The Book of the Acts

The historical book of the Acts of the apostles (or, more accurately, of the Holy Spirit) begins with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and ends with the imprisonment in Rome of the Apostle sent to the Gentiles. This Apostle brought the Gentiles the gospel of the grace of God — a gospel that was rejected among the Jews in Rome as well as by those in Judea.

In this marvelous book, we are told of the foundation of the church — the Christian assembly — in the world and the transition from Judaism to Christianity that slowly took place.

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: To whom also He showed himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3)

“Luke, the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14), wrote his first treatise (which is called the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke) to the most excellent Theophilus, and, years later, he was inspired again by the Holy Spirit to write the second. Theophilus (which means “lover of God”) saved the documents, and they were later incorporated into the New Testament by the will and sovereign providence of God. We will never be able to sufficiently bless our God and Father for having given us the Holy Scriptures that present to us Christ, His beloved Son, and at the same time show us the divine road of a pilgrim in this evil world — a road walked by Jesus Himself.

“He shewed himself alive ... by many infallible proofs.” The resurrection of Jesus is a great work. There were many witnesses: Cephas (Simon Peter), the rest of the apostles, more than five hundred brethren together, James, and Paul. (See 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, where the women are not mentioned). And with two exceptions, all of the 27 inspired books of the New Testament speak either of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus or of the fact that He lives.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard from Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:4-5)

“The promise of the Father” refers to what we see written in John 14:16-17: “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” And in verse 26, “But the Comforter; which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

John baptized the Jews that repented: “Confessing their sins” (Matt. 3:6) “with the baptism of repentance” — a baptism made with water (Acts 19:4). But the baptism with water did not impart anything divine into their being. It was an outward manifestation of a change in conviction. But, according to the promise of the Father, He was going to impart the Holy Spirit to the believers through the Lord Jesus. This Holy Spirit would stay with them forever — producing an internal and permanent result in their inmost being — and give them spiritual power to testify of Christ: “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me” (John 15:26).

When they therefore were come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:6-8)

The Jewish disciples could not yet imagine anything other than the nation of Israel being restored to its independence as the head of the other nations under the scepter of Christ. But, obviously, they did not know what God was about to do. He would impart the Holy Spirit to the believers and send them out with the pardoning Gospel of the grace of God. They would go, not only to the Jews, but also to the Samaritans and even to the Gentiles. This was something that would have been inconceivable for a Jew!

It should be noted that the Lord commanded them to start with the guiltiest, those in Jerusalem — where He had been crucified! “But where sin abounded, Grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). He also sent them to preach the Gospel to “the ends of the earth.” This Gospel has reached even to us — lost Gentile sinners.

“Oh! Even to man in his ruin the news proclaim,

wherever the sinner is found — in his pain;

Christians, proclaim that, the Father,

in His goodness Sent the Savior.”

And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11)

Not only were there many witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus, but there were also many witnesses of His ascension. He ascended on a cloud; He will return in the same way: “One like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven” (Dan. 7:13), and “Behold, He cometh with clouds” (Rev. 1:7). The two angels who appeared in the form of men told the disciples that “this same Jesus” would come back the same way He had left. Notice that this is talking about when He comes back to the earth to reign — not about the rapture of the church, which did not yet exist. The revelation of the Church’s rapture was not given until the Lord inspired Paul to write to the Thessalonians about the way in which the Lord Jesus would come to reclaim His beloved church:

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:16-17)

The Lord is not going to walk on the earth, but rather is going to raise us up to the clouds to meet Him in the air. Nor are we going to enter into the earthly Jerusalem, but rather into the heavenly Father’s house. It is very important to distinguish between the return of the Son of Man to the earth to reign among His earthly people, and His coming only to the atmospheric heaven to take to Himself His church — the entire body of the congregation of the redeemed, both dead and alive — and bring them to the Father’s house in heaven.

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:12-14)

Obeying the Lord’s commandment, the disciples stayed in Jerusalem and continued in prayer and supplication. Here, the name “Mary, the mother of Jesus” is mentioned for the last time in the Bible. Mary disappeared before the church existed. Not one single time is her name mentioned in the fourteen Christian epistles of Paul (including Hebrews), Revelation and the three epistles of John, the two epistles of Peter, or those of Judas and James. Why? Because the Christian doctrine is not about a child in His mother’s arms, nor is it about a young man submissive to His earthly parents. It is not even about a man living on the earth. Rather, it is about the Son of God who died for our sins, was resurrected for our justification, ascended to the right hand of God the Father, and was extolled and glorified in the highest heavenly place. “Christ is all” (Col. 3:11). Before Him, everyone else disappears: Abraham, Moses, Aaron, the prophets, David, Solomon, and even Mary. They all disappear. “Lifting their eyes to Him, they saw no one, save Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8).

“Look to the Lamb, there crowned in light!

Who is more worthy of honor than Jesus?

It is given to Christ — all power,

Already enthroned in His high majesty.

The throne — He fills it — the celestial throne.

It extols Him — the “Just” — from eternal glory.

The Object of the Father, of love ineffable,

Eternal Theme of the saints in glory.”

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, it was necessary that this scripture be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost prophesied by the mouth of David concerning Judas — who led the men that captured Jesus. For he was considered one of us, and was a part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of Blood.
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:15-26).

The disciples had not received the Holy Spirit yet, but the Lord, in resurrection, had opened “their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45).

Therefore, they could understand the meaning of Psalm 69:25 and 109:8. Judas went to his place, Perdition, and there needed to be twelve apostles (compare Matt. 19:28). They would choose two eligible men out of those that had been with the apostles from the beginning of the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Later, they prayed to the Lord to choose which one would please Him in place of Judas. And they cast lots, according to the scripture that was written for the Israelites: “The lot is cast in the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). Matthias was chosen. This is the last time that lots were cast to determine anything. Why? Because when the Holy Spirit was given to the believers, they then possessed the spiritual capacity to discern the Lord’s will — not only according to what was written in the Old Testament, but also by the revelations and writings of the New Testament. For example, in the letter written from Jerusalem to the “Brethren of the Gentiles,” we read the following: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us . . . .” (Acts 15:23, 28).

How great and blessed the difference between the position of the Christian and any of the believers in times past — whether Abraham, David, or John the Baptist! They did not have the Holy Spirit; but the Christian — from the moment he believes that the blood of Jesus Christ was poured out for the remission of his sin — receives the Holy Spirit of God. (See Ephesians 1:13-14, etc.) Things that kings and righteous men of old were unable to understand, the Christian does understand, “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:10). Neither could the saints of old say, “Abba, Father,” but the Christian can enjoy the same paternal relationship as Jesus Himself. He cried, “Abba, Father” (Mar. 14:36); and to us it is written, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). “And because ye are sons, God hath set forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6).

Acts 2

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

It was the fiftieth day after the death of Jesus, the Savior. The “Brethren ... about one hundred and twenty in number” were all together, waiting for “the promise of the Father” according to the commandment of the Lord Jesus. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit of God came, sent by the Father’s Son and coming in His own power (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13), and showed Himself by marvelous and indubitable proofs:

His coming was accompanied by a loud noise from heaven like that of a strong, blowing wind. It was not shown by an excited congregation shouting at the top of its lungs;

His coming was demonstrated by way of cloven tongues, “like as of fire,” that settled on each of them (but without burning them);

His presence was also shown by the fact that the Galilean disciples could speak in other languages. They were perfectly understood by hearers from many nations, not some strange speech or words that nobody understood.

It should be noted that, once the Holy Spirit came, He stayed and has stayed in the church on the earth. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). It is wrong to ask God to send us the Holy Spirit; He is already here. Not only does He live in the church, but also personally in every believer from the moment they believe the gospel of their salvation (See Eph. 1:13).

There was a great difference between the way the Holy Spirit descended upon the Lord Jesus and the way he descended on the disciples. “The Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove” (Luke 3:22; see also Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32-33). The “dove” symbolizes purity and peace (see Gen. 8:8-11); but when the same Spirit descended on the disciples, it was in cloven tongues, “like as of fire.” In Hebrews 12:29, we read that “our God is a consuming fire.” We have “the flesh” in us, as did the disciples, but it was not present in Jesus. Because of this, it appears, the coming of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by something that speaks of the judgment of God (the fire) against the source of sin (the flesh), in the disciples. But when the Spirit of God came upon the Lord Jesus, God the Father expressed His complete pleasure, “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The disciples did not just receive the Holy Spirit, but they also “were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Every Christian has the Holy Spirit — or he is not a Christian. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9). But not every Christian is filled with the Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18, we are exhorted “be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If we are set free from the slavery of natural desires, (or, rather, fleshly) then the Spirit of God can fill us with everything that comes from Him: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:19-20).

“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:5-11).

It is very interesting to contrast the miracle of the grace of God with that miracle of the justice of God in days of old:

“The whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth” (Gen. 11:1-9).

What a contrast all of this is to what took place on the Day of Pentecost! In order to demonstrate that it (the presence of the Holy Spirit to form the church by His baptism) was the work of the omniscient and omnipotent God, God did the opposite of what He did at “Babel” in such a way that people of every nation under heaven understood the marvels of God in their own diverse languages.

“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:12-21).

Simon Peter, full of the Holy Spirit and inspired by God, discerned that this passage spoke of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh — the key characteristic of what took place on the Day of Pentecost. Not the prophecy completely fulfilled, since neither on the Day of Pentecost nor even today have those marvels been seen in heaven nor signs been seen on earth below: blood, fire, and vapor of smoke. Neither has the sun been turned into darkness nor the moon to blood — that will not happen until the Day of the Lord arrives — the day of the judgment of God that will introduce the Millennium (see 1 Thess. 5:2-3) — the reign of the Son of Man on the earth. The entire prophecy of the prophet Joel will be fulfilled in a soon-coming day when the Lord will have already caught up His church — the entire group of believers of this Christian era — to heaven and to the Father’s house.

It is important to note here that the miraculous manifestation of speaking in tongues was not a matter of unintelligible voices, but rather of words that were clearly understood by people of diverse nations — despite the fact that those who spoke were uneducated Galileans. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled” (Acts 4:13).

It is also important to note that the passage quoted from the prophet Joel does not speak about the order of worship in the Christian church. It says that women will prophecy; but in the Christian assembly women are not permitted to speak (1 Cor. 14:34). In Acts 21:8-10 we read that “Philip the evangelist ... had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy,” but it does not say that they prophesied in the church. It was a man, “a prophet called Agabus” that spoke, or publicly prophesied about Paul. “So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

A devout woman will find plenty to do among the brethren without leaving her proper place in order to occupy the pulpit.

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him,

I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance.

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (verses 22-32).

What a marvelous act! That Jesus was “delivered by the determined counsel and providence (or presence) of God” as the “lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:19-20). It was “the eternal decision” of God the Father that His only Son would become a man and die the “death of the cross” for us sinners. How marvelous! (See Eph. 3:11; Phil. 2:8).

Oh, what love! God, the Father, sent His Son to save this lost world.

But, what an awful act! That man, when given the opportunity, would crucify the Son of God who had come in perfect goodness and infinite love to rescue mankind from the abyss of wickedness.

“But man ascribed nothing to the ‘Holy one of God’

but to send Him to the cross to suffer.”

However, the omniscient and omnipotent God — if I can say it like this — made use of the most wicked act that man could possibly have conceived of and carried out — the crucifixion of the Son of God — in order to carry out His eternal plan — that man would be reconciled to Him and pardoned of all his sins. How marvelous! Furthermore — God resurrected His Son from among the dead! The glory of the Father demanded that the one who died beneath the judicial weight of God for our sins be set free from the pains of death, since it was impossible that Christ be held by them.

Peter, inspired by God, quoted from Psalm 16:8-11, which speak prophetically of the fact that Christ would be raised from the tomb and that His body would not see corruption. “Hell” in the passage is not referring to “the lake of fire,” — the final destination of any unrepentant sinners — but rather to the place or invisible state of the spirits with dead bodies. This place is literally called “Hades.” There are two places where it appears. The unrepentant rich man who died and “was buried; and in hell (Hades) he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16:22-23). The rich man was in the lower place, below, in Hades, the invisible world, and Lazarus was in the upper place, above; as was the Lord Jesus. (He says to the repentant thief, “today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” Luke 23:43). Abraham, Lazarus, and all God’s saints who have died in the physical body are still waiting for the resurrection, but death could not detain the body of Jesus, which did not see corruption, in the tomb. Neither could it keep His spirit in Hades — the place of spirits without bodies. Christ is risen!

“Up from the grave He arose,

With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,

He arose a victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign,

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!”

“This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself,

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:32-36).

The Holy Spirit Himself testifies of the fact that Christ was exalted at God’s right hand, as He came to the world, sent by the Father and by the Son — fulfilling the promise that the Lord Jesus had given us (see John 15:26) — and showed himself among the believers (already made into one body by the baptism of the same Spirit), giving them the ability to speak in tongues that would be perfectly understood by hearers from many nations. What was the testimony that Holy Spirit gave to men? The same as David — speaking prophetically in Psalm 110:1 — who said that “the Lord” Jehovah, had said to his “Lord” (his master — a voice different than Jehovah), that is to say, Christ, “Sit thou at My right hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Then Peter accuses the whole house of Israel of crucifying Jesus and adds that the One they crucified God had made as a man, Lord, or Head, and Christ — or rather Messiah. What a contrast between what man did and what Christ did!

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:37-40).

The Jews had heard from Peter (obviously inspired by God), this grave accusation: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). God’s testimony given to responsible man, whether to the Jew, the pagan, or the so-called “Christian,” produces in him one of two definitive results: a convicted heart, (or, rather, repentant) or a hardened heart that is in rebellion against God. At least three thousand Jews repented of their evil in crucifying the Lord of Glory and their Messiah, Jesus, the Son of David according to the flesh and the eternal Son of God. They were saddened in their hearts and asked, “What then will we do?”

Having said that, note carefully Peter’s answer, the divinely inspired instruction that was particularly appropriate in that moment for the Jews who were guilty of having killed the Lord Jesus Christ. “Jesus ... Lord and Christ.”

“Repent.” They had to repent of the wrong they had done. There was not, and will not ever be, salvation for anyone, whether Jew or Gentile, apart from repentance. Although repentance by itself does not save, it is, however, from God (see Rom. 2:4). Paul testified “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Later, Peter commanded them to be baptized, every one, “in the name of Jesus Christ.” In Acts 8:16, we read that the Samaritans “were baptized in the name of Jesus” (other translations say, “of the Lord Jesus”). In Acts 10:48, we read that Peter commanded the Gentiles that had already received the Holy Spirit “to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Finally, in Acts 19:3-5, we read about certain believers that had been baptized with “the baptism of John” but had not yet heard of the gospel of the grace of God according to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was raised again for our justification. “Hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” But, is there not agreement between these passages (when correctly understood), and Matthew 28:19 given to “the eleven disciples” — “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”? Yes, there is. The phrase, “in the name of the Lord Jesus” is the same as saying, “with the authorization that the Lord Jesus gives you.” And, since, by the coming of the Son of God to the world — sealed by the Holy Spirit and revealing the Father — the blessed Deity was revealed, then the baptism with water is performed in the name of God, plainly revealed in the three Persons of the Trinity. That is to say, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it appears that a Christian baptizing someone has the divine authorization to express themselves thus, “with the authority given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

We should note carefully what Peter adds, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” But, how different this is from what happened when Peter later preached the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles,

“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word ... .Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:43-48).

It is clear that God did not want to pardon the sins of the Jews who were guilty of crucifying His beloved Son until they had been baptized; and it is likewise clear that He not only gave the Gentiles forgiveness of their sins, but also the gift of the Holy Spirit before they were baptized with water. This shows that baptism with water has nothing to do with the “remission of sins.” “Without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). The Jews with sorrowful hearts on the Day of Pentecost were separated from the guilty nation by way of the visible action of baptism with water, and they were manifested as being already fit to receive the forgiveness of their sins. Saul of Tarsus was also separated from the guilty nation and was publicly washed from his serious sin of enmity against the Christ of God. Ananias said to him, “Brother Saul ... why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:13, 16). Saul had been forgiven of his sins in God’s eyes three days before. Now, being baptized, he cleansed himself in front of the nation guilty of all their sins against Christ and His people. However, with respect to the Gentiles that the Jews hated, God wanted Peter and the “six brothers” that accompanied him to the house of Cornelius (the Roman centurion), to see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears that He had also forgiven the Gentiles of their sins, and that He had given them His Holy Spirit, without any prior moral obligation to be baptized with water. There is perfect agreement between all parts of the Holy Scriptures.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).

How extensive is the divine offer of forgiveness of sins!

1. “for you,”

2. “for your children,” and

3. “all that are afar off.”

The offer of salvation to the Philippian jailor, made by Paul and Silas, was this: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). God is a Father Himself, and He has thought about the deep desires of His children who are also parents. Of course, the personal faith of the parent is not enough for his child, the child will also have to repent of his sins and exercise personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the offer of salvation given to the head of a family includes everyone in the home, but the father only obtains it by faith. And Peter probably did not realize just how far the promise would extend “to all that are afar off.”

“And many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” We do not have everything in the Holy Scriptures that the apostles preached, only what was necessary to thoroughly and comprehensively instruct us. Regarding the exhortation of Peter, “save yourselves from this untoward generation,” note that he did not say “be saved from your sins,” but rather “from this untoward generation” — the guilty Jewish nation that God was going to judge. The way to escape was to be publicly baptized with water in the name of Jesus Christ — renouncing all relationship and connection with the Jews. “And they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). The Jews whose hearts were sorrowful, having shown themselves to sincerely repent, had their sins forgiven. Not only that, but they were also added to the church — which had already been formed by the power of the Holy Spirit. They were baptized by the Spirit of God (or incorporated) into the body of Christ (see 1 Cor. 12).

What a sublime miracle of the pardoning grace of God! “Three thousand” people forgiven of the sin of having crucified the Lord of glory, “His blood be upon us, and upon our children” (Matt. 27:25). What a contrast with that terrible day in which the people of Israel were punished for having made and worshiped an idol, a golden calf, and for having been naked to their shame among their enemies, and the people ... about three thousand men! (read Exodus 32:19-28).

What were these new members of the church doing, along with the other members who had been baptized into one body that day? “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Here we have the three-legged stool of the Christian. The first part of this verse could be translated like this, “They continued in the apostolic doctrine and fellowship.” True fellowship depends on true doctrine. The Christian can easily sit on his three-legged stool: one leg is the doctrine and fellowship of the apostles; another leg is the breaking of bread; and the third leg is prayer. However, it is possible that a Christian can retain the good doctrine of the apostles and enjoy the fellowship of other Christians, but if he does not continue in the breaking of bread, he does not fulfill the beloved request of his Lord, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” He has left his first love and has cut off one of the legs of his stool. In the church in Ephesus, there was much that the Lord commended; much, but, by the hand of John he wrote to her that, “I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:2-4). It is also possible that a Christian may become so occupied with so many things, including the work of the Lord, that he forgets to pray and loses, bit-by-bit, his feeling of dependence on the Lord — risking a spiritual fall: he has cut off another leg of the stool. And, finally, the Christian that does not continue in the apostle’s doctrine will be carried about “by every wind of doctrine:” he has cut off the last leg; the stool is now on the ground.

Let us now read about the marvelous results produced among the early Christians. “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:43-45). That was a blessed community; there was no spirit of selfishness. These converted Jews, no longer Jews, but Christians (see 1 Cor. 10:32), were intensely persecuted. On being baptized into the despised name of Jesus of Nazareth, many were thrown out of their homes and stripped of their possessions. We read the message directed to them in Hebrews 10:32-34: “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Then the love of Christ constrained the believers that had possessions and houses, and they sold them and shared them with those who had need.

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46-47). Every day they gave testimony of Jesus Christ, the Savior, in the temple where the unbelieving Jews could be found, in the porticos and public atriums. However, they did not perform the breaking of bread publicly among unbelieving people, but rather in their homes (as was also done later in the various homes of the faithful servants of the Lord; (see Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philem. 2).

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). It was the Lord, not man, that added to the church — to the body of Christ — the Jews which in that age had been rescued from the nation guilty before the God who would judge them for rejecting His beloved Son. Whether Jews or Gentiles, “By grace” we are “saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10).

Even our good works have been prepared by God beforehand, that we should walk in them!

Acts 3

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple” (Acts 3:1-2).

What a sad picture! A Jewish man who had been crippled since his birth among the Jews, the people of God — whom He had promised all the benefit of an earthly blessing, including physical health if they obeyed Him (see Deut. 28:1-13). This man was a picture of the condition of the Jews themselves: spiritually sick and cut off from Jehovah their God — rejectors of Christ, their Messiah.

“Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:3-8).

God had permitted that this man, who was “more than forty years old” (Acts 4:22), be seen in his condition as a “cripple” by all the Jewish people for many years — maybe even twenty-five — so that all the people would know that he was miraculously healed. Thus, giving the opportunity for another powerful and effective testimony, directed by the apostles Peter and John, to thousands of Jews upon whom God still wanted to have mercy — in spite of the fact that they had consented to the crucifixion of their Messiah. How great was His love for the people of old!

“And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering” (Acts 3:9-11).

Thus God worked in order to prepare the hearts of thousands of eye-witnesses, so that they would listen carefully to the message that Peter was already inspired to preach:

“And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:12-16).

In this emphatic way, Peter explained to them how great their guilt was before God, so that they would repent. Later, he proclaimed to them how kind-hearted the attitude of God was, in spite of their wickedness and especially that of their rulers:

“And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (vs. 17). Was it through ignorance? By no means, but rather on purpose! “Crucify him! Crucify him!” But the apostle Peter, full of the Holy Spirit and inspired by God in that moment, acted according to the intent of the pardoning prayer of the Lord Himself when they crucified Him: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Jesus qualified it as a sin committed in ignorance: “And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance ... then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin” (read the entire passage in Lev. 4:13-21). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 8:9). So Peter, in the spirit of his Master, told them that they had done it “through ignorance.” He then continued on to inform them what the purpose of God — their patient and kind-hearted God — was, and how He had fulfilled and was going to fulfill what was written in the Old Testament:

“But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:18-26).

In blessed response to the Lord Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” the Holy Spirit offered — by the Apostle Peter’s mouth — pardon to the Jews guilty of the crucifixion of their Messiah. If they had repented and been converted from their wickedness, then God would have sent Jesus Christ from heaven to restore the kingdom that had been promised by the countless prophecies in the Old Testament.

One of these prophecies was spoken by Moses, who had said to his relatives:

“The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken ... And the Lord said unto me ... I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him” (Deut. 18:15-19).

Jesus was that prophet.

The Israelites were the seed — according to the flesh — of Abraham, to whom God had given these promises. But the promise, “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” does not refer to the Israelites, but rather to Christ. We read in Galatians 3:16, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.”

The natural descendants of Abraham (we have heard young men defend themselves religiously saying, “My father is a reverend, a preacher”) did not have any merit before God as a basis for acceptance — this comes through faith, and only through faith. The Jews said to Jesus, “Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (John 8:39). This refers to a spiritual — not natural — state.

“God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you.” This does not refer to the resurrection of Jesus, as should be clear from the context, but rather to the fact that God raised Him up as a Savior to His people, as we read in Matthew 1:21,

“Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people [Israel] from their sins.”

Acts 4

“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:1-2).

In Acts 5:17, we read that “the high priest ... and all they that were with him,” were of the “sect of the Sadducees.” In Acts 23:8, we read “for the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit.” They were the “modernists” of those days. They opposed the Lord Jesus and the testimony of all His disciples, being proud and tenacious enemies of the truth. Could there be a sadder state for the Jews: having an apostate for an high priest?

“And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:3-4).

