DAILY. manna. Daily devotions for reading through the Bible

Transcription

1 DAILY manna Daily devotions for reading through the Bible

2 Dear Daily Manna readers, In this quarter, the narrative in Acts of the Apostles takes a definitive turn. Up till the death of Stephen, the Gospel was kept for the Jews. The martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of believers forced the dispersal of the Jews, but Luke tells us that they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only [Acts 11:19]. That change came with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus [Acts 9] and the conversion of Cornelius through Peter [Acts 10]. These two events opened the Gospel to the Gentiles. The former would be chosen to bear the name of Christ to the Gentiles [Acts 9:15]; the latter would mark the inclusion of Gentiles in God s redemptive plan. We see also a forging of new ties and the fusion of Gentiles and Jews in the common bond in Christ, living up to the words of Paul, who said, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus [Galatians 3:28]. Let me also encourage you to write in with your comments as to how we may improve Daily Manna ( english@calvarybpc.com). Parents, we want to remind you that DM Junior is also available for your children. A note to new Daily Manna readers In this book, you ll find a reading plan that will guide you through reading the Bible in two years. You will also find a simple exposition based on the reading of the day. From the day s Bible passages, Daily Manna highlights Biblical principles which may be applied in the Christian s daily living. We pray that the Daily Manna readings will make your reading through the Bible a more meaningful experience. A step-by-step approach: 1. Read the day s Bible chapters assigned in Daily Manna. 2. Review the Bible chapters to get an overview of what you ve just read. 3. Read the accompanying devotions in Daily Manna and reflect on the lessons learnt. 4. Pray and ask God to help you apply His Word to your life. Yours in Christ Pastor Isaac Ong Calvary B-P Church

3 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. revival had taken place during the ministry of A Apostle Peter and many believed in the Lord [v. 35]. Among the multitude of believers, one stood out. The limelight now falls on an unsuspecting woman by the name of Dorcas. Her Hebrew name Tabitha (meaning deer or gazelle ) suggests that she is a beautiful lady with fawn-like eyes and a pleasant personality. What a disciple of Christ this was, who had only recently embraced the faith which Peter preached! We see in her an eminent believer commended for her many works of charity. Her sincere faith was demonstrated by her good works, full and abundant, and her generosity toward others in her community. Remarkable too were her alms deeds. These are the fruits of her faith. The Apostle Paul has this advice: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men [Titus 3:8]. We are also reminded of our Saviour s words, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven [Matthew 5:16]. How vital it is for us to walk our talk. By our lives and actions, we can make an impression in the hearts of the unsaved around us, showing them the way to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for salvation. PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for Your work of salvation in us, may we continue to work it out for Your glory. Amen!

4 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. Here is a report of the untimely death of such a saint! It must have come as a shock to this community of believers and unbelievers alike. Not even her holiness in life and usefulness in the church could prevent sickness and death. Her beautiful name and lovely character could not ward off man s final enemy death. Death knows no partiality. Whether good or bad, beautiful or ugly, learned or uneducated, old or young, all will ultimately fall victim to it. The prince of preachers, C.H. Spurgeon has this to say about sickness, Sickness is no stranger in the homes of the saints. However much we may be the Lord s favourites, we can claim no exemption from bodily affliction: but in our case it bears an aspect full of consolation, it is sent not as a punishment, but as a means of blessing. Anglican archbishop and poet R.C. Trench too commented: Those whom Christ loves are no more exempt than others from their share of earthly trouble and anguish: rather are they bound over to it more surely. Our Lord Jesus view on sickness of the believer is that this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby [John 11:4]. It is intended to exhibit the power and glory of God, that He alone may be honoured. He knows the reason and purpose for every believer s departure. What we need do is simply submit to His divine will and be drawn closer to Him. He knows what is best for each of us. PRAYER Heavenly Father, teach us to number our days so that we may learn to live wisely for You. Amen!

5 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. What a loss the church in Joppa suffered that day when Dorcas passed away! It could be felt in every heart who knew her and had been blessed by her sacrificial love. It is apparent she had the poor widows at heart in her charity. Widows usually had no means to support themselves and likely were most affected by Dorcas death. Her alms to them and their children would have helped them greatly. Her coats and garments must have warmed many bodies! Indeed, her loving hands touched many hearts. Many rich and powerful leave behind their wealth and properties; Dorcas left behind a legacy of much nobler sort a godly and good testimony. Many could testify of her good works amongst them, serving God by serving His people. Her works toward the underprivileged were deserving of praise and honour. Her motive was the glory of God and the good of men. Believers who are benevolent and useful in their earthly life, will be affectionately remembered and greatly lamented in death. All their works which they perform out of love to God and men, will assuredly reap a gracious and abundant reward from above. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister [Hebrews 6:10]. PRAYER Heavenly Father, give me a servant s heart to serve even as Jesus served. Amen!

6 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. When Tabitha died in Joppa, Peter was in Lydda, some ten miles away. When the disciples heard of his whereabouts, they immediately asked for him and requested his presence with great urgency. Why did they send for Peter? They might have hoped that Peter who had lately healed Aeneas at Lydda, might come to help Dorcas. It is possible they had sent for Peter before her death. because none of the apostles as yet had raised anybody from the dead. When Peter received news of Dorcas, he came without delay. Her funeral had been arranged. Many widows and people were gathered there. Peter must have heard and was perhaps touched by their accounts of Dorcas generosity and Christian charity. He felt constrained to seek the Lord s mercies. He put them all out of the room, so that he might pray the more earnestly, without distraction or interruption. Elisha too shut the door when praying for the Shunamite s son (cf. 2 Kings 4:33). Peter, by praying, shows that he could do nothing in his own power. That must come from above. How often have you felt so helpless and hopeless that you are at a loss what to do? Are you so overwhelmed by a situation that you feel paralysed? May these circumstances bring you down to your knees to seek God s face and favour. PRAYER O Father, upon Your sovereign and powerful rule over all the world, let me always rest secure and not be shaken. Amen!

7 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. As family and friends waited anxiously for Peter to come out of the upper chamber, word soon arrived. She is alive! Great excitement and jubilation must have filled the air that day. They could not believe their ears until Dorcas was presented to them in person by Peter. Now they were witnessing for the first time how the dead could be raised in God s power by His faithful servants. As in the days of Christ, They were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day [Luke 5:26]. Such was the power of God: nothing is impossible with Him! And soon the whole town of Joppa heard the news of this great miracle that had been wrought by the laying of Peter s hands and his prayers to God. Both saints and widows would have been instrumental in publishing this great deed the Lord has done. In no time, unbelieving people began to show interest in the gospel that Peter preached. A gospel which can save to the uttermost. As a result, many came to the saving knowledge of Christ. Such is the intent of all miracles, that God alone be glorified and His Son acknowledged and honoured. Beloved Christian, while miracles can lead the unsaved to Christ for salvation, it also affirms and increases the faith of believers. We can believe in Him in all things, for He doeth all things well. But our desire should ultimately always be to seek God s glory, not ours. PRAYER Gracious heavenly Father, grant me a stronger faith in You and allow You to lead me into a bright future. Amen!

8 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band. SONG The Gospel was spreading from Jerusalem to Judaea and Samaria. The apostle Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, was in Joppa preaching the Gospel. Thirty miles away in Caesarea was a man named Cornelius, a centurion a military commander of a unit of Italian soldiers. The focus is on Caesarea, an ancient port city in Israel. Herod the Great built this city between B.C. and named it Caesarea in honour of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. It became the Roman capital and military headquarters of Palestine. Here in Caesarea, the Gentile Cornelius was seeking for the true God. But how could he find this God seeing that pious Jews would avoid pagan Caesarea, much less speak with a Gentile military commander there? God knows how to break down racial and religious barriers between Jews and Gentiles. He had prepared Cornelius heart in Caesarea (a stronghold of Roman emperor worship) to receive Him the One True Living God. God had also primed His servant Peter to go to Caesarea to evangelize Cornelius and all his. Their meeting would set the stage for the historic outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Gentile believers. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. [Acts 10:44] One lesson we must take from this is that in the work of missions and evangelism, despite the strong tendency to avoid perceived dangerous and difficult places, we must go wherever the Lord opens and directs, but only after much prayer. [Proverbs 3:5-6] It may not be on the mountain s height or over the stormy sea, It may not be at the battle s front My Lord will have need of me; But if by a still small voice He calls to paths I do not know, I ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I ll go where You want me to go.

9 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. It was a rare thing for a Gentile like Cornelius to exhibit such piety. A devout man, Cornelius worshipped the true and living God. He feared and revered God and led his household by his example of just and rightful living. He gave much alms to the people; he was charitable towards the needy. He was a man given to prayer. Cornelius was unlike most other Gentiles of his day; he did not worship the Roman gods. And while he might not have been a full convert to Judaism in the sense that he was circumcised, he feared God. The one thing he needed was to hear the Gospel, to find Christ and be saved. How do we know that Cornelius was not saved at this point? Acts 11:13b-14 records the instruction of God s angel to Cornelius: Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. To the world, people like Cornelius are regarded as good people, worthy of a place in heaven. Outwardly they may well put Christians to shame by their piety. But in God s eyes, they are trapped in a world of self-righteousness. Salvation can never be earned through good works. Good works are not good enough to save the soul. Perhaps you fall into this category of good people. You think you have given much and done your best to enter heaven, but you have no real assurance that it was enough and acceptable to God. In your struggle, God speaks: And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:13] MEDITATION For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

10 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Although Cornelius was a worshipper of Jehovah, he was not saved at this point in time. As a God-fearing Gentile, he was responding to Judaism and this would be used by God to lead him to Jesus Christ, the Light of Life. Cornelius was drawn to Judaism because of its monotheistic worship and high moral standards but he did not become a proselyte. Hence, though God-fearing, he was still considered Gentile and therefore unclean in the eyes of the Jews. But God had chosen Cornelius, and had sent an angel to prepare him to receive the Gospel through the apostle Peter. It happened that about the ninth hour while Cornelius was praying, he received a vision of an angel coming to him and calling his name. It is interesting to note that Peter was also praying when God gave him a vision of the sheet with its unclean creatures to prepare him for his meeting with Cornelius. Does this mean that it is normal for believers to seek visions from God, as many are desirous of today? No. The visions recorded in Acts were unique to Cornelius and Peter. They are not a model of answered prayer in our day. The point is that God works specially through the spiritual exercise of prayer. What was Cornelius praying for? Given his devoutness and active prayer life [verse 2], he might have prayed, God, I want to know more about You. God knows those who are His, for He has chosen them from before the foundation of the world and these will respond to the Gospel call to Christ in His time. As we pray for the salvation of the unsaved, we ask God to prepare their hearts to receive the light of the Gospel in the Person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

11 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Seeing an angel approached and calling him by name as he prayed, Cornelius was frightened. Awestruck, he asks, What is it, Lord? as though this angel was the manifestation of God himself. In reply, the angel told him that God had received his prayers. God is all-present. He hears every cry, knows every heart, and regards the prayers of those who seek Him with their whole heart. Cornelius was a God-fearer, a true-seeker of God in prayer. Even though he addressed the angel as Lord, he would not really know God until he turned from sin to Christ in response to the Gospel. And even if he thought he knew the Lord before, Jesus says Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven [Matthew 7:21]. Cornelius was not doing the will of God though he was responding to God s working in guiding him to hear the Gospel. What is it, Lord? implies that Cornelius was awakening to the light of God leading him to Christ. No one comes to the Lord by his own free will without the Lord first working inwardly in his heart. This is because as sinners we are all dead in our sin and trespasses. Dead people cannot respond in any way. But God first works within His elect, quickening the dead soul, giving life and initiating the desire to know Him through the receiving and understanding of His Word, enabling them to then freely seek God with their heart. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37

12 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: In answer to Cornelius question, the angel directed him to look for Simon Peter in Joppa. Why was this necessary? Why did the angel not just say, Look Cornelius, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. All you need do is believe in Jesus and you are saved and on your way to heaven. Sadly, this is how many today are deceived by a truncated gospel that is not even half-true. Cornelius needed to hear the gospel message of the cross how Christ was crucified for our sins, how He conquered death. Cornelius needed to know who Jesus really was and what He did for sinners. He needed to personally repent of his sins and turn to Christ for salvation. The order of salvation for sinners to be saved by grace through faith in Christ are stated clearly in Scripture. For whom He (God) did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified [Romans 8:29a,30]. God chooses and calls His elect through the Gospel, awakens them to their need to be saved; convicts them of sin and draws them to willingly repent and accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It is good to examine ourselves to see if we truly know Christ as our Lord and Saviour. To the genuine believer, the more he examines himself, the more he is assured of his relationship with God in Christ. If not, may the light of God s Word lead you to Christ today. How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14

