><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 11:1-18 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions Acts 11:1-18 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The circumcision party (verse 2) was a conservative group in the church at Jerusalem, who insisted on the necessity of circumcision for all. Cf Is: 1,5. Peter has to explain to them his action with Cornelius. 1)What main point does Peter emphasize when he recounts his meeting with Cornelius? Notice what Peter says about prayer; the vision and action of God; the part played by the angel and the Holy Spirit. What was the result of God's action upon (a) the Gentiles (v14,17,18), (b) the circumscision party 2)Compare 1:5 with 11:16,17 and Eph 3:6. Peter had to learn that there was more truth in God's word than he realized at first, and that he must not keep up social, national, and religious barriers when God has removed them. Do you retain any such barriers between yourself and someone else which ought to be removed? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 11:1-18 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -------------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 11:16b - YOU SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLLY SPIRIT. This verse refers to the Gentiles. And the same statement was made in Acts 1:5 which was referring to Jews. I Cor. 12:13 - FOR BY ONE SPIRIT WE WERE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY - WHETHER JEWS OR GREEKS, WHETHER SLAVES OR FREE - AND HAVE ALL BEEN MADE TO DRINK INTO ONE SPIRIT. This is the mystery of God which Paul mentioned in Ephesians 3:6 which gave us the clear understanding of Christ being the cornerstone to connect the Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 8:36, water baptism was introduced. That is for our salvation to die and resurrect together with Christ. Another important part of this reading is in 11:18b - GOD HAS ALSO GRANTED TO THE GENTILES REPENTANCE TO LIFE. It connects with 10:42B that ---TO BE JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD. I Peter 3:5-6 helped me for better understanding and encouragement: THEY WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT OT hIM WHO IS READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD. FOR THIS REASON THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED ALSO TO THOSE WHO ARE DEAD, THAT THEY MIGHT BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO MEN IN THE FLESH, BUT LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD IN THE SPIRIT. -------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------------------------------- God's gift is a universal offer that must be accepted on an individual basis. It has no effect unless you put your trust in Christ. Through prayer we must reach out and "Break down the walls"! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Peter emphasizes the point of it was God's direction and voice that led him to Cornelius. How could he oppose God? He couldn't, so he brought the Gospel to the Gentiles and they were saved. The circumcision party was satisfied with Peter's response and praised God. 2) Each of the passages speaks of the Gift of God being the Holy Spirit. this can only come through belief in Christ. Each of us needs to break down the mental blocks we feel when presenting the Gospel. We must break down any barriers that are holding us back from sharing the love of Christ, whether in the form of the Gospel message or of coming alongside a fellow believer and reaching out to their situation. The love of Christ must be something that we extend to all, on an unguarded basis and with no limitations or conditions. God did not conditionalize his love for us, how can take that unconditional love and put limits on our own extension of it to others. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1)He says that Cornelius told them he had seen an angel with a message to send for Peter from Joppa, who would bring a message to save himself and his household. Then Peter also told the apostles he remembered what the Lord had said about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that they also had received it, which is a gift from God. This resulted in the apostles having "no further objections and praised God...God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life". Both sides had unity in the Holy Spirit among them and thanksgiving to God. 2)I know that I do because I am a sinner. However, if we are open to the Holy Spirit, I trust that God will make these sins apparent to us, painful as it may be. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Ps. 51:17) If we let ourselves be broken for God, our "barriers" will be broken down and open for God to work on. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 11:19-30 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Directing Questions Acts 11:19-30 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The city of Antioch, capital of the Roman province of Syria, was one of the three largest cities of the Empire. It was famous for its commerce, art and literature, and infamous for its vice and frivolity. It was to become the 'jumping-off point' for Paul's missionary journeys. 1) What was the distinctive feature that from the beginning marked the preaching of the gospel at Antioch, and with what far-reaching results? 2) What stages marked the establishment of the church there, at what part did Barnabas play? How can we teach and encourage young Christians? 3) Verses 27-30. A young Gentile church helps the older church~ Jerusalem. Note the signs of this church's vitality, influence a: Christian spirit. Cf 2: 44,45; 4:34-37. Does your Christian faith find expression in practical giving like this? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 11:19-30 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -------------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnabas is an important man behind the scene in first century. He was the one who introduced Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem. Here, he is the the one who leads Paul into church ministry, 11:25-26. It turns out that Antioch is the base of Paul's ministry. It is also a mile stone and origin of Paul's Misionary trips. Antioch Church is the church that sent Paul out for God's mission in first century. Barnabas' work in Antioch was so vital! He reminded them to be faithful with heartfelt devotion, 11:23, and boldly declare themselves as Christians, 11:30. -------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------------------------------- The preaching of the Gospel at Antioch was inclusive rather than exclusive. The Greeks, as well as, the Jews heard the message. As a result, a great number of people turned to the Lord. Barnabas had heard about the good reception to the Gospel in Antioch while he was in Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to continue God's good work in Antioch. In addition, Barnabas sought out Saul to come and help witness to the multitudes. Today we can help young people the most by spending time with them, earning their trust and "walking the talk". We can never give more than God can. I always need to be reminded that all I have is God's. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- Antioch, cultural center, center of frivolity, people indulging themselves, living fast paced wordly centered lives, sound familiar? I think it should to many of us. Washington DC, very urban, very much a cultural and commercial center, isn't it be our Antioch? Let us make it/your town the "Jumping point" to serve the Lord from! 1) The Lord's Hand(v 21) was with them. God's blessing was upon them He had the plan for Antioch, not the people. He took them from a situation of persecution to use them for His work, not only there, but he also drew others like Barnabas there from Jerusalem. He also raised up those from Antioch to go out. When I hear this I think maybe we need to look to our Jerusalem's for help with the work we have in spreading the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the Ends of the Earth. Who can we turn to in our own "neighborhood"/church family to help us as a brother/sister in arms to help us to spread the gospel to J,J,S, EoE? 2) The church began with people turning to the Lord, then they realized they needed a spiritual leader, one mature in the Lord, so Barnabas was brought in as well as Saul to help teach and disciple the new believers. We should take on their examples when teaching. Barnabas was a) a good man b) full of the Spirit c) full of Faith We also need to encourage young believer's as Paul did to Timothy in 2Tim 2:15(NIV) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 3) We need to follow the example of the disciples and use our resources provided by God as we can. They (v29) each according to his ability decided to provide help(NIV) - (New American Standard Bible)And in the proportion that any of *the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the [1]relief of *the brethren living in Judea. This chapter gives us a beautiful picture of the church and these essentials: - The gifts of the Spirit, - The shared life in Jesus, - The proclamation of the Word, - The teaching of the Scripture, - The sharing of the body; -------------------------------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Those believers (I assume) who were scattered due to persecution in connection with Stephen traveled to Antioch and began telling Greeks as well as Jews the good news. This wonderful breaking down of traditional barriers made news in the church at Jerusalem, so Barnabas was sent to Antioch to witness thig grace of God. He brought Saul there, and they taught many - the disciples were first called Christians here at Antioch. 2) Barnabas first came as witness to evidence the grace, and lead many to Christ; he then recruited Saul to help and more were saved; finally, even a prophet came and prophesied there with brothers responding to God's call to action for helping those who would be hurt by famine in Judea. We can teach "young" Christians to love the Lord and respond to God's call, each "according to their ability". Encouraging "them" to love and serve the Lord with all they are and have, to be true Christians - Christ-like in service, humility and love. 3) Amazing, isn't it?! What a mission to be called to do for such a young church! God is ABLE. It is truly, truly a "practical" application. We are called to do the same, simply put, but takes much care and obedience to follow through on. 2 Co 9:7 -...for God loves a cheerful giver". I need that spirit, and so does every giver, I think. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 12:1-24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=- Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- April 8 Acts 12:1-24 -------------------------------------------- 1) Sum up Herod's character from verses 2-4 and 18-23. How & why was his life abruptly ended? Are we living to the glory of God Cf I Cor. 10:31. 2) Prayer was the church's weapon to free Peter. Note (a) character (verse s), (b) its obstacles (verses &ii), (c) its results (v 12-17). Those who had prayed did not believe that what had happened was true (verses 14, is). Do you believe that intercessory prayer can do great things? Cf 2 Cor. 1: 8-11 and Eph. 3: 20,21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 12:1-24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ------------------------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao ------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Herod was a very confident leader, he was proud, vain and conceited and paid the ultimate price for his pride. I Cor. 10:31 & 33 says: [31]So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. [33] even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Let us too disregard ourselves and put ahead of our needs and desires the need for salvation of so many lost souls out there in our world. 