Although the Jews were under the power of the Roman Empire, the Roman authorities allowed the Jews to judge themselves. Pilate did not want to pass judgment on Jesus, saying to the chief priests, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him” (John 19:6). The same priests laid hands on the Lord Jesus’ apostles and put them in prison as if they were criminals. But the devil could not stop God’s plan: out of those who heard what Peter preached, “about five thousand” men believed!

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:5-12).

At the critical question asked by the Jewish leaders — full of pride, zeal, and their own self-importance — Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, gave a direct answer, telling them that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of the despised people of Nazareth, the one they had crucified, that the crippled man had been healed. He also said that there was no other salvation except through the glorious name of Jesus.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed” (Acts 4:13-22).

The secret of true spiritual power is very simple: live constantly in communion with, or in the company of, Jesus.

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms,

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Peter and John were unlearned and ignorant men, but they had been with Jesus. We remember the saying of a deceased brother, “God can use an educated man in spite of his education; he can also use an ignorant man in spite of his ignorance.”

The Jewish leaders did not want to repent. On the contrary, they wanted — with open eyes — to cover up the testimony of the Lord Jesus. But Peter and John’s inspired answer was decisive: “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” The Sadducees had to get rid of them without punishing them, because they were afraid of the common people who were glorifying God because a cripple of more than forty years had been healed.

“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, By stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:23-31).

“Set free” from prison, set free from daily jobs, or set free from other ties, what a precious privilege for the believers in the Lord Jesus to gather together with others who also belong to Christ! Whether it be to thank God, to pray, or to build each other up in the holy faith.

The apostles told the other believers everything that had happened. Later, (and this is the first prayer of the Christian era that is written down in the Bible) they lifted their voices altogether to God, recognizing Him as the Great Creator and quoting Psalm 2 — which had been fulfilled in the rejection of Christ by the rulers of this world. They also recognized that God was over the actions of men, making them contribute to the fulfillment of His eternal counsels, as is declared to us in Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord;” and also in 2 Corinthians 13:8, “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”

It is important to note that Christians, since the beginning of the formation of the church, did not beg the Lord to destroy their enemies as the Israelites did. They simply begged Him to consider the threats of their enemies, and to give them strength to give a faithful testimony and confirm it by way of miracles. They also asked that people would know that the living and true God was the God of the Christians and that they would believe in the gospel of His grace.

Physical healings, miracles of various types, and marvels accompanied the testimony of the early Christians, confirming the gospel of God — an entirely new thing in the world. However, once the testimony was established, the very lives of those same believers confirmed the proclamation of the holy truth of God. Because of this, healings and miracles were unnecessary. If the lives of the Christian prophets “epistle(s) . . . known and read of all men” (2 Cor. 3:2) had not confirmed the gospel, then countless miracles would not have confirmed it.

The manifestations of the Spirit of God in certain practices told about in the book of Acts were transitional in character. When we arrive to the epistles of Paul written to the church in seven places — churches which were already established in their public testimonies — he does not speak about public healings and miracles and wonders, except in 1 Corinthians 12-14, where he regulates the use of “tongues” and suggests that they will cease. In his subsequent epistles written to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, he does not make any mention of healings and miracles. Nor does he make any mention of them to the Romans, Galatians, and Thessalonians. On the contrary, in Romans 8:22-23 we read that “the whole creation groaneth ... and ... even we ourselves groan within ourselves.” Paul did not heal his faithful fellow servant, Timothy. On the contrary, he prescribed him medicine (1 Tim. 5:23). Nor did he heal his fellow servant Trophimus, but rather left him sick in Miletum (2 Tim. 4:20). The goal of the Christian, according to God, is primarily spiritual prosperity and not physical well-being. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2).

We do not deny that God is sovereign and that He can miraculously work to confirm His testimony wherever He wants to, but we should not forget that, “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9). “By their fruit ye shall know them.” Those that belong to Satan do not bear good fruit with holiness.

After the believers in Jerusalem finished praying, God did answer in a miraculous way: “the place” (Note: not the believers) “shook”; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, “and they spake the Word of God with boldness.” Those believers had already received the Holy Spirit, which dwelt in every one of them. Whoever does not have the Holy Spirit is not a real Christian. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9). But to be filled with the Holy Spirit is a different thing: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Another has written: “The Spirit should take control of our affections, thoughts, and intelligence in such a way that He is our only source according to His own powerful energy and to the exclusion of everything else.”

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:32-35).

We see here a real communion, never before known in that miserable world, let alone in the world today. The Lord Jesus’ prayer was answered: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me” (John 17:20-21).

The Holy Spirit was not grieved: the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great force. There was no selfish spirit among the believers, and those that had goods came and placed them at the feet of the apostles to share with those who had need. (See Prov. 11:24-25). There is no doubt that many of the Jews that confessed Christ as their Savior suffered from the theft of their goods, and did so joyfully; but they needed material help.

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37).

“Barnabas ... The son of consolation.” How the church of God needs such servants of the Lord!

This brother, feeling sorry for the needy believers among the Jews, sold “an inheritance” and gave the whole amount to the apostles to distribute among the poor. “Barnabas” was not one of the twelve apostles chosen by the Lord Jesus in “the days of His flesh;” he was chosen afterwards (See Acts 13:2; 14:4, 14): “the apostles Barnabas and Paul.” Barnabas had been faithful with the physical, and so the Lord entrusted him with the spiritual. A selfish believer is never spiritual.

Acts 5

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things” (Acts 5:1-11).

The passage says, “a certain man named Ananias,” not “a Christian believer,” so it is not supposed that one of the Lord’s redeemed would do such a thing. There is something similar in this passage: “if any man that is called brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat” (1 Cor. 5:11). The passage does not say, “if some brother,” because it is not considered that one of the Lord’s redeemed would be such a person.

Ananias and his wife were not obligated to give the apostles the entire price of their inheritance, not even part of it; it was completely in their power. But they, pretending they had given the entire price, retained a part of it for themselves, since their manner of working was greedy and deceiving. God took their lives, giving through this case a solemn testimony to everyone of His holiness. In the Garden of Eden, Satan spoke the first lie to Eve: “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4). In the church, Satan made Ananias lie, the first sin recorded in her.

We see another solemn thing here: the Lord Jesus, raised back to life, said to His disciples, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). Peter was full of the Holy Spirit and had divine discernment. The couple, Ananias and Sapphira, retained their sins. That is to say, they did not have the opportunity to repent and be pardoned. Their sin stayed with them — it was a “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16).

Ananias and Sapphira were probably Christians, but, because of their sins, their life on this earth was taken away. Equally solemn, the Corinthians that acted in a similar manner suffered the same way, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Cor. 11:30). God took away their life in this world, because they gave a bad testimony not only to their brothers and sisters in the faith, but also to the unsaved.

It should be clear to every intelligent Christian that the remission or detention of sins by the apostles is not about a judicial pardon, and it is not about our status before God, but rather about the government within the church in the world.

The judicial pardon of sin is granted by God, and only by Him. “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” (Luke 5:21). The only “mediator between God and men” is “the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:5-6). Jesus satisfied God for all of our sins. “The wages of sin” was “death” and Christ received the payment that the sinner had deserved. The sinner is justified “freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:24-26).

Even though there are not any apostles now, nevertheless, with the Word of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit, Christians have everything they need to maintain the honor and glory of the Lord Jesus in the church, whether it be by exercising holy discipline or seeking restoration for a fallen brother. (Compare 1 Cor. 5:11-13 and 2 Cor. 2:7-10).

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them” (Acts 5:12-13).

Regarding the “many signs and wonders” done by the apostles, Hebrews 2:3-4 says: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?”

The Lord testified and confirmed His testimony through miracles in order to establish Christianity in the world once and for all. The testimony was so powerful and holy that the unsaved did not dare join themselves with the Christians. It was as if they had said to themselves, “this holy atmosphere makes us afraid; it is not advisable for us.” But these days, religious sinners join any congregation, without any fear, and pretend to be the Lord’s “sheep” when they are really “grievous wolves.”

“(And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one” (Acts 5:14-16).

Jesus had said to His disciples: “Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father” (John 14:12).What! The apostles would do greater works than the Son of God had done? How? Because He sent the Holy Spirit, of which He had already said, “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14). With Christ glorified at the right hand of the Father in heaven, the Spirit came to the world to glorify Him here, so that sinners would be convinced and come to “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Therefore, miracles and signs greater than those that Jesus had done in His time on earth were done, since the goal was that He would be glorified more and more.

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison” (Acts 5:17-18).

Even in the religious leader of the Jews himself, Satan had an instrument to oppose the work of the Lord! A religious man without Christ is a wild beast. Full of pride and zeal — in addition to being blind and stubbornly opposed to the gospel of the sovereign grace of God. When he has the opportunity, he will use violence against the Lord’s servants. But, while Satan and his agents were proposing one thing, God was preparing another:

“But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught” (Acts 5:19-21). God wanted the gospel of His grace, the words of eternal life, to be preached to everyone, and He took care of His faithful servants.

“But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow” (Acts 5:21-24).

What evidence could more clearly show the spirit of animosity towards God on the part of the Jewish religious leaders! What a great surprise when they found out that the prison was empty! “They doubted of them whereunto this would grow.” They did not know God.

“Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5:25-28).

Blinded, the high priest, captain of the temple, and the chief priests did not see the all-powerful hand of God in the apostles’ release from prison. Full of pride and zeal, they asked the apostles why they had defied their commandment not to teach in the name of Jesus. Later, the high priest falsely accused them of having wanted to cast the blood of Jesus on him and his followers. However, the truth of the matter was that it was completely the opposite: they were the ones who had yelled, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matt. 27:25).

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:29-32).

When any in authority — abusing his power — wants a Christian to do something that does not please God, he has exceeded the limits of the authority granted to him by God. In a case like that, the Christian should obey God instead of man. That is what the apostles said to the high priest. In addition to that, they told him that He whom the Jews had killed, God had exalted to the highest place, that forgiveness of sins was offered once more to Israel, and that they, the apostles, were witnesses of these things; as was the Holy Spirit.

“When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:33-39).

God had anticipated everything that happened and (blessed be His Name!) had His instrument in the center of the Jewish council. God gave Gamaliel — a Pharisee, but very respected by the people — the impulse to stand up and give the wise advice:

“For if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God”
“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:38-42).

So the Lord providentially took care of His apostles and they were not killed by the Sadducees — the “modernists” of those days. But they were whipped — and they later rejoiced that they were given the honor of suffering for the Name, the Name of the Lord Jesus, the Name that is above every Name (see Phil. 2:5-11). They did not obey the Sadducees, but continued daily teaching and preaching publicly in the temple and in homes, praising the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 6

“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1).

The word “Grecians” here indicates the Jews that were born in Greece, but in Acts 11:20, the word “Grecians” indicates citizens of the Greek race. There are no converts mentioned among the Greeks themselves until we arrive at this passage: “And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.” Going back to verse 19, “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.”

Thus the murmurings that took place between the Jews born in Greece and the Jews born in Judea; it was the Grecians who complained that their widows did not receive equal treatment in the everyday ministry. That is to say, in the distribution of food and other necessary food.

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:2-6).

The ministry of God’s Word was of vital importance to them; thus the apostles did not want to leave it to go distribute food, since this, strictly speaking, was the job of the deacons — the servants. The apostles left it entirely to the spiritual judgment of the believers to choose men, but they insisted that they be

1. men of honest report,

2. full of the Holy Spirit, and

3. full of wisdom.

It is important to note when there were not any apostles that could choose the deacons, then the instructions given by Paul to Timothy would serve as a guide to discern which brothers in the local Christian church were trained to do a deacon’s work. “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

The names of the seven men chosen by the multitude show us the way in which the grace of God was effectually working in those days. They are names of Greek origin, not of Israelite origin: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas — not: Jacob, Judah, Levi, Simeon, etc. It was the Greeks that had complained, and the deacons were chosen from among them.

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). When God is working, the devil quickly opposes the divine work. We will see what was going to happen:

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:8-10).

The Lord Jesus had instructed His disciples thus: “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:14-15).

In passing, we should note here that the believers chose Stephen as a deacon, but he had the gift of an evangelist directly from Christ, the Head of the Church, and he exercised it for the glory of his Lord.

Since the devil could do nothing against the faithful testimony of Stephen, he made him be falsely accused of blasphemous words: “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:11-15).

Previously, “the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death” (Matt. 26:59). Here, they followed the same procedure against Stephen, the faithful witness of Jesus. The religious man that has power, but does not have Christ in his heart, is the devil’s toy.

Although the believers were already numerous, they did not take up arms to rescue Stephen. All of them — full of the love of God poured out in their hearts by the Holy Spirit — obeyed the word of the Lord: “resist not evil ... love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:39, 44-45).

The Lord sustained His servant in a marvelous way and his enemies “saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). “He endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27).

Acts 7

“Then said the high priest, Are these things so? And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, He removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet He promised that He would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child” (Acts 7:1-5).

Stephen, accused by “false witnesses” (Acts 6:13), was before the Jewish council. He began his speech with God: he spoke of the “God of Glory,” the God who is not only glorious in Himself, but is also the Author of glory, just as He is “of life” (Acts 3:15). Abraham, the father of the Jewish race, was called by the God of glory to appear in a far away land full of idols, as Joshua said to the children of Israel:

“Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods” (Josh. 24:2). Abraham was not a better man than the rest, but God had pity on him and appeared to him. Abraham’s heart was conquered: he left behind the idols “to serve the living and true God” (as they did in Thessalonica millenniums later — See 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

The supreme calling separated Abraham from his “land,” “relations” and his “father’s” house (Gen. 12:1). To separate oneself from one’s people is difficult; from relations, even more difficult; but to separate oneself from the paternal home is the most difficult of all. But the God of glory called Abraham, and he obeyed.

“Oh my soul! God calls you,

Oh, do not fail to turn to Him!

With His powerful hand

He will open the way for you.

He has broken the chain,

You have been saved from Egypt;

Set free from punishment

With God you will walk.”

“And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve Me in this place. And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house” (Acts 7:6-10).

In Genesis 37, we note the envy in the hearts of the fathers of the nation of Israel (perfect examples of the Jews that killed the true “Joseph,” the Lord Jesus). We also note how God marvelously worked and made Pharaoh raise Joseph up to the highest place, putting him as “governor over Egypt.”

“Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls” (Acts 7:11-14).

In Genesis 42-44, Joseph’s treatment of his brothers (in order to bring them to repentance) is mentioned.

“So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem” (Acts 7:15-16). Stephen did not say anything about the “faith” of Jacob and his children in Egypt, the only thing noted in Hebrews 11 is that “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff” (Heb. 11:21). What a pity that a believer would arrive at the end of his life before doing anything that God recognized as proceeding from faith!

“Joseph ... gave commandment concerning his bones” (Heb. 11:22), because he knew that God was going to take his people out of Egypt and he wanted his bones to be buried in the promised land.

In passing, note that there is a contradiction in some texts that unbelievers have attacked — trying to demonstrate that the Bible is not the Word of God. Having said that, the original text of the Bible, whether the Hebrew or Aramaic in the Old Testament, or the Greek of the New Testament, was divinely inspired and was absolutely perfect — all the way down to the “jots” and “tittles” (See Matt. 5:18; John 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:16).

Abraham did not buy the grave in Shechem, but rather the cave in Machpela in front of Mamre, from Ephron, the Hittite (see Gen. 23:14-20). Jacob bought a “parcel of a field ... at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father” (Gen. 33:19). Jacob was buried in the cave in Machpela (see Gen. 50:13); but, “the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem” (Josh. 24:32).

Now then, eliminating the name “Abraham” (which some mistaken copyist probably put in), there is no contradiction. The passage, with a little bit of clarification, reads like this: “and so Jacob descended to Egypt, where he died [and was buried by Joseph in the cave in Machpela]. Later his descendants, the fathers of Israel, died and were moved to Shechem [where Joseph was buried]; and put in the grave that [Jacob bought with money from the sons of Hamor of Shechem]” (referring to Acts 7:15-16).

“But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son” (Acts 7:17-21).

No one can hinder or undo the plans of God; the very daughter of the Pharaoh that wanted to kill all of the Hebrew children rescued Moses and raised him as her own son!

“And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons” (Acts 7:22-29).

The Lord Jesus was “mighty in [1] word and [2] deed” (Luke 24:19). Moses “was mighty in [1] words and in [2] deeds.” To fulfill God’s pending purpose, “all the wisdom of the Egyptians” that Moses possessed had no value. So, the Lord permitted that Moses would have to flee from the palace of the Egyptian Pharaoh and live in the desert for forty more years — learning necessary lessons in the school of God. However, Stephen pointed out to the council that the man God chose to be the liberator of the children of Israel in those days was rejected by those same people — just as Christ was rejected by the Jews.

“And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of My people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt” (Acts 7: 30-34).

Moses, during the first forty years of his life, learned how to be someone in Pharaoh’s royal palace. However, God arranged for him to spend the subsequent forty years in the desert learning to be nothing. We are nothing and it is a healthy lesson that we must learn. “Christ is all,” “Apart from Me ye can do nothing” (Col.3:11; John 15:5).

The bush that was burning, and was not consumed, puts us in mind of the nation of Israel and the terrible tests that it had to pass through — and has yet to pass through. But, just as the bush was not consumed, Israel will not be destroyed: “And so all Israel shall be saved [not every person, but all the twelve tribes] as it is written: there shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Rom. 11:26).

The Lord told Moses that He was “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Who would ever have thought that the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead would be hidden in this saying? But, many years later, the Lord Jesus said, “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him” (Luke 20:37-38).

The Lord took pity on His people in Egypt and told Moses, “I have come to set them free.” This puts us in mind of the Lord Jesus’ descent from heaven to save us — Gentile sinners — from our misery and sin: “I am that bread of life ... .This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:48-51).

“This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years” (Acts 7:35-36). The redeemer of Israel in Egypt, Moses, was rejected by the Israelites; just as the Messiah of Israel, Jesus Christ, was rejected by the Jews. This was the main point in Stephen’s speech — he was building the shameful history of Israel up to this climax.

“This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to Me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon” (Acts 7:37-43).

Stephen made them remember that — during their march toward Canaan — their ancestors had returned to Egypt in their hearts and worshipped a golden calf. Not only that, but they also carried the idols of the surrounding pagan nations with them through the desert. This accusation was written in Amos (5:25-27) when the Lord announced that He was going to bring His captive people away from the promised land.

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built Him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?” (Acts 7:44-50).

Stephen continued his speech, speaking of the place of worship that existed among the children of Israel — first the tabernacle in the desert, and later the magnificent temple built by Solomon; emphasizing the fact that the most high God does not dwell in “temples made with human hands” as the prophet Isaiah had written (see Isa. 66:1-2).

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:51-54).

Stephen, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, culminated his speech with this short summary of the enmity of the Jews against Jehovah their God. The same enmity that first worked in their fathers when they killed the prophets and which reached its highest point of iniquity when their children killed the Messiah of Israel. There was no repentance in either the parents or the children.

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56). Stephen, close to martyrdom, was given the privilege of seeing the heavens opened so that he could see Jesus, the man glorified at the right hand of God, and could give eyewitness to this majestic fact.

We mention in passing that in the New Testament we read no less than four times about the heavens being opened, and the object is always Jesus, the Son of God: two times on earth and two times in heaven. First, when he submitted himself to be baptized: “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:16-17). The second chronological place was the martyrdom of Stephen, and the third place was in Revelation 19:11: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” There is no doubt who this refers to! To the “King of kings and Lord of lords” that is going to descend from heaven to judge the world! Later, the fourth time we read about the heavens opened: “And He saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (John 1:51). In the cases of the baptism of Jesus, the martyrdom of Stephen, and the exit of the Lord Jesus from heaven as the great Conqueror of evil, the heavens were opened momentarily. But, when the “Son of Man,” Jesus, reigns with the angels serving Him, it appears that the heavens will be permanently opened. There will be a blessed and intimate communion between the heavens and the earth, between the New Jerusalem, the heavenly dwelling place of the church, and the world beneath the feet of Christ. “I will even betroth thee unto Me in faithfulness ... And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth” (Hosea 2:20-21).

“Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:57-60).

This is how the first martyr of the church, which we have mentioned in Scripture, died. What a glorious death Stephen had, giving eye-witness to Christ, his Savior, lifted up to the highest place and glorified at the right hand of God! And what a kind intention the Lord must have cherished in that moment while He watched everything and noticed the “young man ... whose name was Saul.” He was the number one enemy of the Christians and — without knowing it — of his Lord! The Lord was going to reveal Himself to this young man and pardon him from his sins!

Note that Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He was going “to be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). Later, after asking for forgiveness for his murders, “he fell asleep.” Sleep refers only to the believer’s body, never the spirit: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth” (John 11:11).

The Lord Jesus, crucified, prayed like this: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Stephen prayed, with the same pardoning spirit: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Every action of Christians towards their enemies — and with their brothers as well — should be made with the same spirit. Is not that true?

“His love is more than tongue can tell,

His love is more than tongue can tell,

The love that Jesus had for me

Is more than tongue can tell!”

Acts 8

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:1-3).

The young man, Saul, guarded the garments of those that killed Stephen (see Acts 7:58). He later devastated the church, not having pity on any of the Christians — not even the women. The religious man without Christ is, at times, a wild beast.

It is important to note that the apostles were not scattered about. Why? Because God did not want them to leave Jerusalem until they had resolved the serious question of whether or not to impose the law of Moses on the Gentiles (we will see the matter when meditating on chapter 15).

We should also note that it was the apostles themselves that had been commissioned by the Lord Jesus in this way: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). They had already been commissioned, but they had not left Jerusalem. The Lord has His purposes, but, at the same time, He has his own time table for their execution.

That is how it was with Saul of Tarsus: he received — after the Lord forgave him and saved him — his commission to preach the gospel of the grace of God to us Gentiles (see Acts 26:16-18), but it would be many years before Saul (then called Paul), in the company of Barnabas, would be sent by the Holy Spirit on his evangelical journey (see Acts 13:1-4).There was a long period of preparation in the school of God, including three years of solitude in the Arabian deserts (see Gal. 1:17). During this time, there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit taught Saul that his Bible (the Old Testament then, since the New Testament had not been written yet) spoke of the blessed Person of Christ, the Son of God, from the beginning to end, in such a way that, on returning “again to Damascus,” “he preached Christ ... that He is the Son of God ... and confounded the Jews which dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:20, 22). After that, he spent an undetermined time in hiding (so to speak) in Tarsus, his birthplace, where he stayed until Barnabas found him and brought him to Antioch where “a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people” (Acts 11:26).

Young Christians would do well to meditate on this. How many energetic young people, full of the love of Christ, have believed that the Lord has called them to preach the gospel and minister the Word of God? But, instead of waiting until the time the Lord Jesus would have shown them to enter His service publicly, they have thrown themselves — ill-prepared — into combat against Satan’s troops and have made a “shipwreck of faith!”

Young Christians do not lack opportunities to testify for Christ among their unsaved family members and their co-workers, or other students in their schools. There are also opportunities to share invitations and bring people to gospel meetings — not to mention opportunities to console sick hearts by reading a Bible chapter or singing hymns.

At the same time, it is of utmost importance that young people seek the company of older people in order to learn more about the Word of God. Timothy learned the divine truths this way in the Apostle Paul’s company (“knowing [as Paul said] of whom thou hast learned them” 2 Tim. 3:14) by being with him in the assemblies — local churches.