13 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. Luke recorded three times that the apostle Peter lodged with Simon the tanner (Acts 9:43; 10:6,32). (Do not be confused, Peter is also known as Simon Peter.) The Jews regarded a tanner s job as lowly and unclean because he would have to handle animal carcases. A tannery would smell foul because of the dead animals and their hides and the tanner probably would come home from work with an unpleasant odour on him. The fact that Peter, a member of the inner circle of apostles, was willing to dwell with a tanner revealed that he, unlike many other Jews, was already altering his views with reference to Old Testament ceremonial laws. And God would use Peter as the person to convey the gospel to the Gentiles. But Peter stayed with Simon (a Gentile with an unclean job ). Nothing should deter a willing heart from serving God. When God calls us, we are to go! Do not put restrictions on ourselves by regarding the location, the food or the people to whom we are called to witness. Jesus came to save mankind. That includes all men, contrary to Jewish thinking of the day that Gentiles are condemned. Jesus befriended hated tax collectors such as Zacchaeus. He was friend to the Samaritans (who were considered unclean by the Jews) and was compassionate toward sinners such as the woman who committed adultery. We should be grateful that Jesus befriended us and accepts us as His children. He took the initiative to die for us, to redeem us. He loves us. What is our response then? Reciprocate in love and accept Jesus as our Saviour, or reject Him? Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

14 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. When we do not want to pray, we can come up with many excuses, such as there not being a quiet and conducive place available. Prayer is from the heart; it is a spiritual act and not a physical exercise. If we were like Peter, we would be able to tune our hearts toward God in any place and at any time. Peter prayed on the roof top, a stifling place at noon (the sixth hour). Peter learnt well from the Lord Jesus who was always in prayer. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three times while the others (including Peter) were sleeping. That was the last time Jesus prayed together with his disciples before His crucifixion. Peter then was tired and weak and after that evening he even denied he knew Jesus. Peter now knew the power of prayer. He regretted his denial of his Lord. He also knew that without God, he could do nothing. In order to stay close to Him and be empowered by His strength, Peter knew to pray. To him, the time and place of prayer was immaterial. Where and when do you pray? How often do you pray? We need food for our bodies; we need to feed our spiritual appetites too. The Word of God is food for our souls while prayers are likened to a power source from God. More wonderfully, God s Word and prayer are His means of grace for His people. It is a privilege extended to us. And it is our loss if we neglect them. REMEMBER And He (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1

15 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air: While Peter was praying, God showed him a sheet of cloth with impressions of all kinds of animals. God instructed Peter to kill and eat the animals that he saw. The Jews ate only clean animals as recorded in Leviticus 11. Peter, a Jew, would have strictly observed the restrictions of this list (known as kosher). Did God change His mind about what was allowed or did He revise this list? These were creatures that only Gentiles ate. Peter must have been shocked when he saw the images of the animals. Why would God show him this? God used the vision to reveal that the church under Christ includes all people. Everyone has sinned and needs redemption and Jesus came for this purpose. God s salvation plan includes not only Jews but Gentiles too. Thank God for those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour. We have an assured place in heaven. There are many more who have yet not heard the Gospel. God s people braved inclement weather, harsh climates, foreign languages, long distances and separation from family to bring the Gospel throughout the world. Why would they do this? They endured these hardships because they love the Lord and are obedient to His commandment to preach the Gospel. Despite the convenience and ease of travel today, missionaries are still few in numbers. As in the past, the obstacles remain the same. You need to love God (who first loved us) and His Word. Involvement in missions or being a full time missionary is an issue of the heart. How is your heart today? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:19

16 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. Peter could not believe he could now eat all those animals imprinted on the sheet in his vision. In the eyes of the Jews, these were common or unclean animals, and they had been taught from young to abstain from them. The Jews observed many ceremonial laws and food restrictions. These laws were instituted to teach them obedience, ultimately pointing them to Christ. In God s timing, these laws had served their purpose. This also reminds us of the transiting role of the high priest in history. The Jews once observed the sacrificing of animals (in that their blood was shed as atonement for sin). However, with Christ s death on the cross, His blood was shed for the atonement of all sin, for all time. When Jesus died, the veil in the Tabernacle rent from top to bottom signifying that the way into the Holies of Holies was henceforth open. It was a sign that there was no longer need for the high priest, to be the human intercessor for man through the blood of animal sacrifices. Jesus Himself is our great High Priest. He shed His blood for the sins of the world. Whereas in the past, only Jews received the oracles of God, Peter was now to reach out to all. Jesus had bridged the racial divide. Thank God for His love in sending Jesus to die and shed His blood for us. There is hope for all, Jew or Gentile. The apostles thus went out to preach the gospel to all. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus [Colossians 1:28]. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12

17 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. It is interesting that even Peter doubted God s word conveyed to him in this clear picture message. This message could not be clearer because the vision was repeated thrice. Often times we find it difficult to accept God s Word. We harbour doubts about some parts of it. We have our own ideas of what God s word and commandments mean, and we try to fit God into our own understanding. May God forgive us for such thoughts. We are merely sinful humans with finite minds. God clearly states that He created Adam yet the majority of mankind believes that humans evolved from apes. The Bible divulged that the world is round [Isaiah 40:22] and that it hangs on nothing [Job 26:7] long before science discovered these truths. In fact, people believed the world was flat and that it was borne by a strong man or creature. Why does man not believe what God says? A reason could be that by believing in His Word, man would have to be accountable to Him. Pride drives a man to believe in himself rather than God. God rebuked Peter twice for his unbelief. God knows best. In the book of Numbers, Balaam did not believe that a donkey could speak until God opened his eyes to see who it was blocking the donkey s way [Numbers 22:31]. Doubting God s Word is sin. It would be akin to kicking against the pricks [Acts 9:5 and Acts 26:14]. Pray that we will be obedient servants of God to do His will. He revealed and recorded His Word for us. It is Truth. Take it as it is. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:5.

18 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon s house, and stood before the gate. Such often are the workings of the Sovereign God in the affairs of His creatures. Our thoughts, wonderment, doubts, misgivings, apprehensions are all laid bare before divine omniscience. And He answers each in His own way, according to His perfect timing to achieve His higher purposes. Nothing that happens in the Christian s life is by accident. Even as Peter was pondering the meaning of the vision he had seen, Cornelius s men arrived at the gate seeking him. Gentiles from Caesarea seeking the Jew in Joppa. The unclean had come seeking the clean. Now things were happening and becoming clearer, as the Holy Spirit directed Peter to go with these men without reservation. God s vision served to confirm to Peter the end of the ceremonial law of clean and unclean things. The middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles had been removed and both peoples were henceforth unified by Christ s death and resurrection. The Old Covenant had given place to the New and better Covenant. Not only was Peter given the message, but now he was instructed to go forth in obedience and with confidence, the command in verse 20. It is well and fitting for us to ponder the things which God has planted in our minds and hearts. But when the Spirit speaks and bids, let us not be doubtful or tardy in responding to God s call. Beware, lest by our prevarication we quench the Spirit within and fail in our obedience. Be resolute in faith and doubt not God s leading. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. Christians need never fear that they are too late in seeking God s help. God s answer will meet us at our point of need. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)

19 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? Often, it is in our time of meeting and speaking in prayer communion with God that He communicates with us. As Peter prayed in the middle of the waking day (noon), he was given a vision from God. Many questions would weigh on Peter s mind that afternoon after this surreal encounter. What was its meaning? Why three times repeated? Why the unexpected appearance of strangers looking for him by name? What of the clear prompting of the Holy Spirit to him to go down to these men? For what reason have you come? was all that a mystified Peter could muster. Is not this often the same with us when situations arise in our lives? When in response to our supplications and petitions, things seemingly happen. Strangers come into our lives, unforeseen and unexpected events transpire, doors open and doors close in response to our prayers. And we ask questions as Peter did, Why are you here? Why has this happened? How did you know? What does this mean? Christian! Know and trust that God is at work in our lives and in all our situations. The keener our fellowship and the more intimate our relationship with our Lord and God, the more will we be sensitive to His voice speaking to us and be able to perceive His hand of grace and love operating in our lives, undertaking for us so as to work all things together for our good, fulfilling His sovereign purpose, for His transcendent glory. This is the unmatched blessedness and prerogative of the believer in Christ. ASSURANCE The Christian s Warranty - Romans 8:26-28

20 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. There was a palpable sense of expectation in Cornelius household as the master summoned all his relatives and close friends to his house to meet this mysterious stranger who had been the subject of his vision and hear what he had to say. Clearly, this Simon Peter was a man with divine sanction, a spokesman from God with a vital message for this Gentile follower of Jehovah. Such a divine message was to be heard and shared. And thus we have here recorded for eternity, the first Gentile convert to Christianity, a Roman centurion. Now if Cornelius was particularly blessed to receive from Peter only the singular message of salvation in Christ, consider how infinitely more blessed we are today who possess God s message to mankind in its entirety. The complete canon of Holy Scripture in our hands, yet what is our attitude towards it? Do we love, know and treasure it? Or do its wonders evade us by our ignorance and disinterest, and our Bible sits on its cover all week long? Are we excited and eager like Cornelius to hear and share? Or have we become through familiarity so complacent that the wondrous message of God, His salvation, everlasting life and heaven has lost its thrill for our jaded hearts? If it is the latter, let us repent and seek God s help to rekindle the fire we once had when we first accepted Christ as our Saviour, freed from sin s bondage, and granted the glorious assurance of eternal life, and share this good news with many, as Cornelius did. Perhaps thereby, some souls will likewise receive the blessing. Familiarity breeds contempt and complacency. Beware the Laodicean malady: So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

21 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Humankind has been created and endowed with an innate desire and propensity to worship. From the earliest of times, down through the ages in every civilisation, man craves and seeks an object of worship, be it the invisible Creator God or some unseen deities of human imagination, the celestial bodies, the palpable things of nature, the ideas of their intelligent mind, and even the perceived divine potential within themselves. Man at heart worships and craves to be worshipped. For Cornelius, what reason more compelling than to prostrate in worship before this divine messenger. But note the apostle s gentle rebuke, Stand up, I myself am also a man. God incontrovertibly forbids the worship of anything or anyone, angels and apostles alike, other than the one true living God of Holy Scripture. Paul and Barnabas were dismayed and upbraided the people of Lystra when they venerated them as Roman gods [Acts 14:14-15]. No lesser person than the aged apostle John himself was rebuked when awestruck, he attempted to worship, not once but twice, the mighty message-bearing angel [Revelation 19:10; 22:9], and the prohibition was swift and sharp. Neither angels nor saints, much less anything created, whether by God or man, or concocted even in well-meaning human minds, be they objects, icons or ideas, are to be venerated or worshipped. Nothing, then and now, must take the place of God in our hearts or it is idolatry. The eternal, immutable God who in time past commanded His covenant people Thou shalt have no other Gods before me still reigns and commands our allegiance today. Beware the wickedness and depravity of our hearts. Read Romans 1:20-25.

22 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. The Law of Moses prohibited intermarriage between Israelites and Gentiles (non-jews). It also drew an inviolable line between the faith worship of the Israelites, given by God s direct revelation to them, and the idol-worshipping religions of the heathen nations around them. This was God s commandment so that heathen beliefs, their carnal social and cultural practices and idol worship would not contaminate and lead God s chosen people astray. In time, Jewish religious leaders added to these laws their customs and traditions so that any social intercourse and contact with Gentiles came to be regarded as unholy (common), defiling and unclean. The Gentiles knew this [John 4:9], as did the Jews under the religious dictates of the Pharisees and scribes. The pressure to conform, on even the apostle Peter and Barnabas, was very great [Galatians 2:12-13]. But Christ had come into the world for the sins of all. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him... [John 3:16]. The good news of salvation is offered to anyone who believes. It does not discriminate and is not prejudiced, whether by ethnicity, education, economics, nationality, gender or age. And God had to demonstrate this to Peter in no uncertain terms, so that His great salvation plan for humanity and Christ s final mandate before He returned to heaven would be fulfilled [Acts 1:8-9], and the gospel would have free course from the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea, to Gentiles in Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth. Great is the mercy and grace of God toward mankind. Guard against prejudice in our lives and especially in our ministry. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

23 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? In the divine vision that was given to the apostle Peter [Acts 10:11-14], the Spirit of God commanded Peter to go with them (the three men) doubting nothing: for I have sent them to hear words of thee [Acts 10:20b, 22b]. By divine revelation, Peter now understood that it was wrong and sinful for Jews like himself to harbour strong prejudice against Gentiles. Christ had abolished the distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. The gospel and the grace of Christ was not reserved solely for the Jews but was also for the Gentiles and nations of the world at large. The Gentile dying world needed the Word of Life urgently and Peter was commanded to go without doubting or hesitation but willingly. It was his duty to preach the Gospel first to the household of Cornelius the centurion and from thence the Gospel gate would be opened to the Gentile world. In faith and obedience to God s call, Peter went. He said to Cornelius, Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for. Peter remembered his Saviour and Lord s Great Commission for him before He ascended to heaven [Matthew 28:18-20]. This commission is given also to all believers and the church. When our God and Saviour calls us to do the same, will we be faithful like Peter to obey without doubt, hesitation, prejudice or fear of man, to preach the Gospel whenever or wherever God appoints? May the Lord help us. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

24 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. The Gentile Cornelius, and his household, had come to believe in Israel s Jehovah. He had put his faith in the God of Israel with a holy fear and God s grace was evidently working in him. He believed in the Word of God as taught by Moses and the prophets. He saw the Saviour pictured as types and shadows of Christ in the Old Testament. In faith, he was looking forward to the coming of the messiah, not realizing that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ of God who had come and was crucified to gain mercy and salvation for him. A devout man, Cornelius worshipped God and gave generously to God s people. These were memorial offerings like the sacrifices presented by Jews to worship God and seek forgiveness. He lived by faith in dependence on God and seeking His will. In his strong desire to draw closer to God and to know Him in a deeper way, he prayed to God always [Acts 10:2]. His prayers were a heart-cry for help and forgiveness. [Psalm 145:18-19] God was well-pleased with Cornelius worship and prayers and promised him a messenger who would bring the Word of Salvation. As Cornelius sought God diligently by faith, God would reward him. May God grant us faith like Cornelius and a hunger and thirst to know Him in a deeper way. Pray that God will help us to be totally dependent upon Him, to seek and to obey His will always. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

