: Acts to Revelation LIBERTY HOME ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM Early Church Stage Activities of Stephen and Philip; Conversion of Saul 313
ACTS II. The Activities of Stephen (Acts 6:1-7:60) A. The complaint of the leaders (Acts 6:2-4) And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration (Acts 6:1). V 6:1 The Grecian Jews were those who could not speak Aramaic, the native tongue of Jews living in Israel. They may have been born and raised outside of Israel, speaking both Greek and their native tongue. This Grecian group may have also included Gentile proselytes to Judaism who later became Christians. B. The conference of the leaders (Acts 6:2-4) 1. Their dilemma Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables (Acts 6:2). V 6:2 The word for tables here is trapezal, and often denotes banks, for moneylenders sat at tables to conduct their business (Matt. 21:12). Thus the stated need here was to find some qualified superintendents, and not just mere table waiters and cooks. 2. Their decision Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:3). V 6:3 n Five requirements are listed for this new office. l They must be men. l They had to be saved. l They were to be reputable. l They were to be spiritual. l They were to possess wisdom. n We note that there existed no double standard between pastors and the deacons and trustees in the early church. n Stanley Toussaint suggests: Selecting seven men may go back to the tradition in Jewish communities where seven respected men managed the public business in an official council (Bible Knowledge Commentary, edition, p. 367). 3. Their dedication But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). C. The choice of the laborers (Acts 6:5-7) 1. The individuals And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch (Acts 6:5). V 6:5 All seven had Greek names and may have all come from the Grecian group. If so, this was a gracious gesture to the complainers. 2. The installation Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them (Acts 6:6). 314
V 6:6 The laying on of hands was done in the Bible: n As an act of benediction (Matt. 19:13, 15; Gen. 48:14-20) n For the purpose of healing (Mark 5:23; 6:5) n To impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17, 19; 9:17) n For the purpose of ordination (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; Num. 8:9-10) 3. The increase And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). V 6:7 These Jewish leaders, unlike those described in the Gospel of John, displayed the courage of their convictions. Note the sad account of the former group: Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). D. The champion of the Lord 1. The maturity of Stephen a. He was a man of faith (Acts 6:5). b. He was controlled by the Spirit (Acts 6:5, 10). c. He possessed divine wisdom (Acts 6:10). 2. The miracles of Stephen And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). 3. The maligning of Stephen (Acts 6:9-14) Stephen was viciously slandered by a group of religious men. a. Who they were Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen (Acts 6:9). V 6:9 The preaching ministry of Stephen had offended the synagogue of the Libertines, a group of former slaves who apparently had their own synagogue in Jerusalem. b. What they said Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us (Acts 6:11-14). c. Why they said it And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:10). V 6:10 This blessed unanswerable wisdom was a fulfillment of Jesus words in Luke 21:12-15: But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my names sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 4. The meekness of Stephen And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). V 6:15 This heavenly glow was experienced by Moses in a physical sense and described by Peter in a spiritual sense. n As experienced by Moses And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him (Exod. 34:29). 315
