Main Street Baptist Church

The Old Testament shows our need of a Redeemer and God’s promise to send One . The Gospels show how that was fulfilled in Jesus. The book of Acts picks up the story after Jesus’ ascension back to heaven (1:1-26). It shows how a handful of believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, started the church and spread God’s message to the world. The epistles are letters written to churches and individuals during the time of Acts. Revelation shows the final fulfillment of all the ages.

LUKE THE WRITER Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. While Paul wrote the most books in the New Testament, 13, and John was next with 5, Luke wrote the most pages. His book called Acts was a follow-up to his Gospel of Luke. It is a historical book, a transitional book. It is not a theology for us to apply in every detail, but it is an accurate historical record of the transition from Law to Grace, from Israel to Church, from Jew and Gentile to Bride of Christ. Any transition takes time and goes through various stages. This was true of the early church, too.

chapter	1-7	8-12	13-28
area	JERUSALEM	JUDEA - SAMARIA	ENDS OF THE EARTH
people	JEWS	SAMARITANS	GENTILES
men	PETER	PHILIP (Peter/Paul)	PAUL
church	ESTABLISHMENT	EXTENSION	EXPANSION
time	2 YRS (33-35)	13 YRS (35-48)	14 YRS (48-62)
		Missionary Jour	1MJ	2MJ	3MJ	Rome1	Trip	Rome	…
		Chapters	13-14	16-18	19-20	21-28
		Years	1 ½	2 ½	4	5	5	1	…
Books		James	Mark Gal.	IThes IIThes	I Cor II Cor Rom	Eph Col Phile Phili Acts	ITim Titu Mt Lk I Pt II Pt	II Tim Heb Jud	Jn I Jn II Jn III Jn Rev

The book follows the outline laid down in 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

I. “JERUSALEM” (1-7 ) In the first section of Acts the focus is on Jerusalem. Peter leads the early church. The account is picked up with the ascension of Jesus to heaven (1). The start of the early church in Jerusalem is recorded – Pentecost (2). Events of the young church are then listed: a cripple cured (3), Peter and John arrested and released (4), Ananias and Saphira killed for deception (5), 7 deacons chosen to help with the work load (6) and the death of Stephen (7).

II. “JUDEA & SAMARIA ” ( 8-12) God used this first wave of persecution against the Christians in Jerusalem to cause them to scatter with the gospel. They should have done this before but didn’t, now they must. Philip’s preaching in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch, (8), Paul’s conversion (9), and Peter’s evangelism of the Gentile Cornelius and his household (10-11) comprise the historical elements. The church has gone from Jews in Jerusalem to Jews and Gentiles throughout Palestine.

III. “ENDS OF THE EARTH” (13-28 ) In this third section the focus shifts to Paul and his missionary journeys - 3 of them (13 - 20). Paul was the one to take the gospel to Gentiles and start churches in Asia Minor and even into Europe itself. The book ends with Paul’s arrest and trip to Rome for trial (21-28). After his release he continued to travel, then was martyred in Rome.

Now it’s our turn to take the gospel and spread it. Like in a relay race, each one has his turn to do his part. Now is your turn as part of this generation. Don’t drop the baton!

2. CONTINUING JESUS’ WORK (Acts 1)

It’s been said that of all the centuries, the 20^th is most like the first. That is true. Therefore there is much we can learn from the early church which can help us today. This series of articles on Acts and the early church will be very informative and practical.

‘Acts’ was the name given to Luke’s second book in the 2^nd Century. It was a sequel the Luke’s Gospel, picking up and continuing the story of Jesus which he had started. Luke was the only Gentile to write a book in the Bible. He was close to Paul and traveled with him for many years, that’s where he got his information. ‘Acts’ shows the nature of the book – actions. It isn’t called ‘wishes’ or ‘dreams’ but appropriately ‘Acts’ of the Apostles. Really it was a record of the actions of the Holy Spirit.

Acts records the continuation of the work Jesus started. It didn’t die with Him but, as He had planned, continued after He went to heaven. In chapter 1 we see some necessary ingredients to keep doing the work that Jesus started.

1. PROPER MESSAGE (1-2 ) Luke makes it clear at the start that he is continuing the story of Jesus. That message has continued even to today. One generation after another has passed it on. Now it’s our turn to take the baton of Truth and pass it to the next generation. Our message, too, is Jesus. Social reform, peace among men, psychological wholeness and self fulfillment have their place, but Jesus must come first.

2. PROPER MANIFESTATION (3 ) The heart of our faith is based on the resurrection, as Luke reminds us. That is still the ultimate proof of our message.

3. PROPER MIGHT (2b, 4-5, 8a ) The Holy Spirit is the power behind our work. Without Him within us, empowering and guiding us, we cannot continue His work today. Thus this book is really the Acts of the Holy Spirit, and His story is not yet finished.

4. PROPER MYSTERY (6-7 ) Some things we don’t know, though – mainly when Jesus will be coming back. Each generation awaits the return of Jesus, and one will be fortunate to see it. Until then the date of this remains a mystery. We eagerly await His return but keep working all the same.

5. PROPER MISSION (8 ) Luke reminds his readers of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to enable us to be witnesses for Jesus. That’s how we continue Jesus’ work today. A witness tells what he knows, gives first-hand information of what Jesus has done for him and what he knows about Jesus. We are not called to be lawyers to argue Jesus’ case, but witnesses to testify to what He has done for us. This isn’t an option, its an command. We are told to be witnesses to those where we live as well as those on the other side of the world.

6. PROPER MOTIVE (9-11 ) After this review, connecting the early church with the life of Jesus, Luke picks up the story where he had left it off before. He tells about Jesus’ ascension 40 days after His resurrection: on Sunday, May 14, 33 AD. The place was the Mt. Of Olives outside Jerusalem . Angles assured the watching disciples that Jesus would one day return the same as He left.

7. PROPER MEN (12-26 ) After the ascension the disciples went back to Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. They met in the upper room when possible. These disciples were committed to carrying on the work Jesus had started. A ‘disciple’ was a learner, a follower, someone who lived with a teacher 24 hours a day in order to be able to think and act like him. For Jesus’ disciples this is a life-long process. The early disciples set an example for us today. They were characterized by team spirit, perseverance, total obedience and deep faith. Jesus was their undisputed leader, their master. Peter became the spokesman for the disciples on earth, but all acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Sovereign.

Their first major action as a group was to find a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed Jesus and taken his own life. Twelve was a special number in the Old as well as New Testaments, and so Peter suggested they select a replacement so they could be at full strength again. Matthias was chosen. He had been one of the 70 who followed Jesus despite being passed over when Jesus chose the 12. Barsabbas , who was also considered but lost out to Matthias, continued to faithfully serve God in whatever way he could. Like Caleb, he didn’t pout and quit but loyally served in any role God would have for him. This willingness to serve anywhere was is an important trait of a disciple.

Thus the transition was made as Jesus’ followers committed themselves to carry on the work that Jesus had started, no matter the cost or the obstacles. It took total commitment.

In the days of the Roman Emperor Nero, there lived and served him a band of soldiers known as the "Emperor's Wrestlers." Fine, stalwart men they were, picked from the best and the bravest of the land, recruited from the great athletes of the Roman amphitheater. In the great amphitheater they upheld the arms of the emperor against all challengers. Before each contest they stood before the emperor's throne. Then through the courts of Rome rang the cry: "We, the wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O Emperor, to win for thee the victory and from thee, the victor's crown."

When the great Roman army was sent to fight in Gaul, no soldiers were braver or more loyal than this band of wrestlers led by their centurion Vespasian . But news reached Nero that many Roman soldiers had accepted the Christian faith. Therefore, this decree was dispatched to the centurion Vespasian ; "If there be any among your soldiers who cling to the faith of the Christian, they must die!" The decree was received in the dead of winter. The soldiers were camped on the shore of a frozen inland lake. It was with sinking heart that Vespasian , the centurion, read the emperor's message. Vespasian called the soldiers together and asked: "Are there any among you who cling to the faith of the Christian? If so, let him step forward!" Forty wrestlers instantly stepped forward two paces, respectfully saluted, and stood at attention. Vespasian paused. He had not expected so many, nor such select ones. "Until sundown I shall await your answer," said Vespasian . Sundown came. Again the question was asked. Again the forty wrestlers stepped forward.

Vespasian pleaded with them long and earnestly without prevailing upon a single man to deny his Lord. Finally he said, "The decree of the emperor must be obeyed, but I am not willing that your comrades should shed your blood. I order you to march out upon the lake of ice, and I shall leave you there to the mercy of the elements."