25 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Anxious to hear what God had to say through this appointed messenger, the apostle Peter, Cornelius gathered his household and friends together for this meeting. Cornelius was concerned not only for his own salvation, but also for that of his family and friends. He must have spent much effort and time persuading and praying for them to have come under the sound of the Gospel. Surely all who love God would do the same. Everyone came together at the appointed place to hear God speaking to them by His servant. Many do not hear God speaking when the pastor preaches because they do not come sincerely to seek and listen. Here was a beautiful picture of a gathering of God-seekers. God had ordained the meeting and hallowed it with His holy presence, just as He does for every spiritual meeting. The people listened attentively to Peter who had aforehand prepared his heart in prayer [Acts 10:9], as all preachers should. They truly believed what Peter spoke was commanded from God [Acts 10:32], meekly received the Word, readily obeyed and received Christ as their Lord and Saviour. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. [Romans 10:17] May we always, like the gathering in the home of Cornelius, congregate punctually and reverentially in God s house with holy anticipation to hear Him speaking to us through His appointed heart-prepared preacher. May His Word convict our hearts to build us up in the most holy faith. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

26 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Peter and his fellow Jews had wrongly believed that the Word of God and the Gospel of salvation was the exclusive right of Jews until that day when God gave him the revelation that the Gospel and its benefits are for all nations. In the light of his new understanding, Peter began to preach to the Gentiles declaring, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. All who hear and believe the Gospel of salvation are entitled to all its benefits and be on the same footing as the Jews. While man judges his neighbour by his race, colour, creed, looks, position, wealth, social standing and other circumstances, God judges man by his heart. A person s appearance, status, abilities or occupation does not make him acceptable to God. God does not hold favourites or harbour prejudices against any person. God is no respecter of people [Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Romans 2:11]. God will not save an unrepentant sinner even if he was a son of Abraham. And God will not reject a repentant Gentile like Cornelius who, while not enjoying the Jew s privileges, had put his faith in God and trusted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. There is nothing inherently good in us nor anything meritorious we can do to save ourselves. We are saved only by God s sovereign grace. If God does not respect persons, neither should we. We should always be ready to witness to whosoever God brings into our lives and regard our brethren with love and respect. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. Romans 10:12

27 But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The Word of God through the apostle Peter does not teach that salvation is by works or that works of moral goodness can gain favour from God and earn one s salvation. If it were so, Christ s death on the cross would have been in vain. [Galatians 2:21] God is very clear throughout the scriptures that salvation is graciously bestowed upon us as a free gift [Romans 6:23]. Man s works have no part in God s grace [Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5]. The grace of God comes to all people through the only way Jesus Christ our Redeemer [Romans 3:23-25]. Man s works are but filthy rags [Isaiah 64:6] before a thrice holy and righteous God and have nothing to do with man s salvation. Cornelius fear of God and works of righteousness did not gain him acceptance with God but were a manifestation of the saving grace that God had bestowed upon him. Believing in the revelation that God had given, he put his trust in the coming of Christ the Saviour of whom the prophets and God s Word had spoken. It is God s grace in saved sinners that causes them to have a holy reverence of Him and be motivated to do righteous works [Ephesians 2:8-10]. The only way for sinners to be accepted by God is through Christ. It is by the merits of Christ that God accepts every gift and act of service we offer to Him. May we always fear Him, submit to His holy will and serve Him faithfully. REMEMBER And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 10:12

28 The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) The promise God made to Abraham that through his seed [Genesis 22:18] the nations of the earth will be blessed was taking place right before Apostle Peter s eyes [Acts 10:28]. This Seed, as emphatically pointed out by the Apostle Paul, refers to Christ [Galatians 3:16]. This promise is the Word becoming flesh; this peace is the message of reconciliation in which God reconciled us to Himself by the Lord Jesus Christ [2 Corinthians 5:8]. How seldom do things turn out the way we expect! Yet we are always building iron cages to limit the operation of God s Spirit, to confine the thoughts of men, and we are surprised when these refuse to be contained by the bars. The Jews thought that God s grace and favour was reserved only for them. The Pharisees believed that true holiness was limited to the narrow circle of their own sect. But they were all proved wrong. The great truth that burst upon Peter s mind, that God is no respecter of persons, is one which we are all slow to recognize. Peter and his companions learnt this with astonishment when God spoke to them. The middle wall of partition had been broken down. No longer was there segregation between Jew and Gentile, bond and free all were one in Christ. As long as we acknowledge that we are but sinners, and call upon the Lord to save us, we will be saved. Glorious indeed is this precious truth! For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Ephesians 2:14

29 The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) Why is Jesus Lord of all, over things both living and non-living, in the entire universe? The answer is given us by Paul in his letter to the Philippians, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:5-11] Christ, divine Son of God, emptying Himself in His humanity and meekness is made Lord of all by God the Father from the beginning. Furthermore, it is written that He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: [1 Colossian 1:15-16]. And the world is to acknowledge Him as the Lord of Glory. [1Corinthians 2:8] He is Lord of all because all belongs to Him from the very beginning. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

30 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. God sent His Son on a mission altogether higher than any other. He anointed Him to be the Redeemer of the world, to be its Saviour by suffering and dying in its stead, by revealing to it truth which man could not possibly have discovered by himself. God was in Christ in a way He does not and would not do in us. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit in full measure. He was bestowed with power irresistible: the winds and the waves obeyed Him; sickness fled at His touch; death itself was obedient to His voice; the spirit-world feared His presence and yielded to His authority. He healed all that were oppressed of the devil. We in turn are charged with a holy and benign mission; we are anointed to do a good work in this world [John 20:21]. We are sent by our Lord to bear witness to the Truth, both by word and deed, to work, speak and think for him, and to serve our generation by the will of God. We are to be the source and channel of blessing, that we may do good always everywhere the smile of encouragement, the look of love, the sigh of sympathy, the touch of kindness, the word of truth, the act of integrity; every manifestation of the Spirit of Christ is doing good. For God is with Christ and we are in Him. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore, God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:9

31 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; Whom they slew and hanged on a tree: As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. A short life of thirty years, a brief ministry of three years, a death too soon, hung and slain upon a tree, like the vilest of criminals, what could be expected from this? Yet no life has impacted the world like Christ s did. His death has attracted more attention, been more widely observed and permanently remembered than any other event in mankind s history. Nothing proves better the authority and authenticity of God s Word than the transformation we see in the lives of the people who believe and follow it. Let us therefore not only read and know our Bible but also seek to apply it s truth in our lives. All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:18b-19

32 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly; On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said to them, Peace be unto you. When He had said this, our risen Lord showed them His hands and His side. The disciples then were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. [John 20:19-23] While the disciples were gripped with fear, the resurrected Christ was able to enter into their midst miraculously to allay their fears. He stood among them, not at a distance like some disinterested and detached God, but close up with them, to comfort and encourage. Our Lord, the risen Christ, knows all our fears too. What took place in John chapter 20 holds true today through the person of the Holy Spirit [v. 22] indwelling us. Peace be unto you, Jesus repeated. Real peace He gives to them though they had all abandoned Him. He died and rose again. Redemption from the wrath of God was bought with His blood. The chastisement for their sins was upon Him; and with His stripes they were healed. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

33 And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. The Lord Jesus Christ gave this charge to His apostles before His ascension, to testify of Him. And among many things they will testify will be the sobering truth that God has ordained Christ to be Judge of all men, both those who are dead and those who are alive, on that last day of this age, the day of His second coming. The dead will be raised again to stand before His judgment seat, and together, all will receive their proper sentence before the omniscient and righteous Judge. That there will be a general judgment for all men at the last day is certain according to Scripture. Man as God s creation will be accountable for his conduct and actions to God his creator. The conscience of men bears witness against them. The justice of God requires it, though it does not take place in the present time. The day and hour of that final judgment are hidden in the counsels of almighty God. But this judgment will be universal, and will reach all men throughout all ages, righteous and unrighteous, alive and dead, and it will examine all actions, good and bad, open and secret. It will be a righteous judgment, and administered according to the strictest rules of justice and equity. All power is given to Christ, in heaven, and in earth, and on that day, all nations will be summoned before Him. He will separate the wicked and the righteous, pronounce just sentence upon them, and execute it the wicked to everlasting punishment and the righteous to life eternal. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14

34 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. HYMN As Jesus Christ was the sum and substance of the law and the Mosaic dispensation, so all the prophets bore testimony, either directly or indirectly, to Him. Christ was set forth in the purposes of God, in the types, figures, and sacrifices of the law, and in the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. The whole Mosaic economy of sacrifices, with all its imposing rites and ceremonies, was a prophetic representation of an atoning Saviour. The expiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for the sins of the world, gives a profound and affecting significance to a ritual which would otherwise be trivial and unmeaning [Abbott]. All who have believed in Christ and trusted Him as their personal Savior shall receive the forgiveness of their sins past, present and future. The remission of sins means simply the taking away of sins; and this does not refer to the guilt of sin merely, but also to its power, nature, and consequences. All that is implied in pardon of sin, destruction of its tyranny, and purification from its pollution, is here intended; and it is wrong to restrict such operations of mercy to pardon alone [Adam Clarke]. There may be many gospels in our time the gospel of scientific discovery, advance medical cure, rapid and efficient transportation, information technology and its power of communication and knowledge transfer, etc, but all these contain no good news for the man who is oppressed by the curse of sin and its miserable slavery. It is only in the gospel of Jesus Christ that one can find forgiveness of sins, the joy of salvation, peace in conscience, and life everlasting. There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Emmanuel s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains.

35 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. Note that while Peter was preaching the gospel and as it was being received, the Holy Ghost descended upon Cornelius household, and all who were gathered there. The Spirit of God came upon them in a sensible form and with a visible sign, enabling them to miraculously speak in tongues (the ability to speak foreign languages without prior formal training), similar to the event on the day of Pentecost. The Jews had received the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:4], followed by the Samaritans [Acts 8:17], and now Gentiles. It was indubitable proof of the conversion of these Gentiles who had accepted Peter s message and believed on Jesus Christ as their Saviour. These extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were necessary at the first preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles for their confirmation. It was also an affirmation for Peter, that he was right in so doing, and also for the sake of the Jews he had brought along with him. The gift of the tongues, and other such like things, are ceased long ago in the Church; but the spirit of understanding and of regeneration is of force, and shall always be of force, which the Lord coupleth with the external preaching of the gospel, that he may keep us in reverence of his word. And the ministers do seldom light upon such hearers as Peter had, who are willing, with one consent, to follow God. Yet he bringeth to pass that all the elect feel in themselves the consent of the external word, and of the secret power of the Spirit. [Calvin]. The Spirit inspired the Word and therefore He goes where the Word goes. The more of God s Word you know and love, the more of God s Spirit you will experience (John Piper).

36 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is hard for us to appreciate the amazement caused by this event. Here were the brethren from Joppa [Acts 10:23], Christians from a Jewish background, who had been taught all their lives that they were the chosen people, elect and favoured by God, and that Gentiles were strangers and aliens, dogs, fuel for the fires of hell. Now they saw that Jews and Gentiles were standing before God on equal footing. The considerations which caused the amazement were: first, that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them directly from God, as it had never before been on any but the apostles, and secondly, that this unusual gift was bestowed on Gentiles (Mark Dunagan). Their wonder arose not only from the descent of the Spirit upon men of Gentile birth, but from His descending on them while yet uncircumcised. The unique character of this entire episode is evident. It was to confirm the vision that Peter received earlier, and to convince him and his companions of the propriety of welcoming the Gentiles into the Christian church and all its privileges. It was also to remove the prejudices of the Jewish Christians who thought the promise of sending down the Holy Ghost belonged only to the house of Israel. We can see by this example, how hard it is for us to free and rid ourselves of error once conceived, and especially when we persist in them. Man easily believes what they heartily wish to be true. Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced...more true than the truth itself (Iranaeus).

37 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptised, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we. Now the Spirit doth bear witness with their spirits, that they are the children of God, and what doth hinder them from water baptism, which was instituted by the Lord. It is an irrefutable proof that God has manifested Himself to them as he did to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. It is clear, therefore, that they are entitled to the privilege of Christian baptism. Water baptism is a public declaration or confession of one s faith in Christ. There are churches or preachers today who still practice altar calls or Gospel invitations, where those who wish to believe in Christ after listening to a gospel message, are invited to come forward to the front to publicly profess their faith. However, the biblical and decisive way in which repentant sinners publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ is not going forward to an altar but by water baptism. Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ [Acts 2:38]. We are baptized into (not merely in) the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When faith grasps the significance of baptism, it dawns on us that we have been given the privilege of all privileges fellowship with God. We are His, and He is ours forever! His grace does not cleanse us from sin simply for its own sake, but fits us for His company throughout the whole of our lives. So baptism announces to us the overwhelmingly great privilege of fellowship with the Triune covenantmaking and covenant-keeping God. And because baptism symbolises this, it calls us to a new lifestyle marked by ongoing repentance and faith. [Sinclair Ferguson] If the Lord Jesus Christ who gives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, required the administration of baptism with water, should not they who name His Name follow in His steps?

