Acts_13
10/26/08
Announce Gianna’s Birth
Pastor Pats Granddaughter
Gianna Verona Spousta
Born Oct 23, 2008
at 632pm
6lbs 7ozs
18 1/2 inches
Acts_13
I. Intro Statement
A. Saul and Barnabas had delivered the collection taken up for the church in Jerusalem, and they returned to Antioch and brought John Mark the cousin of Barnabas with them.
1. And we will see God has a new work in mind for them.
II. As we come to chapter-13 we come to a major shift in the book.
Acts 13:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
A. We shift from the leading role of Peter, to the leading role of Paul.
B. We also see coming to pass the final phase of Jesus' commission to the disciples
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
1. First the early believers were accused of filling all Jerusalem with their doctrine (Acts 5:28).
Acts 5:28 (NKJV)
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
2. Then persecution scattered the church throughout Judea (Acts 8:1)
Acts 8:1 (NKJV)
1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
3. We see revival broke out in Samaria, after Phillip preached Christ to them (Acts 8:8)
Acts 8:8 (NKJV)
8 And there was great joy in that city.
4. Now Paul is about ready to embark on a missionary journey to the uttermost parts of the earth.
a. I like what Jon Courson says, this not only gives a basic feel for the book of Acts, but it reminds us that throughout scripture, the commands of the Lord are not heavy exhortations - they are glorious expectations.
(1) For that reason reading instead of reading Acts 1:8 like this: "You shall be witnesses unto Me, so get out there and pass out tracts. Be my witnesses. That is my command - it should read like this: "You shall be witnesses unto me. It's going to happen!"
C. We see that at the church in Antioch there were both Prophets and teachers.
1. Prophets are those who under inspiration of the Holy Spirit guide the church through edification, exhortation, and comfort.
2. Teachers are those who ground the Church as they point out the ways and mind of God revealed through the Word.
3. Many teach that they are one in the same but we see clearly in Acts 13:1 there is a distinction.
D. Several men mentioned, they are the leaders in the church at Antioch:
1. Barnabas - "Son of consolation"
a. We saw how he took Saul under his wing when no one else in the Jerusalem church would believe that Saul was born again.
b. Later we will see him take young John Mark under his wing and walk him through a season of failure.
2. Simeon who was called Niger (Strong's - Neeger) a nick name (Simon the black)
a. Simon was probably from present day North Africa
(1) Many feel he was probably Simon the Cyrene who carried the cross to Golgotha for Christ.
(2) His nick name comes from the Latin and probably indicates he probably had moved in Roman circles.
3. Lucius of Cyrene
a. Possibly saved through Simeon taking the gospel back home?
4. Manean
a. He was a foster brother of Herod Antipas, who is the Herod that cut off the head of John the Baptist.
(1) Manean grew up in the vile and polluted family of the Herod's, but God rescued him and saved him for ministry.
5. Saul
a. Saul means "requested one" later we will see he changed his name to Paul which means "little".
(1) Early in his ministry Paul said "I am the least of the apostles" (1Cor. 15:9)
(2) Midway through his ministry he said "I am the least of all the saints" (Eph. 3:8)
(3) At the end of his life, he said "I am the chief of sinners" (1Tim. 1:15)
b. The longer Paul walked with God the more he realized how far short of God he was…
6. What a contrast in people and a testimony to the grace and sovereignty of God.
E. They ministered to the Lord and fasted…
1. Not for the Lord, which is probably indicating of their faithfulness.
Ezekiel 44:10-11 (NKJV)
10 "And the Levites who went far from Me, when Israel went astray, who strayed away from Me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity.
11 Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, as gatekeepers of the house and ministers of the house; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.
Ezekiel 44:15 (NKJV)
15 "But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood," says the Lord God.
2. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
a. This message probably came through the prophets mentioned in vv-1.
(1) Paul later writes to young Timothy-
1 Timothy 4:14 (NKJV)
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership
F. Notice in vv-3 it says they were sent, it is not just that they were emotionally impacted by a great missionary presentation and went, but they were sent.
1. What a wonderful thing when the church can get behind someone and send them out into ministry, confirming the call of God on the lives of those being sent.
a. Today so many go out on their own volition, often moved in emotion rather than the call of God.
III. Paul's first missionary journey.
Acts 13:4-12 (NKJV)
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
A. Note that being sent they departed, we are to seek the will of God, and wait for Him to speak, but there comes a point where once He has spoken we need to act and take that first step.
B. They went down to Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus
1. Why Cyprus? Probably because it was the homeland of Barnabas.
a. And so God probably directed them in a supernaturally natural way. Hey I know where they really need the Gospel!
b. There indeed was a great need in Cyprus.
(1) Center of the worship of Venus ( Greek; Aphrodite) the Love Goddess.
(a) Every woman on Cyprus was required to serve at least once in her lifetime as a temple prostitute.
(2) The history of Cyprus is filled with a lot of debauchery, disease, and tragedy.
(a) Sin always takes a toll.
2. Salamis was on the east side of the island and we see young John Mark is there with them as they minister.
C. Then to Paphos on the west side of the island where they meet this sorcerer (Bar-Jesus).
1. He was the deputy of the pro-consul Sergius Paulus who was a prudent man, and desired to hear the word of God.
a. But the sorcerer Elymas resisted it, and began to speak against Paul and Barnabas to Sergius Paulus.
(1) With the aim of turning him away from the faith.
(a) The personal threat to his influence if his boss gets saved is obvious.
b. It is here that Saul's name is changed to Paul.
c. Paul is given discernment to see through this man and see that something is not right about him and Paul goes into battle.
(1) But note it is not Lord destroy him it is probably Lord save him.
(a) Remember what happened to Paul when he was struck with blindness.
d. This event is noteworthy in three ways.
(1) It is the beginning of Paul's leadership (up to this point Barnabas appears to have been in charge).
(2) From this point on the ministry takes a decidedly more Gentile slant.
(3) And there are some interesting nuances here.
(a) A gentile with the name Paul accepts the message, while a Jew opposed it.
i) The Jew struck with blindness, is a picture of the judicial blindness that struck Israel
Acts 28:26-27 (NKJV)
26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’
Romans 11:25 (NKJV)
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
e. And the pro-consul was astonished not at the miracle but at the doctrine or teaching of the Lord.
(1) "You Mean God loves me, I can be forgiven?"