The Lord Jesus prepares every one of His servants (provided that men do not undo the divine order with their formal and empty systems of religious education) according to His particular plan for each servant. Ordinarily, the atmosphere in which we acquire intelligence about the Lord’s things — and the Christian experience, which is also essential — is the local assembly of Christians where we gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, where He is recognized as the Head, the Commander, where the Holy Spirit is free to direct the believers in exercising their diverse gifts, and where the holiness that is advisable in the house of God is maintained without blemish by way of whatever discipline methods may be necessary.

One more thing: not even the apostles Barnabas and Paul left on their mission without having the right hand of fellowship from their assembly. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Or: they allowed them to go — Acts 13:3). A brother that is called in a special way to the work of the Lord outside will have the right hand of fellowship from the brothers that have known him long enough and have discerned the work of the Lord in him.

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). The Lord Jesus used everything for His good. The persecution that the devil stirred up made those who would have otherwise stayed in Jerusalem scatter everywhere, preaching the good news of salvation — even preaching the gospel to their old enemies, the Samaritans! “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:5-8).

When Philip (the only servant of the Lord who is called “the evangelist” in the New Testament — see Acts 21:8), motivated by the love of Christ, went down to preach Christ in Samaria, where there was a marvelous change! Look at what he found — the work of the devil: foul spirits, paralytic spirits, blind spirits, and great sadness. But, when the grace of God had worked, they were all healed and there was great joy!

“There is divine peace in my soul today,

because Christ saved me:

The chains are broken, Jesus freed me.

Great joy, how beautiful!

I am happy all the time

because I see the smiling face of Christ, I feel great joy.”

“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done” (Acts 8:9-13).

Here we have a false prophet! Scripture does not tell us that the magician Simon ever repented of his sins, much less believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He believed with his mind, not with his heart. He believed what he saw with his own eyes; he walked by sight and not by faith. He makes us think in the “many” that “believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them” (John 2:23-24). They were convinced in their minds by the miracles that they saw with their eyes, but they did not repent.

Simon the magician boldly went to Philip without fear, as if he were a collaborator in the work of the Lord. And it seems that Philip, so occupied in the gospel and so happy to see so many people converted and baptized, did not discern that Simon was false. What happened, then?

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17).

We see here something very important — how the Lord began to work “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), so that there “should be no schism in the body” (1 Cor. 12:25); since the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans (see John 4:9). And the Samaritans certainly would have formed a Samaritan church independent of the Jewish church. But the Lord, foreseeing all of that, did not give the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers, even though they had been baptized, until the apostles from Jerusalem had arrived, and then — seeing the grace of God — had expressed the right hand of fellowship with the Samaritans, shown publicly when Peter and John prayed for them and laid hands on them. Then the Lord gave them the Holy Spirit and they were incorporated into the same body of Christ.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized (or rather, incorporated) into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). Of course, back then, there was but one church in which there was neither Jew nor Samaritan, only members of the body of Christ.

Also, note that the Samaritans did not receive the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands; it was nothing more than the expression of the right hand of fellowship. It was God who gave them the Holy Spirit, “who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 4:8).

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans” (Acts 8:18-25).

“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went” (Acts 8: 26-27).

When the Lord sent Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah disobeyed Him, paid his passage on a boat that set sail in the opposite direction, and was swallowed by a great fish (see Jonah Chapter 1).

But Philip obeyed the Lord’s command immediately, even though he was sent to the “desert,” leaving behind a large congregation of recent converts in Samaria, the fruit of his labor of love in the Gospel. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).

“and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet” (Acts 8:27-28).

This man, fearing God, was still spiritually hungry as he returned from Jerusalem, since he had not heard anything about Christ. However, he brought with him a treasure, the book of the prophet Isaiah, who wrote of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Pet. 1:11).

“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:29-31).

Philip came from the North, the eunuch from the East; they met each other at the crossroads. If Philip had delayed even five minutes in obeying the Lord’s command, he would have missed meeting the eunuch.

“Trust and obey,

For there is no other way,

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.”

Philip not only found the Ethiopian, but he also found him reading the extraordinary passage from Isaiah which speaks of the afflictions of Christ. “The place of the scripture which he read was this, ‘He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not his mouth: In His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth.’ And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:32-35).

We believe that Philip “the evangelist” never had greater joy than when he explained to the Ethiopian how the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled to the very letter in Jesus, the Lamb of God. The Spirit not only ordered Philip to join his carriage, but also did an even greater work: He had already prepared the eunuch’s heart so that he would understand the passage and be converted. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38).

The eunuch’s heart was moved on realizing that Christ’s sufferings were for him. He believed the evangelist. Later — so to speak — he said to himself, “they took my Savior Jesus’ life in this world. Of course I want to identify myself with Him in His death.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4).

“And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:33). This verse implies much. “They were come up out of the water.” The eunuch was submerged, not sprinkled. Philip had already finished his service in the “desert” and was caught away — an extraordinary thing — by the Spirit to another place and another service. The eunuch, who returned from Jerusalem empty, left the desert “rejoicing,” because he had met the Lord Jesus Christ. He no longer needed Philip — he had Christ.

“But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea” (Acts 8:40). From Gaza to Azotus was a distance of about 30 kilometers — but distance is nothing for the Spirit of the Lord. Paul was “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2). Philip — on being found in Azotus — was still “the evangelist.”

And from there he preached the gospel in all the cities up to Caesarea. Many years later, “Philip the evangelist” (Acts 21:8), married and with four daughters, was still serving the Lord in the city of Caesarea. There the evangelist that was caught up received into his house the Apostle that was also caught up. With the passage of time they both died, but that day is coming soon when they both together with all the other Christians will be caught up to the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (see 1 Thess. 4:17).

Acts 9

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:1-6).

See here the good Savior and the chief of sinners — the Lord Jesus Christ and Saul of Tarsus! We have an inspired commentary about what happened in the very words of Saul (Paul), written many years later:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” He also said that he had been “before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” but that on the part of the Lord he “obtained mercy” by his abundant grace “with the faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 1:13-15).

The brightness of the light from heaven that came on him was not increased by the light of the sun, nor by any other light source. On the contrary, the brightness of the light was increased by the glory of the Lord Himself! “A light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun” (Acts 26:13). Paul said later, “have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (1 Cor. 9:1).

Another marvelous thing was presented in the five words that Jesus directed to Saul, “Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” Saul had to understand that the poor Christians he persecuted and Christ formed one body! Before “Saul, (who also is called Paul)” (Acts 13:9), received “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” the truth — the doctrine — of Christ and the church forming one body, this was expressed to Saul by the Lord of Glory in five words: “Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Read Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18).

“And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man” (Acts 9:7). We read here what Acts 22:9 also says: “but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me.”

The skeptics and unfaithful like to declare that there is an error in the Bible. There is not any error, but rather only what is rooted in their own unbelieving heads. The Greek “voice,” phones, means a sound or a voice. The context determines which of the two it means. Saul heard and understood the voice — what was spoken by the Lord. The rest of the men heard the sound of a voice, but they did not understand it. “they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me” — not spoke with them.

There is no contradiction, not here nor in any other part of the inspired Word of the living and true God.

“And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink” (Acts 9:8-9).

There is no doubt that a tremendous and unspeakable change took place in the heart and mind of Saul. For three sightless days, he went over his life of religious zeal but relentless enmity with Christ and his precious members on the earth — the poor Christians. He was so ashamed, confused, and humiliated because of his great wickedness, then so delighted and astonished by the abundant grace of Jesus — now his Lord — that he could not even think about food or drink, nor want them — instead, he prayed.

“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight”(Acts 9:10-12).

The Lord who knows and directs everything always has His chosen instrument on hand for any purpose of His sovereign grace. There was a humble disciple in Damascus that walked, evidently, in sweet and intimate communion with the Lord, since he was not surprised when a vision of the Lord appeared to him. What surprised him was the Lord’s command: “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias, in his simplicity, believed that the Lord was not abreast of the situation and that it was his job to inform him about Saul’s intention. But Jesus, very graciously, answered him: “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Thus, the Lord Jesus converted His most relentless enemy into the most blessed instrument of His grace, making him a “minister” of the church, “minister” of the mystery of Christ, and “minister” of the dispensation of the grace of God — a ministry that included the Gentiles along with the believing Jews as “fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (Col. 1:24; Eph. 3:1-7).

“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus” (Acts 9:17-19).

That case was special in every aspect, including what was written later in Acts about the baptism of Saul of Tarsus:

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Saul was pardoned by the Lord Jesus three days before; his sins were already washed before God forever: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). In addition to that, Saul was immediately commissioned by the Lord Jesus (read Acts 26:15-18). But there is another aspect of the matter to be considered: Saul did not yet enjoy a good testimony before men. He was well known exactly as Ananias had described him on answering the Lord: a man that had done much evil to the poor Christians among the Jews. Having said that, Saul, being baptized, was identified with the Lord and His cause, also placing himself alongside of the Christians that he had previously persecuted. Thus Paul washed his sins before men — before God they had already been pardoned.

Then, considering this, those that want to draw out of this Scripture the doctrine of the soul’s salvation through baptism with water have no base for their false doctrine. This doctrine degrades the work of Christ, who washed us from every sin with His precious blood — not with water.

“Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:19-22).

How did Saul confound the Jews? By telling the people all about his miraculous conversion? We do not believe so. Then, how? Was it not through the same method that Apollos “convinced the Jews, and that publicly”? Yes, since he showed “by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:28). But, how did Saul possess such a knowledge of the “person of the Son of God” as was revealed in the Old Testament? We are going to read Galatians chapter one: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem” (Galatians 1:15-18).

The most natural thing for Saul would have been to return from Damascus to Jerusalem and join himself with the apostles and the other brothers. But, directed by the Lord, he went away to the Arabian desert. There, during approximately three years, he stayed by himself, reading and studying the Old Testament by the light of the Holy Spirit that was dwelling in him and was teaching him all that the Scriptures said about the Son of God — the great Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the Gentiles as well. Afterwards, on returning to Damascus, he knew the Old Testament very well and could confound those that opposed the truth about the person of Christ, the Son of God.

“And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket” (Acts 9:23-25).

Saul — who had previously cruelly persecuted the Christians — was now the one who was persecuted by his countrymen, the unbelieving Jews: “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). However, not just the Jews but also the Gentiles in Damascus were trying to kill him, since the Jews always incited the Gentiles to persecute the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33: “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 9:26-29).

We see here that every believer who was not previously known, on going to one church or Christian assembly to another, required a personal recommendation from others, either by a trustworthy word or by a letter. Apollos, a great public speaker and a very talented man, did not go from Ephesus to Achaia without taking a letter of recommendation with him. Phoebe, a deaconess, or servant of the church in Cencrea, took a letter of recommendation — incorporated into the epistle to Paul written to the believers in Rome (see Acts 18:27; Rom. 16:1-2). Saul could not go in among the believers in Jerusalem unless he had a trustworthy testimony of his faith and practice.

“and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus” (Acts 9:29-30).

The word “Grecian” here, just like in Acts 6:1, does not refer to Gentiles of that race, but rather to the Jews born in a part of Greece who were called “Hellenists.” In Jerusalem, there were a number of them, men and women, who had returned to their own native land.

Saul gave a faithful testimony to his Lord, not only in Damascus, but also in Jerusalem, and awoke enmity against the name of Jesus. His brothers in the faith loved him very much and took care of him, sending him, according to the wisdom that God gave them, to his native people of Tarsus. Thus, the great Apostle of the Gentiles, personally commissioned by the Lord Jesus Himself, not only took a time of refuge in Arabia, but also another time of refuge in Tarsus, where there is no doubt that he preached the gospel to his parents and brothers and fellow citizens, in keeping with the word of the Lord: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). From all of this, we discern that it is the will of the Lord to send His harvest laborers out well prepared. Saul (or rather, Paul) had much preparation before he was sent out by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 13:1-4).

“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

Once the wild religious beast, Saul of Tarsus, was converted and tamed, the Christian assemblies among the Jews, Galileans, and Samaritans (1) “had peace,” (2) “were built up,” (3) “walking in the fear of the Lord;” and (4) “with the consolation of the Holy Spirit” (5) “they were multiplied.”

“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord” (Acts 9:32-35).

While the Lord Jesus was preparing Saul for his ministry to the church, from Acts 9:32 to 11:18, we have the story of the ministry of the Apostle Peter beyond Jerusalem — the unbelieving city that had rejected the whole testimony of God about His beloved Son Jesus, even going as far as blocking their ears and stoning Stephen, eye-witness of Christ in the heavenly glory (see Acts 7:56-60).

The ministry of Paul was by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had said to the twelve apostles: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father” (John 14:12). They could do greater works for the simple reason that the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son (see John 14:26; 15:26).

Thus, Peter, as an instrument of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit — not by any power that he had — was able to heal Aeneas, a paralytic. Seeing the miracle, everyone who lived in Lydda and Saron converted to the Lord. That was an admirable work without precedent: two entire cities converted to the Lord!

The miracles done in those days — at the beginning of the Christian witness in the Judaic or pagan world — were done with the divine purpose of giving certainty to everyone that it was the work of the living and true God. The same God of “Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob,” the fathers of the Israelite race, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 14:22 “for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not” (or doubt).

Today there are many who call themselves Christians and servants of God and claim to do miracles and healing works among the believers. However, there is not even one single passage in the Christian epistles where it tells us that any apostle healed a believer. On the contrary, Paul did not heal his beloved companion in the work of the gospel, Timothy, but rather prescribed him medicine (see 1 Tim. 5:23). Nor did he heal Trophimus, but rather left him “sick” in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20). It is true that, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up,” but this is not saying that the Lord has to do a clear miracle; He can use medical methods prescribed by “Luke, the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14) or another doctor. Just like the prophet Isaiah did when he prescribed a “cake of figs” to put on King Hezekiah’s sore (Isa. 38:21). Healings were done in unbelievers, as we have said, to be an effective testimony.

Man always likes to see or experience a great miracle, but he does not want his soul to be exercised in the presence of God about his sins — which is the essential object of the dealings of God with men and their children, is it not?

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner” (Acts 9:36-43).

Even more marvelous than the miraculous healing of Aeneas was Dorcas being brought back to life. She was the seventh person brought back to life that is mentioned in the Bible. In Acts 20, the eighth person, Eutychus, is the last one to be mentioned. The number eight is the number of resurrection, since the Lord rose from the dead on the first day of the week, or rather, the eighth day.

Peter heard the widows weeping and saw Dorcas’ cold body, but what could he do? In the presence of Death, he realized that he was nothing and had no power to rescue the victim. He had to turn everyone out so that he could be alone with God in prayer. Then, receiving the answer in his spirit, he said with total confidence to the dead girl, “Tabitha, arise.” Immediately, she sat up.

What was the blessed result? “Many believed in the Lord.”

Acts 10

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:1-4).

There is no doubt that God had already worked in Cornelius’ heart, along with all his house. However, they lacked the knowledge of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the remission of sins by faith in his name; that is to say, of salvation in its complete sense.

“And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” (Acts 10:5-6). And the angel also told him what is written in the next chapter: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). This shows us that Cornelius and his whole house were not yet saved.

“And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven” (Acts 10:7-16).

When the Lord wanted to make his servant, Simon Peter, know His will — since Peter was still a Jew with closed understanding and not prepared in any way to bring the good news of salvation to the Gentiles — He arranged it that Peter would see a wonderful and phenomenal vision, and commanded him to eat the different animals that were inside a great sheet. When Peter contradicted the Lord (this was not the first time) Jesus answered him: “What God hath cleansed, that call thou not common.” The spiritual significance of the vision is very clear to the Christian who is knowledgeable about God’s purpose: He was going to call the Gentiles with a heavenly calling — “the vessel was received up again into heaven.”

“What raised the wondrous thought;

Or who did it suggest?

That we, the church, to glory brought,

Should WITH the Son be blest.

O God! The thought was Thine

(Thine only it could be)

Fruit of the wisdom, love divine

Peculiar unto Thee:”

“Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there” (Acts 10:17-18). Providentially, the Lord made Cornelius’ servants arrive where Peter was exactly as he finished seeing the vision and hearing the voice of the Lord.

“While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19-20).

It was an angel that spoke to Cornelius; but the Holy Spirit, who dwells in every believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to Peter. It is also very interesting to note in this passage that Cornelius’ command to his three servants was from the Holy Spirit (without Cornelius knowing it), since He said to Peter, “I have sent them.” When God wants, He controls — more than that, He produces, or creates — the thoughts of men. For example: one night, “could not the king sleep,” speaking of Ahasuerus of Persia, and that led directly to the salvation of the Jewish people — which were scattered throughout the vast empire of Ahasuerus — from total destruction (read Esther 6 to 10).

“Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him” (Acts 10:21-23).

The Holy Spirit directed everything in such a way that Peter could not resist, let alone doubt, the sovereign will of God. Peter was also accompanied by witnesses: “six brethren” (Acts 11:12) from the Joppa assembly closest to Caesarea (an important principle in the establishment of new assemblies or local Christian churches that have the Lord’s Table, even to this day, since there should be the right hand of fellowship to establish them).

“And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together” (Acts 10:24-27).

Cornelius had the whole group of his family and many friends present so that they could hear the good news from Peter’s mouth. But he committed a great error: he fell down at Peter’s feet and worshipped him. Peter did not want to accept men’s worship, not even for a second, (but, what about the one who is called Peter’s successor?), and he immediately made Cornelius stand up again.

“And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And 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, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:28-33).

Peter, having already submitted to the will of the Lord, made a very good confession in front of the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house, humbly telling them that he had been wrong and that God had shown him that he should not call anyone common or unclean. Later, he asked Cornelius why he had called him so urgently. Cornelius then gave him a summary of his meeting with the glorious angel of God and finished speaking with these sincere words: “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” This Gentile man recognized that he was in the presence of God and not of Peter. Is it not true that such a pious attitude should be the same for every humble person who wants to know the will of God?

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead” (Acts 10:34-42).

I leave it for others to comment on Peter’s sermon, inspired by the Holy Spirit. It was a concise, but at the same time comprehensive, summary about Jesus. Having finished this, Peter then announced the good news of salvation, the forgiveness of sins:

“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (v. 43). There is no doubt that Cornelius, being a friend of the Jews, knew something about the living and true God, but he did not know what the Jews refused to know: that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel, the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for sin, and the One that had to be raised from among the dead. Cornelius and his family and devout friends — having now heard that all the prophets gave testimony of Jesus and of salvation by faith in His name — believed with their hearts (which had already been prepared by God) the message that God preached through Peter. And, what happened?

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:44-46).

Cornelius, along with his friends and relatives which heard the sermon, received the Holy Spirit. Not because they afterwards spoke in tongues, but because they’d believed the testimony of God about His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and the remission (or pardon) of sins through His Name. We read in Ephesians 1:13-14: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed [not since the time you spoke in tongues], ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.”

In relation to this, there is a passage in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” There are three things: (1) the unction of the Spirit; (2) the seal of the Spirit; and (3) the earnest, or rather the deposit, of the Spirit.

“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things ... But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him” (1 John 2:20, 27). The Lord Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, would guide us “into all truth” (John 16:13).

It appears that the Holy Spirit seals faith — by virtue of the blood of Jesus. Another has written this: “If we examine closely the statements and the acts in the Scriptures, we will find, I believe, with respect to the details, that it is faith in the work of Jesus for the remission of sins that is sealed.” When Cornelius and his company believed in this way, they were then sealed by the Holy Spirit. (Compare Lev. 14:14-18).

We do not yet possess our heavenly inheritance, but we do have the deposit, or earnest, of it, by possessing the promised Holy Spirit. For the Israelites, the cluster of Eschol’s grapes was the earnest or deposit of their earthly inheritance in Canaan (see Num. 13:24-25).

Then Cornelius and his friends, at least some, spoke in tongues. Not unintelligible or unknown by the hearers, but in languages that were understood. They magnified God and their speech was intelligible — it is not like that today. No one understands what is spoken in tongues in some sects, it is closer to a “Babel” of “confusion” (see Gen. 11:9). Tongues were given at the beginning of the Christian era to establish the testimony of the true and omnipotent God. But, once established, there was no need for speaking in tongues, since the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament exist. First Corinthians 13:8 says tongues “shall cease.” They will cease. They are not mentioned among the permanent gifts of the church according to Ephesians 4:11-12.

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:47-48).

On the Day of Pentecost, the Jews — in order to show themselves as upright and sincere — had to be baptized before they received the Holy Spirit (comp. Acts 2:38). The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit first and were baptized with water afterwards. In this case, it was by the apostolic authority of Peter: “he commanded them to be baptized.” No one has this authority today: the believer asks to be baptized by his own exercise. But, after conversion, Jews and Gentiles both took Christian ground in this world, now isolated externally from the Jewish ground and the pagan ground by baptism. The Scriptures recognize three classes of people in the world:

“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God” (1 Cor. 10:32).

Acts 11

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them” (Acts 11:1-3).

We have already read in chapter 10 how the Lord necessarily made Peter understand that God wanted to call and save the Gentiles. In addition to this, Peter and no less than another six Jews were made eye-witnesses of the fact that God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles that believed in the gospel of the grace of God, and all without being baptized with water (Acts 10:28, 43-47).

But the believers in Jerusalem — just like Peter before — still stubbornly believed that it was a grave infraction of the law of Moses to eat with the Gentiles. Because of this, when Peter arrived from the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, “they that were of the circumcision contended with him.”

“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:4-17).

When God is working, the truth is manifested as clearly as the light of the sun. Peter’s clear testimony, supported by the eyewitness of his six companions, was indisputable and convincing: God had worked.

“When they heard these things, they held their peace [those of the circumcision], and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (v.18). That is how God made the believing Jews in Jerusalem — the religious center full of their traditions and prejudices, piled up for three centuries — recognize that He himself had received the Gentiles, just like He received them, “Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Eph. 2:14).

Appropriately, then, to all this, we read next of how the gospel was extended to the Gentiles and how the churches were formed:

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only” (v.19). Those brothers still had their minds closed. However, God, who is sovereign and loves sinners, made use of their preaching in order to win souls. But the divine purpose was to give the gospel to every human being — in accordance with the great commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mar. 16:15) — so that among those that were scattered from Jerusalem there were natives of other countries: “And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:20-21).

Cornelius and his family circle were the first among the converted Gentiles. But in Antioch, far from Palestine and Jerusalem, a large number of Greeks were converted, a work of God so surprising that, “tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (v.22). Look at the Jewish believers’ change in attitude! Rather than some of them arguing with the scattered that had already drawn closer to the Gentiles, on the contrary, they (“the church that was in Jerusalem”) sent a brother and apostle that had the gift of “pastor” in order to see how the believers among the Gentiles would be found. The grace of God was already working effectively in Jerusalem. “Who, [that is to say, Barnabas] when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (v. 23-24). In keeping with the perfect knowledge and fervent love of Christ, who is the head of the church, Barnabas, the “pastor” (shepherd), came in order to encourage the Lord’s flock after the “evangelist” had brought the news of salvation to Antioch (Compare 1 Cor. 14:3). Barnabas knew that, in times past, the law of Moses had worked “wrath” (Rom. 4:15). Now in Antioch, he saw that the grace of God had worked “peace.” He rejoiced. Then he “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Barnabas discerned that the new believers’ most pressing need was to have and continue with purpose of heart in the Lord.

Such a purpose kept in the believer’s heart is like the rudder on a ship — it is like the fins of a fish that swims against the current. The Christian is seen with the urgent need of being well steered through the sea of life. And, in order to not lose his line, he often has to go against the flow of this world flooded in wickedness, by using the energy of the Holy Spirit that dwells in him.

Much spiritual blessing came from Barnabas’ visit to Antioch. But, he discerned something else, something that the young church lacked: a teacher that would teach them the word of God.

