Chapter 17: Acts 17: 1-34, to an unknown god.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Mkadesh, Jehovah Shamma, Jehovah Seboath, and Jehovah Shalom. You are all these and much more. Thank You for loving us and caring for us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VV 1-4, 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead, and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Paul and his team traveled to Amphipolis, Apollonian, and reached Thessalonica, another city in Macedonia, northern Greece. Paul preached the gospel and the resurrection of Christ in the local synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths.

VV 5-9, 5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.

7 Whom Jason hath received, and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

The Jews in Thessalonica were skeptical, furious, aggressive, jealous, and wanted to attack Paul. They started a mob in the city and attacked Jason. When they did not find Paul, they dragged Jason and some disciples to the rulers of the city, charging them for wilfully causing unrest in the city. They even invoked the name of Caesar. After collecting bond money from Jason, they released everyone.

VV 10-15, 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea, who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea, but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. 15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens, and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

The disciples sent Paul and Silas to Berea by night. At Berea, they preached the gospel in the local synagogues. The Bereans were more knowledgable than the Thessalonians. They counter-checked with scripture all the things that Paul said and many of them believed. The Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and started another riot there. The disciples sent Paul away to Athens by sea leaving Silas and Timothy behind.

VV 16-18, 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, what will this babbler say? other some, he seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods, because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Paul confronted the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers of Athens. Epicureans believed in random chance, an uncaring God, and did not believe in life after death. All things must be enjoyed in this present life. Stoics denied pleasure, endured pain and fear. They were keen to listen to Paul’s teaching.

VV 19-21, 19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, may we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears, we would know therefore what these things mean. 21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

They took Paul to the Areopagus and allowed him to speak. The philosophers of Athens and foreigners liked to waste time and listen to new ideas and philosophies in the Areopagus.

VV 22-23, 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Paul was very polite to his audience. He commended them for their religiosity and ferventness in seeking God. Athen was famous for statues. When Paul was walking in the streets of Athens, he saw plenty of statues, and one particular statute was dedicated to an unknown god. Greek for unknown god is ‘’anosko theos’’. Paul used this unknown god statute as an ice breaker for his sermon.

VV 24-31, 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, 25 neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being, as certain also of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men every where to repent, 31 because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Here was Paul’s evangelistic sermon. Paul quoted phrases from two Greek poets, “we live and move and have our being” and “we are were also his offspring”.

God is the creator. He does not dwell in temples made by men’s hands. He gave life and breath to all living things. He created the first human being Adam who populated the whole earth. He predetermined the times and places that people will live. Contrary to the teachings of the epicureans, God is a personal God who wants our relationship. We are God’s children. God is not an idol carved out by men’s hands using gold, silver, or stone. In the past, God overlooked people’s ignorance but now He commanded everyone to repent of their sins. God will judge the world in righteousness through the Lord Jesus Christ whom God resurrected from the dead to prove that He is God.

VV 32-34, 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed, among which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

When they heard about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, some of them were skeptical and mocked Paul, some wanted to hear more from Paul at another time, but some believed. Among those who believed were Dionysius, Damaris, and others.

Application:

The Bereans checked with scripture all the things that Paul said. Did you check with scriptures all the things that preachers and teachers said? Do not believe everything you hear. You should counter-check with scripture to see whether the teachings you hear or read are biblical or not.

When Paul preached the gospel in Athens, some mocked, some wanted to hear more, but some believed. You should evangelise for the sake of those who will believe. Do not worry about those who mock and do not believe. Your job is to sow the seed of the gospel. Conversion is the job of the Holy Spirit, not you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to master the art of evangelistic preaching in the marketplace. Help us to imitate Paul just as he imitated Christ. We pray for the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit to equip us in ministry, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 16: Acts 16:1- 40, earth-shattering worship

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for preserving the Bible in a written form in so many different languages of the world for our benefit. Thank You for knowing each one of us by name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VV 1-5, Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed, but his father was a Greek, 2 which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Paul met Timothy when he came to Derbe and Lystra. Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. He was a person with good character and reputation. Paul recruited Timothy into his missionary team and circumcised him so as not to offend the Jews. Paul, Silas, and Timothy visited the churches in Galatia, strengthening the believer’s faith and multiplying the disciples.

