words Jesus had spoken concerning him, that he would “be his witness unto all men of what thou hast SEEN and HEARD.” (Acts 22:15) Paul understood that he was only responsible for declaring that! Again, may we learn from this choice servant and follower of Christ! May we genuinely understand that God doesn’t need us to be intellectual elitists, eloquent preachers, or Bible experts! We simply need to declare boldly what we have SEEN and HEARD!

The great evangelist H.A. Ironside’s preaching was once interrupted by an atheist shouting, “There is no God! Jesus is a myth!” After continuous interruptions, the man finally said, “I challenge you to a debate!” Ironside responded, “I accept your challenge, sir, but on one condition! When you come, bring with you 10 men and women whose lives have been changed for the better by the message of atheism. Bring former prostitutes and criminals whose lives have been changed, who are now moral and responsible individuals. Bring outcasts who had no hope and have them tell us how becoming atheists has lifted them out of the pit! And sir,” he concluded, “if you can find 10 such men and women, I will be happy to debate you. And when I come, I will gladly bring with me 200 men and women from this very city whose lives have been transformed in just those ways by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Oh, may we never forget that the simple testimony of a changed life is a powerful witness to the transforming power of Christ! Ask God to open a door for you today, to simply tell someone what you’ve SEEN and HEARD.

After a difficult journey, Paul finally landed at Rome (28:16) around 60 A.D., where he was permitted to live in a rented house, in which he received guests, and constantly preached the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. For the next two years, Acts 28:31 says Paul continued “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” It is believed that Paul also wrote his epistles to Philemon, Timothy, Titus, the Ephesians, the Colossians and the Philippians during this Roman “imprisonment”. According to the record of history, Paul was beheaded sometime after 64 A.D. during Nero’s severe persecution of Christians. During this same persecution, Peter was also crucified. (History records that Peter requested that he be crucified upside-down because he didn’t consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as our Lord.)

But before we complete our discussion of the Book of Acts today, let’s consider what may be the most important lesson of this incredible book. It is very simply this: God takes full responsibility for accomplishing His own mission!

Actually, the Book of Acts is rather comical when you consider how confused these “great men and women of God” in the early church were for the first 27 years of their ministry. The believers in Acts 1- 7 had no idea whether or not Christ would immediately return to restore the kingdom to Israel, so they had sold their houses and all of their possessions, then camped out in Jerusalem so they didn’t miss His Second Coming. (Acts 1:6-7; 2:44-47; 4:34-35; Zechariah 14:1-9) The Apostles were startled and confused when the Samaritans and Gentiles started getting saved. (Acts 11:1-3, 18) The Jewish believers had an extremely difficult time letting go of circumcision, and other components of the law of Moses, so they could be free to simply trust the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for their salvation and/or their sanctification. (Acts 15:1-2) The Apostles were most certainly shocked when God postponed His dealings with Israel in order to begin working with a new institution, the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. (Rom. 11:25; Eph. 3:1-13)

When you put it all together, you begin to realize, that from a human standpoint, living in the time of the early church could have been frustrating and confusing IF you were attempting to analyze and formulize God. If, however, you “walked by faith and not by sight,” then every day would have been a tremendous adventure! Consider some of the incredible “acts” we have seen the Lord Jesus Christ carry out through the Apostles in this Book.

First, consider how God’s ancient arrangement of the Jewish holy feasts “just happened” to bring the Jews at “just the right time” and to “just the right place” to be able to witness the crucifixion of their Messiah at Passover. Then, 50 days later at Pentecost, to bring them together again, to have the opportunity to repent of their fatal error of crucifying their own Messiah! (Acts 2) Do you remember how we saw God intervene on behalf of Peter and John, freeing them from prison to continue preaching to the people in Acts 5:17-20? Don’t forget how God used the persecution that arose after the stoning of Stephen to serve His purposes in motivating the obstinate Jewish believers to get out of Jerusalem and carry out the rest of His mission to Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth! (Acts 1:8; 8:1) How about how God supernaturally arranged Philip’s meeting with the Ethiopian eunuch? (Acts 8:26-30) What about the perfectly timed salvation of Saul (Paul), the Apostle to the Gentiles in Acts 9, and Peter’s visit to Cornelius’ house in Acts 10? We could go on and on with all of the supernatural “acts” God was orchestrating on behalf of the Apostles!