2) The Weapon of prayer as characterized in Ephesians armament chapter Eph 6:18-20. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. [19] Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Let us take our weapon of prayer to go out to battle against the enemy this day! Let us as Paul expressed so eloquently FEARLESSLY make known the mystery of the Gospel this day. ------------------------------------------------------------- RJ Carr ------------------------------------------------------------- The story of King Herod and Peter illustrates that miracles can happen through prayer. Glory to God for the joy of knowing that all good things come from knowing him. Conversely, great pain will come upon those that believe they control all things. ------------------------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao ------------------------------------------------------------- 1)Herod was violent, and tried to please men. God struck him down because he did not praise Him when he should have. We should always make it our goal to glorify God in everything; commit your way unto the Lord. 2)Praying right at the instant when it is needed is vital to a true prayer life. At the very moment we feel angry or are about to sin is the best time to ask God for deliverance. He is faithful. ------------------------------------------------------------- James Chao ------------------------------------------------------------- (a) Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy - Acts 12:2: THEN HE KILLED jAMES THE BROTHER OF JOHN WITH THE SWORD. Heb. 11:37-40: THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN IN TWO, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD. THEY WANDERED ABOUT. iN SHEEPSHINS AND GOATSKINS, BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED, TORMENTED - OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY. tHEY WANDERED IN DESERTS AND MOUNTAINS, IN DENS AND CAVES OF THE EARTH. ------ THEY SOULD NOT BE MADE PERFECT APART FROM US. (b) Constant Prayer in a House of Prayer - Acts 12:5: PETER WAS THEREFORE KEPT IN PRISON, BUT CONSTANT PRAYER WAS OFFERED TO GOD FOR HIM BY THE CHURCH. Acts 12: HE (Peter) CAME TO THE HOUSE OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF JOHN WHOSE SURNAME WAS MARK, WHERE MANY WERE GETHERED TOGETHER PRAYING. (c) The Angel's Work - Acts 12:11: 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." Matt.18:10: "tAKE HEED THAT YOU DO NOT DESPISE ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES, FOR I SAY TO YOU THAT IN HEAVEN THEIR ANGELS ALWAYS SEE THE FACE OF mY fATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. Prayer - Heavenly Father, send Your angels around us to protect us, comfort us, engerize us and encourage us all to be a good soldiers of yours. Reveal Yourself to us through our E-Study. In Jesus name I pray, A little child of His in Annandale. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 12:25-13:12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Acts 12:25-13:12 -------------------------------------------- 1)With the return of Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (12:25) begins the story of a great expansion of the gospel among the Gentiles. What parts were played by (a) the Holy Spirit and (b) the local church in initiating the new advance? Note that the church may have been praying about possible future developments of their work when guidance came through a prophet inspired of the Holy Spirit. What does this teach you about guidance? 2)Paul and Elymas meet in a head-on clash (verses 6-12). What was (a) the cause of the clash, (b) the reason for Paul's strong condemnation of Elymas, (c) one purpose of the judgment which visibly fell upon him? Are you as prepared as Paul to rebuke and resist direct opposition to the Lord Jesus? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 12:25-13:12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- Saul and Barnabas were sent by the Holy Spirit into different cities to spread the word of God to all people, including the gentiles. In Cyprus, Saul confronted the sorcerer, Bar-Jesus, about his perverted behavior. God used Saul's boldness to strike down evil. Bar-Jesus's blindness was used as a tool to convert people to Christianity. It makes me think about how many times I have not stuck up for Jesus. I pray that I will have the courage and conviction to lead others to Christ by standing up for what's right. -------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The Holy Spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas specifically be set apart for the work. The church obeyed and layed hands on them and sent them off. It is interesting how everything is carried out by the Holy Spirit. I think this means that in order to be guided by God we must learn to be full of the Holy Spirit. 