VV 6-10, 6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night, there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

They traveled through Phrygia and Mysia and wanted to go north to Bithynia but the Holy Spirit directed them to Troas. Paul saw a vision of a Macedonian man begging him to go to Macedonia. So, he traveled west to Macedonia, Northern Greece, Europe. From verse 10 onwards, Luke used the plural pronouns, we and us instead of, they and them. Luke had joined Paul’s missionary team in Troas and included himself in the narrative. “We” includes Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke.

VV 11-13, 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony, and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made, and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

From Troas in Asia Minor, Paul and his team, entered Macedonia, Northern Greece, Europe, and passed through Samothrace, Neapolis, and Philippi. Philippi was a Roman colony without a synagogue because it did not have 10 Jewish males living there. So, on the Sabbath, they went to the riverside to pray and met some women there.

VV 14-15, 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us, whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Paul preached to Lydia, a businesswoman who sells purple cloth, from Thyatira. The Holy Spirit convicted Lydia to believe in Jesus and Paul baptised her. Lydia invited Paul and his team to stay in her house. Lydia was the first European woman Christian convert.

VV 16-19, 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.

17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, these men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers.

Paul and his team encountered a demonised slave girl in Philippi. She followed the team for many days and kept repeating that they were servants of the Most high God. Paul exorcised and delivered her from demon-possession. This enraged her masters because she could not earn money for them anymore. They dragged Paul and Silas by force into the court.

VV 20-24, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, these men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 and teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely, 24 who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

They reported Paul and Silas to the judges and charged them for causing trouble and teaching unlawful customs to the Romans. The judges were furious and sentenced them to jail and beating with rods, 2 Corinthians 11:25. They kept Paul in an inner jail and fastened their feet with chains.

2 Cor 11:25, ‘’Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have been in the deep’’.

VV 25-28, 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, do thyself no harm, for we are all here.

At midnight, Paul and Silas prayed, sang, and worshiped God in the prison. The worship was so powerful that an earthquake ensued. The prison doors flew opened and the prisoner’s chains fell off. The Philippians jailor wanted to commit suicide but Paul stopped him assuring him that no one had escaped.

VV 29-34, 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out, and said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

The Philippians jailor trembled before Paul and Silas asking what he should do to be saved. Paul and Silas replied that he and his family would be saved if they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul and Silas preached the gospel to the jailer and his family and baptised them. The jailor invited Paul and Silas to his house.

VV 35-37, 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, let those men go.36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, the magistrates have sent to let you go, now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, they have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison, and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily, but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

In the morning, the judges released Paul and Silas. Paul told them that he and Silas were Roman citizens and what they did to them was unlawful. Paul insisted for the judge to come to the prison and sent them off officially.

VV 38-40, 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates, and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

The judges were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. They came and begged Paul and Silas to leave the city. They went to Lydia’s

house and left the city.

Application:

Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy? If you are a mature Christian, you should find a Timothy to mentor him/her in the faith. If you are young in the faith, you should look for a Paul to mentor you in the faith.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for healing, protection, salvation, justification, sanctification, and the promise of eternal life. We pray for those who have not believed and received Jesus to do so and be saved, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 14: Acts 14: 1-28, Paul’s first missionary journey, Part 2

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are the logos, Word of God, Word of creation, Word of Life, Word of Light, Word of Glory, Word of Grace and Truth, and Word of incarnation. We pray that You speak to us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VV 1-3, 1 Now, it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Paul and Barnabas left Antioch of Pisidia and traveled to Iconium. As usual, they spoke in the synagogue. A great number of Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving hostile Jews opposed and bad mouth Paul and Barnabas. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas stayed on for a long time in Iconium, sharing the gospel, moving in miracles, signs, and wonders.

VV 4-7, 4 But the multitude of the city was divided, part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

The city folks were divided into two camps, some sided with the hostile Jews while the rest sided with Paul and Barnabas. Knowing that the Jews were plotting to stone them, they left Iconium, arrived at Lystra, and preached the gospel there. The ancient cities of Perga, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were provinces of Galatia in Asia Minor, which is now Turkey.

VV 8-13, 8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

Paul healed a congenitally crippled man in Lystra. The people of Lystra thought that Paul and Barnabas were incarnations of their mythological gods, Zeus and Hermes. The priest of Zeus brought oxen and garlands. They wanted to sacrifice oxen to Paul and Barnabas and decorate them with garlands.