38 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. The events of Acts 10 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Church: the Word of God was preached to the Gentiles, and the Holy Spirit fell on all them who heard it [Acts 10:44-45]. It was the start of the next phase of the Great Commission given by the Master himself. The disciples were now witnesses unto the Lord, not only in Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria, but also unto the uttermost part of the earth [Acts 1:8]. God s redemption plan for fallen men was being enacted according to His perfect timing. Nevertheless, the early church leaders were shocked and angry to hear this; when in fact they should have been filled with joy. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, they were slow of heart to believe what Scriptures and the Lord Himself had clearly prophesied. Had not God spoken through His prophet Hosea that; I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not My people, Thou art My people; and they shall say, Thou art my God [Hosea 2:23]? Did not Jesus Himself predict that this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations [Matthew 24:14]? The lesson for us is to simply go where the Lord leads. Do not be biased towards any particular ethnic or religious group. Do not give excuses. Above all, do not be like Jonah, who was angry with God for sending him to preach to a people he hated. CHORUS Wherever He leads I ll go, Wherever He leads I ll go, I ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I ll go. Baylus Benjamin McKinney

39 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him. Some scholars believe that they that were of the circumcision here refers to the entire group of early believers in Judea to whom Peter is reporting. Other scholars assume that Luke is using that phrase to refer to a sub-group of conservative men who had a narrow view of Christianity. These Jews perceived it as an extension of Judaism. In their mind, Christ only added new teachings to their existing law and religion. Therefore, if a person wished to accept Christ, he had to become a Jew first. He had to be circumcised, commit himself to the law of Moses and observe all the ceremonies and rituals of Judaism. Hence, they were shocked to learn that, not only had Peter preached the Gospel to and baptised Gentiles, he had actually dined with them. These Jewish believers were outraged over such a blatant breach of their custom and thus confronted him. We should not be too quick to judge these men for being overly scrupulous. After all, these were deeply religious men who had maintained their separate identity and the Jewish dietary laws throughout their lives. They had done so out of devotion to God and out of a conviction that God required them to do it. Their mistake of course was they failed to realize that Jesus had come to save sinners and His Gospel was meant for all men. As followers of Christ, we must do His Will and reach out to the world regardless of one s ethnicity. We must overcome whatever racial prejudices that we may have. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. Acts 17:30

40 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, Peter could relate to the prejudices of the Jews who contended with him because he too was like them before God commanded him to go to Cornelius. He then gave a detailed and straightforward account of what had happened. He emphasised that everything had been initiated and controlled by God. Peter recounted his initial reluctance to go, but recognised that the voice which spoke to him was the Lord s [v.8]. Repeatedly, he recalls the Holy Spirit taking charge of every happening. He was merely an instrument that God had used. It was God who brought the Gospel to the Gentiles, not Peter. Besides Peter, there were six other eyewitnesses who saw everything, each one verifying that the event was entirely God s doing. And these were all Jewish believers themselves. Peter must have anticipated objection from his Jewish brethren when he decided to bring along these witnesses. In verse 12, the Holy Spirit had bidden Peter to go with the three men from Caesarea nothing doubting, meaning he was not to make a distinction that these men were Gentiles. The same requirement is made of us. We are to go to all the world and preach the Gospel. We must not discriminate, like Jonah, against any race or country. Let us remind ourselves of the European missionaries who first brought the Gospel to our part of the world. Did they make any distinction that our forefathers were different, who had even referred to these missionaries as foreign devils? And the voice spake unto him again the second time. What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Acts 10:15

41 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man s house: Peter said that the Holy Spirit bade him or told him to go to Caesarea to preach the Gospel to Cornelius. A similar call was given to Paul and Barnabas to go westward on their first missionary journey in Acts 13. Actually, the term missionary does not occur in the Bible, but the words send and call are often used. The term missionary comes from the Latin word mission, which means sending. Both terms, send and call, suggest divine initiative, not personal choice. However, personal choice, at least from the perspective of man, comes into play with obedience to God s sending and His calling. A missionary is therefore someone who heeds God s call to preach the Gospel to a people who have not heard it before. This means any believer who has the ability and the means, but above all the calling, can be a missionary. James Fraser was an honours Engineering graduate from Imperial College, London and a gifted concert pianist. However, in 1910 he departed for China and subsequently became a missionary to the Lisu people in Yunnan. What prompted Fraser to give up a life of fame and fortune for the sake of the Gospel was a booklet he had read. In it, Charles Spurgeon asked: If the Lord returns and finds millions un-evangelised and looks to us for an explanation, all the excuses that we have been giving with a clear conscience now, we would surely be ashamed of them then. You can say that the Holy Spirit bade James Fraser go to the Lisu people. How about you? Is He speaking to you? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

42 Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. When Peter saw the Holy Spirit descending on the household of Cornelius, just as He did upon the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, he remembered the words of the Lord. Suddenly everything became clear and all his objections and biases disappeared. This is exactly what the Lord had promised the disciples in the upper room when He said; If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. [John 15:7-8] The lesson for all who want to follow Christ and bear fruit for Him is that we must know the God s Word. Every believer must make the study of the Bible a priority and a lifelong pursuit. The prophet Ezekiel was told to cause thy belly to eat, and fill they bowels with this roll that I give thee. Whether he literally did that or not, or if it was symbolic, he declared that God s Word was in his mouth as honey for sweetness [Ezekiel 3:3]. Today, we have in our hand something even more powerful than the scroll Ezekiel ate. We have the complete Bible; both the Old and New Testaments, including Jesus very words. So study your Bible. Imbibe it, digest it, embrace it, and practice it. Know it so well that if anyone asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you, you are ready to give an answer [1 Peter 5:15]. Apply yourself wholly to the Scriptures, and apply the Scriptures wholly to yourself. Johann A. Bengel

43 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? Peter ended his defense by pointing out that the salvation of Cornelius and the other Gentiles was all God s work. His defense was not an argument but a plain statement of fact. He could see that the Gentiles had received as much of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the Jews had before. Whatever his critics might say, the Holy Spirit had come upon these Gentiles in the most notable way. The Holy Spirit in man is a gift. He is the same gift to all who believe. None are any different. Every believer receives this same Spirit and in the same way. He comes in to dwell with those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ. And this is God s love for us; a love that is beyond human capacity and capability. God s love is personal. He knows each of us individually and loves us personally. The love of God is His passion to sustain, uphold and exalt His holiness for our everlasting enjoyment. How is it to be loved by God? We would no longer think in terms of sin as a damaging of man, but as the dishonoring of God. We would no longer think in terms of sin as a choice of pleasure, but as the lust for pleasure. Love involves action, not just feeling. How do we know we love God? The consistent, clear biblical answer is that we love God by keeping His commandments. To spurn God s merciful love, to reject Christ, to deny the Savior, is to subject us to God s wrath for eternity, missing the blessings of God s love. God s love can be known.

44 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? Peter contended that the introduction of Gentiles into the church was God s doing as it was He who had broken down the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. It was God s sovereign choice to send the Holy Spirit into both Jews and Gentiles who believed in Christ. Peter could not maintain a barrier that God was not maintaining. To do so would be in opposition to Him. Do we discern the clear working of God when things happen? Are we aligned with the Spirit s moving? Do we intercede for and encourage other believers when the Spirit is working through them? Or are we legalistic and separatist and cannot rejoice when God is working greatly in another Christian s life? Peter s actions and conclusions were correct. Even though he was an apostle, he did not have the right to oppose, ignore, or alter the will of God in any way. No one has that right. God s will takes precedence over all. Have you ever withstood God? You will surely fail. Regardless how you may try to oppose Him, you will not succeed. It pays to follow His voice regardless what flesh tells you to do. The things of this world may be attractive for a time, but if you are engaged with Christ, faithful to Him, loving and obeying Him in all things, you will save yourself so much trouble. What God approves, no man has the right to disapprove.

45 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Peter s answer showed his humility before God and man. He did not claim the events and occurrences were due to his work. It was all God s doing. God had first granted repentance and forgiveness of sins to Jews. Now He had granted the same to Gentiles. And this was accomplished by divine intervention. Thus the contention among them was resolved peacefully and everyone glorified God. This shows us that there is something powerful at work. When we focus rightly on God s work, the natural outcome is praise to Him. The Christian journey begins with repentance and faith. Repentance has always been the foundation of the biblical call to salvation. It is not a one-time action that one makes at conversion and then never again, nor is it simply a mind or behavior change. It is becoming an entirely new person in Christ. A transformed life, turned away from sin is the identifying mark of a true believer. It is something that should characterize a believer all his life. Our behavior reflects our beliefs. If we truly believe that Christ is our Savior, we will turn way from sin. It is more than a sorry feeling. It is following through on our conviction and making an about-turn, changing our minds and hearts so that we are no longer at odds with a holy God but aligned with His will. Repentance is a gift which God grants to us. Repentance is humbling. Repentance awakens us to our desperate need for grace and thus prepares us to receive Christ, with humility and gratitude. Repentance is not a favour we do for God.

46 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only. Jewish believers, driven from their homes in Jerusalem, were scattered. They lost their homes and property, but not their faith. They went as far as Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch. It led to the distinctiveness of the Christian church apart from the Jewish synagogue, in that it blended together in one body both Jews and Gentiles. It is wonderful that even though they were running for their lives, they did not remain silent. They spoke the Word of the Lord, at first only to their own Jewish countrymen. They had their old prejudices. They were reluctant to speaks to others who were outwardly different from them. How difficult it would be to share the Word with them. Understandably they tended to associate only with their own kind. People naturally relate better with those who come from the same background or similar situations in life. Ethnicity is not the only barrier. It could be generational differences, disparate income backgrounds, the white and blue collar divide. Sometimes an opportunity presents itself to share Christ but there is a barrier. We assume that they will not be receptive to the message and conclude it is not worth the awkwardness, so our tongue grows silent. But we are grateful to see Christians stepping out to share their faith with others. It is not something that everyone does naturally, but the name Christian transcends boundaries, so our Christian confession and witness must transcend boundaries as well. God blesses the church where every member is a minister.

47 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. We know nothing about these men who preached Christ to the Gentile Grecians except that they were from Cyprus and Cyrene. Their actions are noteworthy because until the time of Peter s vision, which led him to preach to Gentiles, the Gospel was not given to anyone but Jews. These men though, had no qualms about spreading the Good News to anyone willing to listen. They were not limited by social or cultural boundaries, but went about preaching Christ. As a result of their efforts the church in Antioch was planted. The founding and prospering of the church at Antioch was a significant event. It was remarkable how it was not founded by the apostles or noted missionaries but by anonymous men. Their anonymity testifies that they were ordinary people who had met the Lord Jesus and who wanted others to know him too. God has a record of using those who are unnamed, unknown, and unnoticed. These unknowns here were introduced as some of them. It speaks of the amazing movement and working of God in their midst. What we need in our time are believers who care not for personal acclaim so long as God receives the glory. Every Christian should assume their responsibility to serve Christ and bear witness for him. Praise the Lord for all ordinary and obedient men and women who were willing to share Christ across cultural and racial boundaries for God s Kingdom! He is still seeking such today. Pray that we might all be some of them.

48 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. God pushed forward the eternal plan of salvation to include the Gentiles. The martyrdom of Stephen [Acts 8:1] set off a scorching outbreak of persecution against the believers in Jerusalem led by Saul of Tarsus. Many who fled the city travelled preaching and proclaiming the Lord Jesus as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Some spirit-filled witnesses, Hellenists, the Greek-speaking Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene also disseminated the gospel of salvation to Gentiles in Antioch. God caused the church in Antioch to be born the hand of the Lord was with them. His sovereignty, control and power granted success. The Lord overruled and stirred the believers to witness and preach Christ despite their trials and opposition. The church experienced a time of exciting growth when a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Faith and conversion are wrought by the hand of the Lord and are His work. It was the fruit of their faith; all who sincerely believe, will turn to the Lord, when the Lord Jesus is preached in simplicity, and according to the scriptures, He will give success; and when sinners are thus brought to the Lord, really good men, who are full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, will admire and rejoice in the grace of God bestowed on them [Matthew Henry]. The hand of the Lord is with us today. We can be most sure of this great truth because in Hebrew 13:5 Jesus Himself said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The hand of the Lord is always with us because we are in His hand! as Jesus said in John 10:27-29 Beneath His watchful eye His saints securely dwell; That hand which bears all nature up Shall guard His children well. Dodridge

49 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. PRAYER After God led Peter to share the gospel with Gentile Cornelius, other believers began evangelising the Gentiles. The gospel was first brought to Greek Gentiles in Antioch by believers who fled Jerusalem because of persecution. The church in Antioch increased through the sanctification of believers. Antioch grew rapidly by focusing on the Spirit and the Word, on fasting, praying and ministering unto the Lord [Acts 13:1], and on fulfilling the Great Commission. Their main emphases were not just inviting people to church, but taking Christ and the church to the people. News of what was happening in Antioch soon reached Jerusalem. The apostles decided to investigate. They wanted to verify whether or not it was a genuine movement of God. Barnabas was sent, just as Peter and John before had been sent to Samaria [Acts 8:14]. When he arrived in Antioch, he rejoiced at what he saw. God s grace had radically transformed the new believers, leaving no doubt that they were saved. He exhorted them to remain firmly faithful to Christ. Barnabas was as Scripture describes, a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. He truly cared for these and continued in edifying the Antioch saints. Antioch was notorious for its vice and corruption. It was a sin city. The only hope of deliverance for the city was the Word of God. God draws His people to Himself through conversion, regeneration, faith and repentance. The salvation of a sinner is the sole accomplishment of the triune God. Barnabas put the needs of the church before his own advancement and self-glorification. Are you willing to do what Barnabas did? Our churches need Christian saints with the heart of Barnabas. Lord give me a heart like Barnabas and lead me to witness to the soul you have prepared today.

