Category: Acts–BibleTrekToday
Mixed motives, opportunity missed!
Scripture reading for June 6: Acts 24
“After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. . “ Acts 24:24-27
Paul was kept in the jail at Caesarea under Roman governors. Felix, the current governor, had a good understanding of the “Way”, or the early church. God had been working on him through other witnesses and now would send him Paul to more accurately share the Gospel message. As Felix and his wife sent for Paul, they received a strong Gospel message and a reasoned message about righteousness and self-control and God’s coming judgment of all men. This message brought alarm to Felix and he sent Paul away, limiting the conviction of his own sinful life view.
But Felix was captivated with a fleshly world view. He loved money and looked at Paul as a source of possible bribes. He possibly thought the Jews might also bring him money to keep Paul in custody. He sent for him and conversed with him for about two full years. God’s patience was on display and Felix and his wife were given great grace. But time passes and so does opportunity to hear the Good News and be saved. Another leader replaced them and another mission field was opened.
Did God give you a season or special opportunity through someone he sent to minister the Gospel to you? Did you respond to the opportunity or did you have mixed motives and miss the opportunity? Do you seize every opportunity to share about righteousness, self control and coming judgment?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending several persons to offer me the Gospel message and receive salvation. Thank You for granting me repentance leading to eternal life. Use me in whatever circumstances You desire to give others the opportunity to find salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Violent disagreement
Scripture reading for June 5: Acts 23
“Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection , nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”” Acts 23:6-9
Paul, himself a Pharisee, knew what it was like to hold belief in the supernatural in a religion where there were others who mocked that belief. As Paul faced accusations against his preaching of Jesus, he perceived the conflict between the factions in Jewish leadership and took advantage of that. He argued for the resurrection of the dead, a key factor in the Gospel message he was ready to share even with these who were opposed to him. This statement brought new discussions and dissension. Luke records that a great clamor arose and there was sharp conflict verbally. It even got so heated that the Roman soldiers felt they had to protect Paul from bodily harm or death.
That night in the barracks of the soldiers where Paul was being guarded, the Lord Jesus appeared to him and gave him a word of knowledge, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Believers are always about the Lord Jesus’ work. Paul had been testifying about the resurrection and Jesus in Jerusalem. God was moving him to a new mission field through unusual means. Conflicts are part of the spiritual battle between Christ’s supernatural resurrection message and the sad view of ‘Sadducees’ who only view life in the natural.
Have you ever argued with someone about supernatural truths or the Gospel? What happened through the conflict or clamor that furthered God’s work? How should we as New Testament believers view doctrinal disagreements with others?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are always working through each encounter and the grid of world views that are strictly natural to bring about repentance and an expanded understanding. I offer my life and belief in Jesus Christ as a daily testimony to those in my path. Use me as You see fit! Amen.
“Who are You, Lord?”
Scripture reading for June 4: Acts 22
“”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.” Acts 22:6-10
Have you ever noticed how many questions there are in Scriptures? By one estimate, there are 183 questions in the Gospels alone. This is because God wants us to think and evaluate the answers so that we might chose to change our minds willingly. In this testimony of Paul, he again recounts his earlier life as a devout Jew who persecuted Christ’s followers. He was on his way to Damascus with arrest warrants for believers there when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, then called Saul. A light shone around him and a voice asked him a penetrating question. He was addressed by name, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Paul (Saul) responded with another question: “Who are You, Lord?” Although Paul knew about Jesus Christ, he did not know Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted personal relationship. This conversation, although heard clearly by Paul, was not understood by those with him. As Paul processed this information, he must have come quickly to the conclusion that his world view of Jesus Christ was in error. His persecution of Christ’s followers was actually a persecution and rejection of Jesus! “What shall I do, Lord?” was the humble request of a heart changed! The result of this bright revelation of Jesus was blindness in Paul, needing to be led by the hand. He obediently followed to Damascus, awaiting instructions.
Have you ever been convinced something was true and found out that it definitely was not? Has a question ever caused you to think more deeply and reflect on your direction? What question would you have for Jesus if He appeared to you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for desiring personal relationships with each of Your children. It is comforting to know that You ask us questions to help us find truth. Help me, as a teacher of Your Word to ask questions that probe the heart and draw people to Your Word and Jesus. Amen.
What is to be done?
Scripture reading for June 3: Acts 21
“And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they had heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to their customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Acts 21:17-22
The early church in Jerusalem was primarily Jewish and Apostles Peter and James were the elders in charge. Paul was sent by Jesus to the Gentiles and he came to Jerusalem to report about what God was doing through his ministry. These church leaders glorified God for what was being done. But there was a concern over Paul’s reception among the many new Jewish converts there. They had received reports of Paul’s teachings to the Gentiles and how Paul had advocated that the Jews who were also in the Gentile church Paul established were told that they did not have to keep the law, circumcise their children or keep Jewish customs. This was causing division.
