BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 25

Paul’s Journey Begins

Acts 13:1-12

As I reflect back on my life I have often wondered why God did not seem to open certain doors of opportunity to me. The conclusion to which I have come is that He did not believe I was ready spiritually to handle the situation. As frustrating as it has been I have come to realize that He has been right. The lesson today has once again caused me to focus on two of my greatest short-comings. It is in the areas of prayer and fasting that I have found the greatest failures in my walk with the Lord. Sure I pray when there is a crisis situation, but as a lifestyle it is rather hit and miss. My only redemption at all is the time I spend contemplating and studying His word.

As we look at the life of the church today it is evident that overall we are suffering from being anemic because we lack the nourishment that can only come from spending time on our knees. Earnest prayer will bring the healing that we so desperately need. We see in the life of the Church at Antioch that out of their prayer life came the call to move outside the walls of the church and penetrate the pagan world around them.

Acts 13:1

The church at Antioch was made up of a very diverse group of people. There were the prophets who moved from place to place as God directed them. They would have been men who foretold of events to come and what those events that were occurring at that time meant. The others were those men who taught daily in the church over a period of time. They would be the equivalent to a Bible study teacher or teaching elder in the church today.

This verse now tells us who the teachers of the church in Antioch were:

• First mention is Barnabas of whom much has already been said.
• Simeon who most likely from Cyrene in Northern Africa. There are some who think that he is the same Simon who bore the cross of Jesus.
• Lucius, of whom little is known, except he too was from Cyrene in Northern Africa.
• Manaen who had been brought up with Herod
• Saul, the former persecutor of the church.

1. What was the importance of the diversity of leaders in the church at Antioch?
2. Why was Barnabas listed first?
3. What does it say about his role in the church at that time?
4. Why was Saul listed last?
5. What influence did he have within the church?
6. What indication is there that Saul and Barnabas would be called out for a special assignment?

Acts 13:2

The key phrase in this verse is, “While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting.” (New American Standard) Other translations use the word “worshipping.” Whichever word is used there is present of the church being totally given to focusing on God. They have shut out the world and its distractions and are listening for the word to be spoken to them. God honored this kind of reverence and send the Holy Spirit to them. The message was for the church to “set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

1. What does ministering to the Lord mean?
2. How does, what was taking place in the church at Antioch compare with how we approach our time together on Sunday and Wednesday night prayer time?
3. In what ways could it be said of us, in light of what this verse says, that we are involved in ministering to the Lord?
4. What would it take for us to change the way we approach God?
5. What would be the results for us even there was a heart and mind change in us?
6. Why were Barnabas and Saul, specifically called out from the body to become missionaries?
7. What qualifications did they possess that would make them particularly suitable for the tasks ahead?

Acts 13:3

The church having received a command continued to prepare their hearts to carry out what God had called them to do.

• They first fasted. This would indicate that the process took some time. Fasting is giving oneself totally into God’s hands. Each one wanted to be a clean vessel dedicated to God’s work.
• They prayed. We can be sure that they wanted to understand what this command to send Barnabas and Saul meant. It would change the dynamic of the church and the lives of these two men.
• They “laid their hands on them.” The church was now commissioning and confirming them in the work to which God had called them.
• They sent them away. Having received confirmation through prayer and fasting Barnabas and Saul were sent on the new journey.

 

1. If the Holy Spirit had commanded them to send the two men out from the church why did they find it necessary to spend additional time in prayer and fasting?
2. What may they been praying for specifically?
3. What indicated that they were truly open to the direction of the Holy Spirit?
4. What did being willing to release these two men to go out from the church say about the church at Antioch?
5. What do we need to do to be in this position to free people for ministry?

Acts 13:4-5

Notice the church sent the men out. They did not take it upon themselves to leave except under the command of The Holy Spirit. The first major stop on this new undertaking was the island of Cyprus. It would be a natural thing for Barnabas to want the people of his home to hear the good news of Jesus. Upon arriving at the port city of Salamis they immediately began to proclaim the message in the synagogues. Until he was finally excluded from speaking in the synagogues this would be the pattern of Saul and his travelling companions, in this case Barnabas. There they would find the common ground of the Jewish religion upon which they could share Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.

John Mark who had come up from Jerusalem to Antioch was also travelling with them as an assistant. This was the practice of Saul throughout his ministry. He continually sought to mentor those who had the potential of becoming leaders in the church. John Mark was also the cousin of Barnabas.

1. Why do we read twice in these last two verses that Barnabas and Saul were sent out?
2. Who was instrumental in this commissioning?
3. Why was Barnabas the perfect travelling companion for Saul?
4. Why did they first travel to Cyprus?
5. What does this tell us about how we should proceed in sharing the gospel with others?
6. Why did the men always begin speaking in the synagogues in every city?