VV 14-18, 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and pleaded with them to stop worshiping them as gods. They preached an evangelistic sermon to them. They advise the people to turn away from idols and worship God who created heaven, earth, sea, and everything. God gave them rain, fruits, seasons, food, and joy. Still, the crowd could not resist sacrificing to them.

VV 19-20, 19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

The hostile Jews from Antioch of Pisidia and Iconium came to Lystra, stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. When the disciples came, Paul miraculously woke up and went back into the city. The next day, Paul and Barnabas left Lystra and traveled to Derbe.

VV 21-26, 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

Paul and Barnabas traveled backward to all the cities that they had visited and before, returned to Antioch of Syria. The first missionary journey took them 2 years from 44 to 46 AD, and 1400 miles on foot!

VV 27-28, 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there for a long time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas reported to the church all that happened in their first missionary journey and stayed in Antioch for a long time.

Application:

We had a glimpse and lessons on missionary work. A missionary’s calling is very tough. Opposition was severe and the mission was dangerous. Paul was stoned and almost lost his life at Lystra. The Holy Spirit empowered Paul and Barnabas with miracles, signs, and wonders. At Lystra, the people wanted to worship them as gods. You must never worship or idolise people.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this historical first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas from Antioch of Syria to Cyprus and Asia Minor. We offer our bodies to You as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing, as our acceptable worship. We pray for anointing to preach, teach, win souls for You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 13: Acts 13: 1-52, Paul’s first missionary journey, Part 1

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we pray for calm and stillness as we come before You in Your throne room of grace. We pray for inspiration and empowerment to serve in the kingdom. We pray for lives surrendered to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

V 1-3, 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

The camera angle shifted from the church at Jerusalem to the church at Antioch of Syria, the missionary base for Barnabas and Saul. Greek for church is ecclesia which means “the called-out ones”. The church is not a building but a congregation of the believers called out by God.

The Antioch church had prophets, teachers, and leaders from diverse ethnicity and background. As they worshiped and prayed, the Holy Spirit handpicked Barnabas and Saul to start a missionary journey. The leaders fasted, prayed, laid hands and sent them on their way.

Paul was saved on the Damascus road, secluded from the limelight for 3 years in the Arabian desert, 7 years in Tarsus, and served in Antioch for 1 year. Paul was ready to start his first missionary trip, 11 years, after his Damascus Road conversion.

VV 4-5, 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

Barnabas and Saul took John Mark as their assistant. John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, the son of Mary, a disciple of Peter, and the author of Mark’s gospel. Their first stop was Seleucia. From Seleucia, they traveled to Salamis in the Island of Cyprus, where they preached Christ in the local Jewish synagogues.

VV 6-8, 6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Still, on the Island of Cyprus, they traveled from Salamis to Paphos and encountered a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer called Bar-Jesus or Elymas, who was closely associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. Elymas opposed Barnabas and Saul and tried to prevent the proconsul from hearing the gospel.

VV 9-12, 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Here, Saul changed his name to Paul. Paul is the Greek equivalent of the word Saul in Hebrew, just as Dorcas is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Tabitha. Paul rebuked Elymas for opposing God. Paul called Elymas a deceiver, son of the devil, and enemy of righteousness. Paul cursed him with blindness and he was struck blind. The proconsul was amazed and believed in the Lord.

Paul, a Hellenist, Greek-speaking Jew was also a Roman citizen by birth, because his parents were Roman citizens.

VV 13-14, 13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

They left the Island of Cyprus and sailed north from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia, in Galatia. Here, John Mark left the mission field and returned to Jerusalem. Barnabas and Paul traveled north from Perga, arrived at Antioch in Pisidia, and preached the gospel in the synagogue on a Sabbath day.

V 15, 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

The ruler of the synagogue allowed Barnabas and Paul to speak.

VV 16-25, 16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen, 17 The God of these people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king, so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

Paul stood up and preached an expository sermon to the Jews and the Gentiles god-fearers. Paul narrated the history of the Jewish nation from the patriarchs entering Egypt, exodus out of Egypt. 40 years of wilderness wandering, entry into Canaan, rule under the judges, prophet Samuel, King Saul, King David, Jesus, the Messiah, to John the Baptist.

VV 26-30, 26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead.