2) The cause of the clash was that Elymas tried to prevent the proconsul from hearing the word of God, and turn him from the faith. Paul condemend Elymas because he was working against the ways of the Lord and needed to be rebuked; that is why the Spirit lead Paul to do so. In addition, it made the proconsul believe. The blindness seems very symbolic of the darkness and "directionless" aims of Elymas. That is a challenging question. We are called to present our faith with gentleness and respect, and yet I believe we are also called to right the wrong. Only Christ can give us the boldness through His Holy Spirit to do so. -------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------- (a) Wonderful Acts of God: In 13: 1 Five strong warriors of God were introduced to us. Among them there are a Cyrenian from Cyrene in North Africa; Simeon called Niger (black); and a foster brother of Herod, Manaen, he must be either an European or an Europeanized man. The other two are the missionaries Paul and Barnabas. God did not send out the first missionaries from the first twelve apostles or from Jerusalem. So that Jews would not be able to boast that they are the chosen ones brought the salvation to the whole world. Antioch was a church of mixed culture and races. Should white folks only worship God in a white church and black saints worship in a black church? Or should we all be together in a strong church. May the merciful God have mercy on us. (b) Sent out by the Holy Spirit, 13:4: The three laid their hands on the missionaries signified that they were one with those who they sent off to support their mission. Yet they were sent by the Holy Spirit. -------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The Holy Spirit called and set the men apart, then the HS sent them on their way. The local church was faithful to pray with those sent and to "send them off". I believe this was in the form of financial assistance to prepare them to go. We see here the necessary items to be sent to the mission field. The call of the HS, the prayer by the local church, the preparation by the local church, and the anointing of the Spirit. Through this example we see that no matter when the call comes, the church needs to be ready to equip individuals to go. 2) The cause of the Clash between Paul and Elymas was Elymas' opposition to the proconsul Sergius' hearing of the gospel, probably motivated out of job security desires and jealousy. Paul condems Elymas so strongly due to his filling of the Spirit(the ultimate judge). A specific purpose to his judgement was the conversion of the proconsul, although the proconsul's conversion seems more from his belief in the teachings as mentioned in v12. I find it of note that they mention the proconsul's intelligence in v7. We also face very educated people in our daily walk. We must be willing to endure the opposition of their supporters in order to see them "amazed at the teachings of the Lord" ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 13:13-43 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Paul's journey from Paphos to Antioch involved an ascent of 3,600 ft from the sea coast to a high plateau which was a flourishing region of Graeco-Roman civilization. This probably accounts for the return of John Mark, who was thus faced with more than he expected when he set out. Note also the presence in the synagogue at Antioch of two classes-Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (verses 16 and 26) 1)In the first part of his address (verses 21-25), how does Paul show that the coming of Jesus was the culminating point in God's activity in the history recorded in the Old Testament? 2)When speaking of the resurrection (verses 33-39), what does Paul say about (a) the reasons for, (b) the Old Testament prophecies about, and (c) the result of, Jesus' resurrection? Of what particular blessing is it a God-given pledge? Cf Rom. 4:25. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 13:13-43 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- The first part of today's reading it talks about all the men that God brought into the world prior to the arrival of Jesus, King of the Jews. This history enables the Jews and Gentiles in the audience to see God's footprints prior to the arrival of Jesus. This illustrates that Jesus's coming was not a coincidence, but part of a much larger plan. By proving God's footprints, Paul is able to better communicate the purpose of Jesus and his resurrection. The people were able to understand the ramifications of not believing because of the Old Testament and the hope of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. -------------------------------------------- Person 2 -------------------------------------------- 1) v23 tells of the Promise of Christ.This is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise to all of the chosen ones throughout the OT. 2) Reason is to fulfill His promise. Paul speaks of the passage v33 today I have become your father. This refers to the ressurection of Christ and the completion of his work on Earth. And the result for us is in Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. -------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1)He talks about how the Israelites wanted a king. God provided Saul, then David, but the real king who came from the line of David was Jesus. He also mentions John the Baptist's prophecy of Christ's coming. 2)It 1)fulfilled God's promise 2)fulfilled the prophecy in the second Psalm, and other ones3) also that Christ provided a means of justification from the law of Moses. The OT prophecies said that Jesus is God's Son, manifested promised blessings and said that the Holy One would not see decay. Because of Christ's resurrection, we are able to be delivered from sin and death to enter into eternal life and forgiveness of sins. We possess no greater treasure than this. -------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------- (a) What does Easter mean ? Acts 13:23 - From This man's (David's) seed,----- , God raised up for Israel a Savior- Jesus, Rom. 1:3-4: cONCERNING hIS sON jESUS cHRIST OUR lORD, WHO WAS BORN OF THE SEED OF dAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, AND DECLARED TO BE THE sON OF gOD WITH POWER, ACCORDING TO THE sPIRIT OF HOLINESS, BY THE RESURRECTION FORM THE DEAD. Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead. Acts13: 33: ----yOU ARE mY sON, tODAY (the day of resurrection) i HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU. On the resurrection day Jesus became the firstborn Son of God. In Rom. 8:29, it confirms that we are sons of God. " ---- THAT hE MIGH BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN. Son of God, through resurrection multiplied to produce children of God. (b) King David - A man after God's own heart, who did all His will, 13:22 In the books of Samuel, it recorded David's life. There are a lot things that David did, we would not consider they are godly deeds. But God's Word told us he was a spiritual man. Prayer: May God give me wisdom to know how to live a life to please Him. Lord, bless us through our daily study and live a life to glorigy you. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 13:44-52 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Jews at Antioch became jealous (verse 45) because Paul's message of forgiveness through Christ was drawing away the God fearers, whom they hoped would eventually become fully committed to Judaism. 1)What was the result of this jealous opposition upon the work of Paul and Barnabas? Cf 18:5,6; 28:28. Do you ever allow opposition to silence your testimony or halt your Christian work? Of what may the refusal of some to respond be an indication? 2)Paul and Barnabas now turn to the Gentiles. What two reasons are given in verses 46,47,(See Note 1) and What two results follow in (a) the wider proclamation of the gospel and the in gathering of believers, and (b) the experience of the converts? Notes 1) Verse 47. Cf Is. 49: 6. Supremely this refers to Jesus Christ, but Paul sets himself as continuing the mission to the Gentiles that Jesus began. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 13:44-52 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1)The Jews talked abusively against Paul which resulted in Paul and Barnabas preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. Jews had a chance to be the first to hear, but since they did not have "ears to hear", the Gentiles received the blessing. Notice the reaction of the Gentiles - "they were glad and honored the word of the Lord..." Praise God!! There have been many times in my life that I have tried to share Christ in some small way to friends, but sometimes to no avail. However, it is our responsibility to do it and then pray for the Lord to intervene. We should continue to pray for our unsaved friends, in faith, especially those whom earnestly seek truth in their life. I still need God's touch to be a strong witness for Him, and speak out in those opportune moments. Those chances never come again, and could mean everything in someone's eternal destiny. We should never discount our words to others - if Christ is in us, they are the words of His Holy Spirit. In addition, we must be careful with our words not to offend as well. 2)The Jews rejected their message, and it's funny how Paul says "since...you do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life..." Interesting. After winning Gentile souls for Christ, the Jews stirred up persecution against P & B. Those Gentiles who believed not only were glad and honored the Word, they were "appointed for eternal life". What an amazing verse 48 is, it is all about predestination. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. I misunderstand or at least am unsure...is this in reference to the newly born disciples or to P&B, etc.,? Contextually, it seems to point to P&B, but the question asked above refers to the newly born ones...? -------------------------------------------- Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul and Barnabas were persecuted for their work in Antioch due to the jealousy of the Jewish leaders. We must be prepared for opposition but not incite it. We must also be willing to stand firm for our faith and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ as Paul says in: RO 1:16,17 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." 2) Paul explains that they tried to bring their message to the Jews first and they rejected it, much as they rejected Christ. In 52 we see again the result of the filling of the Holy Spirit and a filling of joy. Let us each one live the life to not be ashamed of the gospel and to boldly and fearlessly proclaim it, even to those who might oppose it. -------------------------------------------- James Chao -------------------------------------------- (a) Continue in grace of God, Acts 13:43b: For the new believers at Antioch in Pisdia, after receiving the Grace of Salvation, Paul and Barnabas persuaded them to continue their living in the Grace of God. In Titus 2:11-13 shows the way of doing so. After the grace of God brought salvation to us, we should (i) denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. (ii) We should live soberly (to be alert to live a life rightly before God) and righteously (to live rightly before others). (iii) Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Why should we live this way? The reason is given in Hebrews 12:15-17: LOOKING DILIGENTLY LEST ANYONE FALL SHORT OF THE GRACE OF God; LEST ANY ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP CAUSE TROUBLE, AND BY THIS MANY BECOME DEFILED; LEST THERE BE ANY FORNICATOR OR PROFANE PERSON LIKE eSAU, WHO FOR ONE MORSEL OF FOOD SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT. FOR YOU KNOW THAT AFTERWARD, WHEN HE WANTED TO INHERIT THE BLESSING, HE WAS REJECTED, FOR HE FOUND NO PLACE FOR REPENTANCE, THOUGH HE SOUGHT IT DILIGENTLY WITH TEARS. (b) After Persecution, the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit, Acts 13:52: Because the Lord told us in Matt. 5:16 - REJOICE AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD, FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN, FOR SO THEY PERSECUTED THE PROPHETS WHO WERE BEFORE YOU.