So, again, what’s the main “take-away” from this key Book of the Bible?

That God will accomplish His own mission despite our cluelessness, and despite our human inabilities and frailties. If we surrender ourselves to Him daily, we will have the amazing honor of joining God where He is already working. Have a great adventure with God today!

OVERVIEW: Paul’s testimony before riotous Jews (chapter 22); Paul’s testimony before the Jewish Council (chapter 23); Paul’s testimony before Felix, the governor of Judea (chapter 24); Paul’s testimony before Festus (chapter 25).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem marked the beginning of his end. In Acts 21, the Jews of Jerusalem had stirred up a riot crying out, “Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.” (21:28) The Roman chief captain of Jerusalem, not wanting this riot to reach Caesar’s ears for his job’s sake, immediately halted the riot, rescuing Paul from certain death. (21:31-32)

Chapter 22 is Paul’s testimony before the riotous Jewish crowd. As soon as he mentions preaching to Gentiles (22:21-22), the crowd returns to a nearly unmanageable uproar. The chief captain was about to scourge Paul until he discovered that Paul was a Roman citizen. With that revelation, Paul inserted himself into the flow of the Roman legal system, thereby guaranteeing him an audience with leading political figures in the Roman government, even Caesar himself.

The chapters that follow record Paul’s testimony before a few of these figures. In chapter 23, Paul stands before the Jewish council once again in Jerusalem. In chapter 24, Paul is transferred to Caeserea, the Roman provincial seat of Judea, where he stands before governor Felix. Felix is replaced by Festus (24:27), and in chapter 25, Paul gives testimony before Festus and the Jewish council.

Though there are many truths and applications that are worthy of discussion in today’s reading, let’s focus our attention on a few truths related to Paul’s suffering, and how his suffering relates to ours.

1. Suffering was a natural part of Paul’s commission, as it is a natural part of our commission. When God commissioned Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles, he described his ministry this way: “He (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15,16) God promised that Paul would have the incredible privilege of preaching the gospel to Gentiles, to kings, and to the children of Israel, so what Paul was experiencing in Acts 21-25 was actually God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. But God’s faithfulness also included the promise of suffering. God would likewise be faithful in keeping that promise. One of the many things that made Paul so unique as a follower of Christ was the fact that he joyfully accepted suffering as the normal and natural result of following Christ, and reckoned that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) Paul was able to keep that perspective because he was constantly looking into the eternal realm, and passionately using his life to invest in Christ’s everlasting kingdom. (2 Cor. 4:18; 2 Peter 1:11) God promised those of us who desire to live like Paul: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12) If we live like Paul, and we, too, look at and live for a different kingdom, if we are constantly seeking to give the gospel to the lost, and constantly seeking to live a holy life for His glory, there’s no doubt about it, we will suffer! But always keep in mind, if we invest in eternity, a greater hope and reward is yet before us!
2. Suffering brings us into a deeper intimacy with Christ, because through it, we are able to fellowship with Him in a much deeper and personal way. (Phil. 3:10) Paul was one of the few human beings who actually understood that principle. With the persecution and suffering Paul experienced, if he would have viewed it from the standpoint of a natural man, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Paul saying something like, “God, here I am witnessing for you, seeking to live a holy life for Your glory, and this is what I get?!” It’s the complaint we often hear from lost people: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Though that sounds like a very legitimate question, the reality is, it’s actually a very self-righteous and self-centered question! It’s self-righteous, because we’re calling ourselves “good” when Romans 3:12 clearly states, “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” It’s self-centered, because it assumes that life is all about us when Revelation 4:11 plainly declares, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created!” The real question should be, “Why do good things happen to such bad people?” That was Paul’s perspective. Paul was so thankful for the price that Jesus Christ paid for him that he actually considered the sufferings he endured in this life a blessing! In fact, suffering like Christ was one of his goals in life! He says in Philippians 3:8–10, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

Again, Paul understood the biblical principle that we so desperately need to learn in the 21^st century: suffering is a natural and normal part of our calling. (1 Peter 2:21) It is through suffering, we not only become more like Christ, but become more intimately acquainted with Him. Oh God, please grant us that perspective.