On noticing this spiritual necessity, Barnabas began to think of Saul who could be found in his native city, Tarsus, (where he went when the unbelieving Hellenists in Jerusalem wanted to kill him — see Acts 9:29). “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas was a good man; he did not foster any envious or jealous spirit. He saw the spiritual need in Antioch that he himself could not meet. He brought Saul. After the “evangelist” came the “pastor”; now after the “pastor” came the “doctor,” or “teacher,” It was persecution which sent the “evangelist” to Antioch; it was the church of Jerusalem which sent Barnabas, the “pastor” to Antioch; and it was Barnabas who brought Saul, the “teacher,” to Antioch; but above all it was Christ, the head of the church, who sent them all, according to the word: “And he gave some ... evangelists ... pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11). For an entire year, Barnabas and Saul served the Lord in the church in Antioch. There the church took on its normal character as presented to Christ, their Lord, in the world; there “the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’” “Christians,” that is to say, “those that belong to Christ.” What a testimony! What an effective testimony they gave in those days! We note that the apostles Barnabas and Saul did not take over the flock in the manner of those great religious leaders of today, but rather “assembled” or “gathered together”: with the Church in Antioch. That is to say: alongside of the rest of the believers in a humble manner. Just like their Lord did here during the days of His flesh and in accordance with what Peter later wrote: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). And Barnabas and Saul were “apostles” (Acts 14:14). Later the “prophets” arrived:

“And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30).

We have already seen how the Lord Jesus, the head of the church, had done everything — sending successively, and always on time, “evangelists,” a pastor (Barnabas), and a teacher (Saul) to the new assembly in Antioch (the last two also being “apostles”). In this last transcribed passage, we see how the Lord sent “prophets.” And, one of them, who had a prophecy about the future, warned about “a great famine” that was coming, so that the church would know beforehand and would be spiritually prepared. We note that, in those days, when the inspired and written word of God was not yet complete, there was an inspired word spoken by the apostles and the prophets. Both were given by Christ, the Lord of the church, just as much as the evangelists, pastors, and teachers: “And He gave ... apostles ... prophets ... evangelists ... pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11). The apostles died, as did the prophets of the early church, but we have the inspired writings of the New Testament, and their teaching is complete (see 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Lord continues giving evangelists, pastors, and teachers, according to the spiritual need of His people in every place. Blessed be the Lord!

It is important to also note in this passage that the disciples in Antioch, knowing of the famine that was coming everywhere without warning, were spiritually prepared, and they determined to give their material goods, “every man according to his ability” (not a tithe that demanded much from the poor, and another tithe that was proportionally small for the rich). “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor. 8:12). So that the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch helped their brothers among the Jews in Judea, according to what is written: “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things” (Rom. 15:27). In this practical way, the believing Jews in Judea could come to know the reality of the precious truth of the “one body of Christ” of which the Gentiles (no longer qualified as “Gentiles”) just as the Jews (no longer qualified as “Jews”) were divinely formed into “members in particular.”

The church at Antioch sent “relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea ... to the elders” (Acts 11:29) — the proper method of materially communicating. They sent it “by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” The Spirit only tells us about the act, but does not make any commentary. Bringing material help was not the work of an Apostle, but rather of the deacons (comp. Rom. 16:2). While Barnabas and Paul were unnecessarily absent in Judea — from which the Lord had instructed Paul to leave and not return (see Acts 22:17-18) — the church in Antioch lacked valuable ministry. Other brothers of good testimony in Antioch (comp. 1 Tim. 3:8-13) would have been able to carry out this material charge.

In summary, we have in this chapter (Acts 11:19-30) the formation, the spiritual care, and the material exercise of the primitive church. We have seen how the Lord Jesus, the head of the church, provided evangelists, a pastor, a teacher, an apostle, and a prophet, even those that also did the service of a deacon for the local church. Why do not we also depend today on Christ, our head?

Acts 12

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2).

Jesus had predicted the martyrdom of James. When he and his brother John asked to be able to sit one at the right hand and the other at the left hand of Jesus in His coming kingdom, He answered them: “can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized” (Mar. 10:37-39). Jesus was referring to His death on the cross, speaking of Himself, and of the murder of James.

“And because he [Herod] saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12: 3-4). This is what King Herod decided to do, but God had another plan: He wanted to save Peter:

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison” (Acts 12:5-6).

We observe that Peter, knowing that Herod was going to kill him the next day, was fast asleep — the result of a mind at peace! “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

What an answer to his prayers!

“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him” (Acts 12:7-10).

God’s angels are marvelous beings: it is written in Psalm 103:20 that they “excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word.” They also possess an intelligence that is infinitely above man’s. Among so many other tasks, the Lord has given them a very special charge: to take care of His redeemed ones: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb. 1:14). And once their service is no longer needed, they leave: “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews” (Acts 12:11). James’ faithful testimony was finished and sealed with his blood; but Peter’s was not yet over. He would have to feed the flock of the Lord (mainly among the Jews) according to His commandment: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). So the Lord sent His angel and rescued Peter, who realized what had happened after the angel had gone, leaving him in a safe place.

“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate” (Acts 12:12-14). Peter knew where to go: to his brothers in Christ. Rhoda was a faithful Christian: although she was a young woman, she still attended the prayer meeting. She was very attentive as well, since, while the other believers heard Peter’s knock on the door, they did not react. She was the one who answered the door. Since she likely attended the meetings regularly, she immediately recognized Peter’s voice. However, she was almost overcome with joy and did not open the door, but rather ran inside to spread the news!

“And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel” (v. 15). Their fervent prayers for Peter ended in disbelief! How unbelieving we are!

“But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place” (vvs. 16-17). Peter told them how (not the angel, but rather) the Lord had freed him from prison — recognizing the Lord Jesus’ goodness and mercy. Then he left for another place as a measure of security, since, although the rescue was miraculous, exposing himself in the city again would have been to tempt God.

But the words “he departed, and went into another place” have a spiritual meaning, since the Lord was about to send Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles, now that the Jews had rejected the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Peter disappeared.

“Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death” (vvs. 18-19). There is no doubt that the 16 Roman guards did not treat the Christian prisoner, Peter, well, just as they did not treat Jesus well. Maybe they mocked him. In any case, they had to pay the price: Herod killed them. But, what about him and his cruelty? We see him in the next passage:

“And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost” (vvs. 19-23). God had meekly put up with a lot from that vessel of wrath prepared for death (see Rom. 9:22), not executing him for having killed James. But when Herod accepted the homage that belongs to God alone, he was executed — eaten with worms.

“But the Word of God grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). The worms multiplied and ended the wickedness of Herod, enemy of the Christians. But, on the other hand, the living and effective Word of God was multiplied and was an enormous blessing.

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark” (v. 25). As we noticed in the previous study, Barnabas and Paul, two apostles, did the service of a pair of deacons. They were sent by the Antioch assembly during the famine among the brothers in Judea, to whom they brought material help — proof of the Christian love of the Gentile brothers towards their Jewish brothers. Returning to Antioch, they brought with them John Mark “the nephew of Barnabas” (Col. 4:10). The Lord’s call to His service does not care about the natural relationship that exists among Christians; just like in this case, as we will see.

Acts 13

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul” (Acts 13:1). The Lord Jesus, the extolled head of the Church, is the one who gives gifts for the Church’s edification, as we have read in Eph. 4:11: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets. . .” In the local church, there was no principle where one man carried out the whole ministry of the word of God — preaching the gospel, feeding the flock, and teaching doctrine — in short, one who led the congregation. Why not? Because it was not, nor is it now, the will of the Lord. We see no less than five men in Antioch gifted as prophets and teachers. They served the Lord in perfect harmony, “in honour preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10). They exercised their ministry “decently and in order ... ” and there was no “dissention” (1 Cor. 14:26-40).

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 13:2-4).

The word “minister” can also just as correctly be translated, “serve.” The five men named, on serving their brothers in the ministry of the Word, were serving the Lord Jesus. He’s our master, our leader, our everything.

While the five were serving the Lord in the ministry of the Word, they were fasting. They were so full of the Holy Spirit that they did not have an appetite for natural food: the spiritual appetite surpassed the natural appetite. Fasting just to fast is no more than a ritual and very often becomes a cause of boasting. It has no value whatsoever before the Lord (see Matt. 6:16-18). But, to give up natural appetites, such as eating, drinking, and marital relations (see 1 Cor. 7:5), to be occupied with the spiritual — under the compelling influence of the Holy Spirit — this does have the Lord’s approval. Don’t you agree that it is the type of fasting that is in agreement with His will and is for His glory that matters?

The fasting of God’s five servants preceded a very important event: The Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to a very special work. It was fitting that fasting preceded such an announcement and, apparently, the Lord’s service. We do not know how the Holy Spirit spoke: audibly, or producing a unanimous conviction in the hearts of the five, and possibly in the whole assembly; or possibly by way of a combination of convictions and circumstances. It does not matter. It is enough to know that He spoke. We have seen, and will see, in this Book of the Acts how the Spirit communicated His mind in diverse ways.

The brothers of Antioch, being persuaded, set aside a time of fasting and prayer to make very sure that it was the Lord’s will. Then they expressly gave Barnabas and Saul the right hand of fellowship — laying hands on them. We should note that they did not send them away to work, but rather, (as another translation says), “they let them go.” It should be stressed that they were not sent by the assembly, nor by a group of church leaders, nor by a council, much less by one leader, but rather “by the Holy Spirit.”

Where did they go? Not to Tarsus, where there is no doubt that Saul had evangelized much in his long stay with his native people, but rather to the Island of Cyprus, Barnabas’ homeland (see Acts 4:36).

“And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John [Mark] to their minister [or, as ‘a helper’]. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord” (Acts 13:5-12).

As soon as God begins a work of His grace, the devil shows up to get in its way. Barnabas and Paul came up against a tough agent of the devil, an apostate Jew called Barjesus (meaning “son of Jesus”). He manifested himself as a son of the devil instead when he wanted to separate the Roman proconsul (commander) — a Gentile who desired to hear the word of God — from the Christian faith.

In passing, we should state that it is not advisable for Christians to call every unbeliever, “a son of the devil.” It is true that in our state as unbelievers we are “children of disobedience” and “children of wrath, even as others” (Eph. 2:2-3). But, the Lord Jesus, during the time of His ministry of God’s word here on earth, did not even call the Pharisees sons of the devil. He did not do so until they had shown themselves to be strictly opposed to the truth of His person, the Son of God, to the point of wanting to kill Him. Then He had to denounce them: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (John 8:44). They wanted to kill Him.

Returning to our subject in the book of Acts, it is important to note that in the first passage — which speaks of the devil’s opposition of the work to which the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul — Saul ceased to be called “Saul.” From then on he was called “Paul.” “Saul” was the royal name of the first king of the Israelites, and Saul, in his days as an unbeliever, was very proud that this was his name: “of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5). But since the Lord had pardoned him from such great sin, humbling himself, he felt that he was “less than the least of all saints” (Eph. 3:8), and the name “Paul” could imply a little bit of his sense of smallness.

But the essential thing for the Lord’s servant is that he be possessed by the Holy Spirit, “full of the Holy Spirit,” — which Paul was. Discerning that Elymas (or Barjesus) was resisting the testimony of God about His Son, he reprimanded him with words as strong as those that the Lord Jesus employed when He reprimanded the scribes and Pharisees (see Matt. 23:13-25). Then he warned him that the Lord’s hand would be against him and that he was going to be blinded; and it happened.

Barjesus, or rather Elymas, is a type of the apostate Jew that has resisted the gospel from the beginning even until now; and is still blind with a veil of unbelief over his heart (see 2 Cor. 3:14-15). But it will not be like this forever — there is a day coming when the Jew will repent: “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zech. 12:10).

The devil was conquered; Barjesus punished; and the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus, saved — amazed by the truth about Christ the Lord.

“Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem” (Acts 13:13). John Mark was not called by the Lord to the work. The Holy Spirit had commanded to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work He had called them to; He had not called John Mark, who had accompanied his uncle, Barnabas. He went back.

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Paul, not Barnabas, had demonstrated that he had the courage to oppose an agent of the devil. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood” (Jer. 48:10). Paul (speaking figuratively) did not keep back his sword when Barjesus showed up. Christianity is characterized by grace; however, “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17) and it is essential, for love of the truth, to valiantly resist the devil’s attacks against the Lord’s testimony.

“Servants of Jesus, men of truth,

We are guards of duty,

Free of evil, rich in goodness.

May we be faithful in battle.”

From that time on, Paul is always mentioned first and the group is identified as “Paul and his companions.”

“But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on” (Acts 13:14-15).

The Lord Jesus, raised from the dead, had commanded His disciples to preach the gospel, “among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Jesus commanded them to start with the guiltiest — those that killed Him. And Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). So, the apostles followed this command and preached the gospel to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles.

“But when they [the apostles Paul and Barnabas] departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on” (Acts 13:14-15).

The gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). So, the apostles went first to the Jews, the most privileged and, oh! the most blind, giving them the opportunity to repent and be saved; then they went to the Gentiles. In the Jewish synagogue, the text of the law and the prophets was taught in such a way that the Jew had certain knowledge of God that the poor Greek did not have. When Paul and Apollos preached to the Jews, they constantly appealed to the Old Testament, “shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” (Acts 18:28).

“Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought He them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will” (Acts 13:16-22).

Paul, before presenting Jesus “as Savior of Israel” gave a very short summary of the children of Israel’s history, from their days of slavery in Egypt until the time of David, the King, chosen by God from the tribe of Judah, from whom, according to the flesh, came Christ, “Who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (Rom. 9:5). Next, Paul introduced the blessed person of Jesus, the Messiah of Israel:

“Of this man’s seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus: When John had first preached before His coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh One after me, whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre” (Acts 13:23-29).

Paul — once again with a few meaningful words — described Christ’s appearance to His earthly people and His rejection by the same people. But in contrast to the height of their wickedness — the crucifixion of their Messiah — “God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 13:30).

What a marvelous act! Irresistible power! Infinite love! The devil defeated! Death nullified! Salvation completed!

“The Lord IS RISEN INDEED,

And all His work performed!

The captive Surety now is freed,

And death, our foe, disarmed.”

“And He was seen many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore He saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption” (Acts 13:31-37).

There has never been an act better attested to than Christ’s resurrection: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ... He was buried, and ... rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And ... He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present ... After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also” (1 Cor. 15:3-8). God fulfilled the promise that He had made to the fathers of Israel. Note the quoted reference from the second Psalm: “Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” “This day” refers to the day of His humanity, not the beginning of His existence. God the Father sent His Son to the world; He was the Son in the deity before the world was created. John 17:5 shows this: “And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” The One who was Son in the Deity, on being born as a man in this world was Son of God and, at the same time, Son of Man.

In contrast with all the rest of men who died and whose bodies rotted, Christ did not see corruption. His human body was incorruptible; and on the third day He rose in a body of flesh and bones, but without blood (see Luke 24:39).

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Through Jesus Christ, then, the remission of sins was preached to every believer. Through the law of Moses no one could be justified.

But along with the proclamation of the good news of the remission of sins by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ goes the solemn warning of the fatal consequences of unbelief. It is not a part of the gospel, no; but it is necessary that the sinner know that he cannot despise the kind offer of the sovereign God without it leading to judgment of himself. Because of this, Paul added these words: “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you” (Acts 13:40-41).

“And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:42-43).

It appears that in this passage we have appropriate instruction for the conduct of gospel meetings. It says this, “The congregation was broken up.” Among them, as almost always occurs in public meetings (or rather open to the public), there were a number of contemptuous people and opponents to the gospel. Now, after the public preaching of the gospel, is it not advisable — if it is possible — to break up the congregation and let those who do not want to accept Christ leave, in order to be able to speak particularly with those who are interested? “The congregation was broken up” and Paul and Barnabas made use of the opportunity to personally speak with those who showed an interest in the message of salvation, and “persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” With all of this, unless the persuasion is that of the Holy Spirit working effectively in the heart and conscience of the sinner, it is not from God. Persuading people, publicly or individually, on the strength of eloquent preachers, is not from God. Paul wrote this to the Corinthians: “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4).

While writing about this point, we will make mention of another similar custom which is very common among evangelical Christians. That is to make or force an interested hearer to make a public confession. It comes from the truth, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). But this should spill out spontaneously from the grateful heart of the sinner who is conscious of having been pardoned by God: “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” “I believed, and therefore have I spoken” (Matt. 12:34; 2 Cor. 4:13). But I am referencing customs such as one I observed in a certain place where we visited: two humble, very poor women were led to the back of a gospel room full of people, some mockers being present — young people of both sexes. The leaders made them kneel down before the others. The poor women — they had never previously done such a thing while on display before men — had to repeat the words of a prepared confession of faith that was spoken by another person. While they stayed kneeling, more than “two or three” spoke, and the women even had to each kiss a Bible. We do not find such procedures mentioned, much less commanded, in the New Testament. When the Lord Jesus healed the sick man, He said: “Take up thy bed, and walk” (John 5:11). He did not say, “Take up thy bed and speak.” Where there is life in Christ, there will be fruit: “by their fruit ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20).

“And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:44-48).

What happened in Jerusalem was going to happen everywhere — the Jews rejected Christ: “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15-16).

Paul and Barnabas, full of the Holy Spirit and well knowing the Scriptures of the Old Testament (the only ones that existed in those days), knew what to do, since they found the prophecy about Christ in the book of Isaiah which says: “It is a light thing that thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth” (Isa. 49:6). From there — aware of the situation — they were convinced that it was the Lord’s will that they go to the Gentiles with the gospel of God’s pardoning grace. For the apostles, the prophecy became a commandment from the Lord Jesus. So it is that the Christian, walking in fellowship with his Lord, can find in any passage of the Bible the instruction or direction that he needs in certain circumstances. He understands it spiritually. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

All the Gentiles who were ordained for eternal life believed. There is a similar passage in John 15:16: “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you,” and another in Ephesians 1:4: “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Man is so evil that if it had not been for the sovereign and effectual grace of God, no one would have drawn near to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

“And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:49-52).

In the form of a persecutor, “the devil, as a roaring lion” appeared (1 Pet. 5:8), but the saving word of the Lord Jesus had already been sown throughout the whole province. The Jews, tireless in their opposition to the gospel, were able to incite the female citizens against the apostles. Later, in another city, Thessalonica, they employed “certain lewd fellows of the baser sort” (Acts 17:5), with the same diabolic purpose. But the only thing they managed to do was make the gospel spread even farther and faster because, the apostles, thrown out of one region, would go to another one to evangelize. And the new believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The normal order for the Christian would be to be filled with the Holy Spirit and with joy, but we all know that when we meet Christ as our Savior and are pardoned from our sins, the joy that first fills us is greater than everything else. With the passing of years we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and also with joy — a deeper joy.

Acts 14

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel” (Acts 14:1-7).

Paul and Barnabas, having been thrown out of the city of Antioch in Pisidia, began to preach the good news of God to the inhabitants of the city, Iconium. The only thing that the devil as a roaring lion managed to do by his wickedness was to encourage the work of the Lord, since the apostles, thrown out of one place, began to preach in another.

“Preach, preach the word of the Lord!

Preach with desire and prayer!

In front of the mocking world

Be witnesses of His love

The power of the Savior

Preach!”

In Iconium a great multitude of Jews and Greeks converted. But wherever God is working, soon the devil comes plotting or roaring in order to try and undo the divine work. In Iconium, the unbelieving Jews, who always lived without coming in contact with the Gentiles, still knew how to stir them up against the brothers. But this did not matter to the apostles: they kept on, firm and trusting in the Lord, who permitted them to do wonders — signs in order to convince all the people that the gospel was from the true God. Having finished, then, the Lord’s testimony in Iconium, the Lord permitted the Jews, along with the Gentiles and their leaders, to create a conspiracy to kill the apostles; and they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of another region: Lycaonia. There, and in all the surrounding area, they preached the gospel.

“And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:8-10).

That pagan heard God’s good news and was convinced that He was the living and true God. He had faith — which is the “gift of God” (Eph. 2:8) — in the All-powerful One. Paul, discerning it, commanded him to make use of his doomed feet. “He leaped and walked” (without having ever learned how).

In marked contrast, Paul did not heal Timothy, his son in the faith that suffered from his stomach and continuous sickness, nor Trophimus, another fellowsoldier (see 1 Tim. 5:23 and 2 Tim. 4:20). Why? Because Timothy and Trophimus lacked faith? No, on the contrary, maybe Paul saw that it was necessary that each one have a “thorn in the flesh” so that they would not become exalted above measure (Compare 2 Cor. 12:7). In the case of the helpless man in Lystra, the miracle was done publicly for the confirmation of the gospel to the unbelievers; in these last cases, it may have been the corrective hand of the Lord on His servants.

“And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them” (Acts 14:11-18).

On the part of the apostles, their faithfulness to God was tested when the pagan priest of Jupiter — a false god — wanted, with the people, to offer sacrifices to them as gods come down from heaven. Paul and Barnabas forcefully — they ripped their clothing — presented themselves to the pagans, and reprimanded them. At the same time, they preached to them to convert to the living and true God, the great Creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea and all that was in them. The same One who had given them rain from heaven and profitable weather, maintaining and filling their hearts with happiness — things that false gods had never done, since they were absolutely nothing. They were barely able to hold the priest and the people back. It appears that the people were not happy to have failed.

“And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe” (Acts 14:19-20).

From far away the unbelieving Jews, enemies of Jesus the Lord, came, determined to kill Paul, His servant. We are not told how they persuaded the pagans. But they, probably, were irritated because the apostles would not accept their idolatrous friendship, and with traitorous hearts they listened to the Jews’ lies and later stoned their benefactor, Paul.

Scripture is silent about this, but some believe that it was during this time when Paul was “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2). It is almost unbelievable that a man who had been stoned and left for dead should then rise up and walk through the city and the following day leave with Barnabas for another city! Paul was revived by supernatural means (Compare Phil. 3:10).

“And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Cor. 13:8). All the opposition that Satan raised against the gospel only resulted in the spreading of the good news throughout many regions. There were already Christian assemblies in various places, but they needed spiritual help. Thus the apostles, in spite of the bad treatment which they had received, returned by the same route they had walked, visiting the new believers in Christ in the capacity of “pastors,” and helping them with the word of “edification, exhortation, and consolation.”

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:23).

From the beginning, there has been the need of order — order of government and order in the local churches (or assemblies). In those days, the apostles exercised their apostolic authority in the assemblies that were the fruit of their labor in the gospel: they chose elders, or bishops. Since the believers were still only “babes in Christ,” it is evident that the word “elder” does not refer to a great spiritual development, but rather a certain maturity on the part of the fathers of the family (see 1 Tim. 3:4-5). In order to shepherd the flock of God, to govern well, it is necessary that the fathers of families know how to govern well in their own houses. We also note that Scripture always talks about multiple “elders” or “bishops” — never about just one. In addition to this, they are only elders in their respective assemblies, not in various — much less in a bishopdom that includes entire countries. And, as we have already observed, we do not have anyone since the days of the apostles and their delegates who chooses an elder or bishop. Instead, we have the requirements of such written in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Therefore, we should respect and thank God for the ones who have those essential qualities. The Thessalonians were “babes in Christ,” but Paul exhorted them thus: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:12-13).

We continue:

“And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled” (Acts 14:24-26).

We are not told if an assembly was formed in Perga or not. We are only told that the apostles preached the word, leaving the results with the Lord (it was from Perga that John Mark went back — Acts 18:18). They returned to their local assembly, Antioch (about 500 kilometers north of Jerusalem).

They had been commended by their brothers in Antioch to the grace of God, not by the apostles in Jerusalem. It is very important that we abide by the fact that every believer should have a local identification. The word of God condemns the spirit of independence that is so prevalent these days. Even the apostles Paul and Barnabas had a local identification with the assembly of Antioch.