D. Before it had always read Barnabas and Saul, but now as we move on we read of Paul and his party.
Acts 13:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”
1. Paul evidently was originally following Barnabas, but Paul has been thrust to the forefront and is now the leader.
Psalm 75:7 (NKJV)
7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another
a. Many speculate this is why young Mark left.
b. Oh how important it is to be able to submit to the one God raises up.
(1) We are to follow the Lord and learn to be committed to where and what He calls us to.
(a) Illustration about me and Dave.
2. Antioch in Pisidia is a different Antioch than they had departed from.
3. And we see Paul's pattern for ministry, first in the synagogue they had knowledge of the O.T. and thus some preparation, they also had the promise of the Messiah, but then he would go to the gentiles.
IV. Paul's first sermon.
Acts 13:16-41 (NKJV)
16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:
17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.
18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.
19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.
20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—
24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’
26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.
28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.
29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
30 But God raised Him from the dead.
31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.
32 And we declare to you glad tidings— that promise which was made to the fathers.
33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’
34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’
36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;
37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”
A. Paul's sermon is remarkably similar to that of Stephens which Paul had listened to some 14 years earlier.
1. We worry sometimes because we don't see the result as we share God's word with others, but we are told-
Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it
B. Paul starts by reminding them of their history.
1. Captivity in Egypt and being brought out by the power of God.
2. Forty years in the wilderness where God both "put up with them" and "fed them".
3. He gave them land and gave them Samuel the prophet (Samuel was preparatory to David as John
the Baptist was preparatory to Jesus Christ).
4. They wanted a king, he gave them Saul, who started humble but became proud.
5. And when God had removed him…
a) Why because of the Amalekites and his disobedience concerning them.
6. And he gave them David who like Saul was a sinner, but he was real with God and had a heart for
God and to do what was right before God.
C. Next Paul turns the attention to Jesus beginning in vv23.
1. Hey pay attention, all of history lead to the moment when the Son of David the Promised seed,
Messiah came on the scene.
a) And the fact that you neither recognized nor received Him fulfills prophecy (vv23-27)
2. Why didn't they stone Him as they stoned Stephen and would stone Paul, but asked Pilate a
Roman to put Him to death?
a) Because the scriptures pointed to crucifixion.
b) And thus they were moved by forces they didn't understand.
3. Imagine what they are thinking as this visiting Rabbi relates their history to them then he concludes
with this, And then he hits them with the resurrection and that there are witness to this end
(1 Corinthians says as many as 500 witnesses at one time).
a) The evidence is overwhelming.
4. Begotten Him (from the tomb like from a virgin womb).
a) Never to die again.
5. You can receive forgiveness for your sin through this Man, but you can never be justified by the
law.
V. The text goes on:
Acts 13:42-52 (NKJV)
42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
A. The gentiles hearing it said come tell us more
1. And in verse 43 Paul exhorts those who followed Him and believed to continue in grace (which many of this same crowd did not which is why Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians).
2. Now when the Jews grew contentious and rejected the message we read
46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
a. Expending energy to where it can be most fruitful (vv47).
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Acts 12
Acts_12
10/19/08
Acts_12
I. Review
A. As we left off in our last study.
1. God was using the church in Antioch and Barnabas in a great way and the church was expanding.
2. Barnabas recognized he needed some help so he went to Tarsus and brought Saul back and the two of them spent a whole year there teaching the people.
3. And as chapter-11 closed in response to a prophecy concerning a coming famine, the church in Antioch, began a collection in order to send some relief to the church in Jerusalem. (In chapter-12 we learn that Barnabas and Saul carry it to Jerusalem)
II. More persecution
Acts 12:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
A. This is Herod Agrippa I who was placed on his throne by Caligula.
1. He was an Idumean a descendant of Esau and he had a Jewish mother (a half breed if you will)
a. In a few chapters Paul appears before Herod Agrippa but it is not this one but "Herod Agrippa II"
2. We read here that Agrippa killed James the brother of John and it pleased the Jews, so spurred on by the favor he got from killing James he went after Peter and arrested him and threw him into prison.
B. He delivered him to four squads of soldiers; the worst criminal would normally be entrusted to less than this but Peter has a history of escaping.
1. Squads (quaternion’s) four groups of four each; 1 group for each watch of the night.
a. He was chained between two (vv6) and two more were standing watch outside the door.
2. Knowing it would be an issue to kill Peter during Passover, he was waiting until after Passover before making his move.
C. Verse-5
Acts 12:5 (NKJV)
5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
1. Here is a beautiful contrast, we see Peter bound, but prayer for him released.
a. As we will see prayer makes a difference, and there is nothing that can prevent us from praying if we just have a heart to do so.
(1) And there is no wall, nor cell that prayer cannot penetrate by the power of God.
D. Verse-6
Acts 12:6 (NKJV)
6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
1. What a great picture this is, Peter is facing the possibility of death, he is chained between two soldiers in prison and yet he is fast asleep.
a. Peter has peace that is beyond understanding, that surpasses the difficulty of his situation.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
b. Also Jesus had told Peter that his death would come when he was old
John 21:18 (NKJV)
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
E. An angel frees Peter
Acts 12:7-11 (NKJV)
7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
1. So an angel wakes Peter frees him from the chains and hurries him out of the prison. (This is the second time an angel has helped Peter escape from prison)
a. Often when we see angels in scripture they are in a hurry, but we only see God represented as being in a hurry once.
(1) When the father runs down the road to meet his returning prodigal son.
(2) What a tragedy to see God so easily rejected when He so readily desires to accept us back into fellowship that we were created to experience and from which sin has separated us.
(a) Just as the majority of mankind were rejecting the testimony of Jesus in Peter's day, so it is true today.
i) I pray that this is not true of you and I. (If you are a prodigal, God's arm are open...)
b. We might speculate on why angels are so often in a hurry when we encounter them in scripture
(1) Perhaps it has to do with trying to avoid being worship by men, more likely it is the desire to quickly accomplish what the Lord has sent them to do.
(2) Too bad we are not typically in such a hurry to accomplish what God desire for us.
2. Peter thinks he might be dreaming but acts in obedience anyway, he might of just sat there but he acted on it even if were a vision.
a. But in verese-11 when he came to himself, when his bewilderment was over, when he was fully awake and conscious he realized that God had delivered him from what Herod had planned and the Jews were eagerly wanting, and that is his death just as they had desired the death of James.