Acts 13:6-12

Barnabas and Saul did not stay in Salamis but travelled the full length of Cyprus finally arriving at Paphos located on the west coast. There they encountered a magician, who was a Jewish false prophet, named Elymas. Men like him became influential because the society was very superstitious.

Sergius Paulus, the governor of Cyprus, was described as a man of intelligence. When he heard that Barnabas and Saul had arrived he sent for them in order hear the word of God.

True to the nature of such men, Elymas attempted to refute the message the two men was presenting to keep the proconsul from believing in Christ. Saul finally had enough and being “filled with the Holy Spirit,” looked intently at Elymas and described him as:

• One full of deceit and fraud
• Son of the devil
• An enemy of all righteousness
• One who makes crooked the straight ways of the Lord

Now called Paul, he called for blindness to fall upon Elymas. Immediately he became blind and sought for someone to lead him around.

Upon seeing what had happened, but more importantly Paulus was “amazed at the teaching of the Lord.

1. Why did Barnabas and Saul not spend more time in the city of Salamis or the other cities of Cyprus?
2. Having been influenced by people like the magician why did Sergius Paulus send for Barnabas and Saul?
3. Why does the Bible mention his intelligence?
4. Why was it important for someone like the governor to listen to the gospel?
5. Why do men like Elymas seek to hinder the sharing of the gospel?
6. In what way was the strong measure taken by Paul appropriate?
7. How can we deal with individuals who are so strongly opposed to listening to the gospel and seek to influence others?

You

1. Look at the church from the perspective of its diversity.
2. How accepting are you to those who may be different than the majority in the church?
3. Consider the ways you worship at church and during the week. Do you spend time in fasting and truly ministering to the Lord as the church at Antioch did?
4. Upon what do you focus during the times with God?
5. When you spend quality time you can expect that God will give direction to the church.
6. Be aware that God has right in our midst people He may be calling to special service. Be open to the fact that it just might be you.

We

This passage presents us with a clear picture of the type of church He will use to impact the world. If we are a church that is willing to accept all different kinds of people and spend time in concentrated prayer and fasting then we can expect that he will call from our midst the Barnabas’ and Saul’s of the world. It is important that we begin to understand that true worship has nothing to do with music or methods or traditions or rituals. It is all about give our full attention to honoring and praising God and realizing He is the only One worthy of our true devotion. This is our reasonable service to Him.

Our work starts with those with whom we are most familiar, our families and friends and expands from that point in ever widening circles. We need to be willing to answer the call no matter where it leads us.

Additional Notes:

RT-At this particular time in his life there was no call on John Mark’s life for him to be set apart for the work to which Paul and Barnabas were consecrated. (Acts 13:2-3)

C-John Mark went with Paul and Barnabas when they returned to Antioch. This event is mentioned here because of it repercussions it would later have on the relationship between Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 13:2-3)

GC-How do we minister to the Lord? Of course one of the ways is fasting. One thing for sure the Antioch got it right. From that church began the missionary work of one of the greatest Christians that has ever lived. (Acts 13:2)

RT- Unlike the Jerusalem church, which only proclaimed the gospel in other places because of persecution, the church at Antioch was the first to send out missionaries voluntarily. (Acts 13:2-3; 15:36-41)

RT-Paul did not seek the calling as a missionary but was chosen for this aspect of the Lord’s work as he conscientiously taught and preached in Antioch. (Acts 13:2-4)

DM-The church at Antioch obeyed the command of the Holy Spirit and set apart Paul and Barnabas and sent them out to do the work to which they had been called. It was the start of intentional missionary work. (Acts 13:2-4)

C-The Holy Spirit directed the church at Antioch to commission Paul and Barnabas for the word for which God had prepared and called them. The church obeyed the Holy Spirit. They prayed, fasted and laid hands on the two men. The two men with the blessing of the church set on their mission to carry the gospel to places that had not heard the message. (Acts 13:2-3)

S-Although the words go, sent etc are not explicitly use in this passage they were certainly implied when God told the church at Antioch, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The men undoubtedly understood that God was calling the two men to missionary work. (Acts 13:2-4)

C-Paul and Barnabas travelled to the city of Salamis and began to proclaim the gospel for the first time in Asia in the synagogues. (Acts 13:4)

GC-One who is wise is the one who seeks to hear the word of God. (Acts 13:7)

C-Sergius Paulus a proconsul in Paphos desired to hear the words being spoken by Paul. When Bar Jesus tried to interfere and turn him from the faith he had discovered, the Lord struck Elymas blind. Seeing what had happened, the proconsul believed the message of Paul, “being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.” (Acts 13:6-13)