“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples” (Acts 14:27-28). It was very appropriate that the brothers who had given them the right hand of fellowship for their mission should hear from the apostles’ lips, not what they had done, but what God had done with them. All the glory is always His! Afterwards, they stayed in Antioch for a long time. Our Lord is not a “hard man” that is always demanding too much from His servants. He let Paul and Barnabas rest in the protection of their own assembly and, at the same time, serve Him there, since there are always spiritual needs in any Christian assembly.

Acts 15

“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1).

The devil never leaves God’s work in peace. In an assembly in Antioch, there were “a great number” of Greek believers — more than Jewish believers (Chap. 11:20-21). Some arrived from Jerusalem, the religious stronghold of Judaism, who (not called “brothers”) wanted to subject the Gentiles (converted to God) to circumcision (to read about the institution of it, see Genesis, chapter 17:10-14). To force this rite on the Christians for their salvation would have been to negate the effectiveness of the redeeming work of Christ. No one can add anything to this work, since it was consummately thorough and perfect, making the sinner suitable and holy to enter into the presence of God.

“When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question” (Acts 15:2).

It was not possible to stop the mouths of the enemies of the truth in Antioch. God permitted it to be this way, so that it would be necessary to resolve the grave difficulty in Jerusalem, from which the teachers with bad doctrine came, and in which the apostles who were not scattered by persecution could be found (see Acts 8:1).

“And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren” (Acts 15:3).

Note that, on the way, the apostles did not worry the believers’ minds with the difficulty that saddened their spirits, but rather with the happy news of the pagans’ conversion: “as sorrowful, but always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10).

“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them” (Acts 15:4).

Note the order here: “they were received (1) of the church, (2) and of the apostles (3) and elders.” The church, the Christian assembly in every place, is the one that receives — as authorized by the Lord according to His word: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

“But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).

Satan’s agents did not delay in raising up opposition to the truth of the gospel. So, it was necessary that they then deal with the matter that was laid out.

“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter” (Acts 15:6).

When difficulties are presented, especially in serious matters, women and youths should not take part in the discussion. On the contrary, it is the duty of the elders in the assembly, and — in the case of Jerusalem — of course, the apostles as well.

“And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:7-11).

Those that oppose the truth always cause disputes with their false arguments. When the Pharisees stopped talking, then Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, could give a final exposition about law and grace. God had given the Holy Spirit to the converted Gentiles just as He had given it to the converted Jews, purifying their hearts. Not with rites and ceremonies from the law of Moses, but rather with faith. Then, why try to impose the law as a burden for the Gentiles when they — the Jews — had not been able to bear it? Rather — concluded Peter — they, the Jews, would be saved just as the Gentiles were: by the grace of the Lord Jesus.

“Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them” (Acts 15:12). Another confirming and admirable testimony of two more apostles — Paul and Barnabas — was added to the Apostle Peter’s declaration.

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:13-18).

James appealed to the Scriptures of the Old Testament to show that God, since the beginning, had planned to take a people for His name from the Gentiles — or rather those that are not the Jews — quoting the testimony of it from the prophet Amos (Chap. 9:11). Before Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James’ true and clear testimonies, backed up by the Sacred Scriptures, the Judaizing Pharisee’s mouths were shut. It was then time to express a conclusive spiritual judgment, which James could give:

“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day” (Acts 15:19-21).

Those sins and evil practices characterized the Gentiles. It was necessary to abstain from them — not because the law of Moses prohibited them, but because they were contrary to the will of the living and true God from the beginning. To make and worship idols is to deny that there is one living God. Fornication is to deny that God made man and woman “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). To eat “things strangled, and from blood” is to deny that life belongs to God — man lost the right to said life when he sinned: “But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat” (Gen. 9:4). That is why these principles from the word and will of God were established centuries before the law of Moses was placed on the Israelites. Every Christian, therefore, should respect these principles in their daily lives.

“Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well” (Acts 15:22-29).

We see that the decision, or rather the conclusion, was by the whole church as much as by the apostles and elders. It was not one of the leaders, much less one leader that was over the entire church and did not allow it any voice in the Lord’s matters. The letter communicating their decision was written in the name of “the apostles and the elders and the brethren.” Those from Jerusalem recognized that those who had worried the Gentile brothers came from Jerusalem, but they clarified that the church itself had not sent them. Of Paul and Barnabas, they wrote that they were “beloved” and “Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” — something that made them stand out among the unbelieving Jews and pagans.

They sent two chief men with the apostles, Judas and Silas, so that the written message would be backed up by the word of those they sent. They advised the Gentile believers that they only needed to abstain from “necessary things” prohibited centuries before the law of Moses was placed on the Israelites.

“So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them” (Acts 15:30-32).

And so, the truth triumphed, the devil was defeated, and the believers were comforted and built up in the most holy faith. Judas and Silas, being gifted as “prophets” by the Lord Jesus, the head of the church, of their own initiative stayed with the assembly of Antioch and ministered the word for the “edification, exhortation and consolation.” They did not depend on Jerusalem for this.

“And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still” (Acts 15:33-34).

Silas, having finished the charge from the Jerusalem assembly along with Judas, felt directed by the Holy Spirit to stay in the assembly at Antioch.

“Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus” (Acts 15:35-39).

Paul, with a “pastor’s” heart suggested to Barnabas that they return to visit the brothers in the different places where they had preached the gospel. But Barnabas wanted to take John with him. Paul did not want to because John Mark had gone back to his mother’s house (Mary), in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12 and 13:13), abandoning the apostles in their first missionary journey. Then the two apostles left each other. How sad! Even if he is an apostle, a man is still a man. Barnabas and John Mark left, without the right hand of fellowship from their brothers in Christ. They sailed to Cyprus, the birthplace of Barnabas, John Mark being his cousin (Acts 4:36; Col. 4:10).

“And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches” (Acts 15:40-41).

The Lord had foreseen Barnabas’ wrong intent and provided Paul with a fellow soldier, Silas. He left with Silas, and with the right hand of fellowship of the brothers of Antioch. They visited, in consecutive order, the churches, confirming the disciples — an urgent spiritual necessity of new believers.

Acts 16

“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him” (Acts 16:1-3).

Paul was a single man without descendants, but as a Christian, he was a father and had many spiritual children. Out of all of them, there was none that he loved as much as Timothy, who converted, it seems, the first time Paul and Barnabas went to “Lystra and Derbe and ... preached the gospel” (Acts 14:6-7).

Much time had passed when Paul, accompanied by Silas, left from his own assembly of Antioch, “recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God” (Acts 15:40). Arriving once again at Derbe and Lystra, he found Timothy, a young man who had, in an evident way, grown “in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), since he “was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.”

“Him would Paul have to go forth with him.” Paul had spiritual discernment as well as apostolic authority. Therefore, he would not have chosen the young man, Timothy, as a companion in the work of the Lord if he did not have a good testimony from the brothers in that place. This is a clearly laid-out principle in the New Testament. Even the apostles Paul and Barnabas were not sent “by the Spirit” without having the “right hand of fellowship” of the brothers in their own assembly (see Acts 13:3-4; 15:40). How much more essential is it that a young brother have the recommendation of the brothers that know him!

“Paul ... took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek” (Acts 16:3).

Eunice, Timothy’s mother, was a Jew. When she married a Greek she was not a Christian; but she disobeyed the law of Moses (see Deut. 7:3; Ezra 9:10-12). She converted to Christ, as did her mother, Timothy’s grandmother (called Lois) — both before Timothy himself converted (see 2 Tim. 1:5).

Having said that, we note the commentary: “because of the Jews ... for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” According to the Jews’ consciences, the marriage of Timothy’s parents was not in keeping with the law and so they considered Timothy to be unclean as well. It was an abnormal marriage, and Timothy’s father was probably still unconverted. Timothy was of age and converted, so Paul was not involving himself in a private family affair when he took (with previous understanding of this, it is believed) Timothy and “circumcised him because of the Jews.”

That a Jewish woman would have a male child who was not circumcised was something that the Jew’s feelings could not accept. Paul — more or less according to what he later wrote, “unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews” (1 Cor. 9:20) — did to Timothy what would normally have been done to an Israelite’s son in order to dispel the Jews’ prejudices.

It is important to note this fact because we have it narrated in Acts immediately after chapter 15 which tells us how it was decreed by “the apostles and elders and brothers” in Jerusalem that the Gentiles were not to be subject to the rites of Moses (Acts 15:22-29).

“Free from the law, oh, happy condition!

Jesus has bled, and there is remission!

Cursed by the law, and bruised by the fall,

Grace has redeemed us once for all.”

“And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily” (Acts 16:4-5).

As we have already seen in our study of chapter 15, what was determined by the apostles and elders was that those who had converted to God from among the Gentiles were not subject to the law of Moses. However, they were to abstain from “pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood” (v. 20). All of these things were always contrary to God from the beginning, even before the law of Moses was given to the Israelites.

Now that the question was resolved for the glory of God and peace among the believers, it was the cause of much blessing among the churches that were confirmed in the faith — and they grew in number every day.

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas” (Acts 16:6-8).

We see later how Paul spent three years in the province of Asia, giving testimony to everyone. The Lord has His time for everything: the apostle and his companion arrived at Troas at the edge of the sea without finding an open door for the gospel. What then? They could not do anything: shut doors behind them and the sea before them! Then the Lord manifested His will:

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them” (Acts 16:9-10).

The Lord wanted the gospel to be preached in Europe, and so He made Paul, in those days, leave the Near East, guiding him by a marvelous vision. In that moment, it appears that the inspired historian, Luke, joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy: “And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go.”

“Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days” (Acts 16:11-12).

“We came with a straight course.” Christian friends, how good it is to walk “with a straight course” after the Lord Jesus! Not wandering from here to there, as “a doubleminded man that is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).

On going up to Philippi, Paul and his company spent some time there. There is not any activity on their part mentioned. It seems to indicate that they were waiting for the Lord to guide them. They were not preceded by any announcement or a lot of propaganda about a great evangelistic campaign or a great celebrity, “Saint Paul!” They knew what we ought to know — that the Lord wants to direct His work, and that everything turns out marvelously when men do not stick their hands in His business.

“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us” (Acts 16:13-15).

There is no mention made of a “Jewish synagogue” in Philippi, in which Paul would always go to preach the gospel. However, there was a place outside the city where the women often met to pray. This is where the evangelical work began in Macedonia. Lydia was not an idolatress; she was a woman who feared God, and listened to what Paul said. The Lord opened her heart and she believed the gospel. She was baptized with her family. Having then put on Christ, having confessed him as her Lord, she begged Paul and his fellow soldiers, Silas, Timothy, and Luke, and compelled them to accept hospitality in her house. How quickly the good fruit of the new nature of a faithful child of God is manifested!

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans” (Acts 16:16-21).

As soon as God begins a work, Satan opposes it. The Lord had opened Lydia’s heart. She believed. “She was baptized, and her household” (v.15). A Christian testimony, weak but true, was already appearing in the city of Philippi. To resist it, “the serpent” used a trick. There was a slave of certain men who was possessed with a demon (a “spirit of divination” i.e. “sorceress”). She persisted in following Paul and his companions, giving testimony — not to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners, but to his “servants” “which shew unto us the way of salvation.” To fleshly ears this affirmation sounds good, but to the spiritual ears of the Apostle Paul it did not! He discerned that Satan was setting out to destroy the true testimony about the Lord Jesus Christ by way of a deceitful testimony from a spirit of divination, and thus trying to attach the true and holy testimony of the Lord with another false and unclean witness, so that the gospel would lose its divine power in the consciousness of the Philippian people.

Paul did not act hastily. There is no doubt that he was praying without ceasing “for many days.” Finally, convinced that he had the mind of the Lord, he commanded the spirit of divination to leave the girl; it left immediately. Then the slave girl’s masters — seeing that she could no longer tell the future — captured Paul and Silas and brought them before the magistrates, falsely accusing them.

The young woman had said of them: “These men are the servants of the most high God” but her masters said, “These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city.” The devil, overcome as a “cunning serpent” turned into a “roaring lion.” If he cannot corrupt the Lord’s testimony, then he’ll try to destroy it.

“And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks” (Acts 16:22-24).

Completing his race, many years later, Paul wrote to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:10-12).

Paul and Silas lived piously and did not want to be linked in any way with the satanic work in Philippi. Because of this they suffered cruel persecution. With backs bloodied from the lashes, the faithful servants of the Lord were put in a prison cell and their feet made fast in the stocks. What did they do a few hours later?

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).

Their attitude makes us think about a verse of a Christian hymn:

“Poor, you are our supreme gain

And, scorned, our smile of love

Prisoners in shackles, in stocks or a cell

Free in spirit, we raise our praise to you.

Life, you already are to us, prize in glory above

In death you are our victory, Oh, Lord!

For you make us more than conquerors

Christ Jesus, our Lord, our faithful Protector!”

How did the Lord answer their prayers, delighted by their praises?

“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled” (Acts 16:26-27).

The result reminds us of the triumphant proclamation of the Lord Jesus after His resurrection: “All power is given to Me in earth and in heaven” (Matt. 28:18). A great earthquake was produced; all the doors were opened; the chains fell off the prisoners! An unprecedented work of God!

What, then, was the attitude of the Lord’s servants?

“But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:28-30).

The Roman jailor — charged with zealously guarding the prisoners — desperate on seeing the prison doors opened (if a prisoner escaped from a Roman prison, the guard paid for it with his own life), drew out his sword to commit suicide. Paul, filled with his Lord’s pardoning spirit — in spite of the fact that he and Silas had suffered much evil at the hand of the jailor — cried: “Do thyself no harm.” There was a swaying of the jailor’s conscience. Then he asked for a light. (The sinner convinced of his sin needs light — the light of God’s saving Word). He trembled, probably for the first time in his life as a jailor. He humbled himself in front of his prisoners, the Lord’s servants, whom he took out of the cell. He recognized that they had the word of salvation, and although they were free, he was still the devil’s prisoner. Seeing this, he cried out for salvation. However, he asked the question in the habitual form of the man that does not realize that he is completely lost and cannot, nor could ever, in any way, do anything of his own to receive the salvation of his soul: “What must I do to be saved?”

The divinely inspired word immediately came to his ear:

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house” (Acts 16:31-34).

The Lord had profoundly shaken the jailor down to his core, and he converted immediately, hearing that salvation comes by unfeigned faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He wanted the rest of his house (his family, servants, everyone) to hear the Word of the Lord. This happened, more or less, at one in the morning! Then the jailor — now a child of God — with a soft heart had compassion on Paul and Silas and “washed their stripes.” He had stopped doing “evil” and learned to do “well” (Isa. 1:16-17). He also understood the due position of a Christian (we do not know if he knew in Philippi about the baptism of Lydia and her family). He did not delay in putting on the uniform of a soldier of Christ: “and was baptized, he and all his.” They had put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).

Lydia, immediately after being baptized with her family, invited the Lord’s servants to accept hospitality in her home. The jailor did the same: “And when he had brought them into his house” (paying no attention to the magistrate’s command that he diligently guard them in the prison), “he set meat before them.” Physically, Paul and Silas had suffered much and probably had not had anything to eat in about twenty-four hours. The persecuting jailor had changed into a compassionate doctor. Then, for the first time, his house was filled with true joy.

“And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed” (Acts 16:35-40).

The Lord’s servant, although he be despised by men (including those of high rank), is conscious of a certain dignity conferred by the Lord. Paul, in this case, and later in the “tribunal” before “Felix” and before king “Agrippa” (Acts 22:25-28; 24:10-21, 24-25; 26:1-19), was conscious of his favored state before God.

The Lord’s servants, no longer wanted by the humiliated magistrates of the city, “being let go, they went to their own company” (Acts 4:23). They went to Lydia’s house, where the first Philippian believers would meet. There is no doubt that during the “many days” which passed between the baptism of Lydia and the imprisonment of Paul and Silas, there were other people who heard the gospel and believed it. When Paul was put into prison in Rome many years later, he wrote to his beloved brothers in Philippi. Paul and Silas — although they were wounded from the many lashes — instead of receiving comfort spoke words of comfort to their brothers, and said goodbye.

Acts 17

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few” (Acts 17:1-4).

Scorned by the magistrates of the city of Philippi, Paul and his companions resolutely walked to another city called Thessalonica. There he entered into a synagogue of the Jews to preach to them (as was his custom) the person of Christ, His sacrificial death and His glorious resurrection, and Jesus, the Son of God, as the Messiah. For just three Saturdays, he had the opportunity to preach the good news of God to them. The result was marvelous: some of the Jews believed. In addition, a great multitude of religious Gentiles (Greeks) which had not known the true God believed, and not a few of the noble women. It was a blessed work of the sovereign grace of God.

“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people” (Acts 17:5).

Satan (the adversary) does not lack resources: In Philippi, he had taken advantage of the frustrated greed of the slave girl’s masters to incite the Gentiles against God’s servants (see Acts 16:16-24). But in Thessalonica, he ignited the enmity of the Jews against Christ, and used as instruments “certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,” as before with the “the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city” of Antioch (Acts 13:50).

Paul and Silas were not found in Jason’s house: “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go” (Acts 17:6-9). God is sovereign: He permitted the unjust magistrates in Philippi to throw Paul and Silas in jail, because, so to speak, they found there that “Macedonian man” which Paul had seen in a vision, and who said to him: “Come over into Macedonia, and help us” — the jailor himself! (read the story, Acts 16:9-34). Afterwards, in Thessalonica, the Lord made the magistrates’ minds unwilling to hear the Jew’s false accusations; thus, Jason and the rest were set free.

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:10-12).

Paul was an “apostle” and Silas a “prophet” (Acts 15:32), but they were not independent from “the brethren” (still children in Christ) in Thessalonica. The brethren, full of love and realizing the imminent danger to which the Lord’s servants were exposed, decided to send Paul and Silas to another place — Berea. The Lord gave them the mind to do this. Otherwise Paul, a courageous soldier, may have had boldness to continue preaching the gospel in spite of the opposition (see 1 Thess. 2:2). Then the Lord’s servants accepted the resolution of the brethren (who were still young in the faith), and they went to Berea.

In Berea, there was great blessing, because the Jews received the word (of God) devotedly, searching the Scriptures every day, to see if the things Paul and Silas said were in agreement with them. We see a very important principle here: the inspired, written Word of God (the Holy Scriptures) is the only judge. Although Paul was an apostle and Silas a prophet, still, everything they said was tested against the Scriptures. Thus — their preaching having been proved true — the result was that many believed, including Greek women of high standing and not a few men.

“But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still” (Acts 17:13-14).

The bitter enmity of the religious man against the gospel of the grace of God cannot be calmed. Why? Precisely because the divine verdict is that man, whether Jew or pagan, whether religious or atheist, is found guilty before God: “all have sinned.” Man is totally lost. He cannot in any way save his own soul. He is so bad that nothing less than the “grace of God” can come to his rescue. Man’s pride does not want to accept this. Read, please, Romans 3:9-20, God’s sentence; and also read 1 Thess. 2:14-16 in relation to the hostile attitude of the religious man, just the same today as it was yesterday.

Paul, commissioned in a special way by the Lord Jesus as a “minister” of the gospel (see Eph. 3:6-7), was the primary object of attack by the Jews; so that in Berea just as in Thessalonica, the brothers in Christ believed it prudent to send Paul away from the danger. But Silas and Timothy, also faithful servants of Christ, stayed with the young believers to help them.

“And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)” (Acts 17:15-21).

Athens, the Greek capital, was in those days the philosophic capital of the world. The proud Greeks sought “wisdom,” however, they were involved in idolatry, showing themselves to be opposed to reason and captive to the devil’s will (see 1 Cor. 1:22; 2 Tim. 2:26).

While Paul waited for Silas and Timothy’s arrival, he disputed “in the synagogue with the Jews,” who were always asking for “signs.” Among these Jews of Athens, Scripture does not mention any blessing — possibly because they were corrupted by the reigning idolatry.

Soon some of the epicurean and stoic philosophers attacked him. The epicurean philosophy was “enjoy life to the fullest;” they are well described by Paul in these words: “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.” “Be not deceived” adds Paul, “evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:32-33). But the stoic philosophy took another point of view: the best way of life was to abstain from everything that is luxurious and gratifies man, thus achieving a certain merit (according to them). In Colossians 2:21-22, Paul mentions something similar: “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?”(Col. 2:21-22). Against all these philosophic concepts, he warns us: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:8-9). We have everything in Christ and it is not possible for there to be anything else outside of Him.

Others mocked Paul, calling him a “babbler;” and others believed that he was a proclaimer of strange gods, because he preached to them the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. They insensibly thought that Jesus was one of so many gods and that the resurrection was another god! Then they brought him to Aereopagus (the supreme court of Athens). Since they were always occupied with hearing new things, they wanted to know about this “new doctrine.”

“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us: For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring” (Acts 17:22-28).

Paul made use of the opportunity and had boldness in his God to immediately reprimand the Athenians for their idolatry. Then he called their attention to the only true thing in the whole city: that they did not know God, as the altar dedicated to Him demonstrated: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Then, he preached to them the living and true God, the great creator of the heavens and the earth. The One who had no need of anything — on the contrary — the One who sustained everything and everyone, who had also made the entire lineage of men from one blood and had prefixed the ends of their dwelling places and the order of their times. The God who in one word directed and controlled everything. And, finally, who being all-present, was not far from anyone, since actually, “in Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Then, in order to condemn them by their own mouths, he quoted one of their own poets, “for we are also His offspring.” This quote and another on the criteria of a Cretan (Titus 1:12), are the only pagan testimonies employed by a servant of God. Both have the same purpose — to pronounce the pagans’ condemnation by their own mouths (“from your own mouth I judge you”).

Paul continued on with his thesis: “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead” (Acts 17:29-31).

How Paul reprimanded the foolishness of the wise Athenians — making statues with their own hands out of any physical material, and then giving honor and adoration to them as if they were divine beings! “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Rom. 1:22-23).

Then Paul warned the Athenians that God was not going to tolerate their enormous sin which dishonored Him so much any longer. He told them that God had established a day of judgment and had chosen the judge, His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He had raised from among the dead, thus letting everyone know that judgment would be carried out by that glorious Man, the Man in resurrection.

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:32-34).

The natural man, always wise in his own opinion, rejects the supernatural and does not accept the well-proved fact of the resurrection of Christ. Nor does he accept that there will be a resurrection of all human beings: the believers or, rather, men of faith, to the resurrection of life, but the unbelievers to the resurrection of condemnation (see John 5:28-29).

Paul gave his testimony faithfully and left from among them. Those that told him, “We will hear thee again of this matter” lost their opportunity: “behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

“Howbeit certain men ... believed.” The testimony of the living and true God and of His Son, Jesus Christ raised from among the dead, was received through faith by a judge of the city, Dionysius the Areopagite, by another woman whose name was also written in the book of God, and by others. They gathered together with Paul. There is no doubt that a Christian assembly was formed in Athens, but it is not mentioned in Scripture. The city centered in human philosophy did not merit the honor. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh ... .He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:26, 31).

Acts 18

“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers” (Acts 18:1-3).

We have already noted that in Athens, the Greek philosophic center, only “some believed” the Word of God. We have also noted that Scripture does not mention an assembly formed in this intellectually proud city.

The Lord’s servant, Paul, left it and came to Corinth, the commercial center of Greece — a prosperous but morally depraved city; “but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). We are going to see what the Lord did in Corinth through Paul.

He found a pair of Jews who had been thrown out of Rome by the emperor, Claudius Caesar (who reigned from A.D. 54-65). They were tentmakers, just like him. It was their joy to give Paul lodging, receiving in exchange from him the great blessings of the gospel of the grace of God which he told them about.