The forty wrestlers were stripped and then, falling into columns of four, marched toward the center of the lake of ice. As they marched they broke into the chant of the arena: "Forty wrestlers, wrestling for Thee, O Christ, to win for Thee the victory and from Thee, the victor's crown!" Through the night Vespasian stood by his campfire and watched. As he waited through the long night, there came to him fainter and fainter the wrestlers' song. As morning drew near one figure, overcome by exposure, crept quietly toward the fire; in the extremity of his suffering he had renounced his Lord. Faintly but clearly from the darkness came the song: "Thirty-nine wrestlers, wrestling for Thee, O Christ, to win for Thee the victory and from Thee, the victor's crown!" Vespasian looked at the figure drawing close to the fire. Perhaps he saw eternal light shining there toward the center of the lake. Who can say? But off came his helmet and clothing, and he sprang upon the ice, crying, "Forty wrestlers, wrestling for Thee, O Christ, to win for Thee the victory and from Thee, the victor's crown!"

3. BIRTH of the CHURCH

(Acts 2)

The great Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first to discover the magnetic meridian of the North Pole and to discover the South Pole. On one of his trips, Amundsen took a homing pigeon with him. When he had finally reached the top of the world, he opened the bird's cage and set it free. Imagine the delight of Amundsen's wife, back in Norway, when she looked up from the doorway of her home and saw the pigeon circling in the sky above. No doubt she exclaimed, "He's alive! My husband is still alive!"

So it was when Jesus ascended. He was gone, but the disciples clung to his promise to send them the Holy Spirit. What joy, then, when the dove like Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. The disciples had with them the continual reminder that Jesus was alive and victorious at the right hand of the Father. This continues to be the Spirit's message to us today as we continue Jesus’ work.

It was Sunday, May 24, 33 AD, the DAY OF PENTECOST (1-13). ‘Pentecost’ means ‘fiftieth’ for it was 50 days from the Feast of Firstfruits (7 weeks of 7 days = 49 days, Pentecost was the following day). It is similar to our Thanksgiving celebration, for it thanked God for the full fall harvest.

On that day the disciples were, as was usual for them, meeting in the temple courts. That was the only place large enough for all of them to gather – they didn’t have access to any room that would hold 70+ people! The temple was available and used for such purposes. Rabbi’s would gather there with their followers to teach them.

All of a sudden God’s Holy Spirit came, as promised. The Holy Spirit wasn’t visible, but there was plenty of evidence of His coming. Audible evidence was a sound like a hurricane. Visible evidence was tongues like fire on each believer. Oral evidence was the ability to speak in other known languages, which they hadn’t previously known. This enabled them to witness in the languages of those who were watching, telling them what was happening and passing on the message of Jesus. Bewilderment (5-6), amazement (7, 12), curiosity (8-11) and denial (13) marked the responses of the people. In response to the mocking charge that they were just drunk, Peter took up their defense. He gave a tremendous sermon, a real world-changing message.

PETER’S FIRST SERMON (14-41 ) Normally a preacher’s first sermon isn’t his best – ask anyone who preaches. That wasn’t the case for Peter. He was God’s messenger bringing God’s message. With an audience of perhaps 200,000, he told them about Jesus. He already had their attention because of their interest in how everyone could be speaking languages they didn’t know.

Peter, who knew his Bible well as all good Jews did, immediately turned to Joel 2 to form his explanation of what was happening. These verses spoke of people in the Millennium speaking as the disciples then were, all from God’s Spirit. What they were seeing that Day of Pentecost was just a prefulfillment of it. If god can do that in the Millennium, why couldn’t He be giving a little taste of it right then? He’s not saying the Millennial Kingdom has begun, Peter is just making the point that god can do this kind of thing. Drunkenness isn’t the only explanation.

Actually much of what is prophesied in Joel 2 wasn’t fulfilled on Pentecost (“sun to darkness, moon to blood,” etc.) This passage really won’t find its fulfillment until the end of the Tribulation and the Millennium.

Now that he has defended their speaking in unknown languages, Peter turns their attention to what was really happening there. It had to do with Jesus. Peter quickly summarizes Jesus’ incarnation (22a), life (22b) and death (23). Then he focuses on the resurrection (24-32). Again he quotes the Old Testament to help support and prove his point.

Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-11 which obviously refers to the resurrection of someone. It couldn’t have been David, for his tomb was in Jerusalem as everyone knew. Therefore David must have been writing about someone else – the Messiah. Peter leads them to this conclusion.

Having supported his claim to Jesus’ resurrection, Peter then continues his story with the ascension (33-35), sending of the Holy Spirit (37b) and exaltation in heaven (36). Again he quotes a prophecy by David (Psalm 110:1) to support Jesus’ ascension. David didn’t fulfill it, so who but the Messiah would? This, too, helps support Peter’s defense of what is happening: they aren’t drunk, it’s caused by God’s Spirit. Jesus, who ascended to Heaven, sent the Holy Spirit as promised.

God’s Spirit, Who had indeed come, convicted the listeners of the truth of Peter’s words. Sensing this, Peter applied his message to them. Changing from 2 person to third, from plural to singular, and from active to passive, he gives them two distinct requirements. First they must repent (v. 38). This means to do a U-turn in their minds. From legalism and law they must turn to salvation by grace. Then, after they accept this free gift of salvation, they were to commit their daily lives to Him in discipleship as shown by baptism. This same Holy Spirit would fill them, too.

About 3,000 people responded to Peter’s message by accepting Jesus as their Savior and making Him Lord by baptism (v. 41).

JERUSALEM’S FIRST CHURCH (42-47 ) What a day! In the morning 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit and in the afternoon another 3000 were baptized into Body of Christ. But what were they to do? There was no church to join, no leaders who had been through this before, no one with any experience, and no written New Testament . What they did was pattern their new church after what they were used to – the synagogue.

Teaching (God to man), worship (man to God) and fellowship (man to man) are the three ingredients necessary in any body of believers. There must be a balance between all three. Reaching outward is also necessary - evangelism. Thus these four activities are all essential: Word, worship, warmth and witness. Churches grow warmer through fellowship, deeper through teaching , stronger through worship and larger through evangelism.

It is God’s Holy Spirit that empowers and works through all these. Most homes are connected to a water main. This supplies the house with adequate water for normal life. But suppose a fire breaks out. Then firemen tap a nearby hydrant to secure a much greater flow of water to meet the emergency. To be "full" of the Spirit is like a house supplied continuously with adequate water. But to be "filled" on occasion, as the apostles were in Acts 4:31, is to be given extra energy and power for special service. "And when they had prayed, -- they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31). For the special task of persisting in evangelism, even when the religious leadership violently opposed them, the apostles needed a special filling of God's power. They had been "full of the Spirit" all along. Now they needed "extra filling" to meet the extra demands on them.

4. ‘RELIGION’ or JESUS (Acts 3)

It’s often been said that there is a big difference between religion and Christianity. Religion is works-based, man reaching up to God by his own works, traditions and rituals. True Christianity isn’t like that. It’s a relationship. God is the initiator, not man. He reaches down to may by grace, offering salvation which is free for man but paid for by Christ. The Jews in Jesus’ day had a full-blown case of religion. Jesus came to reintroduce the relationship part – Christianity. Unfortunately they didn’t respond. They rejected and crucified Him. Now his followers are offering the same free salvation in Jesus. If you’ve ever tried witnessing to someone who is ‘religious’ you know how hard that is. It’s like having an inoculation. You get a bit of the bug and that keeps you from getting the real thing! That’s how it is with religion. Still, God can break through those walls. He did in the summer of 33 AD in the temple in Jerusalem. Let’s see how He did it so we can better know how to witness to religious people.

1. Keep your own personal relationship with God strong through daily devotions (1-2). Peter and John were opposites in many ways, that’s what made their friendship so unusual. Older & larger Peter was an outgoing extrovert who liked to be around people and didn’t have natural self discipline. Young and smaller John was an introvert who tended to be overly sensitive and become moody and depressed. What they both needed, and had, was a strong pattern of spending time with God in personal devotions each day. That’s what they had. Daily they went to the temple to participate in the worship there. They didn’t see themselves as too good for or above the temple worship. God used this to change them, He also used it to bring them in contact with a crippled man.

Now the temple was full of cripples. Poor sanitation and hygiene let to many birth defects among the people. They couldn’t earn a living and there was no government program to support them, so they had to be carried to the temple to lay and beg for money all day. Hundreds were there each day, but only one was chosen for healing. Why this one? Was there something about his faith in God or his openness to the gospel of Jesus? Or did God simply elect him out of the many?

2. Be sensitive to those God puts in your path (3). Peter and John must have been asked for money over and over each day. It became natural to just ignore such requests for they couldn’t all be met. Peter was sensitive to their needs, not hard and callous to them. He was also sensitive to God’s leading in his life, and he sensed (and obeyed) the Spirit telling him to do something different with this man.