n As described by Peter If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified (1 Pet. 4:14). 5. The message of Stephen (Acts 7:1-53) As has been seen (Acts 7:13-14), the charge against Stephen was that he had predicted the coming destruction of Israel s second (Herodian) temple. In his defense Stephen points out the following: a. Israel had been blessed by God even before possession of the first (Solomonic) temple. (1) God had led Abraham into Canaan (Acts 7:2-8). (2) God had protected his seed while in Egypt (Acts 7:9-17). V 7:17 At least two apparent discrepancies occur in these verses (7:6-16) during Stephen s address: n Concerning the length of the Egyptian bondage (7:6) Stephen said it was for 400 years, while Paul gave the time at 430 years (Gal. 3:17). The simplest explanation is that Stephen used round numbers. Stanley Toussaint suggests: Another explanation is that the 400 years was the actual time of bondage whereas the 430 years described the time from the confirming of the covenant in Genesis 35:9-15 to the Exodus, which occurred in 1446 B.C. (Bible Knowledge Commentary, edition, p. 370). n Concerning the number in Jacob s family who moved to Egypt (7:14) Stephen stated the number to be 75, but Moses said it was 70 (Gen. 46:27; Exod. 1:5). One of the most widely accepted solutions is to recognize that Moses includes Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (a total of 70); but that Stephen omits Jacob and Joseph but includes Joseph s seven grandchildren (mentioned in 1 Chron. 7:14-15, 20-25). (3) God had brought them out of Egypt (Acts 7:18-36). (4) God had led them back into Canaan (Acts 7:37-45). b. Israel had nevertheless turned from God. (1) During the days of its first temple Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon (Acts 7:43). V 7.43 n Stephen had apparently been teaching that the Jewish temple was no longer necessary for the worship of the true God. Christ, of course, had already said this (John 4:20-24). To prove his assertion, Stephen pointed out the following facts: l That God had blessed Abraham and their fathers, even though they had not always lived in Palestine l That during much of its history while in the land, Israel did not worship God in the temple l That even the possession of its temple did not save Israel from being rebellious and disobedient n The purpose of his speech, then, seemed to be to show Israel from her own history that the possession of the temple had been neither a necessity for, nor a guarantee of, the true worship of God. (2) During the days of her second temple Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it (Acts 7:51-53). V 7:53 Stephen points out that Israel had rejected Christ (7:52) as that nation had once rejected both Joseph (7:9), and Moses (7:23-29). It is vital to thus observe the following concerning these three persons: n Both Joseph and Moses, while rejected during their first appearance, were later highly accepted during their second appearance. n Christ, likewise, was rejected as the Lamb, but will be highly accepted during his second appearance as the Lion. 316
6. The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) a. His persecutors (Acts 7:54, 57-58) (1) The wickedness involved Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord (Acts 7:57). (2) The witness involved And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man s feet, whose name was Saul (Acts 7:58). V 7:58 n Here it may be observed that there are three murders in Israel s history that especially mark out her rejection of God s will. l The murder of John the Baptist, indicating the rejection of the Father l The murder of Christ, showing the rejection of the Son l The murder of Stephen, demonstrating the rejection of the Holy Spirit n This is the first mention of Saul in the Bible. b. His preview of glory (1) What he saw But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). V 7:55 Stephen begins his sermon by speaking of the God of glory (7:2); and ends it by seeing the glory of God. (2) What he said And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). V 7:56 n Stephen becomes the first of three men to see Jesus after his ascension. The other two are Paul (Acts 9:3-6) and John (Rev. 1:10, 12-16). Note: Stephen saw Jesus standing at God s right hand. This is the only reference to the Savior standing (after his ascension) until one reaches the book of Revelation. In all other descriptions he is said to be seated (See Matt. 26:64; Acts 2:34; Col. 3:1; Eph.1:20; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12). Perhaps our Lord rises to welcome his saints home. n This verse records the final usage of the name, Son of man. It was by far the most common name used by the Savior in the Gospels to describe himself. c. His prayers (Acts 7:59-60) (1) For himself And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (Acts 7:59). (2) For his enemies And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (Acts 7:60a). d. His passing And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60b). V 7:60 n Stephen dies at the hands of wicked men, as once did his Master. l He calls upon God to receive my spirit (7:59), as once did Jesus (Luke 23:46). l He prays for his enemies, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (7:60), as once did Jesus (Luke 23:34). n We are told that, when he had said this, he fell asleep (7:60). This is God s description of a believer s death (Matt. 27:52; John 11:11; Acts 13:36; 1 Cor. 15:18, 20, 51; 1 Thess. 4:13-15; 2 Pet. 3:4). 317