50 Who, when he came, and seen the grace of God, was glad and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Barnabas was commissioned and sent to Antioch by the Church in Jerusalem. He came not only to build a great church but to transform a great city. When he travelled through the city, he saw sin abounding; when he came into the little church, he saw the grace of God abounding. The first great missionary church was pulsing with life, vibrant, genuine and full of grace. Indeed, where the grace of Christ is visible there is a church. He found their lives illumined because they carried the seal of the Spirit. He saw them turning from their pagan ways to embrace the grace of God. Barnabas was glad for what God had done through His saving grace. He rejoiced in his heart and gave glory to God for the success of the gospel in the conversion of sinners. He exhorted the Gentile saints to continue purposefully in their allegiance to the Lord, in the doctrines of grace and faith in Christ. The grace of God is a synonym for Jesus. For the grace of God that brings the salvation hath appeared to all men [Titus 2:11]. The gospel of the grace of God is the message every person needs. The Word of grace is proclaimed both in the Old Testament and the New Testament and ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. The last verse of Revelation summarises well the message from Genesis to Revelation. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all [Revelation 22:21]. Indeed, through Jesus thee Christ and of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace [John 1:16]. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Ephesians 4:7

51 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. The church at Antioch was growing exponentially. The harvest was too great for Barnabas to handle alone. He departed to Tarsus to seek for Saul (later called Paul). Paul had a strong Jewish background, but he knew the Greek language and culture and could relate to both Gentiles and Jews alike. By now he had become a bold and fearless witness for Christ. Paul had been labouring in the regions of Syria and Cilicia proclaiming the faith which once he destroyed [Galatians 1:21-23]. Barnabas found him and persuaded him to return with him as a companion in ministry. In Antioch, Paul found an excellent field of labour. His learning, wisdom and zeal exerted a powerful influence over the inhabitants and proved just the help Barnabas needed. For a year, the two disciples ministered together, teaching and leading the church. In Acts 11:26, we also read, And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Their love and service for the Lord was obvious. It was not Christ s disciples who gave themselves this new name as other descriptions of them were being used - believers, brethren, saints, the faithful and follower of the way. It was a name coined by the outside world as a term of derision and a convenient designation for a rapidly growing church of Jewish and Gentile believers. Read Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16 two other New Testament occurrences of the term. Every person who calls himself a Christian should be a true follower of Christ. How tragic that so many are not. Read Colossians 2:6 and 1 John 2:6.

52 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. Following Saul s return to Damascus from Arabia [Galatians 1:17], he visited Jerusalem for two weeks [Acts 9:26, Galatians 1:18-19]. It was during this visit that Barnabas vouched for Saul s transformation [Acts 9:27]. However, Saul s preaching was not well-received by the Greekspeaking Jews, who threatened to kill him [Acts 9:29]. Forced to flee Jerusalem, Saul returned home to Tarsus [Acts 9:30]. He remained there some four years until the spiritual revival in Antioch, and it was again Barnabas who travelled to Tarsus seeking Saul s help. Both men then stayed in Antioch for one year [Acts 11:25-26]. During this time, a group of prophets came from Jerusalem. Generally, prophets were simply religious teachers; in this case, these prophets were specially gifted with the power of foretelling future events. One was singled out Agabus. He is mentioned again in Acts 21:10-11, where he prophesied that Paul would be delivered into Gentile hands. It was said that Agabus was one of the seventy that our Lord Jesus sent forth [Luke 10:1]. Agabus was signified by the Spirit [v. 28], meaning he was given a sign that there would be a famine throughout all the world. He prophesied this would happen during the reign of Claudius Caesar, (AD 41-54). Historical records confirm that during his reign, at least four famines occurred including one particularly severe in Judea, and this was corroborated by Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews. This impending crisis presented the Antioch church an opportunity. The Chinese word for crisis comprise the characters danger and opportunity troubling times are opportunities for Christian charity. One ancient saying: I am a Christian, and hold nothing that concerns human kind to be strange to me. [Read also Galatians 6:10].

53 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. The prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. This journey in a sense links the church at Jerusalem, which was primarily Jewish, with the congregation in Antioch which was a mixed multitude of Jewish and Gentile converts. The impending famine would also serve as a test of the strength and closeness of the ties between the two churches, and the genuineness of their faith in Christ. The Jews had a network of synagogues throughout the Roman Empire, and in times of famine and hardship, it was common for other synagogues to send help. In this case, the appeal was made to the Church at Antioch. This seems to suggest that the Church at Jerusalem might have parted ways with the Jewish synagogues, and that a Jewish believer might also have been cut off from the charities of his own people. It seemed that the new ties of faith are stronger than former ties of kinship. In this, we also see that in Christ, new relationships were forged, while old ones which had existed were dissolved upon a person s conversion. When our Lord Jesus was told that His family was waiting for Him, He responded by pointing to the disciples, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother [Matthew 12:49 50]. The Apostle Peter puts this principle in practical terms, urging believer to Love the brotherhood [1 Peter 2:17]; the brotherhood being believers in Christ, and love being demonstrated by hospitality [Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9]. What a testimony to Christ when faith in Him cuts across all racial, ethnic, language barriers. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:13

54 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea. The needs of the Jerusalem brethren were made known. And those needs would be met by the disciples in Antioch. It must be pointed out that Agabus did not specifically seek material help. He did not make an exaggerated or tearful plea to tug at believers heartstrings so they would empty their pockets. He simply stated the dire situation. Geographical distance and racial differences prevented close association between these two churches. However, when the call for help was sounded from Jerusalem, it was enough for the disciples in Antioch to know that their brethren there were in need. Antioch responded, not because they were rich, but because they had learnt that in Christ, their brethren were not just restricted to people they knew and from their own community. The plan to act was as immediate as it was extensive. Every man according to his ability. It was a communal response. Every man gave regardless of their financial state. It reflects tellingly on believers spiritual maturity when Christian charity and giving are confined to only the well-todo within a congregation. Every believer must see giving as a privilege and a duty. All the disciples in the Antioch church gave, each according to his ability. They made conscientious decision as to what they could afford. They did not decide on impulse or inclination. They gave according to their ability at the time. This is Christianity in real life application. When we read this account, we cannot but be moved by the bond of Christian love a love that tears down walls built by race, language, ethnicity, etc. When believers rally together to meet the needs of other believers, it is a testimony to the reality of Christ. By this [love for one another] shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35

55 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. The Antioch church not only gave monetary support to the Jerusalem church, they sent their most prominent representatives Barnabas and Saul, who would later be commissioned as the first missionaries in the early church. As they [the elders in the Antioch church] ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away [Acts 13:2 3]. This speaks volumes about the maturity of the church at Antioch. They did not retain the best for themselves; instead they sent them out. Kudos to the elders of Antioch. Pray that our churches will have the same mindset and do likewise. Bringing the relief from Antioch to Jerusalem was not a difficult task. To be sure, honest men were needed, but it did not require the best of preachers. Perhaps the argument could even be made that Antioch would be better served by Barnabas and Paul remaining there. Christian generosity is not measured just by material resources given [because it is always easier to give money]. It is measured also by the time and spiritual resources that we are ready to commit to the work of the Gospel. The third stanza of the hymn O Zion Haste reads, Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious; Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way; Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious; O Zion, haste to bring them the brighter day. The best blessings which we can confer on others is to give them our best people, and it can mean giving our sons the ones we cherish most. Would you commit to pray for your son that God would use him in the Gospel ministry?

56 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. Now about that time refers to the time of the famine in Jerusalem or when Barnabas and Saul arrived thereat. The reigning ruler was Herod Agrippa, a son of Aristobulus, and a grandson of Herod the Great. His path to power was a troubled one. He was imprisoned by Emperor Tiberius for advocating Caligula s claim to the Roman throne. When Caligula ascended the throne, Agrippa was freed and promoted. Agrippa is an example of one who had attained worldly success. He was the friend of Caesars and kings. He was rich and powerful. And he achieved his status by cunning and conniving, by pretence over principle, even by shedding innocent blood. To win the favour of the Jews, Herod Agrippa stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church, meaning that he intervened to oppress the church. He had James killed which won him Jewish approval. So he thought that by having the same designs on Peter, he could cement their support. Here is an example of politics dictating policies. No other passage in Scripture shows better the contrast between the principles of the world and the Church. To the world, truth and justice do not matter, only what advances one s interests. All means are permitted so long as they help achieve one s self-centred ends. But worldly methods will always end in disappointment. Expediency over principle will always fail. The work of God must be done His way. Truth matters. Principle counts. As one writer says, Right has a vital principle in it. It bursts out into success at last. In Christ, the cross becomes the crown; momentary shame turns into lasting glory, passing suffering into eternal victory. Beware of high places for these often are also slippery places.

57 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. There are three prominent men named James in the New Testament. (1) James, the brother of John who wrote five books of the Bible, and son of Zebedee. (2) James, son of Alphaeus [Mark 3:18], one of the twelve apostles, of whom not much is known, and (3) James, half-brother of Jesus who would become a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church [Acts 15:13]. This James was the brother of John. He was among the earliest to be called by our Lord on the Galilean shores [Mark 1:19-20]. Together with Peter and John, he was a witness to the glory of Christ s transfiguration. In their zeal at one point, both brothers had desired the prominent seats on either side of Christ [Mark 10:35-45]; at another time, they had wanted to call down judgment fire on a Samaritan town unreceptive to the Gospel [Luke 9:51-56]. Little wonder that these brothers were surnamed Boanerges, meaning the sons of thunder [Mark 3:17]. What caused these two brothers to be so fired up for the Lord? No other reason than their witness of Christ s glory. Indeed, once we have tasted of God s goodness, we will only desire to tell others about it. Once we have seen God s glory, we will only hope that it also falls upon the lives of the people around us. Indeed, unto those whom much is given, much will be required. In God s sovereign will, James would be the first and only apostle among twelve whose martyrdom is recorded in the Bible. Perhaps by his fiery personality, he had offended king Herod. Slain by the sword, his name lives on, recorded for us in God s Word forever. What occupies your heart? The cares of this world or the glory of the Gospel? And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

58 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Herod, though deemed a great king by some in his time, was essentially a man-pleaser. Some historians may be kind in their account of this man, but God s Word tells us that Herod s motivation in persecuting Christians had much to do with his desire to please the Jews the people whom he was assigned to rule over and from whom he sought to win recognition throughout his life. The Jews were unwilling to receive, even hostile to the Gospel, and when they heard of James execution, they were pleased. Spurred on by this, Herod proceeded to imprison Peter with the intention of dealing with him similarly after the Passover. The Bible tells us that these happenings occurred during the days of the Unleavened Bread when Jews from all over the land gathered in Jerusalem for celebration. It was a golden opportunity for Herod to win their hearts and he seized it, ensuring that Peter was captive until the day of trial and execution, assigning four shifts of four soldiers each to keep watch over him around the clock. By divine providence, the God who allowed James to be martyred would deign to deliver Peter. We also read that the church prayed without ceasing for him. God certainly works all things together for good according to His sovereign design and purposes, but often He uses His people as the means of bringing to pass the things He has ordained. Never underestimate the power of prayer - the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much [James 5:16b]. MEDITATION And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

59 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Chained to two soldiers, sleeping between them, with two more at the door keeping watch, not only did Peter have no chance to escape, he was also in much discomfort. Yet like Paul and Silas who were singing whilst in prison [Acts 16:25], we do not read of any murmuring by Peter. Such is the peace we can have in Christ. The name of our God of peace (Jehovah Shalom) appears in Judges 6:24. Gideon had a face to face encounter with the angel of the Lord and feared for his life, but the Lord said to him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die [Judges 6:23]. Similarly, because of Christ, we can come before God confidently, justified by the work and blood of our Saviour. In and through Christ, we have peace with God. Thus having both peace with God and the peace of God, all that the world can do to us will pale in significance. If we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we have little to fear, for blessed are we, who belong to the kingdom of heaven [Matthew 5:10]. We are also reminded that Peter went through much before he became the fearless apostle. Though one of the privileged witnesses to the Transfiguration of Christ, he had forgotten its glory that day he denied Christ. This is God s way of moulding him, and building us. The Gospel of Christ should be constantly in our hearts: These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world [John 16:33]. ASSURANCE Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

60 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. Peter was in chains. Guards were chained to him and watching over him. He was slated for probable execution even as the Jews celebrated the mercy of God s Passover. The future appeared bleak. There seem to be no way of escape, unless a miracle happened. And it did. Verse 7 cries Behold, beckoning all to follow God s plan as it unfolds. A light shined into the dark prison, the angel smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And the chains fell off his hands. Salvation comes whilst the world is in the dark. The deliverance of God pierces through darkness, delivering the world from its shackles. And the angel said to Peter, Gird up your loins, tighten your belt and bind your sandals, put on your garments, and follow me. Worries and anxieties vanish. In God s timing, deliverance had come. And Peter just needed to obey and follow. Of course we do not expect such same miracles to happen today. But it is true that God uses different means at different times to deliver His people. The greatest miracle in life is still the regeneration of our soul. We who are dead in sin are given life everlasting, when we confess our sins and trust Jesus to forgive and save. In God s time, his redemption plan unfolds before our eyes. You who trust in the Lord are the greatest and most glorious miracle. What are you waiting for then? Gird up your loins and follow Christ! Do we doubt the mercies of God? Consider Job 38:3 and Job 40:7.Heed the call to gird up thy loins and trust in our sovereign God.