3. Be flexible, change your schedule when God sends an interruption (4-5). Instead of walking past and continuing on his way inside to worship, Peter paused to minister to the man. He never will make it in to the temple that morning, but that is OK this day for He has other plans for Peter’s day, plans Peter never imagined. How flexible are you when God sends interruptions and tells you to meet the needs of another before your own? Often God chooses warmth and love to break through the cold, hard exterior of religiosity.

4. Let God do something to get the people’s attention (6-11). When the man asks for money Peter honestly tells him he doesn’t have any, but he can give him something much better. In Jesus’ name, so Jesus gets the credit and not Peter, he tells the man to walk. Immediately a miracle occurs and the man is healed. His legs are healed from whatever deformity he had. They grew strong and the muscles developed, plus he could walk without trial and error – he had balance and coordination. When God does a miracle, He does it right!

5. When He does get their attention, be quick to speak for Christ or the change will be gone (12a) Naturally, the people who were nearby noticed what was happening, and others stopped and looked as the ex-cripple jumped and shouted his praise to God. As they moved into the temple court the went to Solomon’s Colonnade, where groups gathered to hear the rabbis teach. Peter seized this opportunity as an occasion to speak for Jesus. If he wouldn’t have been alert it would have passed. We, too, must be alert to the opportunities God gives us to speak for Him and to use them before they are gone. When they are gone, the don’t return!

6. Don’t feel superior to those who don’t know Jesus (12b). Right off Peter makes sure they know the man wasn’t healed by his power. He doesn’t want to take any glory from God. He is truly humble. As nice as it is to get attention and credit for what happens, it is more important to make sure God gets the attention and credit. Don’t steal God’s glory!

7. Keep the focus of your comments on Jesus (13a). Right away Peter makes it clean that it is Jesus who gets the credit for this. He calls Him “God’s servant Jesus” (13), “the Holy and Righteous One” (14), and “the Author of Life” (15). Jesus must always be our focus, all we say and do must give credit to Him.

8. Point out how ‘religion’ fails to meet man’s inner need for a relationship with God (13b-14). Peter doesn’t hesitate to point out their sin and failure. He clearly says they rejected and crucified Jesus. Their self-centered system of pride and works failed, for it rejected God Himself, the One they claimed to serve. We, too, need to show people how and where their religious systems fail. They don’t have inner peace, joy, assurance of forgiveness and a new meaning and purpose in life.

9. Tell them that only Jesus satisfies (15-17). Only Jesus can bring what we need, never our own religious works. Peter says that, although they rejected and killed Jesus, God brought Him back to life. As proof of that Peter says that it was that resurrection power that healed this cripple. Therefore Jesus was greater than their religious system, for He overcame it and conquered death.

10. Quote Scripture, don’t just use your own words (18). Even Jesus, suffering and death were part of God’s plan, as Peter says the Old Testament prophets had foretold. He backs up what he says with Scripture, as he did in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

11. Challenge them to repent and ask for God’s grace (19-24). It’s not too late, though, Peter tells them. They can right now repent and turn to God from their man-made system. Then they will have salvation and, who knows, Peter says, maybe Jesus will return as the Messiah to set up the kingdom He offered them?

12. Encourage them by using examples of godly people from the past (25-26). Peter concludes by reminding them of their rich heritage from Abraham, a man who had a deep personal relationship with God. He doesn’t scold them but encourages them to follow Jesus.

13. Accept rejection as part of witnessing for Jesus, don’t take it personally (Acts 4:1 ) While many probably will accept Peter’s words, the immediate result is persecution and rejection by the same religious rulers who rejected Jesus. Acts 4 tells that story. Don’t let the rejection and persecution of a few keep you from spreading Jesus’ message whenever you can.

5. HANDLING PERSECUTION (Acts 4)

Standing up and speaking for Jesus often carries a cost. Peter and John will go through this over and over. In the summer of 33 AD they first experienced this. Oh they had had some of it while with Jesus, but now they were on their own and had to face it directly. What they did sets a pattern for us to follow when we get persecuted for speaking about Jesus.

1. Be submissive (1-7 ) The healing of the cripple had given Peter an opportunity to speak for Jesus (Acts 3). This brought opposition from the hard-core religionists – the religious leaders. They sent their temple guards to roughly grab Peter and John and throw them into prison.

After keeping them in prison overnight to intimidate them, the religious rulers (the same men who had condemned Jesus to crucifixion) challenged them as to how this miracle was done.

Note that ‘religion’ intimidates those who challenge it. It is built on works and tradition and persecutes those who oppose it.

2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit (8a) The last time Peter was challenged as to Jesus, he lied and fled from a servant girl of Caiaphas ’. Now he stands before Caiaphas , Annas and the others and clearly stands up for Jesus. What made the difference? Peter knew he couldn’t do it on his own strength, he needed to have God’s Spirit within him. Without the filling of God Spirit we, too, are unable to stand up to persecution, opposition and rejection.

3. Be bold, use opportunities (8-18 ) Filled with the Spirit, Peter clearly spoke to them of Jesus. That wasn’t the name they wanted to hear. They gave Jesus the credit for the healing of the crippled man. He continues to quote Scripture to support what he says (Psalm 118:22). He challenges them to turn to Jesus for salvation.

God used their courage and stand to speak to the religious rulers. Note the verbs in verse 13. They “saw,” “realized,” “were astonished,” and “took note that these men had been with Jesus.” What could they say – there was the ex-crippled man standing right there, healed and whole! All they could do was to threaten the disciples to no longer speak about Jesus. The religious rulers were more concerned about their power and prestige, not about obeying God. They knew the truth, as they did about the crucifixion. The Roman soldiers had given them the truth about the resurrection, but they chose to cover it up. Their pride was great.

4. Be obedient to God at all costs (19-22 ) However the disciples made it clear they would obey God and not man. There wasn’t much the religious rulers could do, for to punish them would not be well accepted by the people since they all knew the man and it was clear he had been healed. Despite the threats the disciples continued to speak about Jesus.

5. Bind yourself to others for fellowship and support (23-24a ) The first thing that Peter and John did upon being released was to go back to the other believers. Persecution brings people closer together. As believers we need each other for fellowship and support. Having close contact with other believers is necessary in so many areas, and helping us stand up to persecution is one of them. One of the reasons cult members can withstand the rejection and criticism they face is because they have a strong support system. As Christians, we need to stick together, especially as persecution increases and the Second Coming draws closer.

6. Bless, praise and thank God throughout it all (24b-28 ) Recognizing God as sovereign, they saw all things as coming from His hand, whether seemingly good or seemingly bad. Psalm 2:1-2 is quoted to show God knew and had it all planned all along.

7. Ask God for greater boldness (29-31) What is most impressive is that the early believers didn’t pray for removal of the persecution but for courage to face it. That should be our desire, too. God answered their prayer by filling them with His Holy Spirit. That is how God provides courage for us today, too.

8. Watch God work despite (or because of) persecution (32-37 ) Despite the persecution, many continued to believe. There were about 5,000 men (15,000 + total people) in the church at this time (v. 4). Man can incarcerate the messengers, but not the message. Persecution just makes the church grow. It’s like pouring gasoline on a fire to put it out.

Many in our day and time face great persecution, too. It’s been said that there is more persecution going on today than in all the previous centuries combined.

An African pastor was overwhelmed by rebels who demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. The night before they took his life, he wrote the following lines on a scrap of paper:

“I am part of the ‘Fellowship of the Unashamed.’ I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

“My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought , compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of

popularity , or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

“I won't give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

“I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops. And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

“Lord, develop in me the perseverance and faithfulness to pursue Your goal for my life even in the face of rejection.”

6. GOD HATES HYPOCRISY (Acts 5)

One of Satan’s more successful activities is to tempt believers to sin through pride. He encourages us to compare ourselves to others, to play a subtle form of ‘spiritual king of the mountain.’ Pride, self-centeredness and greed are basic values of Satan’s which led to his rebellion and fall. He uses them to feed our rebellion and bring about our fall as well. That is nothing new. It’s always been that way. It started with Adam and Eve. It can be clearly seen in the early church, too.

In Acts 4:32-37 we have find that believers with resources were using those things for the benefit of those who were without. Barnabas even went so far as to sell a field and gave the money to be used for poorer believers. Now that must have really caused people to think highly of Barnabas, although that wasn’t why he did it. Still, Satan used it to tap into the pride and self-centeredness that is a natural part of all of us.