The Old Testament prophets prophesied the coming Jesus Christ, the Saviour, whom God sent. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem did not believe in Him. They sent Him to the Romans for crucifixion on the cross and buried Him in a tomb, but God raised Him up from the dead on the third day.

VV 31-37, 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings, that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the Psalm, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus, ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ 36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

The disciples witnessed the resurrected Christ in Galilee and Jerusalem. King David prophesied the resurrection of Christ in Psalms 16:10.

Psalm 16:10, “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption’’.

VV 38-41, 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins, 39 and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you, 41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

Jesus Christ is the forgiver of sins and the justifier of everyone who believes in Him whom the law could not do. Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus, Romans 5:1. The law is a schoolmaster, a tutor, who pointed people to Christ. Paul quoted Habakkuk 1:5.

Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’’.

Habakkuk 1:5, “Look among the nations and watch, Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days, Which you would not believe, though it were told you, you need to change or you will perish’’.

VV 42-43, 42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

From 13:43, the hierarchy of leadership changed from Barnabas and Saul to Paul and Barnabas. This signified a change in missionary leadership from Barnabas to Paul. Barnabas voluntarily took on a backseat role in favour of Paul.

VV 44-45, 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

On the next Sabbath, the whole city came to listen to Paul and Barnabas. The Jews were jealous because their popularity ranking was declining rapidly. They opposed Paul and Barnabas in every possible way.

VV 46-52, 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first, but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Barnabas declared with boldness that since the Jews rejected the gospel, they would take the gospel to the Gentiles. The Gentiles rejoiced, glorified God, and many believed, and the gospel spread throughout the region. But the hostile Jews persecuted and expelled Paul and Barnabas from Antioch of Pisidia. They shook the dust off their feet, left the city, and came to Iconium. At Iconium, the disciples were joyful and filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul quoted Isaiah 49:6. You may want to refer to a map on Paul’s first missionary journey and follow the different places. This map is easily available from the internet.

Isaiah 49:6 b, “I will give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Application:

Jesus Christ is the forgiver of sins and the justifier of everyone who believes in Him. Christ did what the law could not do. Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”.

Paul preached so well because he was so saturated with the Holy Spirit and scriptures. He quoted scriptures and narrated stories from scriptures without any difficulties. Are you saturated with the Holy Spirit? Are you saturated with scriptures?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You Paul’s powerful sermon. We pray for the ability to preach like Paul and Peter. We pray to be saturated by the Holy Spirit and by scriptures. We pray for clear minds and concentration, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 11: Acts 11: 1-30, Revival in Antioch

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, and not by good works. Thank You that salvation is universal, to all who believe, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

V 1, Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

Meanwhile, the apostles and disciples in Jerusalem heard about the conversion of Cornelius and his household.

VV 2-3, 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

When Peter returned to Jerusalem, legalistic, Pharisaic Jews, Judaizers, or those of the circumcision voiced their objections. They confronted Peter and questioned him for being friendly with the Gentiles.

VV 4-8, 4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance, I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners, and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’

Peter narrated about his trance, his vision of unclean animals descending from heaven in a sheet, the Lord’s command to kill and them, and so on.

VV 9-14, 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’

The Lord told Peter not to call the Gentiles unclean. He saw the vision repeated three times. While he was recovering from the trance, Cornelius’ men arrived. At the instruction of the Holy Spirit, Peter followed them to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea with 6 brothers. Meanwhile, an angel of God also appeared to Cornelius in a vision and instructed him to bring Peter from Joppa to him in Caesarea.

VV 15-18, 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent, and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

When Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius’ household, and they believed in Jesus. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, enabling them to speak in tongues and prophesied, just as on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s opponents were silent. The apostles accepted Peter’s explanation.

V 19, 19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.

The camera angle shifted from Peter in Jerusalem to Paul in Antioch. Because of intense persecutions of Christians in Jerusalem after the martyrdom of Stephen, they fled Jerusalem and settled in Phoenicia (Lebanon), Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria, preaching to the Jews only.

VV 20-21, 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch of Syria and preached Christ to the Hellenist, Greek-speaking Jews. A great spiritual revival started in Antioch of Syria, a great multitude believed and turned to the Lord.

VV 22-24, 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

The apostles in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch of Syria to check out the revival. Barnabas means son of encouragement. Barnabas was an encourager, a faithful, generous, and Spirit-filled Christian. When he saw the great revival in Antioch, he encouraged the believers, and many more came to know the Lord.