OVERVIEW: Paul’s ministry at Corinth (chapter 18); Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (chapter 19); Paul begins his journey to Jerusalem (chapter 20); Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem (chapter 21).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

By the time we open our Bibles to Acts 18 in today’s reading, Paul and his missionary team have preached throughout Syria and Cilicia (15:41), the cities of Lystra and Derbe (16:1), throughout Phrygia and Galatia (16:6), the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea in Macedonia (16:11,12; 17:1,10), and Athens, Greece (17:15). In virtually every place, the preaching of the gospel and the teaching of the Word of God have been met with great opposition and persecution. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul described his persistent sufferings in these terms: “In labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” Wow! What a resume! If God’s “whatever, wherever, whenever” for you and me included such persecutions, would we still obey Him? Remember, Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)

Acts 18 begins with Paul traveling from Athens to Corinth, a city in the Roman province of Achaia. (18:12) Corinth was a wealthy city, a center of intellectualism, and a city famous for its excess, carnality, and perversion. Every day was Mardi Gras in Corinth. It was the New Orleans, Amsterdam, or Bangkok of biblical times! To be a Corinthian was to almost automatically be associated with sexual promiscuity. In fact, “Corinthian woman” was a proverbial phrase for a prostitute, and “to play the Corinthian”, was to play the whore, or indulge in whorish behavior. Paul was sent there to shine the light of the glorious gospel of Christ into their great darkness.

Prior to Paul’s arrival, God had already arranged a meeting between Paul and a Jewish couple (Aquila and Priscilla) who had been exiled there from Rome. This couple became faithful followers of Christ, using all of their resources to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were sound in doctrine, having been used of God to correct Apollos’ outdated teaching in Acts18:25-26. Paul called this couple his “helpers in Christ Jesus” in Romans 16:3, even noting that they had “laid down their own necks” for his sake. (Rom. 16:4) All of the Gentile churches also gave thanks for Aquila and Priscilla (Rom. 16:4), and when they returned to Rome, their home became the meeting place of the church. (Rom. 16:5) Aquila and Priscilla knew what marriage was all about: a joint venture in advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Paul carried out a fruitful ministry in Corinth for “a year and six months.” (18:11) In that time, some prestigious men came to Christ: Justus, whose house was structurally connected to the Jewish synagogue; Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue; and eventually, another chief ruler of the synagogue and the man who had initially caused a riot over Paul’s preaching: Sosthenes. (18:17; 1 Cor. 1:1-2) In due time, Paul, along with Aquila and Priscilla, departed for Ephesus where Aquila and Priscilla were left, Paul continuing on to Caesarea, and eventually returning home to Antioch of Syria. (18:22-23)

While at Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla met a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt named Apollos, a powerful preacher who needed to be brought up to date doctrinally. When they encountered him, Apollos was still preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and performing the “baptism of John”. Apollos had no idea that Jesus the Messiah had already come and gone, that God’s plan for Israel had been postponed, and that the Church Age was already in effect. Aquila and Priscilla enlightened this evangelist and brought him into the present by explaining the events of the past 22 years. (18:26) Apollos humbly and joyfully receives the new revelation, begins preaching that Jesus is the Christ, and moves on to Corinth. (19:1)

While Apollos is at Corinth, Paul begins his third missionary journey, passing through Phrygia and Galatia (18:23) and landing at Ephesus (19:1), where he finds some of Apollos’ converts. As Jesus said, “The disciple is not above his master.” (Matt. 10:24) Like their discipler (Apollos), all these guys really understood about the New Testament was connected with the Jewish baptism of John the Baptist. Like Apollos, they, too, were totally unaware that the Messiah had already come and gone. Obviously, these disciples of Apollos had not been born again, because salvation comes only through Jesus Christ (see John 14:6), and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost is the evidence of that salvation! Romans 8:9 says it very plainly, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” These disciples, however, have never even heard of Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost! (19:1-4) Paul preaches the gospel of grace to them, they call on the name of Jesus, they are then baptized in water in Jesus’ name, and they immediately receive the Holy Ghost, speaking with tongues and prophesying. (19:4-6) Remember… tongues are a sign to skeptical Jews! (1 Cor. 1:22; 14:22) The events here at Ephesus are exactly like the events in Samaria (Acts 8:14-16), in that Paul’s apostolic authority and his message is validated by the sign of tongues. These Jewish disciples of Apollos now know with certainty that Paul’s gospel is the true gospel.