61 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. man of faith as Peter still could not totally A believe what had happened. An angel had literally entered the prison, broke off his chains and led him out. Peter thought it a vision, a dream, until reality dawned upon him, as he made his way out of the first, and second ward, and then through the iron city gate which opened to them on its own accord. It was only when he passed through them and reached the street that the angel, having completed his task, left him. Then Peter came to himself. Possibly in daze from the angelic encounter, but now awakened by the realisation that it was the Lord who had miraculously delivered him, Peter s faith was greatly strengthened. Now he knew for certain that with Christ by his side, he need not fear any man. Not only had the Lord sent an angel to deliver him out of the hand of a king, He had done it despite the expectations of the Jews of seeing him executed. Our finite minds are often unable to see what God intends for each one of us. Rest assured that the Lord who has His eyes on the sparrows, certainly has His plan for us. Our job is not to pre-empt God in order to make His plan happen. We are to pray, trust and obey, step out in faith, and when the trial is over, we will be able to look back and realise that all that has been achieved had nothing to do with our abilities or merits. It was all by God s grace and for His glory. PRAYER Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

62 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. After Peter escaped from prison and realized what he had experienced was not a dream but a supernatural intervention of the angel sent by the Lord to free him, he made his way to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. In the home of this godly woman, many believers had gathered to intercede in prayer for Peter s deliverance. Undoubtedly, Peter was well acquainted with this group and therefore sought them straightaway after his escape. What better place than the company of believers who cared for him and would render him help he might need at this time. From today s passage, we can surmise that the early church in the apostle s day was a persecuted one. In their persecution, there was not much they could do but pray. Prayer is the exercise of faith, the hallmark of a believer who is walking closely with God, and trusting Him. And when many are gathered together in prayer, believers are strengthened in the knowledge that the burden being committed to the Lord is being borne by all. After all, Jesus, in teaching his disciples how to pray had alluded to group prayer (give us this day our daily bread). Today, the practice of corporate prayer continues in faithful churches, not just in the weekly prayer meeting, but every time believers come together to seek the Lord. Will you join your Christian brother and sister in prayer together, submitting your petitions as the body of Christ to the Head of the church? Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend, And we gather to Jesus, our Saviour and Friend; If we come to Him in faith, His protection to share, What a balm for the weary! O how sweet to be there!

63 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. When the apostle Peter reached the home of Mary, he knocked on the door and a damsel, Rhoda, hearkened to the call. Recognizing Peter s voice, she ran back to the praying congregation, informing them that Peter was at the gate. The believers doubted her, thinking she was mad. When she insisted it was true, they said, It is his angel, which may suggest they believed she was seeing a vision of him, and thought it not possible that Peter would be physically standing outside. Why did they think that? Perhaps it was because Herod had killed James, brother of John, or perhaps, the believers could not imagine how Peter seemingly could have escaped from Herod s captivity and certain death. Indeed, we see from church history that many believers died as martyrs, such as James who was slain by the sword. But others had been delivered as Peter was at this time. The Lord teaches us a lesson, that He is the Almighty, and that life and death belong to Him. Nevertheless, it is important we learn to pray with expectation that the Lord will answer and deliver us, in accordance with His will. After all, did Jesus not say in Matthew 21:22, And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive? Therefore, let us show our faith in our prayers, believing that the Lord will be give grace and be merciful to us in the hour of temptation and testing. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

64 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Peter continued to knock and finally, they opened the door and saw him standing there in person. Their reaction was one of astonishment that God had delivered Peter from certain death as it was practically impossible for anyone to escape from Herod s prison. They were amazed. How did Peter get out of the heavily guarded prison? Indeed, God s wonderful and amazing acts are recorded throughout the Bible. Miracles are supernatural and thus cannot be explained by science and they are often one-off events that are unrepeatable. However, God s miracles are not mere displays of His power; they serve to draw men to Himself, and to achieve His will and divine purposes. One of God s glorious purposes is the salvation of our souls. Carnal men in their unregenerate condition will never seek God, unless He first draws them to Himself. It takes a miracle of Jesus dying on the cross, and rising again from the grave in order to draw sinners to the conviction of their sinfulness and their need of the Saviour to redeem them from eternal damnation. Have you considered God s astonishing act on the cross, and have you considered your own sinfulness and your need to have your sins washed clean? Then consider Jesus sinless life and vicarious death on the cross for you. Come to Jesus and have your sins cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Acknowledge Him as your Saviour, and you shall be saved from condemnation and enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven. REMEMBER That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

65 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. In order to minimise the commotion that might ensue, Peter motioned to them with his hand to be quiet and not attract attention from the neighbors. Peter then proceeded to declare how God sent an angel to take him from prison. and instructed them to share his testimony of deliverance with James and the other brethren. After he had said these things, Peter left them for an undisclosed place. The next morning, there arose great confusion when the soldiers discovered that Peter was gone from his prison cell. When Herod demanded to see Peter, and could not find him, he questioned the jailers and had them executed. Peter acted prudently when he asked the church to conceal the fact of his escape from the authorities. He knew know how difficult it was to be a follower of Christ when the authorities were against them. And Herod was on a mission to seek out and arrest such believers. Yet, Peter did not let the opportunity pass to edify and encourage all the brethren by declaring God s astonishing act, and asking them to share it further with others in the church. It would be great encouragement to the believers, especially during times of oppression and tribulation. Has God done great things in your lives? Has He delivered you from seemingly insurmountable difficulties, even from life-threatening or deadly situations? If He has, then declare it to your fellow believers, so that God s name may be magnified, and the believers faith strengthened by your testimony. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High: To shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1-2

66 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. After he ordered the guards execution, Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea to abide there. The people of Tyre and Sidon came to Herod with a peace offering, to appease his anger towards them. Therefore, Herod dressed in his majestic royal robes, sitting upon his throne made a grand speech to them. The sycophants from Tyre and Sidon, upon hearing Herod speak, shouted with a loud voice, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. Let us learn the lesson not to be like Herod who took pride in his power and lordship over a people subject to him. Realize that it is the Lord who gives wisdom and power and God alone is the supreme Ruler, because He removeth kings, and setteth up kings [Daniel 12:21]. Therefore, in whatever positions of authority you may find yourselves in, remember it is God who has enabled you to be in that position, to do according to what He wills. A second lesson can be gleaned from today s passage. While we are to submit ourselves to human authority [Romans 13:1-4], we are to do so for the Lord s sake, acknowledging that the authority comes from God. We should neither place human authority above God, nor give God s glory to man [verse 22]. Let us be like Hannah instead, who, when the Lord granted her wish for a child, declared the grace and mercy of the Lord upon her; and she gave her child back to the Lord, to serve Him in the temple [1 Samuel 1-2]. I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8; Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

67 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Herod swelled with pride as he basked in the adulation of the crowd. Immediately, the angel of the Lord, operating under God s direction, struck Herod with what historians believe was an overwhelming parasitic infestation in his bowels. The parasites (worms) ate at his bowel walls from the inside, resulting in perforation and excruciating pain for several days before he finally died from infection. The same angel of the Lord who had delivered Peter out of Herod s clutches now meted to Herod a painful death. Those who witnessed this happening and even Herod himself must have recognised that this was divine reckoning for his evil deeds and opposition to God. He had been merciless in his persecution of the church, the killing of James and attempting to do likewise with Peter. Outwardly, Herod appeared zealous in observing Jewish religious practices but in reality he was worldly, power hungry, uninterested in giving obedience to God or holiness. Everything he did was directed towards enhancing his position and power. He craved the exaltation of the people. God does not tolerate pride and the hypocrisy of man. As He had dealt with Nebuchadnezzar in his moment of pride [Daniel 4:30-37], God would bring Herod low and tread down the wicked in his place [Job 40:12]. Herod thus paid the price for refusing to give God the glory and honour due unto Him. Let us heed the warnings in God s Word by putting away the pride in our life and acknowledging our God almighty as the only one worthy of glory and honour. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. Proverbs 11:19

68 But the Word of God grew and multiplied. Herod s death meant that some of the opposition to the spread of the gospel was removed. It was clear demonstration by God that while the world may try to silence His Word through persecuting, imprisoning and even killing His children, God will overrule and defeat the efforts of the devil. The Christians could see God s hand working through these recent events and were emboldened in their efforts to preach the gospel and stand up for their faith. Even non-believing Jews and Gentiles could recognise that the cause of these Christians was the cause of Christ. As a result, the Word of God spread, many embraced the gospel and converts to the faith multiplied. Christians could now travel about with less fear and Barnabas and Saul, who had delivered supplies and money from the Antioch Christians to the Jerusalem church for their famine relief, could return to their ministry in Antioch. And they brought along John Mark who later would colabour with them and others, and write one of the four Gospels. In our modern times, many Christians around the world still face persecution from their authorities for gathering to pray and worship God. They are prohibited from preaching the gospel and proselytizing. Their bibles are confiscated and their churches destroyed. Yet despite threats of torture and even death, they refuse to renounce their faith but continue to proclaim it so that the Word and work of God grows and multiplies. Thank God for the steadfastness of these Christians. May God grant us like courage to stand for Him. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

69 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. The gospel had been preached in Jerusalem, and driven into Judea and Samaria by persecution. It was time for the Word of God to go further beyond, to the rest of the world. However, the church at Jerusalem was narrow and traditional in its outlook, harbouring age-old prejudices against Gentiles. Their reluctance to commit wholeheartedly to world missions meant that God would choose the Antioch church to be the new centre of missions and evangelism, rather than Jerusalem. Antioch in Syria was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and an important commercial centre. The church there was large and diverse in its composition. There were Christians with different gifts, among them prophets and teachers. Prophets were divinely inspired and received instructions directly from God at special times, which were then communicated to the people. Teachers had the gift of understanding, explaining and teaching the doctrines of Christ to the church. Barnabas was from Cyprus and had been teaching at Antioch with Saul for more than a year. Simeon likely was from Africa. Manaen was probably a childhood companion or schoolmate of Herod. Saul was a Jew from Tarsus who trained as a Pharisee in the school of Gamaliel. They were of diverse backgrounds and social standing, yet the church welcomed everyone into their fellowship and each served God with their talents. This made Antioch the ideal launch pad for an organised programme of missions to the rest of the world. May God give us ready hearts to minister to others and give them the gospel, just like the church at Antioch. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. Matthew 22:9

70 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. The Christians at Antioch busied themselves serving God and ministering to others in their church. The leaders, prophets, teachers and members of the congregation fasted, prayed and served, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and anticipating God s next instruction for them. They were tuned to the Holy Spirit s frequency as it were, awaiting His orders to execute the next phase of God s battle plan. Who was to go? What would they do? No one knew till the Holy Spirit revealed that God had chosen Barnabas and Saul. Both were church leaders at Antioch. Barnabas had been sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to teach [Acts 11:22] and had brought Saul with him [Acts 11:25-26]. Saul had long known that his role was to bear Christ s name to the Gentiles [Acts 9:15]. They were no novices as they had been prepared for this new task for a long time now. Barnabas and Saul were experienced in bringing the gospel to new places, discipling converts and organising them into a local church. Both had seen how God provided for His people, enabling them to persevere in the faith even in the face of opposition. Indeed, they were the most spiritually qualified to spearhead the church s missionary efforts into uncharted territory. As we train and disciple our church members, may we also prepare them to serve in missions so that perhaps one day, God may select the best in our midst and send them to deliver the gospel message to those still lost in sin. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

71 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Even after Barnabas and Saul were chosen by the Holy Spirit to be the church s missionaries, the people persisted in prayer and fasting. Whereas previously they had prayed and fasted, seeking divine guidance and illumination as to whom and how to initiate their missions efforts, now they were interceding and committing to God, Barnabas and Saul s call to the mission field. As the leaders laid their hands on these two men, the church discharged them of their present duties so they might assume the next. Both had served faithfully, teaching and building up the faith of their number. The bonds of love and friendship were strong but they had to part for the sake of the Lord s work. They prayed for God s blessing to be upon Barnabas and Saul. As missionaries along the way, they would encounter men desperate for salvation from sin and those desperate to thwart the preaching of the gospel. They prayed earnestly for God to break down the resistance in men s hearts so they would willingly receive the gospel, and the preaching of the Word would meet with good success. The church also sought God s protection for them from danger. How sweet it must have been for Barnabas and Saul to know that the church was upholding them in prayer and giving them needed support. Truly the work of missions is not the work of missionaries alone but of the whole church praying and supporting, both in deed and kind. May the prayers of the church follow closely the heels of those who represent it in the mission fields. (Homiletic Commentary) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

72 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. It is important to note that it was the Holy Ghost who was directing Barnabas and Saul. These men were not being self-willed in deciding their own mission. They took great efforts to submit to the will of God in doing His work. Yes, there must be action and direction on the part of God s servants in doing God s work in concert with His sending. They would have known and recalled the final spoken words of the Risen Lord Jesus just prior His ascension: Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth [Acts 1:8]. They were being obedient to the itinerary set forth by Christ. The local church sent forth missionary representatives from within their congregation to do God s work, as instructed by Christ and directed by the Holy Ghost. The word sent forth in Greek carries the idea of Barnabas and Saul, first missionaries, being thrust out of the local church into an unbelieving world, bidden by the Holy Spirit to carry the gospel. Seleucia was the port city serving Antioch and located 26 kilometres west of it, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. From Seleucia, these two men being pioneer sent forth ones, headed to Barnabas birthplace of Cyprus [Acts 4:36]. This would have been a two-day journey from Antioch. Barnabas would know the local culture and have relatives there. Cyprus contained a large Jewish population and was a connection to many sea routes. The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one sent forth [John 6:38]. He left far greater than we could ever leave, being obedient to the Heavenly Father, gave His life to reconcile His hostile creatures to Him [Romans 5:10]. Praise God!