There is something important to note here: when possible, it is advisable for the servant of Christ to work in some way in order to gain his own food, instead of depending on the resources of the church, or others. It is true that the Lord said: “the workman is worthy of his meat,” and that Paul himself later wrote to those same Corinthians: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). But we should also keep in mind that this “power in the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:18) was granted to the apostles or other servants sent by the Lord, who worked without ceasing, walking from one city to another with the blessed (but solemn) message of God. They lived uncomfortably: with “neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat” (see Matthew 10:9-10). But, these days, it is not right to quote the aforementioned Scriptures in order to try and justify someone who preaches a sermon or two every week — always in the same place, to the same group of people who have already heard the gospel — and lives with a fat salary, working very little in the Lord’s vineyard.

Paul, although he had the power in the gospel to not work to obtain his daily bread, did not want to receive help when it was possible to make tents, so that he could be a good example to all the believers. This attitude gave him a lot of moral weight. He wrote to those recently converted in Christ from Thessalonica: “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God ... study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing ... For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (1 Thess. 2:9; 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:7-10).

On the other hand, these days, in many countries, strangers are prohibited from working for monetary gain — the reason being that there is not enough work for those who live there. Then, the Lord’s servants must rely on help received from outside of the country, or depend on the Lord to provide from inside it. In either case, “The Lord will provide.”

To summarize, believers and unbelievers recognize that one who works conscientiously and diligently is a faithful worker of the Lord.

“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:4-6).

Paul made use of the Sabbath day — when the Jews would usually meet in the synagogue for the reading of portions of the Old Testament — to speak to them of Christ, their Messiah. Some Greeks also attended because they knew that the true God was not a Greek idol made of wood, plaster, or metal. When Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul — strengthened in the spirit — testified positively to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. They — as always — opposed him and blasphemed. Paul left them saying: “from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

“And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue” (v. 7). Evidently, Justus was one of the Gentiles who feared God. Paul was a guest at his house, and may have lived with him rather than with Aquila and Priscilla. Since the house was joined to the synagogue, there was a great opportunity to speak to any individual among the Jews who had an exercise of heart about the truth.

There is a principle to observe in this verse: it is advisable for Christian believers to live near the place where they meet, not far from it, to make attending meetings (whether regular or special) easier. It is known that some brothers in Christ who have moved to isolated places (possibly with the motive of making more money or being near their relatives) have gotten spiritually sick, just as the ember which is moved away from the rest of the fire grows cold.

“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).

Despite the Jew’s unbelieving attitude, God’s grace triumphed, manifesting itself in the conversion of the chief ruler of the synagogue, Crispus, who Paul baptized (1 Cor. 1:14). It triumphed more and more in the conversion of many of the depraved Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:9-11). How kind of the Lord to strengthen His servant’s heart, amid the prevailing idolatry and moral corruption in Corinth, appearing to him in a vision and saying: “I am with thee ... I have much people in this city.” “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20).

“And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law” (Acts 18:12-13).

The Lord had already strengthened His servant Paul against this attack from the relentless Jews, speaking to him “in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee” (Acts 18:9-10). So — when they accused Paul before the Roman authority — the Lord had already predisposed Gallio’s heart (Compare Prov. 21:1) in the following manner: “And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drave them from the judgment seat” (Acts 18:14-16).

The Lord — in whose hands are everything — was not going to permit Satan to obstruct His work in Corinth: since He had “much people” in it.

“Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things” (Acts 18:17).

“Crispus,” the ruler who had previously presided over the synagogue, had converted (v. 8), and — obviously — was thrown out by the unbelieving Jews. “Sosthenes,” who took his place, headed up (apparently) the attack against Paul, and he paid highly for his hatred! However, this beating was used for good because Sosthenes himself became a believer! We know that because, when Paul later wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians, he associated him with himself as “Sosthenes our brother” (1 Cor. 1:1). We are not told how Sosthenes was saved, but we can imagine that Paul may have drawn close to Sosthenes after his beating by the Greeks and spoken to his heart of how his Messiah “was wounded” for his “transgressions” and “bruised” for his “iniquities” (Isa. 53:5).

“And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow” (Acts 18:18).

In Corinth, Paul “continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (v. 11). Bidding them farewell, he accompanied “Priscilla and Aquila,” his well-loved fellow-servants. There is another incident to note here: Paul — although he was the apostle of the Lord sent to the Gentiles — still had Jewish religious habits, since he shaved his head, because of a vow he had made. This had nothing to do with the Christian doctrine and practice, but rather was a relic of Judaism, which Paul had not stripped himself of. But he later did completely reject everything that was solely from Judaism. It is believed that he was the one who wrote the epistle to the Hebrews, which demonstrates very clearly the marked contrasts between “the old things” which “pass away” and the “heavenly things” of Christianity.

It is advisable, then, that the believers who are well established in the truth not impose their “rule” on those who have just converted, considering that, for many years, even the Apostle to the Gentiles could not let go of the religious customs he had practiced since childhood. How much patience the Lord Jesus exercises with every one of us!

“And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus” (Acts 18:19-21).

Approximately two years before, there was not an open door for the gospel in Ephesus (Asia, see Acts 16:6). But Paul — arriving at Ephesus for the first time — found the door open. However, he did not make use of it, staying with the Jews for only a short time — despite their pleas — leaving then for Jerusalem (still very Jewish) to finish some rite or celebrate some religious festival. Once again: How much patience the Lord Jesus exercises with every one of us!

“And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:22-23).

It is no wonder that the Spirit has not given us any details about his short visit in Jerusalem (to which the Lord had commanded him not to return, see Acts 22:18-21), except that he greeted the church (the only thing precious to the Lord’s heart in the religious city). Then he returned to his own assembly of Antioch, where he stayed with the brethren for some time. Afterwards, he began another journey, returning to see the disciples in the province of Galatia and Phrygia, this time not primarily to preach the gospel, but rather to confirm all the disciples in the faith, who (at least those in Galatia) received him “as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus” (Gal. 4:13-14), but later feared those “of the circumcision” (Gal. 2:12). We also note that Paul walked in order, visiting all the churches, not just those that gave him the most satisfaction or the least grief. He was not just an evangelist, but also a faithful pastor and an able and diligent teacher.

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25).

Paul, having left Ephesus (where he had an open door) with the purpose of celebrating a religious festival in Jerusalem, was replaced by Apollos (who the Lord had prepared beforehand without Paul knowing it), a believer from Alexandria. He was an Egyptian who had many virtues and was very faithful to the Lord according to the light which he had received — although he did not know the whole truth, since he was only teaching the baptism of John. But he that walks in the light will receive more light: “The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light” (Luke 11:34).

“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).

We see here how, in God’s diverse wisdom and providence, not only did Apollos arrive at Ephesus, but Priscilla and Aquila had already arrived, well instructed by Paul in the essential Christian truths — truths that Apollos still did not know. Then Priscilla and Aquilla, realizing Apollos’ ignorance, took him aside and expounded to him the way of God (the Christian doctrine) more clearly. That gifted man humbly accepted the instruction that he needed so much from the mouths of two tentmakers:

“And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:27-28).

Apollos was not like many who live these days: independent workers, who pay no attention to the exhortation: “submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:21); or the other extremely important one: “be clothed with humility” (1 Pet. 5:5). So, when he was ready to go to Achaia, he brought a letter of recommendation with him — signed by two or three faithful brothers in Ephesus who already knew him well and could give a good testimony about him and his work. Arriving at Achaia, he greatly helped those who had already heard and believed the gospel preached by Paul. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6).

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Heb. 4:12). With that same sword Apollo, “mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

Acts 19

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism” (Acts 19:1-3).

On his first, short, visit to Ephesus, Paul had promised to the Jewish sympathizers in the city that he, Lord-willing, would return to see them. In the meantime, Apollos arrived by God’s providence and “taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). Afterwards, Apollos — leaving Ephesus — went to Corinth. When Paul arrived at that city, he found the disciples who — as it appears — Apollos had instructed and baptized. However, on speaking with them, Paul saw that they lacked something. And, on asking them, discovered that they had not even know there was a Holy Spirit, much less received Him. Then Paul realized that they were still not Christians, but just disciples of John the Baptist, awaiting a living Messiah and not yet knowing about the Savior who died for sinners and was brought back to life for their justification. Apollos could not teach what he himself had not yet comprehended.

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:4-5).

John’s baptism was looking to a Messiah who had yet to come, who was going to reign on earth. The Christian baptism is looking to a Savior who has already come and who died and was buried on the earth, but was brought back to life and made “Lord and Christ” in heaven by God. Thus, the Christian baptism is done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” which means with HIS authority, as HEAD, He grants those of us already baptized to do it as HE himself commanded us: “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19), that is, in the Name of the already revealed Trinity, that which characterizes Christianity.

It is necessary to emphasize here that the act of baptism with water changes the position on earth, not in heaven. Many are baptized, thus professing themselves to be Christians, but they are not born of God. For example: “Simon” the magician (Acts 8:9-24); the “false apostles,” the “false brothers” (2 Cor. 11:12-15, 26); the “false teachers” (2 Pet. 2:1); the “antichrists” (1 John 2:18-19); and “certain men” who entered “unawares” (Jude 4). All these men were baptized, since otherwise they could not have mixed themselves among the true Christians. Only “the Lord knoweth them that are His” (2 Tim. 2:19).

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve” (Acts 19:6-7).

This was the last of the four groups of believers who received the Holy Spirit and were thus incorporated, “baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13): the Jews (Acts 2:38-41); the Samaritans (Acts 8:12, 14-17); the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-47); and those from the “baptism of John.” The Jews received the Holy Spirit after being baptized with water; the Samaritans after being baptized; the Gentiles before being baptized; and those from Chapter 19 after being baptized. The Jews received it without the laying on of hands by the apostles; so did the Gentiles; but the Samaritans and those from John were by the laying on of hands. The Jews and the Samaritans being enemies among themselves, God delayed giving the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans until the two apostles from Jerusalem, Peter and John, arrived and laid their hands on them. And in Ephesus, Paul being alone without any other apostles, it seems that the Lord confirmed him in a special way, imparting the Holy Spirit to the new Jewish believers by Paul’s laying on of hands. Those two were special cases. Once “the church, which is His body” (Eph. 1:22-23) was formed, it is no longer mentioned in Acts (much less in all 21 Christian epistles) that the Holy Spirit was received by the laying on of hands by the apostles, or any other person. It is clear that it was an initiative operation in order to positively and irrefutably establish the Christian testimony. Those these days who pretend to impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands have been deceived — or they are “false apostles.”

“And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10).

Here we see the wisdom that the Lord gave Paul, since he — after having given ample testimony of the gospel — seeing the growing opposition of slanderers, retired from the synagogue in order to not obstruct the edification of the new believers. He obtained a room big enough for them in the private school of a Greek named Tyrannus (we do not know if he converted). Paul preached the truth “by the space of two years,” and his message was so circulated that EVERYONE who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord Jesus.

“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts 19:11-12).

As we have already suggested above, God granted Paul, the only apostle among the pagans, special powers. This was, at the beginning, to establish the testimony of Christ with power. However, in the Christian epistles, there is no mention made of such miracles. The things that convince people are the Christian’s life and upright walk.

“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19:13-17).

Notice how far the prior people of God had fallen: seven of the Chief Priest’s sons practicing exorcism! But the unbelieving cannot invoke the Lord Jesus’ name, since “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor. 12:3). The demon in the man knew Jesus (just like in the days when He was here in the world: “I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God” — Luke 4:34); he also knew who Paul was and could not do anything against this servant of the Lord. But a person possessed by a demon has a supernatural power: so, the man jumped on top of Sceva’s seven sons, stripping them and wounding them. This was well-known to everyone and, as a result: “the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” The devil had not thought about that!

“And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:18-20).

There is power in the name of the Lord Jesus! Holy power. The devil is a defeated enemy.

“After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome” (Acts 19:21).

It was not in God’s Spirit that Paul purposed to go to Jerusalem, but rather in his spirit, since the Lord had commanded him many years ago not to go to Jerusalem. And, the last time he undertook the journey, the Spirit of God reprimanded him multiple times (Acts 20:23; 21:4, 11). (Some of the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament have the possessive pronoun “his” spirit). Paul did not realize that his disobedience (caused by his great love for his own Jewish people) would bring him to Rome in the chains of Caesar, the emperor.

“So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:22-28).

We note here that they cried: “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Not of Asia, much less of the whole world, but, strictly speaking, their goddess: taking pride in their idol.

“And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre” (Acts 19:29-31).

Paul, always ready to preach the testimony of the only living and true God, as he did in Athens — and also possibly motivated by love to his companions Gaius and Aristarchus who were caught by the irritable pagans — wanted to enter the theatre, but the disciples would not let him.

There were also among the honorary magistrates some who respected Paul and were his friends; they advised him not to appear in the theatre, well-knowing that he would be found among enraged enemies.

“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:32-34).

Poor idolaters! They are the devil’s toys. Even today he knows how to dominate them through their passions, lusts, and popular opinion. Secular history reveals the depraved immorality of Diana’s temple.

“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse” (Acts 19:35-40).

God is always over everything and arranges everything according to His will. He used “Gamaliel” to prevent the priests’ from their intention to kill the apostles (see Acts 5:29-42). And in Ephesus he used the town clerk to pacify the idolaters’ anger (being himself an idolater!), and save the lives of the Lord’s servants.

Acts 20

“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece” (Acts 20:1-2).

Paul had preached the gospel in Macedonia (see chapters 16 and 17) and various local assemblies were formed. He returned to visit them, and his ministry was characterized by exhortation. He counseled them with an abundance of words. We Christians need much exhortation.

“And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas” (Acts 20:3-5).

Paul — knowledgeable of the malicious purpose of the relentless, unbelieving Jews — decided to return through Macedonia. Seven brothers from three nations accompanied him as far as Asia. It seems that he always had companions (“fellow soldiers” — Philemon 2), brave believers who were drawn to him, ready to fight spiritual battles and share with him in his sufferings as the Lord’s servant. “Aristarchus” (Col. 4:10) and “Timothy” (Heb. 13:23) had been with him in prison.

“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:6-8).

Why does it say that Paul and his company were in Troas for seven days? It appears that they went up on Monday and wanted to be with the brothers for breaking of bread on Sunday, the Sabbath day. The purpose of their meeting was to remember the Lord in His death: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:26). Paul made use of the occasion to teach them God’s word, but the fundamental purpose of the meeting was to break bread in memory of the Lord Jesus: “this do in remembrance of ME” (Luke. 22:19). The “many lights” make us think that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).The place of His presence was full of light.

“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead” (Acts 20:9).

Eutychus is a type of the early church which grew tired of hearing Paul’s good doctrine, since before he died “all they which are in Asia” abandoned him (2 Tim. 1:15). When the church did not continue in Paul’s doctrine (ministry to the church, Col 1:25), little by little it sunk into the darkness of men’s opinions, until in the DARK AGES the true church was left, by all appearances, dead.

Of course, the occasion of Paul’s visit in Troas was extraordinary, since he spoke hour after hour until midnight. In general, human beings’ minds cannot pay attention for more than an hour, during which “two or three” brothers can give appropriate messages for the “edification, exhortation, and consolation” (1 Cor. 14:3, 29).

“And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted” (Acts 20:10-12).

Eutychus’ resurrection is the eighth and last of the resurrections narrated in the Bible (“eight” the number of resurrection. Reader, can you find the accounts of the other seven in the Bible, three in the Old Testament and four in the New?)

Expositors on the book of Acts consider the expression, “broken bread, and eaten,” saying that it does not refer to the Lord’s Supper, (Since, if it had been, then the Scriptures would have said, “they broke the bread”); but rather that Paul, after having preached from sunset until midnight, was hungry and ate. Then, he continued speaking until dawn! With an enlarged heart, he communicated many things to his beloved brothers.

Note that, on “the first day of the week,” the disciples gathered “to break bread.” This was the reason they got together — not to hear Paul preach until midnight after taking the Lord’s Supper. This should have the first place in the redeemed’s affections. We note the order in First Corinthians: Chapter 10 talks about the Lord’s Table, Chapter 11 talks about the Lord’s Supper; then Chapter 12 expounds on spiritual gifts. In Chapter 13 we have the spirit of love by which we should be exercised; and, finally, in Chapter 14, we have the instructions about the exercise of gifts for edification, exhortation, and comfort. Is it advisable to postpone the Lord’s Supper until after preaching? Who has the first place, the Lord Jesus, our Savior, who we remember in His death, or the group of believers?

Speaking of Eutychus again as a type of the church, it stayed in darkness for about a thousand years. Almost all of the heavenly light was snuffed out. In the days of Luther and the rest of the Reformers, the Lord opened their eyes to the great truth that, before God, man is “justified by faith” — faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification (see Rom. 4:25; 5:1; 1 Cor. 15:3-4). There was a great revival by the Holy Spirit, and thousands believed in God.

But it was not until the 19th century that, so to speak, “the embrace of the Apostle Paul revived the church.” All around the world, Christians that read their Bibles had “the eyes” of their “understanding” (or “heart” according to another translation) opened. They discovered the precious truths given to the church by the Lord Jesus through the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul — truths buried for more than a millennium in the ecclesiastical ruins of religious men. Truths such as the coming of the Lord to take His beloved church from this world, “they that are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:23), and in the way described in 1 Thess. 4:16-18 — a truth that not even the reformer, Martin Luther, knew. The truth of the presence of the Lord Jesus in the presence of two or three that are gathered together in His Name, not in the name of a famous religious man, or of a doctrine, or of a nation (see Matthew 18:20). The truth of the church as the body of Christ and the bride of Christ (see 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 1 and 5; Col. 1). The truth of the presence of the Spirit in the church, and its sovereign authority to direct her worship and ministry (see 1 Cor. 12 and 14).

Other truths rediscovered were the emphatic distinction between the earthly people, Israel, and that which Scripture (mainly the Old Testament), teaches about Him; and the heavenly people, the church, and what the New Testament teaches about her. Also, the typification of the church in the figures and types hidden in the Old Testament, but revealed in the New. Israel was, and will be, the earthly people. The Church is, and always will be, the heavenly people, “partakers of the heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1).

All these, and other truths unknown for many years, were recovered. In a word, the “embrace” of the Apostle Paul’s doctrine restored life to the church: there was a great movement throughout the world.

Paul spoke at length until dawn. God wants the believers, every one of us, to not grow tired of examining Paul’s doctrine, and it is of utmost importance to put it into practice.

“And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot” (Acts 20:13).

Between the ports of Troas and Assos, there is a peninsula. It seems that Paul, instead of going around it in the ship, preferred to walk on foot, alone. The Spirit does not make any comment on this. Maybe (just offering a thought) Paul, after a week of intense activity in Troas (see vvs. 6-11), felt the urgent need of personal communion with his Lord, of hearing His voice by faith and of speaking with Him. It is necessary that the Lord’s servant not be absorbed by so many Christian activities (all good in their place) that he loses effectual contact with his master, the Lord.

“And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost” (Acts 20:14-16).

We have already noted that Paul had proposed in his spirit (not the Holy Spirit) to go to Jerusalem (Compare Acts 19:21). We see how tenaciously he continued with his purpose. Instead of making another, and last, visit to Ephesus, which was very close to Miletus, we read that he “sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:17-21).

In this passage, there are various things to note. Paul did not just call one elder, who directed the whole Ephesian church. No, instead, he called a group of elders (Peter also wrote to a group of elders: 1 Pet. 5:1-4). The notion that one man is placed by Christ, the Head of the church, to direct everything in a Christian church, has no basis in the Christian epistles of Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude.

Paul, by the grace that was given him, could tell them that he had served the Lord with all humility, many tears, and temptations. The immense majority of believers cannot say that they serve the Lord “with many tears and temptations.” However, everyone can serve him “with all humility.”

Paul was faithful: he did not preach his favorite topics to them, but rather everything that was beneficial “for [a] doctrine, for [b] reproof, for [c] correction, for [d] instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).

Paul was not found preaching a sermon every week in a certain place, but was ready to teach “publicly and from house to house.” The word “publicly” includes many things: streets, parks, beaches, forests, markets, buildings, hospitals, prisons, etc. But of equal importance is the Christian teaching given “from house to house.” In the homes of believers and even of sympathizers, the Lord’s servant, if he is called to it, can work with the occupants’ spiritual exercises and then give the word that is needed at that time. Of course, Paul’s preaching included two necessary themes as much for the Jews as for the Gentiles: (a) “repentance toward God” and (b) “faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Repentance is to judge yourself in the presence of God in agreement with the Word of God. Repentance does not save — but there is no salvation without repentance. A strong swimmer laughs at lifejackets; but if he is suddenly attacked by cramps and made defenseless, he shouts: “Save me!” On the other hand, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only person who can save us, is the hand (so to speak) that holds onto the life jacket. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:22-24).

As we have already mentioned in the previous chapter, Paul was obsessed with the idea of going to Jerusalem; so he was bound in his own spirit, while the Holy Spirit testified to him of the imprisonment and tribulations that were waiting for him in the road he pursued; but because of his obsession, it appears that he had forgotten his great commission and the warning that the Lord had given him many years before: “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive testimony concerning me ... Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:18, 21). However, Paul’s motive was pure: He just wanted to fulfill his ministry and preach the gospel of God’s grace; so the Lord did not reprimand him.

In principle, maybe we have had the same experience. We have been possessed by another obsession, and believed that we should do this or that, when maybe the Lord wanted us to stay where we were, humbly serving him there.

“Never wait for the moment of some great action,

Nor hope that your light will go far;

Throughout life give attention to even the smallest acts,

Shine in the place that you are.”

“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:25-28).

We do not know how Paul knew that they would not see him again; What is important is that the Scriptures tell us everything that is beneficial — but they are not written to satisfy human curiosity or give us information without benefit.

So, Paul, knowing that he was going to say goodbye to the elders of the Ephesian church for the last time in this world, told them that he was pure from the blood of all men. Because he had faithfully preached to them the counsel of God, he had been absolved from his responsibility. At the same time, Paul exhorted them to “Take heed therefore unto yourselves.” The devil was going to attack them, as well as the flock. Because of that, the elders would have to walk in communion with the Lord, “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2-3). First comes personal care, everyone of themselves, as Paul exhorted Timothy: “Take heed unto thyself.” Next comes the doctrine: Take heed to “the doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:16).

Finally comes the care of “all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” The flock of the Lord (the believers) always needs good spiritual food — the lambs as well as the sheep. Because of this, the great Shepherd has placed “bishops” in His flock. Unfortunately, the word “bishop” (which should be translated “overseer”) has lost its correct meaning because of the ecclesiastical corruption of Christianity. Now the title “bishop” is a person who takes possession over not just one sheepfold, but of many congregations — including those in an entire country. But the simple truth of the word of God is that there is a plurality of “bishops” (or rather, “elders”, since the two words describe the same people, see Titus 1:5-9) in the local church, as there was in Ephesus. We also note that the Word says, “the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” No, beloved brethren, the best bishop is the one who is most humble, considering himself lower than others (Compare Phil. 2:3).

Scripture says “to feed the church of God.” The bishops (elders) should think hard on the fact that the flock is the property of the Lord, the great Shepherd, and should selflessly take on their responsibility of taking care of it and feeding it.

“Which He hath purchased with His own blood.” What a great price Christ paid to redeem us!

“I am redeemed, but not with silver;

I am bought, but not with gold;

Bought with a price — the blood of Jesus,

Precious Price of love untold.”

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).