RT-Intelligent man given the opportunity to hear the teaching about the Lord without outside distractions will respond with a wonderful amazement concerning the good news of good news of Jesus Christ. (Acts 13:7, 12)

DM-The proconsul, Paulus, of Paphos believed having seen the power of God bringing blindness upon Elymas, the magician, and also being “amazed at the teaching of Paul.” (Acts 13:11-12)

GC-Paulus responded to the word of God having witnessed His power. He believed upon hearing the amazing teaching of the Lord. (Acts 13:12; 18:8)

RT-Paul called for a darkness to descend upon Elymas and he became blind for a period of time. This man had tried to keep Paulus in the dark about the good news of Jesus Christ. When God closed the eyes of Elymas Paul was able to bring spiritual sight to Paulus who became a believer. (Acts 13:11-12)

TM-The blinding of Elymas was object lesson that gave validity to the word from Paul. (Acts 13:11-12)

RT-Paul and Barnabas were just messengers carrying to others, “The teaching of the Lord.” (Acts 13:12)

 

 

Lesson 24

The Power of Prayer

Acts 12:1-25

There have been many times when I have prayed for a particular situation and it seems that God is not answering my prayer. Sometimes it takes the perspective of hindsight to understand that He indeed was working out the details while I impatiently wanted Him to respond immediately. Once I found myself in a situation that went on for months. I was looking for a job in a particular profession and the market in that field just dried up. While I was frantically praying not knowing what the future would bring the Lord opened up a position at the International Mission Board which. Taking that position eventually opened the door of becoming Purchasing Manager. Had I taken another job somewhere the many opportunities that opened for me in my time at the IMB would have never come to fruition. I am thankful now that doors closed and the job market was so tight. Sadly I do not always pray with this kind of intensity. Sometimes I find myself praying almost as if I do not expect God to answer. In the churches life am I part of the solution by setting the example for others or am I part of the problem of prayer neglect. I too often fall far short in the area of prayer.

This is exactly the position many churches find themselves today. We give lip service to prayer but do not pray in a way that we really expect God to do something in the life of the church. There is a tendency to spend more time trying to figure things out for ourselves. The evidence of this mindset is our little time depending on God to help us deal with the issues facing us. James said it very well, “You do not have because you do not ask.” He is right we may ask but not with the right attitude of worship and dependency on God. It we were to truly ask in “Christ Name” the results in our churches most likely would be quite different than what they are.

Today we will see the power of prayer at work and how true dependency on God is in direct contrast with given adulation to man. Peter was the recipient of prayer done in faith. Herod received judgment because he forgot he was just a man.

Before getting into the actual text a little background on Herod will help set the stage for the events that took place. The Bible can be a little confusing because the name Herod is seen in a number of different places. The question would be are these all the same men? The answer is no. The gospels deal with Herod the great and his sons. Herod Agrippa I spoken about in this passage would be the grandson of Herod the great and son of Herod Antipas. He had been trained in Rome but aligned himself very closely with the Jews and was obedient to the Mosaic Law.

Acts 12:1-3

Herod’s actions at this time in persecuting the church was not for religious reasons but to gain popularity with the people as seen in his arrest of Peter. His first act against the leadership of the church was to have James the brother of John killed. The Jews now had someone on their side against the church. It is interesting to note that Herod accomplished this while there was an absence of a Roman governor. Festus had died and a new governor had not arrived otherwise his actions would have been illegal under Roman law.

1. Why would Herod go to such lengths to please the Jews?
2. Why did he not think that obeying the law was a better to prove that he was a good king?
3. Why were the Jews in such agreement with his actions?
4. What are so examples that you can remember when being popular was more important than doing the right thing?
5. What are your thoughts about those times?
6. Were they worth the effort on your part or what you saw done to others? Why?

Acts 12:4

The timing of his arrest worked in Peter’s favor. It took place during the Passover season, particularly the seven days following called the feast of unleavened bread. During those days no executions could carried out so Peter was put into jail to be held for execution. In the mind of Herod he was such important prisoner that he had him chained and assigned four men to guard him constantly.

1. In what ways does it seem strange that Herod would be so committed to keeping the Jewish law but would put an innocent man like Peter in jail to await execution?
2. What charges could he possibly bring against Peter?
3. Why did Herod take such drastic measures to assure he would not escape?
4. In what ways do we sometime seek to destroy someone in the name of religion?
5. What are the drastic measures will we use to accomplish it?

Acts 12:5

Here is the response of a church truly seeking God’s will. They were in fervent prayer for Peter. Almost assuredly they were praying for his release. This prayer was going on for the whole time of the feast as Peter spent his time in jail waiting.