THE HYPOCRITICAL ACT (1-4 ) Ananias (“God is gracious”) and his wife Sapphira (“Beautiful”) were middle class believers who lived in Jerusalem. They sold a piece of property, too, and brought some of the money and gave it to the apostles to distribute to the needy. The problem was that they didn’t give all the money they had received. Now there was no law that said she had to give it all. It was entirely up to them. What they did wrong was to imply, actually state, that they had given all of the money. Why would they say they did if they didn’t? They wanted the same approval and popularity that Barnabas had gotten from his action.

Thus their sin wasn’t in keeping some of their money, for they didn’t have to give it. Their sin lay in pretending to give it all so people would be impressed with them. It was hypocrisy. Their motive was the sin, not their action. Jesus called hypocrites “whitened seplecurs .” They were whitewashed graves, pretty white on the outside but full of death and decay inside. Other word pictures to describe hypocrisy include leaven, over grown graves, a broken pot whose crack is painted over to hide it, tares, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, an empty well and a hired mourner who acts sad at a funeral.

The Bible makes it clear throughout that God hates hypocrisy (Amos 5:21-24; Isaiah 1:11-18; Mark 7:6-7; Matthew 23). The Greek word translated (really transliterated) ‘hypocrisy’ means literally “to speak from behind a mask.” It was originally used for an actor who would hold a large wax mask in front of his face while acting a part in a play. That is a good picture of a hypocrite.

Cain, Absalom, Joab and Judas are all examples of hypocrites. Their stories don’t have happy endings. The story of Ananias and Sapphira doesn’t have a happy ending, either.

GOD’S JUDGMENT ON HYPOCRISY (5-11 ) Everything would have gone fine for Ananias and Sapphira. No one knew they weren’t giving all their money. No one but God, and He told Peter. It’s called the gift of discernment, and how it works is that the Holy Spirit wordlessly tells a servant of God something they need to know but wouldn’t have known any other way. Peter knew, just knew down inside, that they didn’t give all the money. The Holy Spirit had convicted them of their sin but they hardened themselves against repenting and confessing (something VERY dangerous to do). As a result God struck Ananias down dead.

Ananias was a believer. He didn’t lose his salvation and go to hell, but he did lose any opportunity to serve God on earth and receive rewards in heaven. He was accountable and sinned willingly and knowingly. He tried to cover up his sin. It was all based on pride, self-centeredness and greed.

God is so very fair with all of us. He gave Sapphira her own chance, so she wouldn’t seem forced by Ananias. She came in later on her own, not knowing what had happened to her husband. She was also asked if this was all the money. She could have told the truth but didn’t. It wasn’t a matter of wifely submission, she was greedy as well. She, too, died immediately.

That brings up the question of God’s standards. Why did God kill them when He doesn’t kill every greedy hypocrite in the church today? Well, He should and could. It’s only His mercy that keeps Him from doing so. He sets His standards at the start so we know what they are, then shows mercy. He did that when the nation Israel was forming and Nadab and Abihu used their own fire instead of God’s fire in the Tabernacle (Lev 10:2). They both died. He set His standard when the Jews entered the land of Canaan and Achan in his greed and self-centeredness hid some of the spoils from Jericho (Josh 7:25). He and his whole family died. Thank God for His mercy on us today, or there wouldn’t be any of us alive! Don’t take advantage of God’s mercy. Instead live a life of holiness for God.

JUDGMENT RESULTS IN PURITY (11-14) Anyway, as you can imagine, this had a profound impact on those within and those without the church! It showed the believers the need to be honest and holy. It warned unbelievers about pretending to be part of the church just to get the free food. God has always been more interested in quality than quantity.

PURITY RESULTS IN POWER (12, 15-16 ) When we live holy lives in obedience to God He will use that to work His will through us. God’s greatness was seen in the early church. God did miracles through them to show He was behind all they did. Today God uses changed lives – our changed lives. Through us He shows others that He is behind it all. They had power over Satan’s forces as well. God’s power was active and everything got stirred up.

POWER RESULTS IN PERSECUTION (17-28 ) Satan’s forces also got stirred up and in turn stirred up the religious rulers against the disciples. He incites the religious rulers to have Peter and John arrested. But God’s power is greater and He sends an angel to release them. Then God does one of those strange things that He so often does – He sends them right back where they were when they got arrested! Instead of getting them out of town or having them hang low for awhile, He puts them right back in the temple preaching. Sure enough, they get arrested again and brought before the religious rulers who again threatened them and tried to intimidate them.

PERSECUTION RESULTS IN PERSISTENCE (29-41 ) Persecution has refined and strengthened Peter and John, however, and again they stand without giving in. They preached about Jesus, which so angered the religious rulers that they wanted to kill them then and there. Gamaliel brought reason to the group by saying that if they were not from God then He would bring about their demise, but if they were they would be opposing Him. Let God handle it was his advice. They adopted this suggestion, but this time they had them flogged. They considered it a privilege to be scourged like Jesus was before His crucifixion, though, and persisted in faithfulness to God.

PERSISTENCE RESULTS IN PRODUCTIVITY (42 ) Instead of discouraging the early believers, this just encouraged them all the more to witness and speak of Jesus. They spoke to any who would listen about their Savior, one on one or in groups. God blessed their efforts and brought continued growth.

Hypocrisy brought judgment which brought purity which brought power which brought persecution which brought persistence which brought productivity. Where are we on that formula today? Where do we get off the path? Stay pure and God will use you for His glory!

7. WANTED: SERVANTS (Acts 6)

Moses had 2 ½ million ex-slaves to lead and turn into a nation. Can you imagine the work load! He was overworked and stressed out. He was busy all day, draining himself with details. He wasn’t able to do all that needed doing so the people were frustrated and complaining. What could be done? Moses’ father-in-law suggested he delegate lesser chores to other competent men and focus on the major needs himself (Exodus 18:13-27). That’s good prioritizing. It worked! It always does. When the early church faced a similar situation, they also followed Moses’ example. It worked then, too.

THE PROBLEM It is the winter of 34 BC. The young church is 1 ½ years old. They have grown from 70 to 30,000 strong. They were all new believers. There were no established churches, grounded leaders, written books, or even a New Testament to turn to. They had 12 average men to lead this whole movement! Under perfect circumstances it might have worked. But when are circumstances ever perfect?

Remember, when a Jew became a Christian and showed that by being baptized in public, his or her family had a funeral. They buried all that had that belonged to him and never talked about or to them no matter what. Passing on the street, they would stare straight through them. For a Jew this excommunication was severe. Family and Jewish ties meant everything to them. They lost family, friends, loved ones, culture and traditions. They also lost their jobs, income and inheritance. Who could these new believers turn to but each other? Because of this those who had money or property contributed it for the welfare of those who had nothing (Acts 4:33-35). Barnabas was one such man (Acts 4:36-37). Ananias and Sapphira pretended to do the same thing for the glory (Acts 5). Because of their deceitfulness they died. Enough was contributed to meet the needs of thousands of needy new believers. Collecting it was one thing. Distributing it fairly was something else. That turned out to be quite a major job!

What made that all the worse was that there were actually two groups of Jews in the early church. Hebraic Jews were those who spoke Hebrew and were natives of Jerusalem. They were of the same stock as the Apostles, were networked, and knew their way around. If all the Jews in the early church would have been of this group there wouldn’t have been a problem. Many Jews, though, grew up in the Greek culture and Greek was their native language. These were the Grecian Jews. They moved to Jerusalem for business, or were visiting on a Feast Day and accepted Jesus as Messiah so they stayed to learn more and grow. Whatever the case, they weren’t able to communicate their needs as well, weren’t known as well and weren’t part of the local group. Thus they tended to be overlooked. They didn’t think this was fair, and they started complaining about it. If this was the way they as Christians should have responded or not isn’t the issue here. The Apostles knew something needed to be done. But what?

THE SOLUTION The Apostles know there was more of a problem than just some widows being left out. As it was they were so busy distributing food they weren’t able to spend the time in prayer and Bible study and teaching that they wanted to. It was throwing their priorities off. So it wasn’t a matter of them putting in more time in the food distribution area. There had to be better answer, and there was! It was ‘delegation of responsibility’.

The solution was really very simple: assign others to take care of the food! Why didn’t they think of that earlier?

Of course it couldn’t be just any men. If it wasn’t the right men the situation would just get worse, not better. They needed men (not women - I Tim 2:11-15) who were believers (“brothers”) and who were committed to their body of believers (“among you”). They had to have a good reputation (“honest report”) and be full of the Holy Spirit as well as full of wisdom.

Their ministry was to be one of “waiting on tables.” The same Greek word root is used for “distribution” (v. 1), “wait on tables” (v. 2) and “ministry” (v. 4). The Greek word used is ‘ diakonia ,’ and is the word also translated (really transliterated) ‘deacon’ in the Bible. “Deacon” and “minister” both come from the root word that means “to wait on tables,” for they are jobs of serving others. This is the main trait the Apostles looked for in men to help them, men who would be called ‘deacons.’