Paul had a fruitful few years at Ephesus (19:9-10,18-20), and the Word of God had free course throughout Asia (modern day Asia Minor). However, his success was stifled by a massive riot which forced him to begin his journey to Jerusalem. (19:21; 20:1) On his way to Jerusalem, Paul revisits many of the places wherein he had initially preached the gospel and planted churches, ministering to and edifying the disciples.

Paul, knowing that Jerusalem would mark the beginning of his end, is not afraid to die for the name of the Lord Jesus (21:13), because long ago, at his salvation, Paul had surrendered his life into the hands of His Saviour and Lord. Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12, “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Paul fearlessly and confidently declares in 2 Tim. 4:6-8, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Oh God, like Paul, may we live our lives with great confidence and assurance, fearlessly abandoned to You and to Your will for our lives.

OVERVIEW: The Jerusalem church addresses false teaching (chapter 15); Paul’s second missionary journey (chapters 16 and 17).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Acts 15 introduces to us continuing controversy surrounding the salvation of the Gentiles. When Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch of Syria they are met by some false teachers who are disputing with and convincing the newly saved Gentiles that they must be circumcised to be saved. Indeed, circumcision was a significant symbolic act under the Old Testament law, but through the blood of Jesus Christ, the law had been satisfied and circumcision was no longer necessary. (Galatians 5:6)

Paul, seeing the gospel in jeopardy, begins “no small dissension and disputation” (15:2) with these false teachers. Finally, it is determined that this question must be addressed by the Apostles in Jerusalem. Peter makes the point that whether Jew or Gentile, all are saved by grace so, “why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” (15:10) James settles the dispute, saying, “My sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (15:19-20) The question, then, is if the Gentiles are saved by grace, why do they have to “abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication,” (15:29) when none of those things are related to salvation or sanctification? James answers the question in verse 21: “For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.” What James was saying is that these stipulations were to be followed by the Gentiles in an effort to keep the door of faith open to the Jews. This is the same principle Paul followed in his ministry and described in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 where he states, “Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law…I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake.” To settle the issue, the Apostles determined to send a letter with Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas to be delivered to the church at Antioch with the decision that had been made concerning the Gentiles, which when read to the church, was cause for great rejoicing!

In approximately 50 AD, Paul and Barnabas determine to revisit the cities where they had preached the gospel and planted churches. The only problem was that they couldn’t agree on who should be their companions. It is interesting to behold how that even the “heroes of the faith” are sometimes carnal, stubborn, and self-willed! Barnabas takes his nephew, John Mark, who abandoned them on their first journey, and heads for Cyprus following the original route (15:39). Paul selects Silas (also called Silvanus) and takes a new route through Syria and Cilicia. (15:40-41)

Chapter 16 opens with Paul and Silas arriving in the neighboring cities of Derbe and Lystra. Paul is impressed by a young disciple named Timotheus (Timothy) who has a remarkable testimony in his hometown of Lystra, and even into a neighboring city, Iconium. (16:2) Paul invites Timothy to join him and Silas on this second journey, but determines that Timothy must first be circumcised since he is half Jewish (16:1, 3). Be sure to recognize that Timothy was NOT circumcised as part of his salvation or sanctification, but simply to not be a hindrance in preaching the gospel to the Jews. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

After passing through Phrygia and Galatia (16:6), Paul’s team is “forbidden of the Holy Ghost” to go anywhere but Macedonia. Once the team lands at Philippi, a chief city of Macedonia, we discover exactly why God wanted them there. God had arranged divine appointments with lost souls like Lydia and her family (16:14), a young girl possessed by a demon (16:16-18), the Philippian jailer and his family (16:30-34), Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica and Berea (17:1-4, 10-12), as well as Dionysius, Damaris and others in Athens. (17:34) This is the biblical principle of Proverbs 16:9 in action: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Paul’s heart was leading him to Asia and Bithynia, but God directed his steps to Macedonia. Imagine the consequences if Paul had been stiffnecked, insisting upon his own plans and strategy, and forcing his way into Asia and Bithynia and neglected Macedonia? He would have missed God’s supernatural orchestration of events, and the precious people listed above may have entered eternity in the flames of hell!