1. What one word indicates the kind of prayer that was being lifted up to God?
2. What would be the content of their prayers?
3. What did want to see as a result of the prayers?
4. What would be the benefits of answered prayer
5. Why do we pray for the things that we do?

Acts 12:6

The night before the possible execution of Peter, the people were praying, the guards were guarding, and he was sleeping. His actions would indicate some things about what was going on in Peter’s mind.

• Here was a man totally at peace with his situation. Like Paul he would say, “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12)
• He did not expect the unexpected to take place.
• He would have known that the church would be praying for him.
• There was no fear about what Herod could do to him.

So he slept while the guards watched over him.

1. How would you describe the kind peace that Peter displayed?
2. Why could Peter have such a peace?
3. What did he expect God to do?
4. What keeps you from sleeping at night?
5. What can we learn from Peter’s approach to what he might be facing?

Acts 12:7-11

God sent an angel to rescue Peter from the jail before he could even be brought before Herod. Notice the angel did not just whisk him away but proceeded in an orderly fashion from waking him, to causing the chains to fall away, to having him get dress for travelling outside the jail. What probably led Peter to thinking he was having a vision was the ease at which they moved past the guards and out the gate that opened for them allowing them to enter the streets of the city. It was only after the angel left him that he realized that it was not a dream at all.

1. Why did God send an angel at night to rescue Peter?
2. Why did God not want for him to come to trial?
3. Why rescue Peter and not James?
4. Why did Peter think that he was having a vision?

Acts 12:12

Peter initial reaction was to go to where he knew the church would be meeting. The central meeting place at that time was at the home of Mary, John Marks mother. He would expect that there would be a prayer meeting going on for him.

1. Why would Peter immediately go to Mary’s home?
2. How did he know that he would find a gathering there?
3. What does this tell us about the practice of the early church?
4. What did they expect as they met in prayer?
5. In what ways were there actions the same or different in responding to a situation like the imprisonment of Peter, i.e. a crisis?
6. What would take for us to begin to have the same attitude as did the early church?

Acts 12:13-15

Sometimes it is difficult for us to believe that God is actually answering our prayers. The responses that are seen here range from joy at the presence of Peter to one of disbelief. Prayers without an expectancy that God is going to answer them are only wishful thinking.

1. Why did the people not belief that it was actually Peter outside the gate?
2. For what were the people praying?
3. How reflective is their prayers reflective of our own?
4. How does God want us to pray?
5. In what ways does God answer even our weakest prayers?
6. What does it take for us to recognize God’s intervention in a situation?
7. When is it that we usually see the hand of God operating in our lives?

Acts 12:16-17

Finally his knocking got their attention and they opened the door not to find an angel but Peter in the flesh. They had been praying but were amazed that he was actually standing before them. He recounted to them all that had happened. His instructions were for them to let James and the other leaders to know that he was alright. Luke then says, “He left went to another place.” We are not told where he went but it was probably somewhere out of Herod’s jurisdiction.

1. Why were they amazed that Peter was standing before them?
2. Why did Peter give them all the details of his rescue?
3. When we hear what God has done in a person’s life what does their story do for us?
4. Why was it important to tell James and the others in the church what had occurred?
5. Why did Peter leave for another location?

Acts 12:18-19

Of course the fact Peter was not to be found in the morning caused quite a stir among the soldiers. They knew that to lose a prisoner would lead to their own execution. When Herod found out that Peter was not in jail, he questioned the guards and had them executed. His actions show his lack of regard for human life. First he had James killed for no reason. Then he had Peter put in jail with plans to kill him. When he could not be found the guards were killed. The last statement in verse 19 shows the callousness on his heart.   After Herod had caused such a disturbance with his acts he left Judea and went back to Caesarea.

1. Why would God rescue Peter when He knew that it would lead to the death of the guards?
2. Why would Herod respond by having the guards executed?
3. What affect did his decision have on him personally?
4. What does all that we have read show us about men like Herod?

Peter and the church provide us with the example of a people who depended on God for the answer of prayer and the guidance in life’s issues. In the final verses of this chapter is seen those who took just the opposite approach to a difficult situation.

Acts 12:20-21

For some reason, which is not explained, Herod became angry with those who lived in Tyre and Sidon. The two cities were part of the country that fell under his rule. Evidently he had cut off food rations to them. They came and won over Blastus an official in Herod’s government. They were seeking to make peace with him so that he would continue to provide for them.

Acts 12:21-22

In contrast to what we have seen earlier, Herod’s subjects were so anxious about those things which the Bible tells us we are not to be concern ourselves like food and clothing. (Matthew 6:25-32) Because their hearts were not right with God they became dependent on the capricious nature of a man like Herod. It is obvious that they would use any means to get what they wanted. Remember that the famine that had been prophesied by Agabus was taking place in Tyre and Sidon also. They even went as far as proclaiming him to being a god.