The men chosen were all Greeks (Acts 6:5-6). This way there could be no mistake as to the Grecian widows being understood and cared for. Doing this kept unity in the early church. Satan does all he can to cause divisions and splits in a group, and had he been successful here it could have really slowed the spread of the church. There would have been competition and difficulties from then on.

THE RESULT With this roadblock gone the church experienced another growth spurt (v. 7). Even many of the priests put their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Another result was the emergence of Stephen as a leading force in the early church. A leading speaker and apologist, he didn’t mind being given a job that seemed menial and difficult. He was willing to serve any way he could. God still used him to evangelize, though (v. 8). God even did miracles through him, as a way of showing those listening that he had God’s power. Without these “great wonders and miraculous signs” no one could tell a man of God from a false prophet. Today we can look at a man’s life, his ‘fruit’, to see if he has God’s power or not. Then there wasn’t time for the people to wait years to see changed lives. There were counterfeits everywhere right then. Something needed to be done right away.

THE OPPOSITION Whenever God works, Satan opposes. Actually this was Paul’s home synagogue (v. 9) and they tried to win debates against Stephen. Probably Paul himself (still called Saul then) trying arguing with Stephen – and lost. (Later Paul will use the same approach and outline that Stephen used. Although he will silence Stephen, God will use him to replace Stephen.)

Since they couldn’t silence Stephen any other way, they bribed men to say he blasphemed (it worked with Jesus, why not try it again now? Perhaps Stephen had said that man could worship God anywhere, he didn’t have to only be in the temple to do so (v. 11).

THE OPPRESSION Everyone got stirred up against Stephen (v. 12). Obviously the religious rulers who refused to believe were just looking for an excuse to attack Christians. It was really Jesus they were opposed to (v. 14). Since Satan can’t get at God Himself he is left at taking out his hate and anger on God’s people. It is really a battle of light versus darkness, of Satan’s kingdom versus God’s kingdom.

Stephen was violently and cruelly seized (v. 12 in the Greek). The chapter ends with Stephen in the Sanhedrin, threatened with beating and death. Still, God gives him perfect peace. God’s presence and glory was even visible in his face (v. 15). The next chapter then summarizes Stephen’s defense of his preaching that Jesus is the promised Messiah (Acts 7).

Today, too, God is looking for those who have servant hearts to step in and help take the load from overworked leaders so they can focus on what is their top priority. Are you willing to do ‘deacon’ work, to ‘wait on tables,’ to serve in any menial way that is needed? Such people are invaluable to any church, family or group. There are never too many of them!

8. STEPHEN’S GRAVE (Acts 7)

Trying to defend ones self can be difficult as well as frustrating. I’m sure we’ve all had times when we’ve been misunderstood or falsely accused of something. We assume that as soon as we present the true facts everything will be all right. For some reason, though, the more we try to straighten things out the more knotted they become. Eventually we realize we’d have been better off not trying to defend ourselves. Nothing we say makes anything better anyway. It can be disconcerting to say the least!

THE CHARGE: BLASPHEMY (7:1 ) That’s exactly what Stephen faced when falsely accused of blaspheming against God. For the past two years the early church was steadily increasing and sharing their faith in their risen Savior. Perhaps the top theologian and most successful debater and apologist among the early Christians was Stephen. By saying Jesus was God, Stephen opened himself up to the charge of blaspheming against God. He held his ground when challenged, even out debating those who challenged him (which included Saul of Tarsus). Since they couldn’t out-argue him, they decided to silence him another way – kill him! So they arrested him and brought him before the Sanhedrin to be tried for blasphemy. Out of all those who were preaching, only God knows why Stephen was the one chosen to be charged and condemned. It was part of God’s perfect plan.

THE DEFENSE: JEWISH REJECTION OF GOD’S MESSENGERS (7:2-53 ) Stephen doesn’t try to explain what he said or meant. He knew that was a dead-end street. He knew that gossip and false accusations can’t be tracked down and unraveled. It just won’t happen.

Neither did Stephen try to prove Jesus was the Messiah, God Himself come to earth. If Jesus really was god then Stephen wasn’t guilty of blasphemy at all, but of speaking the truth. Why didn’t he try to prove Jesus was God? He knew it was useless. The religious rulers had more proof than anyone, starting with a firsthand report of the resurrection by the Roman soldiers. They knew it was true so they bribed the soldiers to lie about what really happened. They saw lame people healed. They knew of many of their own numbers who became believers in Jesus and left the priesthood to follow Him. They heard it all, over and over. There was no use telling them again. The problem wasn’t ignorance, it was a hard, stubborn heart. They refused to humble themselves and yield to the truth. As God has often said, they were a “stiff-necked and stubborn people.” This was what Stephen pointed out to them. His ‘defense’ was that they had a history of rejecting God’s prophets, as they were doing with Stephen. It was a gutsy approach, not one calculated to get the charges against him dropped. It did make them all the more accountable and responsible for their actions, though.

What Stephen did was review Jewish history, something they already clearly knew. He wasn’t teaching them history, but picking out certain events to show a pattern. They had wrongly rejected those whom God had sent before. In fact, they did this to each messenger God sent. Perhaps by seeing this pattern in their past they would stop it now and no longer reject Jesus or His messenger, Stephen. It was an argument geared to appeal to their mind, but they were going by their emotions. Jealousy, pride, anger and self-centeredness so controlled them that there was no room for rational, objective decision-making.

Stephen used the examples of Joseph and his brothers (v. 9-16) as well as Moses (twice: 17-38; 39-43) to show how the Jews had consistently rejected God’s messengers. He quickly developed this from history, supporting it with quotes from the prophets. Seeing his listeners were getting the point and were about to cut him off, Stephen hit home: "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it (7:51-53)."

THE VERDICT: GUILTY AS CHARGED (7:54-56) The religious rulers were ‘furious’ when they heard this. This Greek word could also mean that they were ‘cut to the heart as with a sword’ like when the Spirit convicted unbelievers of their need of Jesus in Acts 2. Here, though, the response was anger at Stephen. Silence his voice and the conviction wouldn’t be felt!

An interesting note to this event is that Saul, later to be called Paul, was present. In fact, he may have been in charge of the trial and stoning of Stephen. That could be the significance of the witnesses laying their clothes at his feet (7:58). He might have set the arrest up and carried it out. As the leading theologian and debater among those opposed to Jesus, he would have been paying careful attention to what Stephen said. It’s quite likely that God’s Spirit brought all this to Saul’s mind during those days when he sat blind after meeting the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. In fact, Paul himself used this same line of reasoning in Pisidia (Acts 13). He went on and completed what Stephen was unable to finish. God, in effect, used Stephen’s death to bring about Paul’s salvation. Paul actually became Stephen’s replacement – the leading theologian and apologist of the early church.

THE SENTENCE: DEATH BY STONING (7:57 - 8:1 ) Stephen was filled with God’s Spirit to help him through this difficult time. He looked up (not down) and, in what could be called a near-death experience, saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand in heaven! Usually Jesus is seen sitting in heaven, a sign of His work being finished. Now, though, He is standing as if to help Stephen. God always provides dying grace for His people. When He calls on us to die, He is there is a special way to encourage and support us. Stephen was, in some ways, already in heaven! There was no fear for him, only God’s magnificent peace. Imagine seeing Jesus in heaven about to help you!

When Stephen told those who were there what he saw, though, they only increased their charges of blasphemy. They “rushed at” Stephen. The same Greek word that is used here is used of the demon-possessed pigs rushing over the cliff into the water. The similarity is obvious.

Stoning was the official method of capital punishment used by the Jews. The victim would be pushed off a cliff used for this purpose, which was located right outside town. The law required there be two witnesses to affirm the guilt of an individual. These would be the first to drop rocks on the victim where he had fallen below. Others then would also drop rocks. It was a relatively quick and pain-free death, especially compared to crucifixion.

As he was dying Stephen prayed for those who were Killing him. Like Jesus, he asked God to not hold this sin against them. Then he fell asleep -- a beautiful word picture for death. Immediately his spirit and soul went to heaven while his body remained on earth. One day his body will be resurrected and transformed into an eternal body, replacing the temporary body God gives all those who die (see I Corinthians 15 for more information about this).

Why God chose to have Stephen, who was an excellent Christian man, die young as a martyr while allowing Peter, who denied him, have the privilege of living and leading thousands to salvation, only God knows. When we make ourselves available to be used by God in whatever way He chooses, we know that whatever He chooses for us is right and best (Rom. 8:28). Do you trust Him with your life and your death? You aren’t ready to live until you are ready to die!