Has God put obstacles, hindrances, or roadblocks in the path of your plans? Don’t be stiffnecked! Trust the Lord. May the Lord direct our steps!

OVERVIEW: The transition from Jerusalem to Antioch (chapters 11 and 12); Paul’s first missionary journey (chapters 13 and 14).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we begin today, let’s take a few moments to review what we’ve discovered thus far from the Book of Acts. Acts 1-6 is the record of God continuing to offer the Messiah and the kingdom of heaven to the nation of Israel. In chapter 7, with the stoning of Stephen, the question the Apostles had in Acts 1:6 regarding whether it would be the time the kingdom would be established has been answered by the nation of Israel, and God withdraws His offer of the Messiah and His physical kingdom. Chapter 8 marks the beginning of the transition from God dealing with the nation of Israel to God dealing with a racially mixed group of Jews and Gentiles called the Church, the body of Christ. Chapter 9 continues the transition with the salvation and calling of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. In chapter 10, Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, confirms that God is indeed offering eternal life to the Gentiles. From these chapters alone, God has made it abundantly clear that He has postponed His dealings with the nation of Israel and has begun to focus His attention on the Church. Today, in chapters 11 through 14, we will discover the final phases of this monumental transition.

Chapter 11 reveals a transition from God’s base of operations moving from Jerusalem to Antioch. When the persecution arose in chapter 8, though the Apostles remained in Jerusalem, the majority of believers fled. (8:1) Through their witness, each time a new people group received the Word of God, envoys from Jerusalem were sent to confirm God’s working among them. (See Acts 8:14-17, 25; 11:1-3, 19-22) Even Paul himself needed affirmation from the Apostles in Jerusalem to validate his ministry. (Gal. 2:1, 9) All of these components point to the fact that Jerusalem was the base of operations and place of authority for the early church. It only makes perfect sense, because…

1. If you were a believing Jew waiting for Jesus your Messiah to return to the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12; Zech. 14:1-9) to establish the capital of His kingdom in Jerusalem at His second coming—why be any place other than Jerusalem and miss all of the action?!
2. If you were seeking to only reach the Jews with the message of the kingdom of heaven, Jerusalem was where there was the greatest concentration of Jews in the entire region—not to mention the world!
3. If the Apostle to the Jews (Peter) resided in Jerusalem, where else would God’s base of operations be?

But with Israel’s rejection of the King and His kingdom in Acts 7, God turns His attention to the Gentiles, and therefore, establishes a new base of operations in Antioch. Watch how chapter 11 unfolds…

Once the Apostles in Jerusalem had confirmed the salvation of the Gentiles (11:18), Barnabas seeks out Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, and brings him to Antioch (11:25-26) where a multi-ethnic church of Jews and Gentiles had been planted. (Acts 13:1) Notice also, that it was in Antioch that “the disciples were called Christians first.” (11:26) It is significant to note that for the first ten years of the church, not one believer had ever been called a “Christian!” Not until God makes the transitions from Israel to the Church, and Jerusalem to Antioch, does God see fit to have His followers called “Christians”—another confirmation that Antioch is the new base of operations.

In the next chapter, it is evident that the Apostles now understand that God has postponed His plan for Israel. The first piece of evidence is that the Apostle James is not replaced after his execution. Jesus promised the twelve apostles, “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28) Since the Apostles believed the Lord’s return was imminent, we find that in the early part of the Book of Acts, when the King and His physical kingdom was still being offered to Israel, the Apostles wanted to be sure there were 12 Apostles in place. That’s why when Judas Iscariot committed suicide, they believed a replacement was necessary to fill the twelfth throne. (Acts 1:15-26) The fact that the Apostle James was not replaced clearly indicates that the Apostles recognized that Christ’s return had been postponed and the Church would now be God’s primary vehicle for carrying out His purpose and plan on the earth.