1. What differences do you see between the church and the citizens of Tyre and Sidon?
2. Why were the people of Tyre and Sidon so dependent on Herod?
3. Why was their allegiance misplaced?
4. Which of the two groups best exemplify how you deal with difficult situations?
5. What causes the greatest anxiety in your life?

Acts 12:23

Judgment came to Herod. He died in great pain.

1. Why did such harsh judgment come to Herod?
2. In what way would the death of Herod impact the citizens of Tyre and Sidon?

Acts 12:24

With all that occurred Luke almost as an afterthought stated and by the way the church continued to grow. What an understatement. James had been killed and Herod had then gone after one of the main leaders of the church and had him arrested in order to kill him. Herod then was judged and died. In spite of all that Herod had tried the church responded by growing even stronger.

1. Why would the church continue to grow during difficult times as has been shared in this lesson?
2. What lessons can be learned from all of these events?
3. In what ways did it show that God was still in control?

Acts 12:25

It is interesting that during all of these events Saul and Barnabas had been in Jerusalem. They finally returned to Antioch after delivering the gift from the church located there.

1. What message would they be able to take back to Antioch?
2. How would it help the church to grow?
3. What did the events do for Saul and Barnabas’s faith?
4. Take a good look at your prayer life to see if when you pray that you believe that the prayer will be answered.
5. Think about your willingness to spend the time needed to see what God is going to do?
6. Think about the things that cause anxiousness in your life and begin the process of turning them over to God.
7. Read again Matthew 6:25-33 to understand God’s plan for your life.

The future we want for Bethany Place is found in Acts 12:25 which tells us that the church continued to grow and multiply. The church that grows will be the one that faces difficult situations by depending on God not fallible man. There is but one sure fire way to make this happen. We are to become like the Jerusalem church which came together to pray fervently for the needs of the church. We must believe with all our hearts that God has not given up on us and wants to release us to accomplish His work in the place He has placed the church.

Additional Notes:

DM-Herod joined in the persecution of the church. He first had James killed with the sword. When he saw how popular that act was with the Jews, he had Peter arrested. His purpose for arresting him, besides pleasing the enemies of the church, was to have him killed also. The thinking was that surely if the leadership of this Jesus movement were eliminated it would fall apart. As we know God’s church cannot be stopped. God had greater plans for Peter and the other Apostles and untimely death was not part of them. There was a gospel to be shared with the world. (Acts 12:1-4, 6, 11)

RT-Why was Peter spared while James, the brother of John, was killed by Herod?       (Acts 12:2, 6-11)

RT-Paul and Barnabas were sent forth by the Holy Spirit and not man. (Acts 12:4)

GC-It is important to believe that God will answer our prayers.                                   (Acts 12:5, 12, 15; James 1:6; 5:15)

OC-Peter was delivered from certain death because of the prayers of the church.         (Acts 12:5-12)

RT-The angel was a spiritual being who was not limited by time and space. Peter possessed none of those characteristics as a human being, so the gates had to be unlocked for him to pass through. What may have seemed to be a dream was in fact a reality.   (Acts 12:10-11, 17)

GC-Corporate and private prayer are both part of a believers life. (Acts 12:12)

RT-Praying without faith is no better than not praying at all. (Acts 12:12-16)

RT-Even if it were a heavenly messenger as the people contended, Peter should have not had to continue knocking. They should have responded by checking out what was happening rather than having continued discussion with Rhoda. Their delay could have put him in eminent danger. (Acts 12:15-16)

RT-Why would the people have any reason to believe that Rhoda was lying? Is this a situation where reality appeared to be too good to be true. (Acts 12:15-16)

RT-Peter did not berate the people for delaying in opening the gate. It was more important for them to understand what God had done in bringing about his release.     (Acts 12:16-17)

C-After Peter escaped from prison with the help of an angel he had to leave the area because for the time being it was not safe for him to be found with other believers. This would have also put them in jeopardy. (Acts 12:17)

C-Herod had those guarding Peter, who according to the law were guilty of letting a prisoner escape, were executed by Herod. (Acts 12:19)

GC-One the aspects of a follower of Christ is the fact that only the One true God is worshipped. (Acts 12:22-23)

C-Because Herod was willing to receive worship and acclamation of the Sidonians as they began to calling him a god, God struck him down and he died. (Acts 12:22-23)

DM-Herod’s undoing was the acceptance of the worship to him by the people. He rather than the Apostles died in a horrible way. (Acts 12:22-23)