73 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. The missionaries arrived at Salamis which was the most important city of Cyprus during those times. They followed the pattern of Jesus in proclaiming the Gospel first in the synagogues [Luke 4:15]. This is in keeping with God s covenant promises to Abraham that the message will go forth to his offspring first [Acts 3:26]. We see in Barnabas and Saul, a God-given holy boldness to do His work. Their actions are instructive for us. The key activity in missionary work, and the primary undertaking of those sent forth, is to do the work of the Sender to proclaim the Word of God. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. [Romans 1:16-17]. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God [Romans 10:17]. The proclamation of God s truth takes utmost precedence in missionary work directed by the Holy Ghost. What is the aim? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [Matthew 28:19]. To teach means to make disciples. The ultimate aim of Gospel proclamation is disciplemaking. There can be no disciple-making without the preaching of God s Word. The Word of God has been proclaimed to me. Am I a disciple? Am I proclaiming it to others as God wants me to?

74 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of God. Barnabas and Saul moved on from Salamis to Paphos, which was the capital and seat of the local Roman government. The missionaries proclaimed the Gospel of Christ wherever they went, making use of whatever opportunities God granted. Indeed, their witnessing would have been reported to the proconsul (chief officer in a senatorial province) Sergius Paulus, such that this important official desired to hear about the Word of God from them. Sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and conscientious, bold and faithful in speaking the God s Word, Barnabas and Saul were greatly used by God. Opportunities were given to reach out to more people. In fact, opportunities to witness for God are all around us if we have a spiritual disposition like these two men of God. It has been the testimony of many faithful believers, and I pray, us too, that when we are walking close to God in prayer, in His word, in continual meditation of Him, He opens our hearts and eyes to many opportunities to witness for Him. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [2 Timothy 4:2] The result was that the deputy, a prominent and influential Roman ruler, desired (searched diligently for, yearned) to hear the Gospel. This man was also described as prudent indicating a distinctive trait and quality of intelligence. He had understanding and powers of reasoning. He would have been seeking truth in philosophy, science and religion, even having a sorcerer attached to him. Yet none of these things could fulfill his spiritual need. CONSIDER God gives us personal opportunities to declare His Word. It may be in mission fields abroad or wherever He has placed us locally in our vocations. Are we doing so?

75 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. The sorcerer Elymas was in the company of the proconsul and served as an astrologer to advice Sergius Paulus in his political office. Sorcerer is sometimes translated magician. This activity is expressly condemned in the entire Bible, from the Law, in the first division of the Old Testament [Deuteronomy 18:9-12], to the final book of the canon of Scripture. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [Revelation 21:8]. Elymas also went by the name Bar-Jesus. What terrible irony that one whose Aramaic name means Son of Jesus or Son of Salvation was a false prophet who opposed the messengers of the True Prophet Jesus Christ [Deuteronomy 18:15, John 6:14]. Truth by its nature must be exclusive and narrow (have defined limits). Thus we should not be surprised that falsehood is present in this world, for everything besides truth is false. False prophets will oppose those who represent the truth of God s Word and the living Truth Himself [John 14:6]. Do not be surprised at opposition and persecution [John 15:19-21] but expect it when declaring the Gospel. Elymas showed himself to be a false prophet by opposing and setting himself against true servants of the most High bringing the truth of His Gospel. How? By seeking to turn away, he was plotting against God s plan of salvation and turning the deputy from the right path to a corrupted and Godless path. More important than the name we call ourselves or what we claim to be doing, is that we ask God to show us how our heart s desire, thoughts and actions measure up against His Word.

76 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Paul (hereon referred to by his Latin name) was not having an emotional outburst at someone merely holding a different opinion to his. The exposure of falsehood was under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit [v. 9]. Paul fixed his gaze upon the false prophet with a clear and purposeful intent to communicate the error. Next, he delivered an uncompromising verdict. False prophets are characterized as being completely deceitful (subtilty), thoroughly wicked and moving with ease against good (mischief). Such character traits are of the devil. A child inherits and often adopts the traits of those from whom he comes. A child will also allow himself to be controlled by and works the will of his father. Being full of deceit and cunning shows one to be of the devil, whose ultimate purpose is to oppose everything that is right, honest, just and morally clean. Thus, the devil and his agents try to distort and twist the truth about God, often by adding to or subtracting from His attributes and His Word. God had withheld his judgment on this evil man before, but now he struck him blind. He, intent on being blind to spiritual truth, God now caused him physical blindness. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. [Ephesians 4:18]. Having chosen darkness to light, God gave him what he wanted all along. It was also a call to him to repent or be condemned to eternal hell and darkness without God s light. Those who love God, must love His Word and His truth. Loving God s truth means daring to uphold it against falsehood. Unless we know the truth of God s Word, we cannot discern falsehood.

77 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. The Holy Spirit had sent Paul and Barnabas to Sergius Paulus, with whom Elymas the sorcerer was trying to turn away from hearing God s Word. Paul, by firm assertion of his faith, confronted the sorcerer and in divine sanction, Elymas was struck blind immediately. Sergius witnessed this and believed. It is pertinent to note here that Sergius was not converted out of fear or shock arising from what had happened to Elymas. His was the conviction of the Holy Spirit after receiving the doctrines of grace in the gospel, and he was thus ready to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. As believers, we need be ready always to defend our faith and proclaim the Word. As with Paul and Barnabas, we must be bold to share our testimony and witness for our Lord. As Romans 10:17 states, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, so unsaved souls need to hear the Word and have the opportunity to receive eternal life. We who are recipients of God s grace, reconciled with Him in Christ, must be bold in keeping the faith, being fervent in spirit so as to be ambassadors for Christ and thereby helping to win souls for His kingdom. Constantly ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will, through the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit gives, so that we may bear fruit in every good work. Pray for the Spirit to stir us and help us grow in His power, employing all our talents for His kingdom s sake. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2

78 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. Pamphylia was a country on the south coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Perga was a major city of Pamphylia. It was a low-lying land with hostile climate and plagued by diseases. The people worshipped idols and pagan gods like Diana. They were primarily Greek colonists and barbarian pirates, and lived a wicked and immoral lifestyle. It was surely a difficult environment for missions work. Here, John Mark (the author of Mark s Gospel) decided to leave Paul and Barnabas. It is unclear why Mark chose not to continue with this missionary journey. Was he fearful of the perils and hardships that lay ahead? The territory was infested with thieves and diseases. (We see in Galatians 4:13-14 that Paul fell very ill upon arrival in Galatia). Was Mark homesick and missing his mother at home in Jerusalem? Whatever the reason, Mark s abrupt departure obviously did not go down well with Paul for we see in Acts 15:38 that two years later, Paul refused to take Mark with him on his second missionary journey. Resulting from this, Paul and Barnabas split and went their separate ways, Barnabas with Mark and Paul with Silas. Mark would learn from this episode, eventually being restored and becoming a valuable servant to Paul, and the faithful writer and disciple of Jesus Christ. Do not give up when the going gets tough. Stay the course and remain hopeful. Be strong in the Lord, and of good courage. Remember that our God is the mighty Defender and He is always the same. Mount up with wings, as the eagle ascending; victory is sure when you call on His name. We need be strong in faith, enduring the hardship as good soldiers in spiritual warfare. Do our very best and remember that God s grace is always sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in our weakness.

79 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. From Perga, Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Pisidian Antioch, a different city from Antioch of Syria, from which Paul and Barnabas had come, where it was already a flourishing church [Acts 11:26]. This Antioch in Pisidia was a cultural and commercial center, a hub of good roads and trade, and the most important city of Galatia. Upon entering a new city, Paul and Barnabas would usually visit the synagogue to fellowship and share God s Word. They would have opportunity to address the Jews and believing Gentiles who worshipped Jehovah and studied the Scriptures. Many might not have understood the doctrines of grace, that eternal life is a free gift from God, through the person of Christ as Saviour. The Jewish leaders and many Jews still did not recognise Jesus as the Messiah and they could not understand that God was offering salvation to all, Jews and Gentiles alike. In a typical Sabbath synagogue service, a prayer was made, followed by a reading from the Law (the books of Genesis to Deuteronomy) and a reading from the Prophets (to illustrate the law), and a sermon. It was also customary in those days for the synagogue leader to invite visiting rabbis to deliver the exhortation. The speaker would instruct and encourage the people. And Paul took this opportunity to address the synagogue congregation. Let us learn from Paul and Barnabas. Be ever ready to proclaim the Word and preach the gospel. Be bold to share God s message and exhort, with courage, patience and longsuffering. Do you observe all the teachings of the Word of God? Do you speak out for the Lord? These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:15)

80 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Paul lifted his hand to call attention and quieten the crowd. He addressed the people in the synagogue as Men of Israel (referring to Jews, natural descendants of Jacob) as well as ye that fear God (Gentiles who had converted to the Jewish faith). Paul, by addressing Gentiles as those who feared God, was not inferring that Jews were not likewise God-fearing. It was customary to distinguish between those who were born Jews and those who were non-jews but believed in Jehovah and attended the religious worship in Jewish synagogues. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him [Psalm 33:8]. All who are disciples of Christ are to fear God, have reverence for Him and praise Him for all the work He has done on earth. Our Lord is the all powerful Creator God. And He has promised great blessedness to His people who fear Him and walk in His ways [Psalm 128:1]. As Deuteronomy 10:12 states, we are to greatly reverence the Lord our God and meditate on His Words day and night. By this will we have the wisdom and guidance from God on high. God s instructions are clear and lead His people to live God-pleasing, spiritually healthy and upright lives. His Word points out our sins and show us the way of avoiding the temptations of sin. Fear God, and give glory to Him. [Revelation 14:7] Praise the Lord for all He has done for you. Count and recount all the mercies of God. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. (Psalm 66:16)

81 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt. Paul began his message by highlighting the prerogative of God s sovereign choice. Ephesians 1:4-5 states definitively that it was God s divine choice to choose us even before the creation of the world. According to his sovereign authority, pleasure, wisdom and love, He predestined us to be adopted into his family through Jesus Christ. Our faith in the Lord is a miracle of wonder; it does not and cannot come through our human efforts. It is a gift from God the consequence of God s will in choosing us to be His children. Nothing makes us worthy to be chosen, because all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. But God sent His Son to save the lost, and His Spirit to give us faith to believe in Him. With that faith, we receive salvation s grace and thus our names are written in the Book of Life. Let us praise and thank Him for His mercies, and do everything in our lives to honour and glorify God [Colossians 3:17]. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light [1 Peter 2:9]. Our faith is manifested through works. Give thanks to the Lord and strive to bear spiritual fruit. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. [John 15:16] Remember God s goodness. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

82 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt. The arm of God symbolises His omnipotent power. A high arm, an arm lifted or outstretched, denotes the far-reaching power of God. This arm of God is the revelation of His saving power and there is no height so high or depth so deep that is beyond its reach to save. With a high arm, God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, out of their bondage and oppression into the Promised Land. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments [Exodus 6:6]. The arm of God is also evident in the revealing of Himself in creation, in providence, in redemption, in death, at the judgment, and then in eternity, where it will secure the eternal triumph of those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord. I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me [Jeremiah 27:5]. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young [Isaiah 40:11]. Every single day we wake up, God carries us in His arms loving, shielding, guiding, guarding, providing and protecting us. How comforting is the high arm of God. God s arm can free you from all oppression, and from all current shackles. His outstretched arm is always near. Will you not reach out to hold on to His arm?