Another evidence that God’s center of global outreach was transitioning from Jerusalem to Antioch is seen in the fact that when Peter leaves Jerusalem, he doesn’t return. (12:19) The leadership team of Peter, James, and John is obviously being dismantled and Jerusalem’s central authority is waning.

In Acts 13, God introduces His new institution for fulfilling His plan…the Church! It is multi-racial (13:1), multi-cultural (13:1) and missional (13:2-4). As the Word of God was being proclaimed in this local church, the Spirit of God begins to move in their midst, and calls out Paul and Barnabas to perform a particular “work.” (13:2) That “work,” as we see in Acts 13 and 14, is preaching the gospel and reproducing local churches—and specifically, local churches who, likewise, carry the mission of planting other local churches—who carry the mission of reproducing other local churches! We may deduce then, that the work of both the local church and of missionaries is preaching the gospel and planting reproducing local churches. Though many faithful Christians serve in diverse capacities in missions, preaching the gospel and church planting are the preeminent components of missions.

A comparison of the sermons preached by Peter and those preached by Paul give further evidence that God was no longer offering the kingdom of heaven to Israel, but instead, intended to bring all men into the spiritual, internal kingdom of God. Peter’s sermon is simply, “You Jews killed our Messiah and rejected the kingdom. Repent and be baptized in water!” (See Acts 2:36-38; 3:15, 19-20) Paul’s message, however, is, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through [Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Peter’s message is the gospel of the kingdom, while Paul’s is the gospel of grace. (See 13:42-43)

Acts 13:4 – 14:26 is the record of Paul’s first missionary journey in approximately 46 AD. On this first journey, the gospel was preached, and churches were planted, on the Island of Cyprus, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Perga. All of these cities, except Cyprus, are in the region known as Galatia, which is modern day Turkey. The journey took approximately two years and covered nearly 1,250 miles!

OVERVIEW: The transition from Israel to the Gentiles (chapter 8); the salvation of the missionary to the Gentiles (chapter 9); the transition to the Gentiles confirmed by apostolic authority (chapter 10).

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Thus far we have seen that Acts 1-7 is exclusively Jewish because God is still offering the Messiah and the kingdom of heaven to the nation of Israel. The all-important question of Acts 1:6, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” has been answered with a resounding, “No!” This “no” was effectively communicated through the stoning of Stephen and the fact that Jesus went from STANDING in Acts 7:56, to being SEATED in Colossians 3:1. The nation of Israel has clearly rejected the offer of both their Messiah and His kingdom: the literal, physical, earthly kingdom of heaven. God’s plan for Israel has been postponed and the “parenthesis” of the Church Age is beginning.

It is also worth noting that the stoning of Stephen led to a “great persecution” against the believers, causing many of them to flee Jerusalem. As they did, Acts 8:1 says, they began preaching the gospel “abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria.” God was even able to use persecution to accomplish His own mission of sending witnesses to “all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth!” (Acts 1:8) Acts chapter 8 marks the beginning of the transition from God accomplishing His plan through the nation of Israel to the accomplishment of His plan through a body of people called the church, which is composed of both Jews and Gentiles. (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Notice how orderly God makes the transition from Israel to the Church! First, believers witness in “all Judaea”. (8:1c) Second, Philip, the deacon mentioned in Acts 6:5 and called “the evangelist” in Acts 21:8, preaches the kingdom of God (the spiritual kingdom that resides inside of a believer) to “the Samaritans”, who are half-Jew and half-Gentile. (8:5) And third, the witness extends to “the uttermost”, as Philip preaches to a full-blooded Gentile on his way home from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. (8:27-28) It is also important to note that God withheld the gift of the Holy Ghost from the Samaritans until Peter and John arrived in Samaria. (8:14-17) This was done for two reasons:

• To prove to the Apostles in Jerusalem that the Samaritans had truly received the Word of God; and
• To prove to the Samaritans that the apostles in Jerusalem were God’s ordained authorities.