“What then is to be done?” James and the leaders asked. They came up with a plan to have Paul go through the purity vows of the temple before worship. There were some other Jewish believers who would do this as well to try and win over those who were still zealous for the law of Moses. Their plan was put into place, but ended up in conflict. The crowd was stirred up against Paul and his party and they were ready to beat them and stone them. Roman soldiers intervened to stop the execution.
Does this shock your understanding of the conduct of people who were religious and had trusted in Jesus? Does church leadership always have all the right answers for disagreements? What world view clashes were evident during this encounter of Jews, Jewish believers, and Gentiles and Apostles?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for recording these events in the early church where the Apostles and believers had to work out their world view and live as a believer in Jesus in a culture of mixed backgrounds. Help me to live in an understanding way, bringing peace when views clash. Amen.
It’s Christ’s Church!
Scripture reading for June 2: Acts 20
“And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after My departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them.” Acts 20:25-30
Paul was meeting with the overseers of the Ephesian church as he was on his way to Jerusalem. He knew that this was his last meeting with them in person, after preaching there for two years. He wanted to share critical information that would help the church and its leaders during the difficult times to come. The first truth was that he had shared with them the whole counsel of God. God’s Word is able to save those who believe from death and destruction. It is the calling and responsibility of overseers to preach all God’s Word fearlessly because there would be those who would arise who were ‘fierce wolves’ that would seek to kill and devour Christ’s flock of believing sheep. They would twist the Word of God to draw disciples for themselves and for money. The Church was God’s Church, however, and He had bought it with His Son’s blood. God was watching and all leaders, true and false, would be judged and rewarded!
Overseers are to watch over their own lives to make sure that they are living by faith in the whole counsel of God. Then they are to watch over the flock of God, protecting them from them from the wolves and warning them through Scripture. Paul warned them that some of their own in leadership would prove to be false and like wolves, would be destructive. Paul’s preaching and example was his legacy passed on to the next generation. These instructions are as appropriate today as then.
Have you ever experienced a leader who turned out to be a wolf? What things can you do to protect yourself from this deception happening in the future? What is your responsibility towards the church and its leadership?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are the head of the Church and that You bought the Church with the blood of Your Son. Help me as an overseer to be watchful of my own life and of the flock of which I am a member. May my life, preaching, and example reflect the whole counsel of God. Amen.
“Who are you?”
Scripture reading for May 30: Acts 19
“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and diseases left them and evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the Name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus Whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that he fled out of that house naked and wounded.” Acts 19:11-16
Everyone likes miracles and Paul the Apostle was used by God in ‘extraordinary’ miracles. Pieces of cloth or handkerchiefs that Paul had kept on his body were sent to the sick and demon possessed and they were made well and cleansed. Some Jewish exorcists observed Paul in action and the disciples that worked with him. They thought that they would just adopt and imitate the formula that he was using so successfully. They carefully used the words, “In the Name of Jesus” but added for clarification “Whom Paul proclaims.” The results were disastrous! The demon in the one they sought to deliver took on all seven of these exorcists and beat them up!
To add insult to injury, the demon spoke to them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” That is a penetrating question that begs for an answer. When we try to imitate Jesus or other believers without true faith, we cannot get results. In fact, we may be shown up for the frauds we really are. If we are to be truly used in healing and deliverance, we must know Jesus Christ personally and have the seal of the Holy Spirit declaring we are God’s child. Demon spirits recognize true faith and those marked by God’s Spirit. There is no way we can fake spiritual authority effectively.
How does this record of Scripture help you to understand how spiritual authority operates? How did the evil spirit recognize Paul and Jesus? What was lacking in these Jewish exorcists? Could you face a demonic force with confidence in Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me and filling me with the Holy Spirit. Like the apostles of old, I want to be used by You to bring Good News to those who are hurting and demon possessed or oppressed. Do miracles through me as You have promised in Your Word. Amen.
Tentmaker/preacher/apostle!
Scripture reading for May 29: Acts 18
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because they were of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”” Acts 18:1-6
Lots of people view ministry as a job or profession. But in Jesus’ day in Israel, every young man learned a trade in preparation for a life of service. God called people who were workers to do ministry. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, learned the trade of carpentry. There were many who worked at their profession and served the Lord. There was also a calling as a Levite to the priesthood. This was a special tribe who were designated to handle the sacred articles of worship and lead in prayer and sacrifice. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin and his trade was a tentmaker. This trade was honorable and helped the community and provided for his family. Their work did not define them, but was a tool of serving and worship.
From this world view, Paul became a Pharisee and religious leader of the Jews. He would have learned the Old Testament Scriptures by thirteen and become a member of the synagogue. As Paul found Jesus Christ, he was given an assignment by Jesus to preach the Gospel to Jew and Gentile. He was sent out by the Church at Antioch and it was his custom to go to the Jews first and share Jesus. In Corinth, Paul found other Jews, Pricilla and Aquila, to work with in tent making and also in discipleship. This helped support the ministry and connect with others. His rejection and opposition from the other Jews there caused Paul to declare his innocence from their blood. He shook out his garment as a sign of judgment and turned to preach to the Gentiles.