VV 25-26, 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Barnabas went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him to Antioch to assist in the church. Barnabas and Saul taught the Christians in Antioch for one whole year and the Antioch church rapidly grew. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, another first for Acts. Before this, they were called “followers of the Way”.

Saul was a Roman citizen, a Hellenistic, Greek-speaking Jew. Greek for Christian is ‘’Christianos’’, which means a slave of Christ. Christians are slaves of Christ.

There is a sizeable Christian population in Syria today whose history dated back to the time of Acts 11.

VV 27-28, 27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

A prophet is both a forth-teller and a foreteller. A forth-teller proclaims God’s message truthfully. A foreteller prophesy future events before they happened. A prophet called Agabus prophesied that there would be a worldwide famine during the rule of Claudius Caesar. History recorded a famine during Claudius Caesar from 41 to 51 AD.

VV 29-30, 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

The elders of Antioch took an offering and sent them to Judea through Barnabas and Saul to assist them with the famine.

Application:

Barnabas means son of encouragement. Are you a Barnabas? When was the last time, you encouraged someone in the faith?

Christian means a slave of Christ. Are you a slave of Christ? Did you surrender to His Lordship?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the timeless story of Acts. Thank You for raising Barnabas and Paul to pioneer the Church in Antioch of Syria. We pray for a Barnabas spirit of encouragement, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 10: Acts 10: 1-48, Dismantling barriers

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we pray for insight to understand and apply the teachings from the narratives of the first-century Christian church of Acts, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Acts 1, the first Christian church was born in Jerusalem on Pentecost. By Acts 9, the Christian Church expanded to Judea, Samaria, and Caesarea. In Acts 9, Peter took the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea through Cornelius’ conversion. Cornelius became the second Gentile Christian convert. The first Gentile Christian convert was the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8.

VV 1-2, 1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always.

The camera angle shifted to Cornelius in Caesarea Maritima, a Roman Mediterranean seaside port named after a Roman emperor called Caesar Augustus. Cornelius was a Roman centurion of the Italian regiment. A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of 100 soldiers. A regiment or company was a Roman battalion of 600 soldiers under the command of 6 centurions.

VV 3-8, 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9th hour, or 3 pm, was the Jewish evening prayer time. While Cornelius was praying, an angel of God spoke to him in a vision. The angel told him that God had heard his prayer and seen his charitable deeds. The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to look for Peter who was with Simon the tanner in Joppa and bring him to Caesarea. Cornelius obeyed and sent two servants and one soldier to Joppa.

VV 9-11, 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat, but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.

As Cornelius’ men went on their way to Joppa, the camera angle shifted to Peter at Joppa the next day. The 6th hour or noon was the Jewish afternoon prayer time. Jews prayed three times a day, morning, 6 am, afternoon, noon, and evening, 3 pm. While Peter was praying, he went into a trance, saw a vision of an opened heaven, and a great sheet descending upon him.

VV 12-16, 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For, I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

The sheet contained all kinds of unclean animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and unclean birds. The Lord commanded him to kill and eat the animals. Peter said he had never eaten unclean animals. The Lord told him that what He cleansed must not be called unclean. The sheet rose to heaven and the whole vision was repeated three times.

VV 17-18, 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

While Peter was recovering from the trance, Cornelius’ men came to Simon the tanner’s house. They stood at the gate and called for Peter.

VV 19-21, 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them.”21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

The Holy Spirit instructed Peter to go down and meet the three men who were looking for him. Peter met the men at the gate and introduced himself.

VV 22-23, 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day, Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Cornelius’ men told Peter that their master was instructed by an angel to find Peter in Joppa and bring him to Caesarea. Peter invited the men to stay with him overnight.

The next day, Peter left Joppa for Caesarea, with six Christian brothers, Acts 11:12.

VV 24-26, 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up, I myself am also a man.”

Joppa was 20 miles from Caesarea, 2 days journey by foot. When Peter entered Cornelius’ house, he fell on his knees to worship him, but Peter forbade him, saying that he was only a man.

VV 27-29, 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

Peter said it was unlawful for a Jew to meet with Gentiles but this meeting was a divine appointment. God divinely instructed Peter and Cornelius to meet In Caesarea. Just as God divinely instructed Saul and Ananias to meet in Damascus. In His divine plan, God appeared to Peter and Cornelius separately through visions.