F. An unsuspected result?
Acts 12:12-15 (NKJV)
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.
15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”
1. Thinking things through the first thing Peter does is head to the house of Mary the Mother of John Mark a young man we will encounter again.
a. Mary's house was likely the primary meeting place of the church, and Peter anticipated that many would be gathered there for prayer in this difficult time.
(1) Probably same upper room as last supper or Pentecost.
2. Peter knocks and a girl name Rhoda comes to the door (to answer or ask who was there), recognizing Peter's voice she is so shocked and tickled with joy that she doesn't open to him.
3. When she tells the others that it was Peter they thought she was crazy and as she kept insisting they said "It is his angel.".
a. There was a popular Jewish belief that each person has a personal angel.
b. Rhoda means Rose so perhaps she was delicate and not persuasive, at any rate she left Peter standing outside which would be a sort of anxious thing to endure and perhaps involved some peril.
4. Fervency without faith??
a. They are obviously fervent in their prayer for Peter, but it would seem that there was little faith on their part.
Acts 12:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
(1) Peter kept knocking until they opened for him and they were astonished when they saw that it was really him.
(a) God responds to our little faith.
Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
i) We see that their faith must have been small but God worked.
(2) James here is the half brother of Jesus, the same James who was the elder of the Jerusalem church and who wrote the book of James.
(3) After giving testimony how God had brought him out of prison, and making sure that the leadership were also told, Peter departed to another place.
(a) We are not told where that was, but obviously Peter senses the need to stay out of Herod's way for awhile.
G. Herod is furious about Peter's escape.
Acts 12:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
1. We see the determination of Herod to find Peter, and lends credence to the idea that Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to lay low, where the first time an angel helped him escape he boldly went back to the temple to preach at God's command.
2. Herod examined the sixteen guards, and had them put to death, presuming that they were irresponsible in letting a prisoner escape
3. But he himself departed for Caesarea which was an opulent and luxurious seacoast town on the Mediterranean sea.
a. It was also the capital of the Roman province of Judea, from which Roman governors governed the nation.
III. The death of Herod Agrippa 1
Acts 12:20-24 (NKJV)
20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.
21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.
22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”
23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
A. Tyre and Sydon are located in modern-day Lebanon.
1. We don't know why Herod was angry at them but they were non-agrarian cities and relied upon Herod for food.
a. They set up an opportunity to butter Herod up and get in his good graces.
(1) The Herod's were known for their egotism and they played upon this.
2. Royal apparel according to Josephus was made of silver thread.
B. In response to his oratory, they worshipped him as a god, and he allowed it rather than giving glory to God and God struck him dead for it!
1. Danger of not giving glory to God and receiving worship as God.
a. Man is presumptuous when he believes his position in life is due to his own accomplishments, and not the blessing of God.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
2. What a horrible death, eaten by worms and he died!
C. Herod who opposed God and His church died, but the word of God grew and multiplied.
IV. And the chapter closes
Acts 12:25 (NKJV)
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
A. Having delivered the offering collected for the Jewish church Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch, and a new work God has in mind for them.
1. And they took young John Mark with them.
10/19/08
Acts_12
I. Review
A. As we left off in our last study.
1. God was using the church in Antioch and Barnabas in a great way and the church was expanding.
2. Barnabas recognized he needed some help so he went to Tarsus and brought Saul back and the two of them spent a whole year there teaching the people.
3. And as chapter-11 closed in response to a prophecy concerning a coming famine, the church in Antioch, began a collection in order to send some relief to the church in Jerusalem. (In chapter-12 we learn that Barnabas and Saul carry it to Jerusalem)
II. More persecution
Acts 12:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
A. This is Herod Agrippa I who was placed on his throne by Caligula.
1. He was an Idumean a descendant of Esau and he had a Jewish mother (a half breed if you will)
a. In a few chapters Paul appears before Herod Agrippa but it is not this one but "Herod Agrippa II"
2. We read here that Agrippa killed James the brother of John and it pleased the Jews, so spurred on by the favor he got from killing James he went after Peter and arrested him and threw him into prison.
B. He delivered him to four squads of soldiers; the worst criminal would normally be entrusted to less than this but Peter has a history of escaping.
1. Squads (quaternion’s) four groups of four each; 1 group for each watch of the night.
a. He was chained between two (vv6) and two more were standing watch outside the door.
2. Knowing it would be an issue to kill Peter during Passover, he was waiting until after Passover before making his move.
C. Verse-5
Acts 12:5 (NKJV)
5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
1. Here is a beautiful contrast, we see Peter bound, but prayer for him released.
a. As we will see prayer makes a difference, and there is nothing that can prevent us from praying if we just have a heart to do so.
(1) And there is no wall, nor cell that prayer cannot penetrate by the power of God.
D. Verse-6
Acts 12:6 (NKJV)
6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
1. What a great picture this is, Peter is facing the possibility of death, he is chained between two soldiers in prison and yet he is fast asleep.
a. Peter has peace that is beyond understanding, that surpasses the difficulty of his situation.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
b. Also Jesus had told Peter that his death would come when he was old
John 21:18 (NKJV)
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
E. An angel frees Peter
Acts 12:7-11 (NKJV)
7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
1. So an angel wakes Peter frees him from the chains and hurries him out of the prison. (This is the second time an angel has helped Peter escape from prison)
a. Often when we see angels in scripture they are in a hurry, but we only see God represented as being in a hurry once.
(1) When the father runs down the road to meet his returning prodigal son.
(2) What a tragedy to see God so easily rejected when He so readily desires to accept us back into fellowship that we were created to experience and from which sin has separated us.
(a) Just as the majority of mankind were rejecting the testimony of Jesus in Peter's day, so it is true today.
i) I pray that this is not true of you and I. (If you are a prodigal, God's arm are open...)
b. We might speculate on why angels are so often in a hurry when we encounter them in scripture
(1) Perhaps it has to do with trying to avoid being worship by men, more likely it is the desire to quickly accomplish what the Lord has sent them to do.
(2) Too bad we are not typically in such a hurry to accomplish what God desire for us.
2. Peter thinks he might be dreaming but acts in obedience anyway, he might of just sat there but he acted on it even if were a vision.
a. But in verese-11 when he came to himself, when his bewilderment was over, when he was fully awake and conscious he realized that God had delivered him from what Herod had planned and the Jews were eagerly wanting, and that is his death just as they had desired the death of James.