RT-The description given of Herod as appearing to being the very voice of god was unfounded. Shortly after the words were spoken by the people he died. Following this event we find the words that are contained in vs. 24. (Acts 12:23)

C-Herod, who persecuted the church, died at the hands of the Lord, but the word of God continued to grow exponentially. (Acts 12:24)

RT-The perpetrator of death, King Herod, was gone but the life giving word of God lived and grew. (Acts 12:23-24)

RT-The evidence of God working in the lives of those were following Him in true worship cause His word to continue to manifest it the lives of His people and cause exponential growth in the Church. (Acts 12:24)

RT- There is a phrase that might appear to be strange in its emphasis. He said, “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied (Acts 12:24)

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 23

The Church in Action

Acts 11:19-30

I have been a part of three churches in my adult years. Sadly, two of them no longer exist. My wife has worked as a secretary of three different churches as a secretary. Sadly, one of them no longer exists. What happened in the life of these bodies of believers that led to the closing the doors of these churches? There are number of reasons but there is one that stands out in my mind. The churches that closed forgot the purpose for which they were established in the first place. It was to reach the world for Christ. Instead of carrying out this mandate they became ingrown and the members became comfortable with the status quo. If others joined them that was fine if not they were satisfied with who they were. Eventually, because they no longer reached out into the surrounding community attendance dropped off slowly until only a few people were left. I am afraid that quite often I have been part of the problem. Over the years I have sometimes gotten so busy with what was taking place inside the four walls and my part in perpetuating that environment that I lost focus on those in need outside the church. In my mind God has called us to be a Simple Church where everyone utilizes their giftedness to accomplishing a few things well so that individuals like me can do the same.

The things mentioned above could not come about because of the failures of one person. Each and every member is partly responsible. It is the collective attitude that leads to a church no longer being affective in spreading of the gospel. We live in a county that is 80 percent un-churched. There are people all around the church that do not know Jesus, but yet the number of people attending is steadily decreasing. Why is this taking place? We cannot blame it on people moving away or other reasons that we might give. The question then becomes have we forgotten the purpose for which we became a church?   In the lesson today we will see the contrast of the church in Jerusalem who had become somewhat ingrown and was not obeying the Great Commission and the church at Antioch that was birth in a very hostile environment.

We will see in this study a church that by it actions is in direct contrast to what was seen in Peter’s confrontation with leaders in Jerusalem. By their actions the Jerusalem church appeared to be one of reaction. They only responded to the events that were occurring around them. Antioch shows what a church of action looks like. It did not respond but provided the example for those like the first church to follow.

Acts 11:19-20

When persecution broke out in Jerusalem many of those who had been there began carrying the gospel to other cities and countries. It appears that God was not going to wait for the church in Jerusalem to continually deal with their prejudices as seen in last week’s lesson. His plan for the salvation of the nations was not going to be hampered. Men who had heard the message began to spread it everywhere they went.

Initially they spoke only to the Jews in places like Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. However some unnamed disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene began to share with the Gentiles in Antioch.

1. What was different about these disciples in comparison to those we had just studied in the first part of chapter 11?
2. In what ways were the actions of the church in Jerusalem a hindrance to the furtherance of the kingdom?
3. Which group best describes who we are?
4. Why did you answer in that way?

The city of Antioch was mentioned twice in these two verses. It is important to know something about the city that was to become the base of operations for the work of Paul.

Antioch was located in the southern part of what is present day Turkey. At that time it was the third largest city in the Roman Empire behind only Rome itself and Alexandria in Egypt. It was the home of the goddess Daphne. Not only was it a very pagan stronghold but also was full of immorality. It was into such a decadent society that the gospel was introduced in Asia.

It is interesting that God would have a church planted in a place which would be a stronghold for the devil. We can almost hear the words echoing which were spoken at Caesarea-Philippi when Jesus told Peter in the hearing of the other disciples, “Upon this rock I shall build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18)

Acts 11:21

Against such overwhelming conditions, “the hand of the Lord was with them and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.” Here is seen a contrast between those who questioned Peter about eating with Gentiles and those who made it their business to make sure that anyone who would listen would hear the good news. God honored this kind of faithfulness and courage and the church in Antioch was established.

1. In what ways might a place like Antioch be an easier mission field than we might expect?
2. What gave these men the courage to speak out in such a decadent society?
3. Why did the people in Antioch respond by believing this new message?

Acts 11:22-24

So profound was these events that even the church in Jerusalem heard about it. Barnabas was the man chosen as the representative of the church in Jerusalem to see what was taking place in Antioch. They could not have chosen a better representative to send. He was one who would encourage the new believers. True to his character when he arrived he

• Witnessed how the grace of God had been poured out on the people
• Rejoiced
• Encouraged them to remain faithful with all that was within him.