Paul spoke prophetically, since what he preached did not just happen in Ephesus, but has had its tragic fulfillment in the heart of the church throughout many ages. In the long era called “the Dark Ages,” ravenous wolves almost destroyed the Church, scattering the sheep and lambs of the Lord’s flock. “Ravenous wolves” refers to unbelieving men. But Satan has also managed to scatter the sheep through another sad method: He has taken advantage of the bad conduct of Christian leaders. Note the following: “Also of your own selves shall men arise” — there is no doubt that they were true believers.

However, the Apostle does not call them “brethren” but rather “men” since their work is that of the enemy. He also said that these men would rise up, meaning that they would praise themselves more than act humbly in the flock. Then the truth would not be spoken purely, but rather twisted (either a lot or a little) outside of its context and correct meaning. And finally, the hidden reason for their actions would be shown: “to draw away disciples after them.” How many times this prophecy has had its sad fulfillment, a thousand sects being the result! It is advisable that everyone look at themselves: “Take heed unto thyself.”

With respect to this, we read 1 Corinthians 11:19: “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” A “heretic” is not necessarily a man who has false doctrine. It is, essentially, a headstrong man who insists on following his own will and has the personality, determination, persuasion, and energy to be able to influence other believers and get them to follow him. Having said that, those that “are approved” are the humble ones in the flock who do not follow such men.

“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).

“Therefore watch” and Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “Pray without ceasing” (2 Thess. 5:17). Our Lord Jesus exhorted us: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). If we do not live depending on the Lord in every moment, we are in danger of falling.

How much love and devotion the Apostle Paul had for the Lord’s redeemed, especially those who he himself had gained for Christ! His faithful reprimands are accompanied by tears! These days, where do you see tears running down the cheeks of those who are called ministers of Christ?

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Paul, the Apostle sent by the Lord Jesus “to the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21) DID NOT place his Christian brothers in the hands of a successor, but rather commended them to “God, and to the word of His grace.” God gave us His word by writing in the Holy Scriptures, so there would not still be a succession of apostles, since not even the Apostle Paul gave a successor. He was sent by the Lord to the Jews (Compare Gal. 2:9; 1 Pet. 1:1). When he realized that he would soon have to leave his tabernacle (that is, his body), he wrote his “second letter” to those scattered among the Jews and exhorted them to remember everything that he had faithfully taught them (see 2 Pet. 1:12, 15; 3:1-2, 18); and we have his teaching written down in his two epistles.

Our God is all-powerful (Gen. 17:1) and all-sufficient (Phil. 4:19). Because of that, we do not have any need of a so-called “apostolic succession.” The Word of God can abundantly build us up. It was finished by the apostles, Paul being the one who received from the Lord “by revelation” the precious truths about the church as the bride and body of Christ (Eph. 3:3; Col. 1:25).

No one can steal our inheritance. We are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). How marvelous is the grace of God! As Hannah exclaimed: “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory” (1 Sam. 2:8).

“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me” (Acts 20:33-34).

The Lord Jesus said: “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of Man [Christ himself] came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:27-28).

In light of this, does it suit a sincere Christian to want to have “preeminence” (Col. 1:18)? No! Better to try to serve our brethren.

Greed is a sin that eats away at the soul like gangrene. It was prohibited by the tenth commandment in God’s law (see Ex. 20:17). The Christian in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 is exhorted: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root [not the only one] of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Paul was not advocating a “Social Security” program, but rather was emphasizing the Christian duty of overseeing and helping those in the body who were weak, those that were unable to help themselves. Not those that can, but do not want, to work. Paul wrote, for people like this, “that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).

Paul reinforced his exhortation, quoting what the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is better to give than to receive.” Everyone who considers the good of his neighbor has proved that what the Lord said is true: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38). He does not say “in your wallet” but in “your bosom.” The Lord will repay the cheerful giver now by giving him joy in his heart. Later, before the court of Christ He will give him his complete reward. “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship” (Acts 20:36-38).

It is always suitable for Christians to say goodbye to each other with prayer, although, not necessarily with much crying. We note that the Ephesian elders did not cry — but Paul himself — when he told them that men would rise up among them, speaking grievous things, bringing disciples along behind them. “Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more” (Acts 20:38). Their spiritual weakness was shown because they loved Paul as a brother more than they appreciated and guarded the Spiritual unity in the bond of peace. So it is today: the brotherly bonds are sweet and strong; and when one may branch off from the way of truth, the others are disposed to follow him and form a division rather than retain “the head,” Christ (Col. 2:19), to not break the “unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3).

Acts 21

“And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara” (Acts 21:1).

“We came with a straight course.” How important it is that the Christian walk a straight course, not a twisted one. “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Prov. 4:25-27).

“And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth” (Acts 21:2).

The Lord had sent Paul to the Gentiles, but he went in the direction of Jerusalem, bringing with him his fellow-soldiers — despite the Holy Spirit’s warnings not to go there. But he found a boat that would bring him towards Jerusalem. Just like with Jonah: the Lord had sent him to the East, to Nineveh; but Jonah “found a ship going to Tarshish” (Jonah 1:3) to the West, and got in it.

We see an important principle here: circumstances that are favorable for our purposes are not, in and of themselves, indications that we are aligned with the Lord’s will.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9). This refers to the heart of the religious as much as the wicked. The Christian should always be dependent on the Lord, “praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20), being guided by God’s Word and God’s will, and not by his or her own ideas and hopes.

“Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again” (Acts 21:3-6).

On passing through Cyprus, Paul probably remembered his first “fellow-soldier” the Apostle Barnabas, who left him because he preferred the company of his nephew, John Mark, with whom he went to Cyprus, where he was born (see Acts 5:36-39). There is a common saying that says: “blood is thicker than water” meaning that we are more likely to be influenced in our spiritual judgment by our relatives.

In those days, it was not difficult to meet other Christians in a foreign place. The world knew Christ’s followers, whom they called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Their light shone. There were not any divisions or sects, but rather just one Christian church that testified of Christ her Lord.

What joy the Apostle and his company had on meeting the disciples in Tyre! The gospel, without the help of an Apostle, had extended to the Gentiles’ port in Syria. They made good use of the time it took to unload the ship in order to have mutual fellowship with the disciples, who faithfully warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. The exhortations were multiplying, but he, firm in his purpose, did not listen to them! But their love for each other did not grow cold, and, when Paul and his companions left, they were accompanied by all the disciples (probably not many), their wives and their children. They prayed together on the seashore, hugged, and said goodbye.

“And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day” (Acts 21:7).

How quickly the believers found each other in those days! Paul and his companions were limited to one day on their journey (something that still happens with the Lord’s workers, even today), but they found the believers in Ptolemais and stayed with them.

“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven [deacons, Acts 5:6]; and abode with him” (Acts 21:8).

Philip was chosen by the multitude as a deacon that would serve in the daily tasks; but the Lord, the Head of the church, had gifted him as an “evangelist” (Eph. 4:7-11). So, we read in Acts chapter 8 how Philip evangelized to the Samaritans (8:5-12). Then he was sent to give the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-39). This man went on his way joyful, and Philip, caught up by the Lord’s Spirit, “was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea” (8:40). Many years later, he was found again, in Caesarea, and he received Paul and his companions into his house. Philip is the only one in the whole New Testament called, “the evangelist.” He had continued faithfully and persistently in preaching the good news.

“Work! Work! But not in vain for the Lord

Although serving in his field where there is much

Labor; one can sow another reap,

But in the end all will rejoice with Christ.”

“And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” (Acts 21:9). We do not know how many sons Philip had, but there were four single daughters in his family who not only believed, but also prophesied. They were young women who were separated from “the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). They loved the Lord and were very spiritual. They had spiritual discernment and could prophesy, that is to say, they knew how to speak the word that was needed at that time. The fatherly and spiritual testimony of Philip and his home, and that of his wife, were blessed by God for the salvation and sanctification of his daughters. However, they did not preach publicly, but rather personally, since the public ministry of God’s word is not given to women.

There are other places for women’s ministry, and it is a very necessary ministry, which the man cannot, and should not, usurp. Characteristically, man’s ministry is public, whereas woman’s is private. The practice among Christian women of rebelling against the divine order gave place to the Lord’s commandment written in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35:

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”

Philip’s four daughters did not even make use of the word to warn Paul, a guest in their father’s house: “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles” (Acts 21:10-11).

God himself sent a prophet from Judea — Agabus — to graphically describe to Paul what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem” (v. 12). But all exhortation was useless. “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done” (vv. 13-14).

The great affection that Paul had for his “brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Rom. 9:3) brought him away from the path the Lord had marked for him: “I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21).

“And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge” (Acts 21:15-16).

Paul had stayed in Caesarea for “many days”; and the love that grew in some of the disciples’ hearts made them accompany him to Jerusalem — despite Agabus’ prophecy that bonds awaited him.

They stayed with an old disciple, Mnason, from Cyprus, who had a house in Jerusalem. In almost every Christian assembly, no matter how small it may be, there is at least one family “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). No one can estimate the blessing which results from it. There are many named in the Bible: the houses of Abraham and Sarah, of Aquila and Priscilla, of Stephanas, of Philemon and Apphia, and others (see Gen. 18; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:15; Philemon 2).

It is a “labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3). Once, a very well-known servant of the Lord arrived at a large capital city. Various sisters in Christ presented themselves, high-ranking women, wanting to have the very gifted teacher as a guest in their houses. But, he thanked them all and asked: “Who is the brother who usually houses any of the Lord’s servants?” He was then taken to that humble home.

“And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry” (Acts 21:17-19).

In Jerusalem — just as in his own assembly of Antioch — Paul related what GOD HAD DONE, not what Paul had done (Compare Acts 14:27). He was serving “the Lord with all humility of mind” (Acts 20:19). We do well to follow his example: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

“And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them” (Acts 21:20-26).

The Holy Spirit had already warned Paul repeatedly not to go to Jerusalem, for which he was forced to submit to the Judaistic ceremonies and rites (which the believers in the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem had not yet been freed from, due to their lack of spiritual understanding), to the point of purifying himself and even having a (sin) offering made for him! The Spirit does not make any comment, only allows us, historically, to know the results of the false step that Paul took.

We can learn a healthy lesson from all this: if we disobey in one point the guiding of the Holy Spirit which lives in us, the children of God, we then lose His direction in everything and we find ourselves like a boat without a rudder — unless God’s grace intervenes.

How was it possible that Paul — his heart being purified by faith, already pardoned of all his sins, and once firm in the liberty with which Christ made us free — would once again return to the ordinances of the Mosaic law? It must be remembered that he was completely Hebrew and that only a great love for his people after the flesh made him err.

“And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut” (Acts 21:27-30).

Paul, an apostle of the heavenly calling, left his Christian companion, Trophimus, in the city, and once again made himself a participant in the earthly calling — entering the temple that had already been abandoned by His Lord. From there, he was brought out by force and then THE DOORS WERE SHUT. He never entered in the Judaic temple again. Did he love the Lord Jesus less? Not at all! It is the motive that gives value to the act. The Lord knew Paul’s heart and his extraordinary love for the same people of Israel which the Lord from ages before had loved and tried to win, but in vain. “They have turned their back unto me and not their face” (Jer. 2:27).

“And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul” (Acts 21:31-32).

We do not know who the messenger that brought the timely message to the tribune was. However, we understand that he was sent by the Lord, who pardoned Paul’s life when he began to suffer the consequences of not having listened to the numerous warnings of the Holy Spirit saying that he should not go to Jerusalem. How merciful the Lord is! Have not we, His redeemed, tried Him — every last one of us?

“Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him” (Acts 21:33-36).

These Jews were the same generation of people who cried to Pilate: “Crucify him! Crucify him!” insisting that he kill their Messiah, Jesus Christ.

“And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence)” (Acts 21:37-40 and 22:1-2).

Paul, answering the chief captain, made it known that he was a citizen of Tarsus — a free city recognized by the Roman government, whose inhabitants were primarily Romans by birth. Then he requested to be permitted to speak to the people, wanting to make use of any opportunity to speak to them about his Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. The tribune, doubtlessly very impressed by Paul’s speech, gave Paul permission and he addressed them in his own Hebrew tongue, because of which “they kept the more silence.”

Acts 22

“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished” (Acts 22:3-5).

Paul let them know who he was, and gave a summary of how a religious man pursued “this way,” which is to say, “the gospel of God ... concerning His Son Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:1-4). His zeal was so great that he pursued the Lord’s disciples “to death” — whether they were men or women. It was not enough for him to do it in Judea, but he was also on his way to Damascus, from Syria, to bring them as prisoners from there to Jerusalem.

“And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus” (Acts 22:6-11).

Behold the encounter between the religious fanatic — whose heart was full of murder — and the merciful Savior — whose heart was full of love! Jesus did not rebuke the evil in Saul of Tarsus, but rather overcame him with the good that was in Himself. Precious Savior! And even in the [21st] century He continues doing the same thing with us, unregenerate sinners.

“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:12-16).

Paul, telling the cantankerous Jews the story of his miraculous conversion by the appearance of the Lord Jesus, made mention of Ananias — a pious man of good reputation among all the Jews in Damascus. He told them how Ananias had confirmed the divine commission of preaching the gospel “unto all men,” which was given to him by Christ Himself (Compare Acts 26:15-18).

Paul also added how Ananias had exhorted him: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Now then, let us consider that circumstance. We do not have a universal formula for Christian baptism in it, but rather a special case. Saul of Tarsus was publicly known as a relentless enemy of Christ, and a fierce pursuer of the Christian people. Thus, it was necessary that his repentance and change of position and attitude in this world be declared. How would this effectively be carried out? In the case of Saul of Tarsus, through baptism with water, he was washed of his sins before men (not before God, since he had already had all his sins pardoned when the Lord appeared to him). The act of baptism — and through it publicly confessing the name of Christ — was a decisive withdrawal from his career of tenacious and violent opposition against Christ and His people. In this decisive way, he was washed of all his sins.

Baptism with water never washed, nor washes, any person from the impurity of their sins before God. Never! “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). We are “redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19), not with water. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7), not from some, but from all.

“What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

“And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him” (Acts 22:17-20).

The memory of what he had done in his religious zeal still lived in Paul’s mind — how many Christians had been put in prison and allowed to die, including Stephen (read Acts 7:51-60). He had deeply repented of all of this. Now, he remembered how — being in a trance — the Lord Jesus commanded him to leave Jerusalem, since the Jews would not receive his testimony of Him. Then, why was Paul once again in the temple in Jerusalem? Because he had not obeyed the warnings of the Holy Spirit.

“And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live” (Acts 22:21-22).

The Jews, proud and jealous of their religion, could not stand the fact that their God was also preached as the Savior God of the Gentiles. “They please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15-16).

“And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him” (Acts 22:23-29).

With the cruelty characteristic of a soldier, the chief captain commanded that Paul be examined by scourging. However, Paul used his Roman citizenship to ask the centurion if this proceeding was lawful, since he was a Roman. When the chief captain arrived, he interrogated Paul and discovered that Paul was of higher status than he — since Paul was a Roman by birth, whereas the soldier, possibly originally a mercenary, had paid a high price to obtain his citizenship. It is said that Tarsus, where Paul was born, was a city that had helped the Romans with their wars of conquest. Thus, the emperor had granted Roman citizenship to all the families in Tarsus of Cilicia, a province far from Italy.

How good it is to know that our God knows everything and uses it for His purposes! It was by “a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1) and this decree caused Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, since the Scriptures had prophetically said that Christ would be born in Bethlehem (read Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:4-6). And the decree of the Roman emperor caused Paul to be born a Roman citizen — a circumstance which the Lord used to benefit His faithful servant.

Acts 23

“On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people” (Acts 22:30-23:5).

At the beginning of Paul’s service as an Apostle, it is written that he was “filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:9); but now, poor Paul! Before the council of Jews, he began to testify, not of Christ, but of himself. He later insulted the high priest, saying: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall.” Afterwards, reprimanded, he had to confess: “I wist not, brethren.”

This was all a result of not having listened to the Holy Spirit’s warnings that he not go to Jerusalem (read Acts 21:11-14). The Lord Jesus never had to confess: “I did not know.”

“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question” (Acts 23:6). One wrong step leads to another: Paul, instead of declaring the truth according to the heavenly doctrine which was given to him by revelation — that there was no longer Jew, just Christian — declared himself “a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.” It appears that this was with the intention of saving himself from the situation, since he himself later wrote: “there is neither Greek nor Jew ... but Christ is all, and in all” (Col. 3:11).

“And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle” (Acts 23:7-10).

We still have in Christianity the “Sadducees” — the modernists who do not believe that Christ was raised from the dead — and the “Pharisees” — the Orthodoxes (whether Catholic or Protestant) who accept that there is a resurrection but, confident in their own righteousness, they do not repent of their sins or accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior (Compare Luke 18:9-14).

A true Christian’s confession of faith should be this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Not hiding yourself with some title or denomination, saying: “I am Catholic” or “I am Protestant” or “I am a Jew.”

Once again, Paul was brought to the castle, a prisoner under the power of the Roman Empire. On the second night that he was in chains, his loving Savior’s great love was shown to him, even after he had failed in his testimony: “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). How kind the Lord is, to appear to Paul at this moment and give him such an encouraging message! How moving to Paul’s heart when his mood was so depressed! And how comforting for us — believers in the [21st] century — to recognize that the same Lord of Paul is our Lord too. He knows how to make us feel the warmth of His great love, even when we have failed — possibly even more than Paul!

“And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him” (Acts 23:12-15). Here we can apply the common saying: “man proposes, but God disposes.”

“And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul” (Acts 23:16).

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord” (Prov. 21:30). The Lord compelled “Gamaliel” to give his advice to save the apostles’ lives (see Acts 5:29-42). On another occasion, to save Paul and his companions, he did the same with the “Scribe” in the city of Ephesus (see Acts 19:28-40). Now he used Paul’s nephew, who had heard the conspiracy to kill his uncle. We will see what happened.

“Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee” (Acts 23:17-21).

“And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor” (Acts 23:23-24).

The chief captain — knowing that Paul was a Roman citizen and that his life was in danger — took every precaution to see that he would not be murdered by the 40 Jews (see v. 21). He sent him to the governor of the province, Felix, treating him very humanely.

“And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell” (Acts 23:25-30).

Claudius Lysias wrote a lie to the governor Felix: he said, “This man was taken of the Jews, and ... I with an army ... rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.” The truth is that the chief captain had asked Paul: “art thou not that Egyptian ... ?” (Acts 21:38). But to gain favor with Felix he wrote the lie. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9).

“Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall” (Acts 23:31-35).

So, Paul began the long journey that would end in Rome. According to the prophecy of Ananias, the disciple in Damascus, he would soon appear before “kings” (Acts 9:15).

Acts 24

“And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness” (Acts 24:1-3).

Tertullus, if he was a Jew, lied as well, since the Jews hated the Romans, their oppressors. Maybe he was a Roman lawyer contracted by the Sanhedrin. He used flattery:

“Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so” (Acts 24:4-9).

This discourse by Tertullus was full of falsehoods and ended with an unjust complaint directed to Felix, the governor, against his servant, the chief captain Lysias (“Accuse not a servant unto his master” – Prov. 30:10). Then Felix cut off Tertullus, the high priest Ananias, and the rest of the Jews, and signaled for Paul to speak: “Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself.” Paul recognized Felix in his position, but he did not use flattery. “Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:10-15).

“The Way” refers to the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ, already established in the world. It is written seven times in Acts, although it may not be translated into English with the same words. Read the following passages: “that if he found any of this way” (Acts 9:2); “and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts18:26); “and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude” (Acts 19:9); “and the same time there arose no small stir about that way” (Acts 19:23); “and I persecuted this way unto death”; and in our Acts 24:14, 22.

Of course, the Jews, with their false accusations, could not make use of the Holy Scriptures. But Paul was supported by the Word of God: “believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets” and let them know that he had “hope in God.” This was the same hope that the Pharisees professed to have — that the dead would be raised, “both of the just and unjust.”

The preaching of the resurrection touches the conscience. “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). Those who do not try to maintain “faith, and a good conscience” make faith a “shipwreck” (1 Tim. 1:19). Those who go back, “giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2). To the unbelieving “is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled” (Tit. 1:15). How important it is to always try to maintain a “good conscience” without regret about God or about men!

“Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day” (Acts 24:17-21).

Paul had already stated his hope in God before the Roman governor, Felix. This was the hope that there was going to be “resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” He also said that he exercised himself “to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” He ended his defense with the paragraph we just read.

“And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him” (Acts 24:22-23).

Felix, a wise politician, ended the interview, since he was aware of the Christian’s testimony, “the way,” which is Christ Himself (see John 14:6). He also knew — per the letter written by the chief captain Lysias — that Paul was not guilty. And when did the chief captain come down? Never, because Felix did not call him! Paul, despite being a prisoner, had some liberty and the privilege of being attended by his family members. Thus, the Lord moved the governor’s heart to have mercy on Paul, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will” (Prov. 21:1).

“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him” (Acts 24:24-26).

The Lord Jesus, prophesying about the Holy Spirit’s coming, said: “And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). So, Paul, directed by the Holy Spirit, touched Felix’s conscience. Look, a prisoner of Rome, but a servant of the Lord, addressing the governor in such a way! How sad — it seems that neither Felix nor his Jewish wife repented; on the contrary, greed ruled the governor.

“But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound” (Acts 24:27). He was bound, through marriage, to his Jewish wife and had to maintain friendship with the turbulent Jews that he governed at the same time. Because of this, he “left Paul bound.”

Acts 25

“Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him” (Acts 25:1-3).

Without “repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” the religious man is a beast. The Jew’s hearts overflowed with murder and deceit.

“But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove” (Acts 25:4-7).

The Jews, in addition to murderous hearts, had lying lips.

While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go” (Acts 25:8-12).

Porcius Festus had the same character as Felix — a politician without conscience, quicker to sacrifice the innocent than hurt his relationship with the Jews, his subjects. Paul told him frankly that Festus himself knew very well that he had not done anything wrong. Finally, according to his rights, being a Roman citizen by birth, he appealed to the emperor, Caesar; and Festus accepted.

How great a contrast between the humble servant of the Lord and the men of high category in this world that “lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19).

“And after certain days King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar” (Acts 25:13-21).

When the Lord Jesus informed Ananias about Saul of Tarsus, he told him: “he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). The Lord’s prophetic word is going to be fulfilled: Paul goes to testify of Christ before King Agrippa:

“Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O King Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him” (Acts 25:22-27).

Festus, just like Lysias, the chief captain (Compare Acts 21:37-38; 23:27) did not tell the whole truth. He did not tell King Agrippa that the only reason Paul appealed to Caesar was because he, Festus, “willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem ... ?” (Acts 25:9). Now he said to King Agrippa: “he had committed nothing worthy of death.” Why then, had he not set him free? Hypocrite! But the Lord’s hand was in all of it, because he wanted Paul to testify before the emperor himself, of the “gospel of God ... Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord ... which was ... declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:1-4).

Then, what happened in Rome? “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places ... All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household” (Phil. 1:12-13; 4:22). The gospel reached even as far as the emperor’s palace and several people believed.

Acts 26

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently” (Acts 26:1-3).

“My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:4-5).

“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” (Acts 26:6-8).

Paul, upheld in spirit by his blessed Lord Jesus, could calmly address King Agrippa, recognize his power as an authority, and give him a short summary of his life as an unbeliever. Then, he went straight to the point: the resurrection — God raised from the dead! After that, he continued his discourse, speaking of the unexpected encounter with the Lord:

“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 26:9-15).