F. An unsuspected result?
Acts 12:12-15 (NKJV)
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.
15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”
1. Thinking things through the first thing Peter does is head to the house of Mary the Mother of John Mark a young man we will encounter again.
a. Mary's house was likely the primary meeting place of the church, and Peter anticipated that many would be gathered there for prayer in this difficult time.
(1) Probably same upper room as last supper or Pentecost.
2. Peter knocks and a girl name Rhoda comes to the door (to answer or ask who was there), recognizing Peter's voice she is so shocked and tickled with joy that she doesn't open to him.
3. When she tells the others that it was Peter they thought she was crazy and as she kept insisting they said "It is his angel.".
a. There was a popular Jewish belief that each person has a personal angel.
b. Rhoda means Rose so perhaps she was delicate and not persuasive, at any rate she left Peter standing outside which would be a sort of anxious thing to endure and perhaps involved some peril.
4. Fervency without faith??
a. They are obviously fervent in their prayer for Peter, but it would seem that there was little faith on their part.
Acts 12:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
(1) Peter kept knocking until they opened for him and they were astonished when they saw that it was really him.
(a) God responds to our little faith.
Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
i) We see that their faith must have been small but God worked.
(2) James here is the half brother of Jesus, the same James who was the elder of the Jerusalem church and who wrote the book of James.
(3) After giving testimony how God had brought him out of prison, and making sure that the leadership were also told, Peter departed to another place.
(a) We are not told where that was, but obviously Peter senses the need to stay out of Herod's way for awhile.
G. Herod is furious about Peter's escape.
Acts 12:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
1. We see the determination of Herod to find Peter, and lends credence to the idea that Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to lay low, where the first time an angel helped him escape he boldly went back to the temple to preach at God's command.
2. Herod examined the sixteen guards, and had them put to death, presuming that they were irresponsible in letting a prisoner escape
3. But he himself departed for Caesarea which was an opulent and luxurious seacoast town on the Mediterranean sea.
a. It was also the capital of the Roman province of Judea, from which Roman governors governed the nation.
III. The death of Herod Agrippa 1
Acts 12:20-24 (NKJV)
20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.
21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.
22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”
23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
A. Tyre and Sydon are located in modern-day Lebanon.
1. We don't know why Herod was angry at them but they were non-agrarian cities and relied upon Herod for food.
a. They set up an opportunity to butter Herod up and get in his good graces.
(1) The Herod's were known for their egotism and they played upon this.
2. Royal apparel according to Josephus was made of silver thread.
B. In response to his oratory, they worshipped him as a god, and he allowed it rather than giving glory to God and God struck him dead for it!
1. Danger of not giving glory to God and receiving worship as God.
a. Man is presumptuous when he believes his position in life is due to his own accomplishments, and not the blessing of God.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
2. What a horrible death, eaten by worms and he died!
C. Herod who opposed God and His church died, but the word of God grew and multiplied.
IV. And the chapter closes
Acts 12:25 (NKJV)
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
A. Having delivered the offering collected for the Jewish church Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch, and a new work God has in mind for them.
1. And they took young John Mark with them.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Acts_11
Acts_11
10/12/08
Acts_11
I. Review
A. Salvation came to the household of Cornelius and the door of Salvation was opened to gentiles.
1. Peter in a vision was instructed not to consider what God has cleansed common or unclean.
2. The Holy Spirit came upon the gentiles gathered in the house of Cornelius as Peter preached the gospel to them, the same way it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost.
a. Seeing this Peter and those who accompanied him realized that there was no distinction between Jew and gentile in Gods eyes and so they also baptized them (a sign or recognition or identity).
II. Words of criticism or accusation travel fast and so the story continues in ch-11.
Acts 11:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,
3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
A. That the gentiles had heard the word of God and responded to the gospel is good news, and as the report of this gets back to Jerusalem the report is received with mixed emotions.
1. The problem is not that the gospel was preached to the gentiles but that Peter and those with him went into the homes of gentiles and ate with them.
a. Peter going into the house of and eating with gentiles was undoubtedly very shocking to his Jewish brethren.
(1) Eating with them was a sign of acceptance and fellowship.
(2) In the thinking of the Jewish mind the world's population was divided into two groups:
(a) Jews and Gentiles.
i) And instead of seeing themselves as a light unto the Gentiles, Jews saw Gentiles as people to be despised and avoided at all costs.
ii) At this time even Jewish Christians were rooted in traditional Judaism no doubt appalled at Peter's contact with the gentiles.
(b) We are to be salt and light in this world, and not an exclusive social club (separate but not exclusive).
Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
B. Peter makes his defense.
Acts 11:4-17 (NKJV)
4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.
6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’
10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.
12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,
14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
1. In response to the accusation Peter repeated the details of the vision he had seen.
a. That Luke records this completely when it is essentially a repetition of what was recorded in chapter-10 underscores it's significance.
(1) Luke would probably be writing on a scroll
(a) The longest scrolls would be about 35 feet long because anything longer would be too big to handle.
(b) So space was limited and yet this was important enough to use up that much space by repeating what was already recorded in the previous chapter.
(2) It would seem that God wants us to catch this idea that what He makes clean is clean indeed.
Colossians 3:8-11 (NKJV)
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
(a) How wonderful to know that man can be righteous in God's eyes based on what Christ has accomplished for us and not on what race we are.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Philippians 3:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
(b) Our salvation is an incredible thing and we ought to walk in it and accept His forgiveness.
2. We also see the wisdom Peter exercised in that knowing he was headed to the house of a gentile (though unsure of what awaited him there) he took six men with him to witness what would transpire.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
22 Abstain from every form of evil. (could be translated all appearance of evil)
C. His defense is basically this wasn't my idea, I didn't put this together, God did it, God confirmed it, and who am I to argue with God.
1. Their response to his defense:
Acts 11:18 (NKJV)
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
a. They were reverentially silent, there were no more objections.
b. It would seem that the lights are starting to go on to the Jewish Christians that God had indeed removed the barriers between Jew and Gentile and that the gospel was to be preached to all the world.
III. Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-24 (NKJV)
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.
20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.
23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
A. Persecution that arose following the stoning of Stephen caused the church to scatter and travel as far as Phoenicia (southern part of present day Israel on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea).
1. Cyprus is an Island off the coast of modern day Syria, and Antioch.
B. The Christians that scattered still spoke only to Jews but all of that would change in Antioch, which would become the base for missionary work in gentile territory.
1. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire (population ~500k)
2. It was dedicated to the Greek goddess Daphne (the river nymph) who was pursued by Apollo's.
a. And was perhaps the most immoral city in the Roman Empire with the exception perhaps of Corinth.
3. And it was here in Antioch that Christians were first called Christians (as we shall see in vv26).
C. When they heard that that people were being saved in Antioch the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out.
1. And we see that Barnabas lived up to his name "son of consolation or encouragement".
2. He encouraged them to continue in the Lord with purpose or dedication of heart (not merely intellectual knowledge)
D. And we see the testimony of what kind of man Barnabas was.( 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. )
IV. Barnabas looks around and sees a need for some help.
Acts 11:25-26 (NKJV)
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
A. In the midst of all these gentiles he says I know just the guy and sets off to find Saul whom he left in Tarsus perhaps as many as eight years earler.
1. Someone to teach them(evangelism, exhortation, teaching vv20,23,26).
2. Barnanbas doesn't have to be the main guy, what an attribute.
a. What a difference when we work together, assisting each other, exercising our gifts.
(1) Parenting class was great (The instructor had a gift, what if he didn't use it?)
(2) How many of you believe you have parenting all figured out, how many know you need help? (why were only 9 there, what if babysitters was a problem?)
(a) What a cool thing that there are those that want to assist others, so that the whole body is benefitted.
V. Relief sent to the church in Judea
Acts 11:27-30 (NKJV)
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
A. Prophecy comes from the mind or heart of God and it is given to provoke some sort of action.
1. In this case it is a warning of troubled times ahead.
2. So the church in Antioch went in to action upon hearing the prophecy (let's do something for them- and not looking out for only themselves)
a. This was an act and expression of love, what a difference we can make when we love each other, and it manifests itself through our actions and not merely our words.
b. No doubt this bound these two churches together.
(1) What a blessing to know that churches still do this kind of thing.
(2) We are the beneficiary of other churches blessing us through faithful prayer, encouragement, even financially because they love us and God has put us on their hearts in times of need.
(a) What an awesome God and what an awesome body Jesus has made us part of.
(b) It is sad to me, that so many don't understand what the church is, they don't benefit from it the way God intended, and they seem to be full of criticism as they move from place to place looking for what pleases them, rather than enjoying what God is providing.
(c) Church isn't a spectator sport, and every Christian has a part to play, work to do, help to be received, and help to give...
10/12/08
Acts_11
I. Review
A. Salvation came to the household of Cornelius and the door of Salvation was opened to gentiles.
1. Peter in a vision was instructed not to consider what God has cleansed common or unclean.
2. The Holy Spirit came upon the gentiles gathered in the house of Cornelius as Peter preached the gospel to them, the same way it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost.
a. Seeing this Peter and those who accompanied him realized that there was no distinction between Jew and gentile in Gods eyes and so they also baptized them (a sign or recognition or identity).
II. Words of criticism or accusation travel fast and so the story continues in ch-11.
Acts 11:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,
3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
A. That the gentiles had heard the word of God and responded to the gospel is good news, and as the report of this gets back to Jerusalem the report is received with mixed emotions.
1. The problem is not that the gospel was preached to the gentiles but that Peter and those with him went into the homes of gentiles and ate with them.
a. Peter going into the house of and eating with gentiles was undoubtedly very shocking to his Jewish brethren.
(1) Eating with them was a sign of acceptance and fellowship.
(2) In the thinking of the Jewish mind the world's population was divided into two groups:
(a) Jews and Gentiles.
i) And instead of seeing themselves as a light unto the Gentiles, Jews saw Gentiles as people to be despised and avoided at all costs.
ii) At this time even Jewish Christians were rooted in traditional Judaism no doubt appalled at Peter's contact with the gentiles.
(b) We are to be salt and light in this world, and not an exclusive social club (separate but not exclusive).
Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
B. Peter makes his defense.
Acts 11:4-17 (NKJV)
4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.
6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’
10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.
12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,
14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
1. In response to the accusation Peter repeated the details of the vision he had seen.
a. That Luke records this completely when it is essentially a repetition of what was recorded in chapter-10 underscores it's significance.
(1) Luke would probably be writing on a scroll
(a) The longest scrolls would be about 35 feet long because anything longer would be too big to handle.
(b) So space was limited and yet this was important enough to use up that much space by repeating what was already recorded in the previous chapter.
(2) It would seem that God wants us to catch this idea that what He makes clean is clean indeed.
Colossians 3:8-11 (NKJV)
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
(a) How wonderful to know that man can be righteous in God's eyes based on what Christ has accomplished for us and not on what race we are.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Philippians 3:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
(b) Our salvation is an incredible thing and we ought to walk in it and accept His forgiveness.
2. We also see the wisdom Peter exercised in that knowing he was headed to the house of a gentile (though unsure of what awaited him there) he took six men with him to witness what would transpire.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
22 Abstain from every form of evil. (could be translated all appearance of evil)
C. His defense is basically this wasn't my idea, I didn't put this together, God did it, God confirmed it, and who am I to argue with God.
1. Their response to his defense:
Acts 11:18 (NKJV)
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
a. They were reverentially silent, there were no more objections.
b. It would seem that the lights are starting to go on to the Jewish Christians that God had indeed removed the barriers between Jew and Gentile and that the gospel was to be preached to all the world.
III. Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
Acts 11:19-24 (NKJV)
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.
20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.
23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
A. Persecution that arose following the stoning of Stephen caused the church to scatter and travel as far as Phoenicia (southern part of present day Israel on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea).
1. Cyprus is an Island off the coast of modern day Syria, and Antioch.
B. The Christians that scattered still spoke only to Jews but all of that would change in Antioch, which would become the base for missionary work in gentile territory.
1. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire (population ~500k)
2. It was dedicated to the Greek goddess Daphne (the river nymph) who was pursued by Apollo's.
a. And was perhaps the most immoral city in the Roman Empire with the exception perhaps of Corinth.
3. And it was here in Antioch that Christians were first called Christians (as we shall see in vv26).
C. When they heard that that people were being saved in Antioch the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out.
1. And we see that Barnabas lived up to his name "son of consolation or encouragement".
2. He encouraged them to continue in the Lord with purpose or dedication of heart (not merely intellectual knowledge)
D. And we see the testimony of what kind of man Barnabas was.( 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. )
IV. Barnabas looks around and sees a need for some help.
Acts 11:25-26 (NKJV)
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
A. In the midst of all these gentiles he says I know just the guy and sets off to find Saul whom he left in Tarsus perhaps as many as eight years earler.