In these early chapters in the Book of Acts (Acts 1-7) as the King and His kingdom were still being offered to the nation of Israel, the Apostle Peter has been the dominant voice, because he is the apostle to the Jews. (Galatians 2:7-8) However, a new character, Paul, enters the scene in chapter 9.

We are first introduced to Paul in Acts 7:58 where he is called by his birth name, Saul. (Acts 13:9) Paul, by his own admission, was the chief persecutor of the church. He says in Acts 9:1, “[I breathed] out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord”, and continues in Acts 22:19, saying, “[I] imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed.” In 1 Timothy 1:13 he confesses that, “[I] was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious”. Do you know how we would refer to a guy by this description in today’s world? A terrorist! The crazy thing is, Paul was one of the most religious men on the face of the earth! In Philippians 3:4–6 Paul talked about his religiousness, saying, “If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”

Oddly enough, religion has always been, and continues to be, the most destructive force, on this planet, to the work of God. It was the religious Jewish council who crucified our Lord. It was the religious Jewish council who stoned Stephen. And it was a religious leader (Paul) who was the most destructive force against the early church. But consider the rest of Paul’s testimony: Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:13–16, “[I] was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” Wow! What a radical transformation! Listen, if God could save a terrorist like Paul, He can save and transform anyone! Paul actually goes from being the chief misery of the church to the chief missionary of the church! Hallelujah!

Note that Paul was specifically saved to be a missionary to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15, God says, “[Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” From this chapter forward in the Book of Acts, Peter’s role as the apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-8) diminishes, while Paul’s role as the apostle to the Gentiles increases. In fact, Peter’s name is only mentioned one more time after Acts 13, while Paul’s is mentioned 129 times! Obviously, there has been a major transition.

Acts chapter 10 continues the transition from Israel to the church with Peter, the apostle to the Jews, reluctantly preaching to a family of Gentiles. Notice that the heavens open again (10:11), but rather than seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:56), Peter sees a vessel of unclean animals descending and hears a voice instructing him to kill and eat them. According to Old Testament law (Lev. 20:25; Deut. 14:1-29), Jews were to avoid eating certain kinds of animals, specifically, animals that God Himself called “unclean.” So, Peter, being a devout Jewish believer in Christ, refuses the offer to eat the unclean animals. But pay close attention to God’s response to Peter. God says to Peter, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (10:15) God is trying to let Peter know that He is transitioning from Israel to the church by using unclean animals as a metaphor for the Gentiles. In effect, God is saying, “Peter, I’m doing something new now, so I no longer want you to consider the Gentiles as ‘unclean’, or unworthy of salvation.”

But Peter has a very difficult time accepting the fact that God will save Gentiles. At this point in the transition, we might consider him an “unbelieving Jew!” Soon, however, Peter finds himself preaching to a family of Gentiles who suddenly begin speaking in tongues. Keep in mind here some of the things we learned in the early chapters in Acts, namely, that Jews require a sign (1 Corinthians 1:22), and tongues are a sign for unbelieving Jews (1 Corinthians 14:22). So, do you see what’s actually happening here in Acts 10? These Gentiles spoke with tongues as a sign to Peter, who in this context, is a Jew who doesn’t believe that God will save Gentiles!

Once the other eleven apostles in Jerusalem catch wind of this “casting of pearls before swine,” Peter is called to answer for this blatantly disobedient act of preaching to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:1-3) As Peter begins to defend himself, the most convincing evidence he offers to the Jewish apostles is the sign of tongues. (Acts 11:15-18) By the end of the meeting, the Jewish church in Jerusalem declares: “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18) The transition from Israel to the church is almost complete.

Let’s briefly summarize the transitions that we’ve discovered:

Acts 1–6 – God is offering the King and the kingdom of heaven to the nation of Israel.

Acts 7 – Israel rejects the King and the kingdom of heaven for the third time.

Acts 8 – God makes an orderly transition from Jews to Samaritans, and from Samaritans to Gentiles.

Acts 9 – The transition from Peter, the apostle to the Jews, to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Acts 10 – God’s transition to the Gentiles is confirmed by the apostolic authority of Peter.