9. PHILIP PREACHING (Acts 8)

Why is it that persecuting God’s Church is like pouring gasoline on a fire to put it out? What causes believers to grow stronger under opposition? That has been true from the beginning and is also evident round the world today. The purpose of oppression is to cause believers to quit, and some do. However as a whole outside pressure strengthens, not weakens the church. Why?

I think the reason is because God’s people then must turn to and depend on God in a way they wouldn’t have had to otherwise. They are more receptive to His power working through them. They turn more completely to Him and need His more. Also, difficulties in this life cause a person to focus on what really matters. It helps one view eternal things as more important than daily, material objects. It gives a more realistic perspective of what is truly important in life. As others see this some of them are then attracted to God and want this same reality in their lives. Thus individuals grow and the church grows. That’s always the way it has been, and the way it still is.

EARLY CHURCH PERSECUTION The early church is a perfect example of this. “On that day (when Stephen was killed, Acts 7 )a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. … Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:1 ,4 ) The Greek word for “scattered” is the word our word ‘ evangelize’ comes from. It refers to sowing seeds. Thus the persecution caused believers to be scattered throughout the whole area. The purpose of the persecution was to stop the growth of the early church, instead it caused the church to grow ever more because people told about Jesus wherever they went. It’s like throwing seeds all over to kill them instead of leaving them all piled up in one place. Or it can be seen as spreading a campfire throughout the woods to put it out. This helped the spread of the fire/seeds instead of stopping it.

The early Christians had been clearly told to take the gospel to the whole world and not stay in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18). They hadn’t done that, so God allows this to spread them and their message everywhere. Satan would have been better off to allow them to stay in Jerusalem keeping the good news to themselves . Instead the word spread everywhere. I guess he learned from that, for how many of us and our churches are guilty of keeping the wonderful news about Jesus to ourselves instead of scattering and spreading it? What will God need to do to spread His word today?

“All things work together for the good of those who love Jesus, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). That is true of persecution and opposition as well. God used Satan’s attempt to destroy the church for His benefit. The church grew in quality (as individuals grew closer to God) and quantity (as they then spread the Gospel to those around them).

EARLY CHURCH PERSECUTOR Paul was God’s instrument of persecution (8:3). As a wild animal, he ravaged the church in Jerusalem, tearing it apart in a frenzy (this is what the Greek word for “destroy” means). We must remember that his motive was right – to serve God. His action, however, was very wrong. God would soon reveal Himself to Paul, who will then say he had been “acting in ignorance” (I Timothy 1:13). It was the biggest regret of Paul’s life.

EARLY CHURCH PROTECTOR The story now focuses on one of those who were scattered. Philip, one of the deacons ordained along with Stephen, went to Samaria and spread the Gospel there (8:5). Because of the faithful witness of the woman at the well (John 4) 5 years before, there was a great response. God authenticated His message of spiritual healing by doing physical healings (8:6-7). This was God’s way of showing He was behind the speaker. Today he uses the testimony of our changed lives to authenticate His words, but there wasn’t time to wait for years as the church slowly spread.

Of all the people who responded, the story of one man, a man named Simon, is recorded in the Bible. He had used Satan’s power to do things to impress others. He loved the attention of the people and the power he held over them. When he heard the gospel he responded and accepted Jesus as his Savior ( 8:13 ). Peter, who had the gift of discernment (Acts 5; 8:20 -22), baptized him as a believer. The Bible clearly says that he was a believer (8:13) and Peter knew he was a believer or he wouldn’t have baptized him. However his fleshly attachment to self-glorification and his pride caused him to want to have God’s power for selfish reasons. He wanted the Holy Spirit’s power (v. 19) for the wrong reason. While Paul did the wrong thing for the right reason (persecuting the church because he thought it was opposed to God), Simon did the right thing (wanting the Spirit’s power) for the wrong reason (his own pride). God looks at our motives, not just our actions (I Cor 3:11-15; Mt 7:22-23; Rom 7:6; Heb 4:12; Mt 6:1-4; widow with 2 mites, Cain and Able, etc.).

Jealousy and pride kept him from being used by God (8:21-23). He was a believer who was acting in the flesh , concerned with his own glory more than God’s glory. Aren’t we all guilty of that at times, too? To his credit, he repented when challenged with this (v. 24). His salvation wasn’t in jeopardy, but his earthly usefulness was (“You shall have no share in this ministry” [21], but his salvation was intact).

Check your own motives. Make sure you aren’t using spiritual gifts to impress others!

EARLY CHURCH Another example of the church growth that resulted from Paul’s persecution is seen in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-39). God sent the evangelist, Philip, from the midst of a great revival in Samaria to go to speak to one man on the opposite side of Jerusalem (v. 26). This one man, however, was important to God. It wasn’t just because he could and would influence his whole nation for Jesus, it was mainly because he was seeking and God always reaches out to and meets any soul that is seeking for Him.

The Ethiopian had been reading Isaiah 53 but didn’t understand it, so Philip used that as an opportunity to witness to him. Of course he used the Old Testament, for there was no New Testament yet. We, too, can use the Old Testament to present the gospel to those who only accept it and not the New (especially Jews). We can show them that the heart is wicked (Jer 17:9 - worse than pork). We cannot earn our salvation, for all our righteousness’ are like filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Our sin separates us from God (Isa 59:1-2) and we need someone sinless to intercede for us (Lev. 17:11). This perfect One had to be sacrificed (Isa 53:1-12) to pay for our sins so we could be reunited with God. The One to do this was the coming Messiah (Dan 9:29). He would suffer and die for sin (Psalm 22 - description of crucifixion). Salvation is provided by the Messiah, but we must put our faith in Him, believe and receive His free gift (Gen 15:6) for it to be ours.

Because he was a eunuch, the Ethiopian wasn’t able to be baptized into Judaism, but he understood what Philip said about Jesus. He accepted that free gift and then wanted to be baptized as a Christian, so Philip did so. Immediately Philip was taken away, and the Ethiopian continued on his way home to spread the good news in court of Candace the queen.

Thus we see how God used the worst (Stephen’s death) for the best (spread of Christianity everywhere). Romans 8:28 wasn’t even written yet, but it was already happening. God used that to spread the early Christians and therefore the Gospel. Lets make sure we spread the word where we are, not keep it in our family or church. Like Philip, faithfully tell others about Jesus!

10. PAUL PERCEIVING (Acts 9)

Paul was one of those people who does everything 100%, whether he was opposing or supporting the church. He never did anything half way.

ANCESTRY Paul was his Latin (Roman) name and Saul his Jewish name, which was used at home. His great-grandfather, from the tribe Benjamin, left Giscala in Galilee to move to Tarsus .

HOME TOWN Tarsus was a prosperous, self-governing city-state of ½ million people. It was a leading center of finances and education. It was a very worldly city for a Jew to grow up in.

PARENTS Paul’s father was a wealthy Pharisee. He made tents from the long black wool of local sheep. He was also a burgess of Tarsus and a Roman citizen, which was a proud privilege for anyone.

Not much is known about Paul’s mother. Perhaps she was sickly, maybe having died when his sister was born. Somehow his sister ended up in Jerusalem , if could have been she was raised by relatives there when her mother died.

EDUCATION Paul was mainly home educated. In the synagogue he was taught Hebrew. By 13 he would have mastered Jewish history, poetry and prophets. He had an excellent mind and marvelous memory.

LANGUAGE Paul , as most everyone in his day, was multilingual. He knew Greek from infancy, it was the main language of the day. Aramaic was the common language Jews used in their homes. Hebrew was the scholarly language boys learned to study the Bible. He also had a good working knowledge of Latin.

CAREER Tent making was a humble occupation, but the Jews believed that all boys should learn a craft and know what it is to work. Tents were common and were used by caravans, nomads and armies. Paul would have spent many hours weaving cloth, pushing the shuttle back and forth. This would have left his mind free to think. His mind probably focused on God and Jewish beliefs.

FAITH While he lived in Tarsus , he didn’t feel at home there. Baal worship, immorality, and persecution of those who worshipped God would have turned his heart to the land of his ancestors.

HOME LIFE Paul’s home seemed to have been a haven of piety with obedience to God emphasized. Perhaps there was a stern over-emphasis on external conformity.

GROWING UP Paul went through mar mitzva at 13 which is probably when he took his first trip to Jerusalem . He would have gone with his father and other men who were making the trip for various spiritual and/or business reasons. This was not only a special time religiously, but Paul got to see his sister.