VV 30-32, 30 So Cornelius said, ”Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’

Cornelius told Peter that 4 days ago, an angel of God appeared to him, instructing him to find Peter at Joppa and bring him to Caeserea.

VV 33-35, 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now, therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Peter connected the dots. He must not consider the Gentiles unclean any longer. He shared the gospel with Cornelius and his household and they believed. God showed no partiality. Salvation is universal, for everyone who believed. John 3:16.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

VV 36-43, 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all, 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Peter preached an evangelistic sermon to Cornelius and his household. Jesus is Lord of all. John the Baptist proclaimed the gospel from Galilee. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and He went about doing good, healing, and exorcising the demonised. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem betrayed Jesus, handed Him to the Romans who crucified Him on a tree. God raised Jesus on the third day. Jesus appeared to the apostles and ate with them. The apostles testified Him as Lord and Judge. Whoever believes in Him will receive salvation and forgiveness of sins.

VV 44-48, 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Those who heard Peter’s sermon received the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, and praised God. The Jewish believers were amazed when they saw the Holy Spirit descending upon the Gentiles as on the day of Pentecost. Peter baptised Cornelius and his household in the name of Jesus and stayed with them for a few more days.

Colossians 3:16, ‘’Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord’’.

Ephesians 5:19, ‘’speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord’’.

Application:

God hears your pray and sees your works.

You must not worship except anyone or anything Jesus Christ.

Salvation is universal, to everyone who believe.

Peter preached so well because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, walked with Jesus, and knew scriptures. These are the prerequisites of good biblical preaching.Did you preach the gospel? Did you share the gospel with a non-believer?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for breaking down the barrier between the Jews and the Gentiles. Thank You for removing bigotry, favouritism, prejudice, and racism, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 9: Acts 9:1-43, Damascus Road Conversion, Raising of Tabitha

Prayer:

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us another day to study Your word. We pray for attention and concentration. We pray for You to speak to us, precept-by-precept, word-by-word, line-by-line, paragraph-by-paragraph, and chapter=by-chapter, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VV 1-2, 1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Saul took warrants of arrest from the high priest in Jerusalem and went on his way to Damascus. He wanted to arrest Christians in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem to face imprisonment.

VV 3-6, 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

As he approached Damascus, a blinding light shone from heaven causing him to fell to the ground. Jesus spoke to him calling him by name, Saul, Saul. Jesus revealed to Saul His identity and told Saul to stop persecuting Him. Goads are sharp-pointed sticks used to discipline disobedient animals like oxen or sheep. Trembling with fear, Saul called asked the Lord what to do. The Lord instructed him to get up and go into the city.

VV 7-9, 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Saul’s companions heard a voice but did not see anyone. Saul got up on his feet and could not see. His companions held his hands and guided him into Damascus. Saul could not see and did not eat or drink for 3 days.

VV 10-12, 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him, the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him so that he might receive his sight.”

The camera angle shifted to Ananias, a disciple at Damascus. Jesus appeared to Ananias, in a vision, calling him by name. He instructed Ananias to go to Saul in the house of Judas in Straight street. Meanwhile, Saul was praying and having a vision of Ananias laying hands on him to receive his sight.

VV 13-16, 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Ananias objected but the Lord reassured him that it was okay to go. The Lord had handpicked Saul to be his instrument to take the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the Jews. Saul would also suffer greatly for The Lord.

VV 17-19, 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house, and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once, and he arose and was baptized.19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Ananias entered the house and found Saul. Calling him brother Saul, he laid hands on him and prayed for him. Scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. Ananias baptised Saul and gave him food to eat. Saul stayed on in Damascus. Today, Straight street in the old town of Damascus is a popular tourist attraction.

VV 20- 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and has come here for that purpose so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Saul immediately preached Christ as the Son of God in the Jewish synagogues. The people were amazed at his sudden transformation. Saul confounded the Jews by proving from scripture that Jesus was the Messiah.

VV 23-24, 23 Now after many days were passed, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

After many days was 3 years. Soon after his conversion, Saul went to the Nabatean desert of Arabia all alone by himself before returning to Damascus 3 years later, Galatians 1: 17-18. The hostile Jews at Damascus wanted to kill Saul but he escaped through a basket lowered down the city wall and made his way to Jerusalem.