1. Someone to teach them(evangelism, exhortation, teaching vv20,23,26).
2. Barnanbas doesn't have to be the main guy, what an attribute.
a. What a difference when we work together, assisting each other, exercising our gifts.
(1) Parenting class was great (The instructor had a gift, what if he didn't use it?)
(2) How many of you believe you have parenting all figured out, how many know you need help? (why were only 9 there, what if babysitters was a problem?)
(a) What a cool thing that there are those that want to assist others, so that the whole body is benefitted.
V. Relief sent to the church in Judea
Acts 11:27-30 (NKJV)
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
A. Prophecy comes from the mind or heart of God and it is given to provoke some sort of action.
1. In this case it is a warning of troubled times ahead.
2. So the church in Antioch went in to action upon hearing the prophecy (let's do something for them- and not looking out for only themselves)
a. This was an act and expression of love, what a difference we can make when we love each other, and it manifests itself through our actions and not merely our words.
b. No doubt this bound these two churches together.
(1) What a blessing to know that churches still do this kind of thing.
(2) We are the beneficiary of other churches blessing us through faithful prayer, encouragement, even financially because they love us and God has put us on their hearts in times of need.
(a) What an awesome God and what an awesome body Jesus has made us part of.
(b) It is sad to me, that so many don't understand what the church is, they don't benefit from it the way God intended, and they seem to be full of criticism as they move from place to place looking for what pleases them, rather than enjoying what God is providing.
(c) Church isn't a spectator sport, and every Christian has a part to play, work to do, help to be received, and help to give...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Acts_9_32-10_48
Acts_9_32-10_48
10/5/08
Preparing Peter for the opening of a new door.
I. Introductory Statements
A. Saul will become Apostle to the gentiles, but the door will be opened through Peter for reasons we will see as we progress through our message.
II. The Healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:32-35 (NKJV)
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
A. Peter's purpose for this trip was to visit the churches and strengthen them, as well other forms of ministry as God gave opportunity.
1. Among the cities Peter visited was Lydda, and there he found a man who had been paralyzed and confined to bed for eight years.
2. Peter evidently perceived that Jesus wanted to heal this man, telling him that Jesus the Christ heals him, and commanding him to get up and make his bed, and immediately he is healed.
B. The healing of this man Aeneas becomes the occasion of many turning to the Lord for salvation.
1. "So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." does not mean that everyone in the region was saved, rather that the miracle was not done in private, but in public, and that many outside the Christian circle saw what had been done and believed.
C. Like Peter we need to be open and sensitive and open to the opportunities to minister that the Lord sets before us.
1. And we need to be careful that we don't develop preconceived ideas about what constitutes "important" ministry, note what Peter said "Jesus the Christ heals you", the point being that it is all about Jesus and what He is doing.
a. Anything that Jesus sets before to do is important, or He wouldn't give us the opportunity to do it on His behalf.
III. Resurrection of Dorcas
A. Death of Dorcas
Acts 9:36-38 (NKJV)
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.
37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
1. While Peter was in Lydda Twelve miles away in Joppa a woman name Tabitha (Aramaic), Dorcas in the Greek who had become sick died.
a. This woman whose name means gazelle "the creature with the beautiful look or eyes"... was a disciple or learner of Jesus; and the testimony of her is that she was a woman who continually did good works and charitable deeds.
(1) She was a woman who served others and was much loved for the love that she showed to others.
2. When she died they washed her body in preparation for burial and laid her body in an upper room.
a. And having heard that Peter was in Lydda they sent for him to come with urgency to Joppa.
(1) While we are not specifically told why they wanted him to come with out delay, it would seem that there was some expectation on their part that he might raise her from the dead.
B. Peter Prays
Acts 9:39-41 (NKJV)
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
1. Peter responds to the request and upon arriving he is taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body is laying, and gathered together in the upper room are the widows pressing in on Peter to show him the garments and coats Dorcas (Tabitha) had made for them.
a. Now widows were often the poor and discarded segment of people in that culture, indicating for us the character of this woman's ministry and why she was so dearly loved by them.
James 1:27 (NKJV)
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
2. Peter puts everyone out of the room and then he prays, after he prays turns to the dead woman calling her by name and commands her to arise.
a. No reason is given for having everyone leave the room, Jesus had done the same when He raised Jairus's daughter from the dead (only his disciples and the little girls parents were allowd to be there).
(1) Possibly it involves removing those who have no faith.
(2) But it also diffuses drama; this keeps it from having any possibility to be a circus or an opportunity for showmanship.
(a) Done this way maximizes the glory given to God for the miracle.
3. Then taking her by the hand and helping her up, Peter called everyone back into the room and presented her to them alive, and you can just imagine the joy that flooded that room.
a. But also can you imagine what each heart felt towards God in those moments, if you have ever been moved by a patriotic moment or been touched when singing a song of worship, then you can begin to understand the deep stirrings of heart they must have been experiencing toward God.
(1) God is so real, and so wonderful, but it seems that we only experience this in small bytes of time, perhaps if it was other than this we would not be able to handle it. (It isn't always tangible this way for us).
C. Further Imformation
Acts 9:42-43 (NKJV)
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
1. Again the testimony of what God had done caused many to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
a. The gospel was beginning to reach a much wider audience, and these two miracles were performed in the coastal cities where there was a much larger gentile population.
2. As the chapter closes, we see that Peter stayed many days in Joppa after this miracle with a man named Simon who was a tanner.
a. This is a significant detail, and we see the effective way that Peter is being prepared for the experience he is about to have with a centurion named Cornelius.
b. Tanners were considered to be ceremonially unclean most of the time because they were constantly handling the skins of dead animal.
c. So we have three things that are preparation for what follows.
(1) The two miracles confirm Peter's ministry and that God was with him in a special way.
(2) He is ministering in an area that has a partially gentile population.
(3) Hew is living in the house of a man that is probably ceremonially unclean.
(a) Peter perhaps is unclean himself as a result.
(b) He no doubt at very least is thinking about matters of uncleanness, and thus open for what ensues.
IV. Cornelius sends for Peter
Acts 10:1-8 (NKJV)
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.