How do you view ministers of Jesus who work at secular jobs? When people reject these ministers and the Gospel message, are they really responsible for their own destruction? Are we ever to force people to listen or threaten them for their rejection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your sacred calling in my life to learn the trade of farming and care of animals. Thank You for using that to train me for ministry of Your Word and reaching people and caring for their souls. Use me today. Amen.
Gospel truth declared!
Scripture reading for May 28: Acts 17
“Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” Acts 17:29-32
Paul confronted the idol worshipers in Athens, a city full of idols. He first reasoned with them every day. Part of this reasoning was to have them look at themselves and listen to their own poets who declared that they were ‘God’s offspring’. Their bodies were fearfully and wonderfully made. They were not made of gold or silver or precious stones like the idols that their artisans had crafted. Worship of idols was a sign of great ignorance about the nature of God and His offspring.
Paul went on to call them all to repent–change their mind and dispel ignorance by believing the Truth. Worshiping idols broke God’s law and was not loving God with all heart, soul, mind and strength. God had appointed a Man–Jesus Christ, as the standard of judgment for all men, Jew or Gentile. In Jesus was perfect righteousness which God demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead. This Gospel declaration brought two responses initially. Some mocked in unbelief and refusal to repent. Others were drawn to want to hear more, knowing that there was something that they wanted.
How did you respond when someone who believed in Jesus Christ shared truth with you of your need to repent? When we share with others, are we responsible for the outcome? Knowing Jesus had warned them that they would be rejected, mocked and even killed, what motivated them to speak boldly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for bold witnesses who are fearless and full of faith to share the Good News. Thank You for sending them to me in my youth. My love for You and others who are lost moves me to ask You daily for open doors and for boldness to share, even with those opposing truth. Amen.
Singing in the night!
Scripture reading for May 27: Acts 16
” About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:25-30
This story is a contrast of different world views. In Paul and Silas we have prayer and worship, in spite of being in the prison dungeon in chains. In the other prisoners, we find curious listening and probably some mocking of their faith and worship. In the jailer, we find despair in his assumption that his life was over if the prisoners had escaped. I imagine all would have been shaken up because of the strong earthquake that opened the doors and unfastened the shackles. Why wouldn’t they escape with open doors and loosened chains? That should have been the logical outcome. Faith works by love!
The contrast is one of worldly logic and human nature and its fears with faith and supernatural peace. Paul and Silas were prisoners of Rome but free to worship and pray. They entered the world of God’s abundance and divine provision where all things are possible. As they worshipped, heaven did what human strength or reason could not. Invisible forces of angelic power and God’s providence shook the jail and those inside and outside. The jailer and his household were saved and redeemed. The magistrate ordered their release from jail. Paul and Silas demanded an apology and got one. They visited other believers and departed, having done God’s will and work.
How do you think you might have responded to being beaten and imprisoned for the Gospel? Why does God allow His people to go through this kind of suffering in doing His work? What role did these apostles have in reaching the jailer and his family?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sharing with us Your amazing ability to answer prayer. Thank you for using Your people, even in suffering, to witness hope to those imprisoned by their own sinful world view. Lead me by Your Holy Spirit to live in such manner as to have people ask how to be saved. Amen!
Handling sharp disagreements!
Scripture reading for May 26: Acts 15
“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:36-40
Being believers in church leadership does not mean everyone will always be in agreement. This passage records a ‘sharp’ disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, a young believer who had deserted them on their earlier missionary journey. (Acts 13:13) This disagreement resulted in Paul and Barnabas separating and two missions journeys instead of one. (Not a bad thing!) Prayer was made over both teams and they were sent out by the church.
What do we learn from this record of a sharp disagreement? First, each person has a different world view and level of faith from knowing God and His Word. God is working in each life through the Holy Spirit to bring unity and love between brothers. When we don’t see opportunities or problems in the same way, prayer is needed to seek God. Sometimes, peaceful separation for a time will bring clarity. God’s grace is always at work to accomplish His plan and purpose. Mark went with the encourager, Barnabas, and was restored to ministry, eventually writing the Gospel record that bears his name. Paul got to mentor another missionary, Silas, and multiplied ministry. Churches were encouraged and built up by both ministers and their mentors. It was a winning result that moved God’s kingdom forward.
Have you ever had a sharp disagreement with another in ministry or the church? How did God work this out for His good and your growth? Does this help you to think differently about handling disagreements? What do you learn about handling disagreements agreeably?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You work out all thing for the good of those that love You. Please take our fleshly disagreements and different opinions and make something good come forth. Please correct my attitude and actions when needed towards those who disagree with me. Amen.