Galatians 1:17-18, “nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.”

VV 26-30, 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

When Saul came to Jerusalem, the apostles rejected him but Barnabas came to his rescue and successfully reconciled him with the apostles. True to his name, Barnabas encouraged and supported Saul. When Saul preached Jesus as the Son of God in Jerusalem, the Hellenist Greek-speaking Jews plotted to kill him. The disciples sent Saul back to his home town Tarsus, via Caesarea. Saul stayed in Tarsus out of the limelight, until Barnabas came to look for him 7 years later.

VV 31, Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

With Saul out of the picture, the churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a period of peace, continued to grow, and multiplied.

VV 32-34, 32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

The camera angle shifted from Saul at Tarsus to Peter at Lydda. Peter healed Aeneas, a paralytic man of 8 years duration, commanding him to walk in the name of Jesus. All the residents of Lydda and Sharon believed in Jesus. Sharon was the name of the region where ancient Lydda was located.

VV 36-37, 36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated, Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

The camera angle shifted to a woman called Tabitha in Joppa who fell sick and died. Tabitha is a Hebrew name that means gazelle, a beautiful and graceful deer. Dorcas is the equivalent Greek word for Tabitha with the same meaning.

VV 38-39, 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

The disciples went to Peter in Lydda and brought him to Joppa to the upper room where Tabitha’s corpse laid. Peter saw the widows mourning for Tabitha.

VV 40-43, 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Peter sent everyone out of the upper room and raised Tabitha to life, by praying and saying “Tabitha arise”. Peter followed the footsteps of Jesus when he raised Tabitha. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter by saying “Talitha cumi”. Peter raised Tabitha by saying Tabitha arise.

Application:

Ananias was an unsung hero of the faith. Ananias acknowledged Saul, as a brother, laid hands on him, and converted the greatest New Testament apostles of all time. The church today needs Ananias. Are you an Ananias? Have you led anyone to Christ? One-to-one conversion can be very powerful. Who knows, someone you lead to Christ today may become another Billy Graham tomorrow.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are the bread of life, the light of the world, the gate, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth and the life and true vine. We thank You for speaking into our hearts to listen to Your inspired word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 8: Acts 8: 1- 40, Gospel to Samaria

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the author, and the perfecter of my faith. You are beautiful beyond words, beyond language, beyond description, beyond anything that we can ever imagine, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VV 1-2, 1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him.

The death of Stephen resulted in church persecution. Christians fled Jerusalem and settled throughout Judea and Samaria. The people buried Stephen and mourned for him.

VV 3-8, 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed, and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

Saul went on a rampage to persecute, arrest, and imprison Christians. Deacon Philip took the gospel to Samaria. He preached the gospel, teach the word, healed the sick, and exorcised the demonised. The Samaritan rejoiced.

Nehemiah 8:10, ‘’Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

VV 9-13, 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus and was baptised by Philip. Simon the sorcerer also believed in Jesus and was baptised by Philip.

VV 14-17, 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Peter and John went to Samaria to witness the revival there. They prayed and laid hands on the believers and they received the holy Spirit.

VV 18-24, 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Simon the sorcerer offered to pay money so that he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him for his bribery. Simon the sorcerer repented, and Peter prayed for him.

VV 25-29, 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. 26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

The apostles returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to the Samaritan villages on the way home. An angel of God appeared to Philip and told him to go south towards Gaza. Philip went and he met an Ethiopian eunuch riding a chariot. He was a treasurer of Queen Candice of Ethiopia. He was reading Isaiah. The Holy Spirit told Philip to go near him.

VV 30- 35, 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: ‘’He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

Philip ran to the eunuch and sit next to him. He was reading Isaiah 53:7. Philip preached Christ to him from this passage, and he believed.

Isaiah 53:7, ‘’He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep, before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth’’.

VV 36-40, 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Philip baptised him in a river and immediately after this, the Holy Spirit miraculously took Philip away to another town called Azotus. There, he continued to preach the gospel in all the cities until he arrived at Caesarea.

Application:

Church persecutions resulted in church expansion.

When you do evangelism, pray, wait for the Holy Spirit’s instructions, and obey Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us about the great spiritual revival in Samaria. We pray for a great spiritual revival in our spiritual life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.