8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
A. So here is a gentile man Cornelius, a centurion that is a Roman officer in charge of 100 soldiers who were part of the Italian Regiment consisting of 600 soldiers.
1. And we are told that he was a devout man who feared God, i.e. he was a righteous man who worshipped Jehovah, though probably not a full-fledged proselyte to Judaism for 11:3 indicates that he was not circumcised.
a. But he loved Jehovah and he loved the people of God (the Jews) as evidenced by the way he blessed them.
2. And while he was in prayer at about 3:00 in the afternoon he saw very clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him calling him by name, and with fear asked the angel of God "what is it, lord?" to which the angel responds with these instructions.
“Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
So this vision is in response to something Cornelius has been seeking from God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
a. Immediately after the angel departed, Cornelius calls two of his servants and a devout soldier in, relates the details to them, and sends them to Joppa to find Peter and bring him.
V. Peter's vision and preparation.
Acts 10:9-16 (NKJV)
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
A. As the men from Caesarea neared the city Peter goes up on the housetop to pray, it is noon and while there were the common times for morning and evening prayer, Peter seems to be following the example of pious men before him such as Daniel and stops to pray at noon.
1. Being hungry and while waiting for the meal to be prepared he fell into a trance (an ecstacy) and in this trance he an object like a great sheet coming out of heaven with all kinds of critters and a voice commanding him to rise, kill and eat.
a. Peter refuses “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
b. To which the reply comes “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
(1) This happens three times and then the sheet is taken up into heaven again.
(2) Things in groups of three were God's way of getting Peter's attention after Peter's denial three times on the night Jesus was on trial at the house of the high priest.
(a) God is emphasizing to Peter that Jesus cleansed all goods from ceremonial uncleanness.
B. Peter summoned to Caesarea
Acts 10:17-23 (NKJV)
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.
18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you.
20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”
23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
1. As Peter is pondering the vision and while they come to the door of Simon the tanner's house asking for him, the Holy Spirit speaks to Peter about these men with the instruction to go meet them, God had sent them and Peter was not to doubt anything they said.
a. They commend their master Cornelius to Peter and tell why they have been sent, being to late by this time to travel back to Caeserea Peter invites them to lodge at Simon's house for the night and leaves with them the next day for Caeserea.
(1) Some men from Joppa accompany them.
C. Peter meets Cornelius.
Acts 10:24-33 (NKJV)
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
1. Cornelius confident that Peter will come (an example of faith) that he has a crowd gathered in his home to hear what God has to say through Peter to them.
a. Peter corrects Cornelius who bows to worship Peter, stating that he is just a man same as Cornelius.
2. Peter lets Cornelius and those gathered with him, the unusual way God has shown him that it is OK to be there when normally Peter would have considered unlawful.
a. And Peter asks for what reason they had sent for him, and Cornelius tell Peter of his vision and how they are all there to hear the message that God had given Peter for them.
(1) As yet Peter is not aware that he has a message, but they changes in an instant as he begins to speak to them.
D. Peter preaches to the household of Cornelius.
Acts 10:34-43 (NKJV)
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ— He is Lord of all—
37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.
40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,
41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.
43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
1. As Peter opened his mouth God began to give him the message.
a. First Peter recognizes and acknowledges that God is not partial to one group of people over another.
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
b. And then he preaches the gospel to them, telling them of the crucifixion and the resurrection.
E. Salvation and the Holy Spirit comes to the gentiles.
Acts 10:44-48 (NKJV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
1. As they heard the gospel and believed the Holy Spirit came upon them just as He had come to the Jews gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost
a. The Jews were astonished by this and Peter recognizing that if the Spirit of God has baptized them, then their truly is no difference between Jew and gentile and offers them baptism, after which he stays with them for a few days (unheard of...)
2. And so through Peter the door of the gospel is opened to the gentile world to whom Paul would become the Apostle to the gentiles, but the door is here opened through Peter. (witness is established by two or more and so it was necessary that two Apostles validate the opening of this door to the gentiles).
a. And most if not all of us here today are fruit from this very experience.
b. How wonderful to know that God loves us, and that He has gone to such great lengths to let us know His arm are open and we are welcome to become part of His family!
10/5/08
Preparing Peter for the opening of a new door.
I. Introductory Statements
A. Saul will become Apostle to the gentiles, but the door will be opened through Peter for reasons we will see as we progress through our message.
II. The Healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:32-35 (NKJV)
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
A. Peter's purpose for this trip was to visit the churches and strengthen them, as well other forms of ministry as God gave opportunity.
1. Among the cities Peter visited was Lydda, and there he found a man who had been paralyzed and confined to bed for eight years.
2. Peter evidently perceived that Jesus wanted to heal this man, telling him that Jesus the Christ heals him, and commanding him to get up and make his bed, and immediately he is healed.
B. The healing of this man Aeneas becomes the occasion of many turning to the Lord for salvation.
1. "So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." does not mean that everyone in the region was saved, rather that the miracle was not done in private, but in public, and that many outside the Christian circle saw what had been done and believed.
C. Like Peter we need to be open and sensitive and open to the opportunities to minister that the Lord sets before us.
1. And we need to be careful that we don't develop preconceived ideas about what constitutes "important" ministry, note what Peter said "Jesus the Christ heals you", the point being that it is all about Jesus and what He is doing.
a. Anything that Jesus sets before to do is important, or He wouldn't give us the opportunity to do it on His behalf.
III. Resurrection of Dorcas
A. Death of Dorcas
Acts 9:36-38 (NKJV)
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.
37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
1. While Peter was in Lydda Twelve miles away in Joppa a woman name Tabitha (Aramaic), Dorcas in the Greek who had become sick died.
a. This woman whose name means gazelle "the creature with the beautiful look or eyes"... was a disciple or learner of Jesus; and the testimony of her is that she was a woman who continually did good works and charitable deeds.
(1) She was a woman who served others and was much loved for the love that she showed to others.
2. When she died they washed her body in preparation for burial and laid her body in an upper room.
a. And having heard that Peter was in Lydda they sent for him to come with urgency to Joppa.
(1) While we are not specifically told why they wanted him to come with out delay, it would seem that there was some expectation on their part that he might raise her from the dead.
B. Peter Prays
Acts 9:39-41 (NKJV)
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
1. Peter responds to the request and upon arriving he is taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body is laying, and gathered together in the upper room are the widows pressing in on Peter to show him the garments and coats Dorcas (Tabitha) had made for them.
a. Now widows were often the poor and discarded segment of people in that culture, indicating for us the character of this woman's ministry and why she was so dearly loved by them.