Some time later Paul returned for training and study with the famous Rabbi Gamaliel . Jesus had spent time with him when He went to the temple for His Bar Mitzvah several years earlier. Paul’s training would have been long and hard. He would have to master not only the Hebrew Scriptures but also Jewish interpretations and commentaries on them: the Mishna , Gemerra and the Targum . He quickly outstripped his contemporaries with his intellectual giftedness. He had a very logical mind, and excellent memory, fertile imagination and analytical reasoning. Because he always expected much of himself and others, he didn’t seem to have many close friends. Many others in training were only concerned about external conformity (hypocrisy) and impressing others. Paul was always concerned about doing the right thing for the right reason. Outside he seemed to attain perfection, but inside he struggled with pride, lust and materialism.

RETURN TO TARSUS In his early 30’s Paul returned to Tarsus and became a leader in the synagogue there, teaching the Scriptures while supporting himself by making tents. Perhaps it was in tent making that he met Barnabas.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Paul seems to have been athletic, strong and in good physical condition. Tradition says he was under 5 foot, broad shouldered, with closely knit eyebrows and a thick beard. He had a long, crooked nose. He became prematurely gray and then bald. From his conversion experience he had eye troubles. Friends said he was ugly, enemies preferred the term ‘repulsive.’ He great impact on the world didn’t come from his physical appearance.

MARRIAGE While much in Paul’s life is unknown, from information in his writings, knowledge of Jewish history, and traditions, we can piece together some things about him. It seems he was married at one time and probably had a son. Perhaps both died in an epidemic which so common in those days. How that must have broken his heart and depressed him!

It may have been that, along with the events of April 14, 33 AD , that caused him to return to Jerusalem . On that day it got dark everywhere at 12 noon . At 3 PM an earthquake shook the world and the light again shone. These things were obviously supernatural. When word from Jerusalem about the strange events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth came, Paul was intrigued. Being a strict Jew, Paul would have wanted to do anything he could to stamp out this new heresy. Perhaps all the hurt and pain, the depression and emptiness came out in anger and hate to those who saw this Jesus as the Messiah. Paul ended up in Jerusalem opposing this new movement with everything he had.

PAUL THE PERSECUTOR Throwing himself into this new venture would help him escape the memories of his lost family as well as give him a new challenge, something to fill the empty void inside. It was a reason to keep going. He lived and worked on the street of the tentmakers in Jerusalem but spent as much time as he could with the religious rulers. He became a leading Pharisee in Jerusalem . Men that he had admired and respected, such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea , and Stephen, now became his hated enemies. Paul was one of the youngest Sanhedrin members, and thus one of the most influential men in Israel . His whole future was before him.

SPIRITUAL YEARNINGS Yet obviously Paul was empty, searching for real meaning and purpose in life. The harder he worked at being a perfect Jew the more he felt empty. Eventually he stopped striving after that elusive peace that evaded him. He felt crushed under the burden of the law and tradition, but know of no other way to seek God. All these frustrations and fears he took out on those he saw as the enemies of Judaism. When they claimed to have the answers and the peace he was looking for he overreacted all the more against them, making it a personal battle against them.

ONLY JESUS SATISFIES Paul had everything the world could offer, everything one could want. He had a well-to-do, important, supportive and loving family. He had the finest education one could have in both Judaism (Hebrew) and secular (Greek) knowledge. He had a successful career as a tentmaker and also as a rabbi. He was in the Sanhedrin (the top 70 men in Israel world-wide with the power to govern in all areas of Jewish life). He was on the rise for he was still quite young. He was near perfect in his religion, exhibiting outward sinlessness. He seemed to have it all. But he was empty and searching inside. He missed the one thing that along can satisfy – Jesus.

He had heard plenty about Jesus being the answer to his needs. His good friend Stephen told him often. At least they had been good friends from the same synagogue when Paul had been in Jerusalem before to study. Stephen was as mellow as Paul was abrasive. Stephen had the peace, and the answers that Paul sought. Paul couldn’t counter Stephen’s arguments proving Jesus as the Messiah. Paul grasped the full implication of it all, what it would mean to him personally and to Judaism as a whole if Jesus of Nazareth really had been the promised Messiah. It would take away the one thing Paul built his life on – Jewish law and practices. Finally, since he couldn’t silence Stephen’s words any other way, he used his authority as a member of the Sanhedrin to have Stephen stoned to death.

FULL-BLOWN PERSECUTION That didn’t settle the matter for Paul, though. In fact things got worse. He attacked Christianity like a mad man. His choleric temperament, his zeal for the things of God, the pain from the loss of his wife and son, the emptiness he felt spiritually, and the jealousy he experienced towards Christians who seemed to have everything he sought, all drove him fanatically.

He would burst into homes and synagogues. He imprisoned or killed old men and women as well as children. Others were beaten and crippled. During all this, though, Paul was coming in deeper and deeper contact with the gospel. As he unfiltered their services and heard their defense at their ‘trials,’ he learned more and more about this Jesus. He heard from those who were eye witnesses of Jesus miracles and who had memorized whole speeches Jesus had given. He saw that the great pain he inflicted on them didn’t take away their joy. Nothing did. They had something he lacked and he hated them all the more because of it.

CHRISTIANITY SPREADS Finally the Christians in Jerusalem were driven out of town or so deeply underground that they couldn’t be easily found. Jerusalem seemed safe from this new cult, but instead of putting it out Paul discovered he had just spread it around. Like kicking a fire apart to put it out, only to realize that each spark caught on and started a new fire where it landed, Paul realized that those who left Jerusalem were taking their message elsewhere. Not content to just purify Jerusalem , Paul wanted the belief totally eradicated everywhere. He knew that if he didn’t stop it soon it would spread beyond his ability to destroy it. It was already getting a strong footing in Damascus to the north. If that was allowed to take root and grow there was no telling where this heresy would spread and what damage it would do!

ON TO DAMASCUS Damascus had a large Jewish population, which make it ripe for the spread of this new message. Paul got the official papers he needed, gathered Jewish soldiers (Levites) and other officials, and set out to move his headquarters to Damascus . There he end , once and for all, this blasphemy.

Damascus was a 4-day donkey trip to the north, 150 miles away. They traveled through Galilee , past the Golan Heights , then by Mt Hermon . These brought to mind the adventures of God with His people at these places. Why couldn’t Paul find this victory and satisfaction in God that his ancestors seemed to find? He was filled with guilt, emptiness and no peace. He even had doubts about the eventual success of his mission, although he kept shoving them to the back of his mind every time they surfaced. He was grieved by the pain his persecution was causing so many people, but he justified it as necessary to rid Judaism of its enemies. Still, there was something about these Christians …

CONVERSION! Suddenly a light greater than the sun, the Shekinah Glory itself, shown on Paul and the whole group he was traveling with. They all fell down before it. All heard a sound, but only Paul the words: “Why are you persecuting Me ?” They were spoken by a Man about Paul’s own age, and instantly Paul knew Who it was, even though he had never seen the Man before. To confirm his suspicions Paul asked, “Who are you?” The answer was what he expected, “I am Jesus.”

In a second that seemed like an eternity Paul knew that He loved those whom he was persecuting, and He loved Paul. Immediately Paul broke in surrender. All his old theological arguments melted away. It no longer mattered what his Jewish contemporaries would think or what future in Judaism he was giving up. Stephen was right, Paul was wrong – it was that simple. Accepting that brought what Paul had been seeking his whole life, for instantly sweet peace flooded over his soul. He surrendered his life 100% to the authority of Jesus of Nazareth, the Jewish Messiah, God Himself come to earth as man. Paul had a new Master Whom he served with unswerving dedication the rest of his life.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF NEW LIFE Paul was blind for the next 3 days. In fact, his eyesight was affected for the rest of his life. It was a constant reminder of when God broke him, as Jacob’s limp reminded him of a similar event in his life.

Those three days were spent without food or water, for he had no desire to eat. He was so focused, so overwhelmed with the newness of this it was all he could think about. Proud, independent, self-sufficient Paul had to be led by the hand into Damascus and cared for by others. He was no conquering hero, but a conquered prodigal. He had plenty of time to think. Stephen was a time bomb that detonated in his mind. He recalled point after point that Stephen made, word for word, and each one hit home like a sharp sword. How could he have been so blind? How could he have missed it? It was so clear, so very clear to him now. Guilt and remorse washed over him in waves, followed by grace and peace.

The words of Stephen would stay with him forever. They would become the framework, the basic structure for the words Paul himself would speak. Now Paul would be speaking Stephen’s words. It was as if Stephen still lived – certainly his message lived on.

Then God sent a man named Ananias to Paul. That was quite an act of faith for Ananias who had been praying Paul wouldn’t come, and if he did wouldn’t find him! Through Ananias Paul received his sight and publicly showed his new faith by adult baptism (immersion).