Once again a description of Barnabas is given. He was

• A good man
• Full of the Holy Spirit
• Faithful

Under his guidance and counsel “Considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”

1. Why did the church send Barnabas to Antioch?
2. Why was he the right man?
3. In what way would his attributes have been an example to the church?
4. What would be the results of having someone like Barnabas there at that critical time in the life of the church?
5. If someone else from Jerusalem had come, what may been the consequences?
6. What kind of behavior or attitude is seen in us when we come to church?
7. In what ways are we like the believers in the Jerusalem Church?
8. Barnabas?
9. Which will bring about greater results?

Acts 11:25

In a terse sentence we are told that Barnabas went in search for Saul to bring him to Antioch. He travelled to Saul’s home town of Tarsus. Saul was last heard of on his way out of Caesarea as he made his escape and headed towards Tarsus. The book of Galatians tells us of his itinerary from the time of his conversion. At this point he had been in Tarsus about nine years. It is interesting that Barnabas would know exactly where to find him. There are two possibilities

• As Galatians tells us Saul’s reputation was growing in the areas of Syria and Cilicia. (Gal. 1:21-23)
• The two men may have kept up some kind of correspondence over that period of years. That would have been so in character for Barnabas to have kept in touch.

Galatians also tells that Saul was not just bidding his time during those years but was honing his skills preaching in the areas around his home town. Once again God was preparing him for the task to which he would ultimately be called.

The Scripture does not specifically tell us why he believed that Saul was needed in Antioch. It is possible that Barnabas saw that the church was growing beyond his capacity to minister there. He may have also realized in order for the church to continue to grow someone with Saul’s unique gifts, abilities and experience that Saul must be found. Saul had been trained as a teacher who would know the Old Testament. Barnabas on the other hand as we have seen was a person who cared about people deeply and spent his life encouraging those around him. The man now needed to help the church grow was a teacher and Saul was fully qualified to lead the church forward.

He was also a man of who was comfortable both the Gentile and the Jewish world which gave him inroads into the lives of people where Barnabas would be considered more of an outsider. Whatever the reason it was a good decision. Both men now were able to give full attention to the teaching. Under the teaching of Saul and Barnabas the church continued to grow.

As almost an afterthought Luke states that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. This began as a term of derision but soon became one that the church claimed for itself. It literally means of the party of Christians.

1. What exciting things were going on in the church under the guidance and encouragement of Barnabas?
2. Why did Barnabas go to look for Saul?
3. How did he know that Saul was the right person to the church?
4. What gifts and other attributes would Saul bring to Antioch?
5. What was the importance of those years that Saul spent in Tarsus?
6. What attributes of the church in Antioch would be crucial for our own church to take on?
7. What did the church possibly learn that would benefit us?

Acts 11:27-28

God was about to give the Church at Antioch an unexpected opportunity to put their new faith into action. It is strange that a group of prophets would make their way to Antioch with a message of a worldwide famine. This church had only recently come into existence. Not only that, all of the new believers came from a background of the worship of false materialistic gods. Agabus came and shared this prophecy with this young church.

1. Who was responsible for Agabus coming to Antioch?
2. Why would he bring such a message to a church in a world surrounded by pagans?
3. What did he expect them to do?

Acts 11:28

There was actually a famine that occurred just Agabus had prophesied in the reign of the Emperor Claudius. The timing of it was in the years of either 46 or 47 A.D.

Acts 11:29

We dare not miss the message of these verses. As has been just mentioned the young church heard that their brothers in Jerusalem were going to be suffering during the coming famine. Notice the fact that the famine would be worldwide. This means that they would be affected also. Knowing this fact they did not let it affect their actions. They only knew that they needed to help their brothers and sisters in Christ who might be worse off than they were. The Bible says, “In the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.” In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Paul writes of those in Macedonian church who, “according to their ability, and beyond their ability of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints.” (in Jerusalem) The reason for their generosity was, “They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”

It was out of a grateful heart for all that God had done for them that they wanted to give to others even when they might be in need themselves. This is a church of action and not reaction.

Acts 11:30

This gift was entrusted to the two men who had guided them and taught them what it meant to be a Christian. They had seen Saul and Barnabas in action. An underlying reason was that Saul and Barnabas were known by the church in Jerusalem and could give a report of what God was accomplishing among the Gentiles.

1. In what ways did the church in Antioch set an example for us of true Christian love?
2. How do you think the church in Jerusalem would have responded if given the same prophecy that the church in Antioch had received?
3. What does it say about the importance of the teaching and being a role model in the life of a church?
4. Why was this section of the lesson titled the church in action and not in reaction?
5. Why did the church entrust the gift to Barnabas and Saul?