James 1:27 (NKJV)
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
2. Peter puts everyone out of the room and then he prays, after he prays turns to the dead woman calling her by name and commands her to arise.
a. No reason is given for having everyone leave the room, Jesus had done the same when He raised Jairus's daughter from the dead (only his disciples and the little girls parents were allowd to be there).
(1) Possibly it involves removing those who have no faith.
(2) But it also diffuses drama; this keeps it from having any possibility to be a circus or an opportunity for showmanship.
(a) Done this way maximizes the glory given to God for the miracle.
3. Then taking her by the hand and helping her up, Peter called everyone back into the room and presented her to them alive, and you can just imagine the joy that flooded that room.
a. But also can you imagine what each heart felt towards God in those moments, if you have ever been moved by a patriotic moment or been touched when singing a song of worship, then you can begin to understand the deep stirrings of heart they must have been experiencing toward God.
(1) God is so real, and so wonderful, but it seems that we only experience this in small bytes of time, perhaps if it was other than this we would not be able to handle it. (It isn't always tangible this way for us).
C. Further Imformation
Acts 9:42-43 (NKJV)
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
1. Again the testimony of what God had done caused many to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
a. The gospel was beginning to reach a much wider audience, and these two miracles were performed in the coastal cities where there was a much larger gentile population.
2. As the chapter closes, we see that Peter stayed many days in Joppa after this miracle with a man named Simon who was a tanner.
a. This is a significant detail, and we see the effective way that Peter is being prepared for the experience he is about to have with a centurion named Cornelius.
b. Tanners were considered to be ceremonially unclean most of the time because they were constantly handling the skins of dead animal.
c. So we have three things that are preparation for what follows.
(1) The two miracles confirm Peter's ministry and that God was with him in a special way.
(2) He is ministering in an area that has a partially gentile population.
(3) Hew is living in the house of a man that is probably ceremonially unclean.
(a) Peter perhaps is unclean himself as a result.
(b) He no doubt at very least is thinking about matters of uncleanness, and thus open for what ensues.
IV. Cornelius sends for Peter
Acts 10:1-8 (NKJV)
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.
8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
A. So here is a gentile man Cornelius, a centurion that is a Roman officer in charge of 100 soldiers who were part of the Italian Regiment consisting of 600 soldiers.
1. And we are told that he was a devout man who feared God, i.e. he was a righteous man who worshipped Jehovah, though probably not a full-fledged proselyte to Judaism for 11:3 indicates that he was not circumcised.
a. But he loved Jehovah and he loved the people of God (the Jews) as evidenced by the way he blessed them.
2. And while he was in prayer at about 3:00 in the afternoon he saw very clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him calling him by name, and with fear asked the angel of God "what is it, lord?" to which the angel responds with these instructions.
“Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
So this vision is in response to something Cornelius has been seeking from God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
a. Immediately after the angel departed, Cornelius calls two of his servants and a devout soldier in, relates the details to them, and sends them to Joppa to find Peter and bring him.
V. Peter's vision and preparation.
Acts 10:9-16 (NKJV)
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
A. As the men from Caesarea neared the city Peter goes up on the housetop to pray, it is noon and while there were the common times for morning and evening prayer, Peter seems to be following the example of pious men before him such as Daniel and stops to pray at noon.
1. Being hungry and while waiting for the meal to be prepared he fell into a trance (an ecstacy) and in this trance he an object like a great sheet coming out of heaven with all kinds of critters and a voice commanding him to rise, kill and eat.
a. Peter refuses “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
b. To which the reply comes “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
(1) This happens three times and then the sheet is taken up into heaven again.
(2) Things in groups of three were God's way of getting Peter's attention after Peter's denial three times on the night Jesus was on trial at the house of the high priest.
(a) God is emphasizing to Peter that Jesus cleansed all goods from ceremonial uncleanness.
B. Peter summoned to Caesarea
Acts 10:17-23 (NKJV)
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.
18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you.
20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”
23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
1. As Peter is pondering the vision and while they come to the door of Simon the tanner's house asking for him, the Holy Spirit speaks to Peter about these men with the instruction to go meet them, God had sent them and Peter was not to doubt anything they said.
a. They commend their master Cornelius to Peter and tell why they have been sent, being to late by this time to travel back to Caeserea Peter invites them to lodge at Simon's house for the night and leaves with them the next day for Caeserea.
(1) Some men from Joppa accompany them.
C. Peter meets Cornelius.
Acts 10:24-33 (NKJV)
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
1. Cornelius confident that Peter will come (an example of faith) that he has a crowd gathered in his home to hear what God has to say through Peter to them.
a. Peter corrects Cornelius who bows to worship Peter, stating that he is just a man same as Cornelius.
2. Peter lets Cornelius and those gathered with him, the unusual way God has shown him that it is OK to be there when normally Peter would have considered unlawful.
a. And Peter asks for what reason they had sent for him, and Cornelius tell Peter of his vision and how they are all there to hear the message that God had given Peter for them.
(1) As yet Peter is not aware that he has a message, but they changes in an instant as he begins to speak to them.
D. Peter preaches to the household of Cornelius.
Acts 10:34-43 (NKJV)
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ— He is Lord of all—
37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.
40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,
41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.
43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
1. As Peter opened his mouth God began to give him the message.
a. First Peter recognizes and acknowledges that God is not partial to one group of people over another.
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
b. And then he preaches the gospel to them, telling them of the crucifixion and the resurrection.
E. Salvation and the Holy Spirit comes to the gentiles.
Acts 10:44-48 (NKJV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
1. As they heard the gospel and believed the Holy Spirit came upon them just as He had come to the Jews gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost
a. The Jews were astonished by this and Peter recognizing that if the Spirit of God has baptized them, then their truly is no difference between Jew and gentile and offers them baptism, after which he stays with them for a few days (unheard of...)
2. And so through Peter the door of the gospel is opened to the gentile world to whom Paul would become the Apostle to the gentiles, but the door is here opened through Peter. (witness is established by two or more and so it was necessary that two Apostles validate the opening of this door to the gentiles).
a. And most if not all of us here today are fruit from this very experience.
b. How wonderful to know that God loves us, and that He has gone to such great lengths to let us know His arm are open and we are welcome to become part of His family!
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