83 And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. Forty years refer to the period from when the Hebrews departed Egypt until their entrance into the land of Canaan. Scarcely had they begun their journey when they began to murmur at Marah. A little further on, they murmured for bread. Soon thereafter at Meribah for water. They came to Sinai, and there they fell into idolatry. At Taberah again they complained. Then we see how poorly the ten spies behaved. And after this the rebellion of Korah, murmurings again and again. Yet God suffered long and endured Israel with a patience that is truly wonderful. He cherished them, fed them, led them, and kept them as the apple of His eye. He rained manna from heaven and gave them quails for meat. He sent a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Likewise, Jesus Christ is longsuffering toward us, generously giving us more time as He patiently waits for us to repent of our sins. He is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish [2 Peter 3:9]. Jesus Christ, our Savior, served, suffered and died for us. Time and again, God has dealt patiently with sinful mankind. Yet, we must recognize that God s longsuffering toward sinners is not without end. It ended in the days of Noah. It ended for Sodom and Gomorrah in Abraham s day. And eventually, it will end for all the unfaithful and Christ-rejecters when He returns [2 Peter 3:10]. God most certainly is longsuffering, but His forbearance with sinners will come to an end one day. REMINDER Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh [Matthew 25:13]

84 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He divided their land to them by lot. God destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan. Their names are recorded in Deuteronomy 7:1. Israel did not conquer the land through her own military might. The land was God s gift to the tribes of Israel and allocated by the casting of lots. God s rescue of Daniel from the lion s den in Daniel 6 along with that of his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace in Daniel 3, are familiar to anyone who has attended Sunday school. But less appreciated and believed in is God s control over political events and his sovereign rule over the rise and fall of nations. Civilizations come and go, and governments rise and fall. Because our Creator loves the people He created, He blesses each nation with a span of time so that it might prosper and do well. But this blessing ends when a nation degenerates, becomes rebellious and unfit for self-rule. When God determines that extended mercy for a nation has no redeeming effect, He brings down that nation. Many Christians will not accept the premise that a loving God will destroy nations when they become decadent and degenerate. Take heed what the Lord said to Ezekiel that if a country sins against me by being unfaithful, I will stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals [Ezekiel 14:12-21]. And God warns all government leaders that they will have to give an account for their actions [Psalm 2:10-12]. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD [Psalm 33:12]

85 And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. Once the land was conquered, Israel slipped into complacency, self-will, apostasy, moral pollution and religious perversion. In judgment for her sins, she came also under attack from surrounding nations. Yet time and time again, God had compassion upon Israel in her misery and oppression. Despite her sins, God heard the cry of the faithful and raised up judges for their deliverance. These were men ordained in an extraordinary manner to administer the affairs of the nation and to defend it against their enemies. But Israel did not obey their judges. They soon went a-whoring after other gods and worshipped them [Judges 2:16-19]. Throughout the book of Judges, recurring cycles of sin, subjugation and supplication were met with the Lord s unfailing provision of mercy and salvation. God s compassion for His people extends deeper, further and wider than all the failures of His people. Indeed, there is no sin, no failure and no act of unfaithfulness that is beyond the reach of Christ s redemptive love. Samuel was the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. Samuel labored throughout his life for the welfare of Israel. He traveled far and wide telling them about God, praying for them, encouraging them to trust and obey. He brought the nation back to God. Samuel s obedience to God, his faith and his willingness to intercede for others, serves as an example for believers today. We see God s sovereignty over Israel. No matter whom the people chose to reign over them, God remains sovereign and will never accept usurpers of His authority in the lives of His people. REFLECTION Having received from God such undeserved assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation, we ought to respond with wholehearted obedience to Him.

86 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. The Hebrews were foolishly desirous of being like their neighbors and insensitive to the innumerable favors which God had bestowed them. They wanted Samuel to appoint them a king like the other nations [1 Samuel 8:1 5]. Samuel s initial reaction was one of great displeasure, and he brought the matter before God. And God comforted Samuel. It was God, not Samuel, whom the people were rejecting. Though Samuel had deep reservations about a king for Israel, he was quick to consult God and abide by His decision [1 Samuel 8:6 7]. Many of us may pray about important decisions in our lives, but how many are ready to accept God s counsel and abide by it, especially when it appears to go against our own desires and designs? God gave Israel a king of their choice, Saul. And Saul was everything that anyone would choose, an impressive man who stood head and shoulders above all others. Saul ruled Israel for forty years but with disastrous results and was finally removed by God for his disobedience. The people demanded a king, thinking that a new system of government would be better. But because their basic problem was disobedience to God, all their other problems remained and would only continue under the new administration. What they needed was exclusive obedience and commitment to God. External changes would not solve their security problem. Had the Israelites submitted to God s kingship, they would have thrived beyond their expectations. Let us worship Jesus as our King and surrender our lives to Him so that we may enjoy the peace and security provided by Jesus Christ, Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace.

87 And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will. When the Israelites sinned in asking for a king to rule over them, God gave them a king that would be pleasing to their eyes Saul. Saul s heart however, was not right with God, and subsequently he was removed, and David was put in his place. It is interesting to note that throughout the process of negotiating for a king in 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites never once considered the spiritual qualities that the man should have, instead only requiring that he be one able to fight their battles [1 Samuel 8:20]. Now as God set things in motion and granted David to grow in favour with the Israelites, David s popularity would increase through his successes on the battlefield. Here in Acts however, we see none of these heroic exploits mentioned. David was made king of Israel because of his spiritual assets he was a man after God s own heart, who would be obedient to the will of God, and that was what ultimately made him the great king of Israel. His victories in Israel s battles were merely a natural outcome of his close relationship with God. Thus, we can note an interesting progression of events. The Israelites had sought for a king with certain physical attributes so that their material needs would be met, so God gave them Saul. When this failed, God gave them David, a king who would bring Israel to greater heights not because he possessed the external qualities that people were looking for, but because he had a heart set on God. Do we pray for the spiritual state of the leaders of our country?

88 Of this man s seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: God had provided Israel a king in David a gift far exceeding what the Israelites had asked for or thought possible [Ephesians 3:20], and He extended His graciousness and abundant blessings to David and his posterity through a covenant. Now, Paul recounts how God continues to be gracious to His people in giving us Christ in the line of David who would be an even greater king to God s people than David ever was. Let us take especial note of the passivity of the Israelites throughout all of God s provision. First, the people were seeking a king for all the wrong, external and material reasons. They asked for and received Saul, one who by all outward appearances was impressive and able to defend and fight for them. However, Saul failed and was removed by God. Then God picked David a gentle shepherd boy who possessed such spiritual qualities that the Israelites never thought to consider when choosing their king. But precisely because of David s closeness with God, Israel grew from strength to strength under his reign. Next, David was promised an eternal dynasty by God which would culminate finally in the coming of Christ. This covenant was made by God to David during the occasion when David seeing his own palace was conscience struck and desired to build a permanent house for God s dwelling place. Yet, God told David that it would be Solomon, not David who would build His temple. Instead, God would make a covenant with David and his house forever [2 Samuel 7]. All the blessings we receive are undeserved gifts from God.

89 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. After rehearsing all the good which God had done for the Israelites in the past despite their un- deservedness, Paul now addresses directly the people assembled in the synagogue. He showed them that all the blessings they had received, both as individuals and as a people, was the provision of God. Now, by that same gracious provision, the word of salvation was being given to them here. Within the synagogue were both people of Jewish descent and also non-jewish proselytes Gentiles who feared Jehovah and had converted to the Jewish faith. To these Gentiles, Paul revealed that the gift of God was also given them. But they were to receive it in humility, understanding that this was not something they could earn. Similarly, God has given us all that we need in this life. God who had provided for the Israelites in the past continues to provide for His people today. In order for us to receive God s blessing and gift, we must first realize and acknowledge that we are unable to earn the right to heaven through our own efforts. We are to receive freely the gift of Christ which is provided to us by God the Father. The beauty of this gift can be further seen in the grace that God extends to those who were once not His people. Even though we may not be of Jewish descent, today this salvation is given to us because we reverence (fear) God through Christ, the greater David. PONDER Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:10

90 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. Paul here reminds us how the Israelites reacted to God s gift. Just as they were looking for the wrong qualities in a king, Israel also looked for the wrong qualities in the Messiah they sought a mighty leader who would deliver them from Roman tyranny and thus, when Christ did not live up to their expectations, they rejected Him and ultimately crucified Him on the cross. Their culpability was manifold. First, their prophets of old in Scripture had foretold the coming of this Messiah. These scriptures were well known to them, and Christ referring to these in many instances, had pointed to their fulfilment in Him. Yet, they were blind to His teaching. Second, they had no just cause to put Christ to death. While even by Roman law, Christ had done no wrong that warranted death, the Jews had insisted on crucifying Him. Ironically by this, they would fulfil the prophecies that foretold His rejection and death at the hands of His own people. Today, we are presented with many opportunities to receive Christ the Messiah, our Saviour. The way to eternal life, on the one hand, as well as the consequences of rejecting Him, on the other, are clearly revealed to us in Scripture. Take heed lest we too are found culpable of crucifying Christ through unbelief. For us to whom Christ is Lord and Saviour, examine ourselves constantly lest we be rejecting and crucifying Him through habitual sin in our life. REMEMBER If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

91 But God raised Him from the dead. Acts 13 concerns the ministry of apostle Paul, especially his evangelistic outreach to the Gentiles. This passage focuses on the resurrection of Christ, which is the crux of the entire gospel message. These witnesses were none other than the eleven apostles. They were witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This was a special privilege of their office and calling. They all resided in Galilee between Christ s resurrection and ascension. Sufficient proof of Christ s resurrection was attested by His apostles who had seen Him many times in different places on various occasions. Christ s enemies had taken special care to ensure that His body should remain intact in the sepulchre. They even had men guarding the tomb to make sure that no one would steal the body. The Apostle Paul declared the glorious resurrection of Christ manifesting His power as the Son of God [Romans 1:4]. This was in stark contrast to men s ignominious opinion of Christ s death. Men rejected, scorned, and then crucified Jesus; God raised Him from the dead. The death of Christ was the salvation of the godly, yet joined with the resurrection; therefore doth Paul stand longer upon this second point. For he should never have persuaded his hearers that they were to seek salvation in Christ s death, unless the power of Almighty God had appeared in raising Christ from death (John Calvin). If Christ is not risen from the dead, Christians would be most miserable, for we would still be trapped in our sin. Thank God for His victory over sin and death. PONDER If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19

92 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers. This most cherished hope of the Jews is now realised in the resurrection of Christ. It was promised earlier to their forefathers. In today s passage Paul speaks of God s promise made to the fathers of Israel. Christ s resurrection is the proof of His Messiahship. This fact was well attested to by reliable and competent witnesses. Who would be better witnesses than those who were close associates of our Lord. The only responsibility of an eyewitness is to tell exactly what he saw. He does not presume or venture opinions as to what had happened. Christ s apostles, who were with Him, gave consistently eyewitness accounts of what had taken place. The we here refers to both Paul and Barnabas. A more thorough account of God s working in the lives of the Jews was declared later by Paul. The glad tidings refer to the good news of our salvation from sin and hell. This promise made to the Jews ancestors was typified by their many deliverances from their enemies, especially Egypt and Babylon. As a believer, you must be a witness for Christ. Your responsibility is to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of salvation to others. Pray for the Holy Spirit s working in their hearts to receive the Gospel gladly. If you are not a believer, delay no longer. Now is the time to receive this good news and become a child of God. CHALLENGE Go and tell the story of the Christ of Calvary.

93 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Continuing from yesterday s reading, Paul now cites Old Testament Scripture concerning God s fulfilment of His promise to them. The Jews and the early church regarded this psalm (Psalm 2) as messianic. This is only possible because Jesus is God s Son in the fullest sense of the word, sharing His very nature. Note that the Apostle Paul identified himself with his ancestors, acknowledging and believing that the same promise will be fulfilled. Historically, this psalm is often quoted as a triumphal song written to celebrate the victory of a king of Israel over his enemies. The higher fulfilment of this psalm which the Apostle Paul sees in Christ, refers to the day of victory over death and Hades, that is, victory in the resurrection of Christ. That the term begotten refers to the resurrection is evident from the fact that Christ is called the first begotten from the dead and the first born from the dead. Paul acknowledged such glad tidings, to be the dignity and honour of the Jewish nation. They were heirs of the promise as children of the patriarchs to whom this promise was first made. The great promise of the Old Testament was that of the Messiah, in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed, and not the family of Abraham only; though it was to be the peculiar honour of that family that he should be raised up of it, yet it was to be the common benefit of all families that he should be raised up to them. (Matthew Henry) Thank God that all believers belong to this same fulfilment. God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? Numbers 23:19

94 And as concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. This quotation here is taken from Isaiah 55:3 to prove that God would raise the Messiah from the dead, no more to return to corruption. This promise was made to give to the Jews what had been faithfully promised to David. The phrase now no more to return to corruption, brings to mind the words of Psalm 16:10. The sure mercies of David is the everlasting covenant of mercy fulfilled by Jesus Christ in His resurrection. Here the word mercies is translated as holy in the next verse. Quoting Matthew Henry, The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemption in Christ are a certain earnest, even in this world. Even the apostle Peter gave the same explanation as Paul. Both apostles deny the possibility of its reference to David, using precisely the same argument in doing so. Now no more to return to corruption gives all believers the assurance that Christ is alive forevermore. Unlike the raising of Lazarus, the son of the widow of Nain and the daughter of Jairus, who were all resurrected but would eventually die the human death, Christ rose never again to die. What was promised to the Jews was fulfilled by God. He kept His word as He said He would. These mercies and promises are sure because they are true and unfailing. They will be accomplished without fail. Through this assurance that Zion s king now lives, we have the certain hope that God will vindicate and save His people. ASSURANCE For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

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