III. The Activities of Philip (Acts 6:5; 8:5-8, 26-40) A. The deacon in Jerusalem Philip was one of seven men chosen by the early church to serve in the office of a deacon (Acts 6:5). B. The evangelist in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8) 1. His message Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them (Acts 8:5). V 8:5 We are told that the church at Jerusalem would soon send Peter and John to help Philip in Samaria. The Holy Spirit had done a great work in John s heart, for both he and his brother James had once asked Jesus to call down fire from heaven upon the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). 2. His miracles And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:6-8). C. The soul winner in Gaza (Acts 8:26-40) 1. His message from an angel And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert (Acts 8:26). 2. His ministry to a eunuch a. The charge of the eunuch And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship (Acts 8:27). b. The confusion of the eunuch (1) The passage involved Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth (Acts 8:28, 32-33). (2) The problem involved Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? (Acts 8:29-30, 34). V 8:31 Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. The answer of the eunuch reflects the tragic condition of all lost sinners: How can I, except some man should guide me? (8:31; see Luke 24:32; 45; Rom.10:13-15, 17). c. The clarification to the eunuch Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35). d. The conversion of the eunuch And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:36-37). e. The confession of the eunuch And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:38-39). D. The family man in Caesarea But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea (Acts 8:40). 1. The visitors to Philip s home And the next day we that were of Paul s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him (Acts 21:8). 2. The virgins in Philip s home And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy (Acts 21:9). 318
PART TWO: The Whole Earth, Global Crusade Headed up by Paul, the tentmaker; assisted by Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Mark, and Luke (Acts 13-28) I. The Conversion of Paul (Acts 9:1-19; 22:5-16; 26:12) A. His vendetta against the saints of God (Acts 9:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-12) 1. Luke s official account of this vendetta And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2). V 9:2 This is the first of several instances when believers were referred to as those of this way. See Acts 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22. It doubtless came from Jesus statement in John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 2. Paul s personal account of the vendetta And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women (Acts 22:4). I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities (Acts 26:9-11). B. His vision of the Son of God (Acts 9:3-9; 22:6-11; 26:12-18) 1. What he saw A blinding light brighter than the noonday sun (Acts 9:3; 22:6; 26:13) V 9:3 He also saw Jesus at this time. (See 9:17, 27; 22:14; 26:16; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8.) This marks the first of at least seven instances when Paul saw the ascended Savior. Other occasions were: n At Troas (16:9-10) n In Corinth (18:9-10) n In Jerusalem, during his first visit as a believer (22:17-21) n In Jerusalem, during his final visit (23:11) n En route to Rome (27:23-24) n When he was caught up into the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:1-4) 2. What he heard a. He heard the Savior saying, I am the One you have been persecuting (Acts 9:4-5; 22:7-8; 26:9-15). V 9:4 We note here in 9:4 that to persecute Christians is in reality to persecute Christ. Jesus thus identifies with his people. (See also Matt. 25:31-34; 1 Cor. 12:12-27.) b. He heard the Savior saying, I am the One you shall be proclaiming (Acts 9:6; 22:10; 26:16-18). (1) The what of the matter But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee (Acts 26:16). (2) The who of the matter Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee (Acts 26:17). (3) The why of the matter To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Acts 26:18). 319