Saul, finally detained from his crazed career of enmity against Jesus and His saints, suddenly saw the uncreated glory of the Lord Jesus that surpassed the created glory of the sun, fell to the ground and heard a question directed to him. He instantly realized that God was speaking and recognized Him as the “Lord,” but wanted to make sure of His identity. Then he received the most extraordinary revelation of his life: “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (v. 15).

In an instant, Saul was left enormously surprised, humiliated, confused, and submissive. That Jesus, whom he persecuted through his saints, was the Lord of glory!

“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me” (Acts 26:16-18).

Here we have the great commission that the Lord entrusted to the “chief” of sinners. (“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” — 1 Tim. 1:15). He was sent to the Gentiles (also Compare Acts 22:21) so that they would (1) have their eyes opened, (2) convert from darkness unto light, (3) from the power of Satan to God, and (4) receive by faith in Him the remission of sins and (5) the inheritance among the sanctified.

What a blow Paul directed (although indirectly) to everyone: the king, his wife, Festus, and the rest of the authorities from the city who were present! All branded as having been blind, in the darkness, and under the power of Satan!

“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:19-23).

Paul always testified “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21); and in his defense before King Agrippa he did the same. Of course, the king and the rest of the hearers were made responsible before God for having heard the preaching of the gospel. Will we see one or more of them when Christ comes to take His own from the world and the grave?

As soon as Paul spoke particularly of the resurrection of Christ and generally of the dead, Festus interrupted him:

“And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest” (Acts 26:24-27).

Doubtlessly, Paul knew a lot about the relationship of King Agrippa with the Jews before becoming King of a sector of the Roman Empire. He knew that he was not ignorant about what happened to Jesus, he had some knowledge of the prophetic message about His death and resurrection. Otherwise, he would not have been able to address the king so directly and honestly: “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” Paul here is not the overcome, but the overcomer; not the prisoner, but the free man in Christ. Not intimidated in the presence of the Roman court, but rather fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and arguing against the conscience of the king himself, since he was troubled. “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (v. 28). Note that the inspired writer did not write, “King Agrippa” but just “Agrippa said unto Paul.” Before the eyes of his creator, Agrippa was nothing but a “man.” “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” (Is. 2:22). Agrippa’s answer indicates a troubled conscience, but it does not show that he had repented. Whereas Paul affirms in his conviction:

“And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29). Emphatically, he let Agrippa and the rest of those present know that he was a happy man and they were unhappy. This was the last thing he said. A good confession of truth!

“And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar” (Acts 26:30-32).

When the Lord sent Ananias to speak with Saul of Tarsus, he told him: “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings” (Acts 9:15).

The next person Paul would have to testify of Christ to (after Agrippa) would be the emperor of the most powerful empire in human history — Caesar of Rome himself.

Acts 27

“And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us” (Acts 27:1-2).

Paul had appealed to Caesar and to him he was sent. Luke (the historian) “the beloved physician” was with him (since he writes, “we launched”) as was, “Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.” Neither of them was forced to accompany Paul, since they were not prisoners. Their love for their beloved brother Paul motivated them to identify themselves with the faithful servant of the Lord in chains, accepting any circumstance that might present itself.

These days, “Paul,” symbolically, is still held captive by men: that is to say the “doctrine” of the Lord, the Head of the church, given to Paul by revelation (Eph. 3:3), is being rejected by Christianity. The religious leaders do not want to recognize Christ as the “head:” they want to have “the preeminence” (3 John 9). Nor do they submit to the guiding of the Holy Spirit, which does not have a voice in their councils nor in their administration. They do not want to know anything about the “heavenly calling:” “who mind earthly things” (Phil. 3:19). How few stand firm in following Paul the prisoner!

“And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself” (Acts 27:3).

Imagine a prisoner that had to be brought to Caesar, the great emperor, having his liberty to take spiritual refreshment with his “brothers in Christ” in the port of Sidon! The Lord had bent the centurion Julius’ heart in a marvelous way, since the Roman soldier entrusted with the custody of a prisoner, if that prisoner escaped, would pay for the negligence with his own life (Compare Acts 16:27).

“And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary” (Acts 27:4). The captain of the ship had proposed to “sail by the coasts of Asia,” which means to sail following the coasts, possibly touching various ports. However, the contrary winds forced them to change their course and escape the force of the winds “under Cyprus” — a large island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Sometimes in our journey through life we have to abandon certain purposes because of the contrary winds.

“And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea” (Acts 27:5-8).

Despite the difficulties and the contrary winds, the ship could arrive to “the fair havens.” In the early days of the apostles, in spite of the opposition of Satan and “inopportune and evil men” the “gospel ship” continued on its route.

Now, to comment on the journey from “Fair Havens” to the Island of “Melita,” we are going to use the greater part of a pamphlet called PAUL’S JOURNEY FROM THE FAIR HAVENS TO MELITA, AND ITS LESSONS, by G. H. Hayhoe, written about the spiritual meaning of this voyage, since the author expresses the doctrinal Christian truth well.

“The first part of the journey from Caesarea to the Fair Havens, (verses 1-7) is passed over in a very few words, but it is the journey from the Fair Havens until the safe landing on the island, which is given in such detail, and one feels that this is full of deep instruction for us. We can look at the ship as a picture of the church’s outward testimony, the people on board as the true children of God, and Paul himself as standing for the truth called ‘Paul’s doctrine’ (2Tim.3:10), and including all that is properly Christian. When we say “properly Christian” we mean that line of truth which is distinctive and peculiar to this church period, and which connects us with heaven, and with Christ the Head of the church up there.

Those on board the ship decided to start out from the Fair Havens — not, however, at the advice of Paul, but of the others. The Fair Havens would speak to us of the beginning — of the happy oneness seen in the ‘fair’ days of the church’s history. All was well while they walked in the truth, and in the fear of God (Acts 9:31), but such a position is never pleasing to the flesh, and can only be maintained as we walk with God. ‘Time’ is always a great tester, and so we read, ‘Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them’ (verse 9). It is always comparatively easy to start on the path of faith, but the flesh can never continue in it. ‘Sailing’ according to human wisdom is always ‘dangerous’, and we need the Word of God to guide us. We should have our consciences guided by the Scriptures at all times, for only in such a path can we claim His promise, ‘Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble’ (Prov. 3:23).

There is something very sad in the words, ‘the fast was now already past.’ That early devotedness, that ‘fasting and prayer’ which characterized the church at the beginning (Acts 13:3) was past, and one is reminded of the remark of another, ‘There is no substitute for communion.’ When there is not the quiet communion with God and waiting in His presence, we may be sure that trouble is ahead. May these things exercise each of our hearts, so that we may seek to walk in obedience and in the power of the Spirit of God, rather than in paths of human prudence.

This state of things called forth the admonition from Paul, ‘Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives’ (verse 10). This would remind us of his charge to the elders of Ephesus, warning of the grievous wolves which would enter in, and foretelling the ruin of the testimony ‘after his departure’ (Acts 20:29-30). Do we realize, dear saints of God, that if we give up Paul’s doctrine, if we refuse to walk in the truth which God gave to the church through him, then we too are heading for trouble just as the ship in our picture? Let us remember the exhortation, ‘Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus’ (2 Tim. 1:13). We are not only to hold these things as doctrines — though a most necessary thing in itself — but “in faith and love”; for the truth which we know should have its power over our lives to the Lord’s glory.

However, in spite of the warning, Paul’s word was set aside (v. 11) and the ship of testimony was guided by its ‘master and owner.’ Thus men took things into their own hands, and like those of Asia, they turned away from Paul (2 Tim. 1:15) to follow their own ideas. How true this was after the death of the Apostles, and even in a large measure before their death. The haven was not considered to be commodious (spacious and convenient), for we can never expect the truth of God to be spacious and convenient enough to suit the crowd, and so we find that ‘the more part advised to depart thence.’ If we trace through the Scriptures we can see clearly that the majority have never chosen to walk in the path of obedience. Is it not true that there were always but few who chose the narrow path? Let us beware of following the crowd, but rather with a single eye, let us make Christ the Object of our hearts, and His Word the guide for our feet. We will have sweet peace in such a path, though the company may be small.

For some time after his word of admonition, Paul remained silent, and history shows us that ‘Paul’s doctrine’ and the heavenly calling of the church were lost for many centuries after the death of the Apostle. But Paul was still on board, and so the precious truths of which we have been speaking, were hidden within God’s blessed Word for many a long year, quite unnoticed and unheeded. The ship, in the meantime started out for Phenice — that spacious and convenient port — the center of commerce! Such is the desire of many a true Christian — a Phenice church, a worldly church. This is the attempt to make Christianity acceptable to the world, and fit it in with the scheme of world improvement. Strangely enough, the south wind blew softly. God seemed to be giving them what they desired, and do we not hear many Christians, walking in paths of disobedience, telling of ‘the south wind blowing softly’ — of the blessing they are having? It may seem that way, just as when the early church was drifting into the world, but as we remarked previously, time is a great tester, and so it was in our picture. It was their purpose which they supposed they had obtained. Let us ask ourselves, do we want our own plans and purposes, or God’s? Do we know that we have the truth because we have God’s Word for what we believe, or do we just suppose we are right when in reality we are following our own ideas? How good to be able to say, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ and to walk in the path of His choosing.

Oh what a great deal is bound up in those words ‘loosing thence.’ What a sad day it was in the history of the early church when they left the Fair Havens to attain to Phenice. Notice too how they sailed ‘close by Crete.’ All the truth is not given up at once. Christians will say there is hardly any difference between one company and another, but let us ask the question, have they ‘loosed thence’? Whether it is a foot, or a mile, it is the path of departure. Geographically, Phenice is not far from the Fair Havens, and often it seems only a step from the truth into looseness, but what a dangerous step, just as this proved to be a dangerous journey. Nor did they ever get to Phenice, for the Lord hindered them; and so the Lord loves His own too much to allow them to settle down in this poor world.

The soft-blowing south wind did not continue very long, and then what a change! It was followed by a ‘tempestuous wind called Euroclydon’ (v. 14). Such is the way when we follow ‘the master and owner’s’ advice, and set aside the truth of God to accomplish our own purposes. Nor could the ship ‘bear up under the wind’ (v. 15). Thus history shows us that one bad doctrine after another came into the early church and those who chose to remain in a position where the ‘vessels to honor and dishonor’ were all together (2 Tim. 2:20-21), soon found themselves utterly powerless to do anything — they had to ‘let her drive.’ Although there were many attempts made to repair the ship, they found it was all of no avail as the place was filled with quicksands (vvs. 16-17). Even the godly ones in those early days after the death of the apostles, could not repair the damage that had been done. Should this not be a voice to us today? If we allow a little evil, it will only be a question of time, till there will be so much damage to the ship of testimony that it cannot be repaired (1 Cor. 5:6).

However now that the old ship has been allowed to get into such a condition, are we called upon to repair it? No, the ruin exists, and we should be on our faces before God and own it, but the Word of God calls upon us rather to purge ourselves from the vessels to dishonor in the great house of professing Christendom, and to ‘follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart’ (2 Tim. 2:22).

The attempts made to repair the ship were useless, as we have remarked, and instead of things improving, they became gradually worse. ‘The next day they lightened the ship.’ The so-called non-essentials were thrown overboard. Oh, let us beware of those who want us to throw those ‘non-essentials’ overboard, and what is sadder still, the so-called non-essentials are often those things that concern the glory of Christ, and His finished work (which bad doctrine always attacks), and church truth, so dear to the heart of Christ who ‘loved the church, and gave Himself for it’ (Eph. 5:25). We need not be surprised, therefore, that after lightening the ship, the next day they cast out its tackling (v. 19). Even the very apparatus necessary to the proper control of the ship was thrown overboard. Thus we see the course of departure from the truth of God. It is a gradual thing which begins when we ‘loose thence.’ May the Lord give us so to value the truth, that we may seek to walk in the path of obedience at all costs.

(G. H. Hayhoe)

“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away” (Acts 27:20).

This verse is a figure of the “Dark Ages” in the fullest sense. The church’s heavenly calling was lost, because “neither sun nor stars in many days appeared.” Only God could raise up a testimony that would be in agreement with His mind out of so much darkness.

“But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island” (Acts 27:21-26).

Paul, whose advice was rejected (see v. 10), after a long silence, spoke again. Christianity would not have arrived at the state of confusion it was found in if it had obeyed and put into work the doctrine of Paul as displayed in his divinely inspired epistles. As it is written: “the church: Whereof I am made a minister” (Col. 1:24-25).

God revealed what was going to happen in those days to His faithful servant. Likewise, the Lord’s faithful servant today knows what is going to happen in this world, since he has the Spirit of God and the Word of God, the Bible — while the sons of this present evil age stay in darkness.

How good it is to be able to affirm along with Paul:

“I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me”!

“But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms” (Acts 27:27-28).

G. H. Hayhoe continues:

“‘Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him’ (Matt. 25:6) — they realized that they were nearing ‘some country’ (v. 27). And we are getting near to our heavenly home too! Let us sound as they did, and we shall find that this blessed event is getting nearer. At the first sounding it was twenty fathoms, then only fifteen. Yes, we shall soon hear His blessed voice, and see His lovely face, therefore let us seek to be as men who wait for their Lord. While they were waiting and wishing for the day, they were not idle, for the verses which follow show us that there was much activity on board, with Paul, whose advice was once slighted, speaking once again. They did not allow the wind and the waves to discourage them any longer, because they believed God.

The first steps taken after the discovery of their position as near ‘some country’, are very instructive. ‘Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day’ (v. 29). Here we find the proper attitude of those who would seek, in a day of confusion and darkness, to maintain a testimony according to the mind of God. They feared lest they should have fallen upon rocks — there was humility and a sense of their own helplessness. They waited upon the Lord and their confidence was in Him alone. Nor was this movement confined to one part of the world. It went to the ‘four corners’, and the Spirit of God worked in power gathering souls to Christ — the Anchor. Another striking thing about the early testimony was the ‘wishing for the day.’ The bright hope of His coming was before their hearts. What a blessed place when they were thus gathered in confessed weakness, with Christ alone as their Anchor.

The enemy soon made an effort to spoil this work of God, and some of the shipmen attempted to flee out of the ship under color of casting anchors (v. 30). No doubt this would speak of independency, and would remind us of those who leave the collective testimony raised up of God, to follow paths of their own choosing. Independency is not of God. We are members one of another, and the one loaf on the table at the Lord’s Supper, speaks of the one body of Christ composed of all true children of God (1 Cor. 10:17). The Lord Jesus prayed for oneness in testimony, in His beautiful prayer in John 17:21. ‘That they all may be one; as Thou Father art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.’ This oneness was seen on the day of Pentecost when ‘they were all with one accord in one place’ (Acts 2:1), but how soon failure came in and spoiled everything. But are His thoughts about the church which He loved, and for which He gave Himself, altered by man’s failure? No, never! ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever’ (Heb. 13:8).

Notice that the attempt to flee out of the ship — to go off in independency — was ‘under color’ of casting anchors. Such pleas are used by those who take independent ground even today. They tell us they are working toward the same end, preaching the same gospel, using the same Anchor (Christ) as those who would remain in the ship of testimony, but let us not forget the words of the Lord, ‘He that gathereth not with Me scattereth’ (Matt. 12:30).

If we are not gathering with Christ, and to Christ, we are but scattering the sheep — how solemn! We cannot expect the Lord to reward such activities, for His Word declares that ‘if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully’ (2 Tim. 2:5). Dear reader, are you striving according to the rules — the Word of God?

Their plan to escape brought forth a special word from Paul, ‘Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved’ (v. 31). Happily these men were hindered in their purpose by this word of warning, and at this point we may ask our own hearts if we are willing to abandon our course, when the Word of God shows us we are in the wrong. How good it would be if we were willing to follow the Scriptures in all things, and at all times. Undoubtedly we, as individuals, as well as the church of God as a whole, would be spared many a sorrow if such were the case. Too often pride comes in, and we refuse to hearken to the Word when it shows us our mistakes. Truly ‘God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble’ (1 Peter 5:5).

The next few verses are very interesting indeed, as Paul besought them all to take meat. With the recovery of the truth in these last days, what a precious supply of ‘meat’ has been made available to Christendom, for as we remarked before, those on board typify to us all the true children of God. This ‘meat’ was not anything new. It was on the ship all through the journey, but in spite of the rich supply that was there, they had ‘continued fasting’ (v. 33). So now the truth which God has recovered to us is not anything new, but it is, and has been since the days of the Apostles, contained in God’s blessed unchanging Word.”

(G. H. Hayhoe).

“Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you” (Acts 27:34).

It is for our spiritual health that we eat from this rich banquet: the Word of God. It is the necessary food which nourishes the soul. And the promise, “not an hair fall from the head of any of you”, affirms to us the eternal security of the believer in the Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd, who says: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

“And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat” (Acts 27:35).

We have read in the previous verses (vv. 34-35) that there was an abundance of bread on the ship in which Paul was brought captive towards Rome, but that no one had made use of it for two weeks. Then Paul encouraged them to eat the bread for their health. Taking a spiritual application from all of that, it is advisable that we eat the delicious banquet of the Word of God, which, for us is ready at hand in the Bible, the necessary food which feeds the soul.

From this verse, we can draw out another spiritual lesson: the act of Paul, breaking bread after giving thanks, signals the fact that there was a powerful movement of God’s Spirit at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and throughout the world. After so many years without fulfilling the word of the Lord: “this do in remembrance of ME,” the believers in the Lord Jesus began to break bread simply as members of the “body of Christ” gathered only to His Name (see Matt. 18:20).

“Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls” (Acts 27:36-37).

Everyone who was in the boat participated with the Apostle Paul. The breaking of bread is not the act of an individual, but rather of the church. So Christians would know that the breaking of bread, instituted by the Lord Jesus before the church existed, is a privilege bestowed on her. He gave Paul a special revelation:

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

This passage strictly refutes the idea that the Lord’s Supper is not for His church.

“And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea” (Acts 27:38). This verse paints the picture of what is happening today in the Christian profession. The modernist movement proclaims: “We are fed up with the Gospel of Redemption with the blood of Christ; we do not want it. We do not need a Book inspired by God. We are going to throw it all in the sea of forgetfulness. We are rich, and we are prosperous, and we do not need anything” (Compare Rev. 3:17).

“And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship” (Acts 27:39).

The sailors did not consult Paul, who had the mind of God, but worked headstrongly. “They knew not the land”: that is to say, they did not have discernment. The Christian who does not consult his Bible is going to lose his spiritual discernment. “But they discovered a certain creek with a shore.” The spiritual Christian does not see something visible as his goal: “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). “They were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.” “If” expresses uncertainty. But there is nothing uncertain about the destination of the believer in the Lord Jesus: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20).

Was it necessary to risk shipwreck on the creek with a shore? No. With four anchors thrown out, they could ride out the storm until it stopped; they had enough food and they had satisfied their hunger. Why, then, continue willfully with their purpose? Truly, it was the foolish proceeding of a headstrong action.

And where are the prominent leaders of modern Christianity directing the ship of Christian testimony?

“taken up the anchors,” — the fundamental doctrines of faith,

“they committed themselves to the sea” – the doctrines of faith rejected;

“and loosed the rudder bands” — the control by way of the rudder, which is the guiding of the Holy Spirit, left aside;

“hoisted up the mainsail to the wind” — an ecumenical movement, an appearance of great religious activity:

“and made toward shore” — leading to shipwreck (see Acts 27:40).

“And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves” (Acts 27:41).

“The two seas” met in the place where the ship ran aground, and, attacking it with all their strength, they put us in mind of two things the devil is using to undo the Christian testimony — one is rationalism, or rather modernism. The other is the religious ritualism which substitutes “works” for the redeeming and comprehensive work of Christ, the Son of God.

“And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape” (v. 42). Following their agreement was the devil’s evil purpose: the destruction of the Lord’s faithful witness, Paul.

“But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land” (Acts 27:43-44).

The Lord put it in the Roman centurion’s heart to want to save Paul, and he kept him from death. Although the devil had wanted to stop the epistles of Paul, with the true doctrine about the church — her formation, her practice and her objective — God, in His supreme sovereignty, has conserved them in their entirety for the instruction of the believers in Christ Jesus.

“They escaped all safe to land.” Although the ship was ruined, no one on board died. Although the witness of Christianity has been shipwrecked, the Lord is not going to let the soul of even one of His sheep for which He laid down His life die. “I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). Chosen “in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Eph. 1:4).

Acts 28

“And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god” (Acts 28:1-6).

The Lord Jesus, from heaven, revealed to the Apostle Paul (and no one else) the heavenly truths characteristic of the church. This was done so that he, through his verbal teaching and inspired writing, would communicate these truths to the Christians in those days — and even until the coming of the Lord to take His church to heaven, which will end this dispensation of the grace of God. The devil kept trying to kill Paul: in Jerusalem, the Jews attacked him (Acts 21:30-31); on the journey towards Rome, the soldiers tried to kill him (Acts 27:42-43); and on the island of Melita, a viper (a figure of diabolic rage) attacked him. But the Lord always protected His servant, according to His faithful promise (see Acts 23:11), and when Paul did not have any side effects, the Lord used the incident for good — permitting the barbarians to see the power of God manifested in Paul. Then, instead of being the victim of a snake, he was respected by everyone.

“In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary” (Acts 28:7-10).

Paul, after having prayed, used his gift of healing to cure Publius’ father and some other sick people, thus giving credit to the good news of God wherever he preached. Although it is not written that Paul preached the gospel in Melita (or even during the maritime journey), we can be sure that he did not keep silent.

“And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him” (Acts 28:11-16).

The sea voyage was ended when they arrived at Puteoli. On disembarking, Paul and his companions met a group of brothers in Christ. They begged the travelers to stay with them for a week. How wonderful! It seems that the centurion agreed to their wish, even though his duty was to bring the prisoners without unnecessary delay to the emperor’s jurisdiction (read Prov. 21:1).

It had been some time since Paul had written his epistle to the brothers in Rome. Now, on seeing some of them, he “took courage.” What a great comfort!

“And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:16-20).

“The hope of Israel” is the Lord Jesus Christ, her great Messiah; as it was written of Him in the Old Testament: “O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters” (Jer. 17:13). The Lord of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New. “Thou shalt call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Whose people? The Lord’s people!

From the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to his arrival in Rome, his preaching of Christ, the Son of God, was contradicted by the Jews. Not only did they contradict him, they also tried to kill him.

Now, what about the Jews who returned to Rome some years after the edict of the Emperor Claudius, who had thrown them out of Rome? What was their attitude?

“And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not” (Acts 28:21-24).

When the Lord Jesus, already raised from the dead, reprimanded the ignorance of the disciples on the way to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). And Paul spoke in the same way to the Jews in Rome, but they were unbelievers, not disciples, and only some of them received the word with faith.

“And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves” (Acts 28:25-29).

When the poor Jews heard that God was going to bless the Gentiles instead of them, they did not want to hear any more, and they left.

This ends the sad story of unbelief written in the book of the Acts, that of unchanging opposition to the grace of God.

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).

Paul was prevented from moving freely, but he continued preaching the kingdom of God and everything related to the Lord Jesus Christ, in spite of Caesar’s chains; and he encouraged the believers in Rome: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Phil. 1:14). He felt sadness as well, since some preached Christ of “envy and strife” (Phil. 1:15). But he said, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Phil. 1:18).

During his imprisonment in that rented house, he wrote the following epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and Hebrews (this one is anonymous, but its contents reveal who the author was). What a blessed result of Paul’s imprisonment for the Lord’s church!

From two or three passages in these epistles, we deduce that Paul was set free after his first appearance before Nero. “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2 Tim. 4:17). Read Phil. 1:23-26; Philem. 22; Heb. 13:23.

So, the prophetic Word of the Lord Jesus was fulfilled: “he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).