Paul spent the next few days in Damascus and at once preached that Jesus was the Messiah in the synagogues. What a time that must have been! Some probably thought, though, that he was using this as a truck to sneak into the church and find out who was a Christian so he could have them killed. Because of this uproar he wasn’t able to stay in Damascus long, though.

BASIC TRAINING Paul spent the next two years in the Arabian desert , from the summer of 35 to the summer of 37 AD. He fled partly to protect his life but also to learn more about his new faith. He learned to depend on God during these years. God taught him spiritual truths and how to apply the information he already knew about the Old Testament to Christianity. He learned more, perhaps meeting with Jesus directly for instruction. He had time to think, reflect, digest and integrate this new world view into his life. He witness to and taught others he happened upon, learning to share his new faith. He had time to grow spiritually. Something similar happened to Moses in the same desert. God used this time for Paul to grow spiritually.

APPRENTICESHIP From the summer to the fall of 37 AD Paul spent back in Damascus for awhile, then in Jerusalem and finally in Tarsus. He started apply his new knowledge n practical situations, gaining experience teaching and preaching about Jesus.

Jerusalem was especially hard on Paul, for his conversion account wasn’t believed by the Jews, who didn’t trust him. Only his old friend Barnabas stood by him and encouraged the others to accept him as a brother in the faith. With the persecution now over and Paul helping spread the word, a period of peace and growth came to the church.

It seems Paul went home to Tarsus during this time, too. I wonder how his father and others there responded to this change in Paul’s life? He must have really desired to see them put their faith in Jesus, but we don’t know if any did or not. It seems he was scoured 5 times by the synagogue leaders, so he wasn’t any quicker to quit than that were to believe. Some say this is what undermined his health and that he was bowlegged the rest of his life. A complete break from family and Judaism occurred here and now.

BEGINNING MINISTRY Then Paul went to Syria and Cilicia from the fall of 37 to spring of 43 AD – 5 ½ years. He ministered, but he learned as well. He traveled on his own as God was preparing him for the upcoming missionary journeys he would lead. He preached, planted and strengthened churches, and learned patience through suffering. He may have even experienced death and come back to life during this time (II Cor 12:1-10).

There was a complete, total change in his life and heart. Now he had the satisfaction and peace which had eluded him for so long. His life totally turned around. Outwardly he went from the top to the bottom (a leader in Judaism to a disciple of Jesus). Inwardly, though, things went from the bottom (turmoil and guilt) to the top (peace and satisfaction).

Eventually Paul ended up in Antioch where a very strong Christian church had begun, and where believers were first called ‘Christians.’ It was at this time and place that the story ‘Ben Hur ’ takes place. Paul became a leader in the church there – not one of the top men but a leader in training. God was preparing him for the upcoming missionary outreach to Gentiles which Paul would soon spearhead.

MEANWHILE, BACK ON THE RANCH … During these years the early church grew and prospered. They went through a time of consolidation and maturity in preparation for the next growth spurt.

In about 38 AD Peter was in Lydda ministering when God used him to heal a man named Aeneas (9:32-35). In nearby Joppa he brought a woman named Dorcas back to life ( 9:36 -43). God used these things to get a hearing for the gospel. Note that these miracles were done with a word or touch. Healing was instantaneous and 100% total and forever. All were healed, not just some. Organic diseases were healed and the dead were brought back to life. As time went on, though, the testimony of a changed life lived among people became the proof that the gospel had power. In AD 35 all were healed (Acts 5:16 ). By 60 AD some were healed. Epaphroditus (Paul 2:25 -27) and Paul’s own thorn in the flesh were not healed. In 67 AD few were healed. Trophimus (II Timothy 4:20 ) and Timothy’s stomach were not healed. Today God uses the testimony of a changed life as proof of His power to touch and changed lives. That’s one reason it is so important for us to life a holy life for Jesus in this time.

11. PETER PIONEERING (Acts 10-11)

Gabriel said John the Baptizer would be a “light to the Gentiles.” Jesus Himself said He had “other sheep” to bring into the fold (John 6:37; 10:16). But if you would have told a Jew that their Messiah died for Gentiles as well as Jews, they would have been shocked. Jews saw Gentiles (called “goy”) as unclean, created by God only for the purpose of ‘stoking the fires of hell.’ A godly Jew would not touch a Gentile, drink milk from their animals, eat bread that they baked, or allow dust from their land to settle on his clothing. These would make them ‘unclean.’ To tell a Jew, then, to go invite them into the Kingdom as equal heirs with Jews was quite a cultural change!

Peter, who wasn’t know for his open mindedness and tolerance, was God’s choice to make the first breakthrough. Praise God it happened, though – or we would have to become Orthodox Jews before we would be eligible for salvation by Jesus!

CAESAREA AND JOPPA In 40 AD Peter was in a town called Joppa (10:5) which was Jerusalem’s seaport, 38 miles away. It was an average sized city. Today it is called Jaffa . Our story, though, takes place in Caesarea (10:1), 30 miles (2 days travel) north of Joppa. It was a showcase city built by Herod the Great and the seat of government for Judea. It had the best port around. Philip settled here, and it had a strong church for centuries.

CORNELIUS Many Roman soldiers were stationed in Caesarea, and one was a man named Cornelius (10:1). He came from a distinguished upper class Roman family. He was a centurion, which means he commanded 100 soldiers. That would be like being a sergeant. Centurions were the backbone of the army. Like Abraham was chosen to be the first Jew, so Cornelius was chosen to be the first Gentile in the Church. He believed in the Jews’ God and helped those in need. He was a spiritual man who sought a close, personal relationship with God (10:2). God knew his heart and sent what he needed to develop that relationship. So God sent an angel to tell him to fetch Peter from Joppa and to listen to what he said (10:3-6).

PETER GETS THE WORD Before the messenger arrived at Peter’s place, God prepared Peter for what was to happen. He was on the roof where it was cooler and more private, praying (10:9). This shows a change in Peter, for it’s hard for a sanguine to have consistent devotions. God showed him a sheet coming down from heaven with all kinds of animals in it, clean and unclean (kosher and not kosher). God told Peter he could now eat all these animals (10:10-13). Peter said no, because he knew it was against the Old Testament laws (10:14). God, in effect, was negating those laws. It was so strong in Peter, though, that it was hard for him to give up. God has to repeat this three times for Peter to get the message (10:15-16).

God has been working in Peter in others ways. The very fact that he was staying in the house of a tanner (10:6) shows he was facing and working through his prejudices. Tanners were unclean because of the dead animals they constantly touched. They were socially ostracized and forced to live apart from others purely because of the stench that came from their trade. Staying with one showed Peter was moving in the right direction.

MESSENGERS ARRIVE About this time the messengers showed up and God’s Spirit told Peter to go with them (10:17-20). The old Peter wouldn’t have had anything to do with a Gentile, much less go into one’s house. Peter now invites these Gentiles into the home where he is staying (10:23) , That is a major step by Peter, something he had never done before.

PETER’S MESSAGE For two days Peter walked and thought about all this until they got to Caesarea (10:23b-24). He took some Jewish Christians along. During this time Cornelius had gathered friends and family in anticipation of Peter’s arrival (10:24b). He trusted God would provide and He did. Peter even entered the house with his Jewish brothers ((10:25-27).

Peter explained why he, a Jew, would do such a thing with a Gentile (10:28), then asked Cornelius why he sent for him (10:29). Cornelius replied that he didn’t know, just that God had told him to do so (10:30-33). Peter put two and two together and realized that if Cornelius had been a Jew then Peter would have told him about salvation in Jesus. Because of God’s revelation of the animals in the sheet, Peter realized that the Jew-Gentile line was removed and he should do the same for Cornelius as if he was a Jew. So he went ahead and told everyone present about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection (10:34-43). Luke summarizes what Peter said here. The fuller version is recorded in the Gospel of Mark, for Mark records Peter’s words in his gospel.

CORNELIUS’ CONVERSION Before Peter was even done speaking God’s Spirit came upon the Gentiles there (10:44). They had accepted Peter’s words in their heart as he spoke and were born again while listening. All praised God because of the salvation of these, and that Gentiles were not one with Jews in Jesus (10:45-46). They were baptized (10:47). Peter stayed there several days talking with them and teaching them (10:48).

RESPONSE OF JEWISH BELIEVERS When the Jewish believers heard about this they were astonished (11:1). Peter went to Jerusalem to answer the questions of those who objected (11:2-3). Peter went through the whole account with them (11:4-17). Actually this event is recorded in detail three times in the book of Acts, showing how important it is! When Peter was done they all agreed that God has included Gentiles in his plan of salvation (11:18).

SPEAKING IN TONGUES To show that Gentiles a

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Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Pastor
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jerry@mainstreetbaptist.org

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