C. His visitation by a servant of God (Acts 9:10-18; 22:13-16) 1. Ananias and God a. The revelation to Ananias And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight (Acts 9:10-12). V 9:12 These three words, Behold, he prayeth (9:11), are in themselves a summary of Paul s life. Here he begins his ministry by prayer, and ends it in the same way. (See 2 Tim. 4:16.) Paul literally prayed anywhere and everywhere about anything and everything. He prayed for sinners and saints, or potentates and prison guards, for Jews and Gentiles, for leaders and laymen. (See the following references: Acts 16:25; 20:36; 21:5; 22:17; 28:8; Rom. 1:9; 10:1; Eph. 1:16; Phil. 1:4, 9; Col. 1:3, 9; 1 Thess.1:2; 2 Tim. 13; Philem.1:4.) b. The reluctance by Ananias Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name (Acts 9:13-14). V 9:14 Ananias concern over how much evil he hath done to thy saints was totally justified. Note the extent of Saul s much evil in his war against the church (Acts 7:57-58; 8:1-4; 22:4-5, 19-20; 26:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13, 22-24; Phil. 3:6; 1 Tim. 1:13): n He kept the raiment of those that murdered Stephen, and consented to his death (Acts 7:57-58; 8:1-2; 22:20). n He made havoc of the church (Acts 8:3). This word describes the act of a wild hog viciously uprooting a vineyard. n He entered the homes of Christians and dragged them out to prison (Acts 8:3). n He hounded Christians to their death in various cities (Acts 22:5). n He beat believers (Acts 22:19). n He voted to have them put to death (Acts 26:10). n He attempted through torture to force them into cursing Christ (Acts 26:11). n He persecuted the church beyond measure and wasted it (Gal. 1:13). c. The reassurance of Ananias But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name s sake (Acts 9:15-16). V 9:16 Note two phrases here: n He is a chosen vessel. He surely was. In addition, God would make Saul: l A vessel of mercy (Rom. 9:23) l An earthen vessel (2 Cor. 4:7) l A vessel of honor (Rom. 9:21) l A sanctified and worthy vessel (2 Tim. 2:21) n How great things he must suffer for my name s sake In a nutshell, this statement would aptly summarize Paul s future life of service for Jesus. l He was plotted against on at least five occasions. F In Damascus (Acts 9:23-25) F In Jerusalem during his first visit as a believer (Acts 9:29) F In Greece (Acts 20:3) 320
F In Jerusalem during his final visit as a believer (Acts 23:10, 12-14) F In Caesarea (Acts 25:2-3) l He was at first mistrusted by believers (Acts 9:26). l He was disliked by some believers (Phil. 1:14-16). l His work for God was constantly opposed by his own countrymen. This was experienced: F In Antioch (Acts 13:45, 50) F In Iconium (Acts 14:2) F In Thessalonica (Acts 17:5) F In Berea (Acts 17:13) F In Corinth (Acts 18:6) l He was on one occasion stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). l He suffered from repeated beatings (2 Cor. 11:24-25; Gal. 6:17). l He experienced at least three shipwrecks (2 Cor. 11:25; Acts 27). l He was subjected to intense satanic pressure (Acts 13:8; 16:16-18; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Cor. 12:7). l He was ridiculed (Acts 17:18, 32; 26:24). l He was falsely accused on numerous occasions (Acts 18:13; 21:21; 24:5-6). l He probably suffered from eye trouble (Gal. 4:13-14; 6:11). l He suffered the bite of a poisonous serpent (Acts 28:3-4). l He was imprisoned. F In Philippi (Acts 16:24) F In Caesarea (Acts 24:27) F In Rome, for the first time (Acts 28:30) F In Rome, for the final time (2 Tim. 4:6-9) l He was acquainted with physical hardships (2 Cor. 6:4-5; 11:27). l He was in constant danger (2 Cor. 11:26). l He bore the awful pressure of concerns over his beloved churches (2 Cor. 11:28). l He was slapped (Acts 23:2). l He was nearly torn apart by an angry mob (Acts 21:30-32). l He experienced terrible internal pressure (2 Cor. 1:8; 7:5). l He was forsaken by his friends in the final hours (2 Tim. 4:10, 16). 2. Ananias and Saul a. His message for Saul And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:17). b. His ministry to Saul (1) Pastoring And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized (Acts 9:18). V 9:18 n The conversion of Saul, the second of three great salvation stories in the first section of Acts, vividly illustrates God s desire to redeem all who will but believe. n Following the universal flood, God placed all future humanity into three basic groupings, each headed up by one of Noah s three sons, Ham, Shem, and Japheth (Gen. 10:1). Note: l In 8:37, the Ethiopian eunuch, a descendant of Ham, is saved. 321
l In 9:6, Saul of Tarsus, a descendant of Shem, is saved. l In 10:44, Cornelius, a descendant of Japheth, is saved. (2) Predicting And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard (Acts 22:14-15). 322