The lives of those who were willing to step out of the norm and share the gospel with strangers and build relationships that ultimately led to the beginning of a new church within a pagan community. This one act led to the sharing of what they had by these new believers with others that were in need.

1. Look at your heart to see if you are willing to carry the message to those outside your normal routine.
2. Look at your own behavior and see if the description given of Barnabas fits you.
3. Determine what you can do to help the church grow. Both Barnabas and Saul saw the importance of helping this new church grow in the knowledge of God.
4. Ask yourself with what role is the church willing to entrust to me?

All of the activity that is taking place with the Leadership Study Group and the Pastor Search Committee is for one purpose. If we put into place the structure is biblical based and the godly leadership that God wants in the church, we can get on about doing what God has intended for us all along. He truly wants us to focus outward doing those things that glorify Him. That is why we need to be in prayer and also growing individually and corporately in order to meet the unexpected and normal challenges that have faced churches since the first century.

There was a real Spiritual energy flowing through the church at Antioch. Hopefully we will seek God in a way for that same energy to return to Bethany Place in the coming months. We are to be the Church that is known for our actions in serving our community and not reactions to what others are doing.

Additional Notes:

GC-Is one who does not stand in God’s way. (Acts 11:19)

C-While some of those scattered after the death of Stephen only shared the gospel with Jews in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, there were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who started a church among the Gentiles in Antioch. (Acts 11:19-21)

GC-Everywhere a Christian goes he has the empowering indwelling Lord with him. He is always in His hand. (Acts 11:21)

C-When news of the events taking place in Antioch reached Jerusalem, the apostles sent Barnabas to see what was happening. (Acts 11:22)

GC-He has his ears open to what God is doing in other places. The Christians in Jerusalem were aware that God’s grace had fallen on those in Antioch. Barnabas was sent to verify what was happening. (Acts 11:22)

C-Barnabas was the right person to send to Antioch. While others may have tried to get the church there to conform to the ways of the Jerusalem church, as we will see later, Barnabas provided the kind of encouragement they needed. His only desire was for the people to remain true to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24)

GC-As was his practice Barnabas provided encouragement to the church at Antioch calling them to be steadfast in the faith (with a resolute heart) and to remain true to the Lord. (Acts 11:23)

C-During the time that Barnabas was there at Antioch many people became followers of Christ. (Acts 11:24)

GC-The description of Barnabas should apply to us as well. It was said of him that he was:

1. A good man
2. Full of the Holy Spirit
3. Full of faith

As a result of his witness many of the people in Antioch became followers of Christ. (Acts 11:24)

C-Barnabas soon realized that the work needed someone like Paul so he left Antioch and went in search of Paul. When Barnabas found him he brought him back to Antioch. Paul and Barnabas remained at that church for a year teaching many new disciples the ways of Christ. (Acts 11:25-26)

GC-We should always be aware of the fact the work of God is greater than any one man can accomplish. Barnabas needed the gifts that Paul possessed. He travelled to Tarsus and brought him back. It was a wise decision. Now the work would grow because the two men were able to spend whatever time was needed to teach the new believers properly. Paul and Barnabas stayed an entire year in Antioch. Paul would eventually remain in Corinth for approximately eighteen months. (Acts 11:25-26; 18:11)

DM-Barnabas sought out Paul in Tarsus and brought him back to minister with him in Antioch. (Acts 11:25-26)

C-The Bible tells us that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)

C-When a famine occurred during the reign of Claudius there was an opportunity for the believers in Antioch to help the church in Jerusalem. They sent relief funds to Judea. Paul and Barnabas were chosen to carry this offering to the churches in Judea. (Acts 11:28-30)

 

 

Lesson 22

Peter’s Defense

Acts 11

Over the years I have had the privilege and opportunity to attend many training conferences both for the work I did and those that have been church related. In addition to those I have been able to go on four overseas mission trips. What I have discovered is that when I have tried to share what I have learned for the most part people either seem uninterested or do not want to change the way that things are being done. I have come to the conclusion, that unless they have been with me which was not always possible, there would have to be some different ways of having them understand what I was trying to share. I might attempt to paint such a clear picture for them of what I had heard that they would buy into my excitement. I might walk them through the process by which I came to my conclusions. The last possibility would be to provide them with a copy of the conference material and the notes that I made and allow them to discuss the information and come to their own decision. Today we will look at the way Peter handled the situation which he faced.

Sometimes we get so locked into a culture that we do not understand that changes need to take place. We do not want to deal with the real issues that may be affecting us by putting them on the back burner and talk about superficial things. The church in Jerusalem, like us, needed to come to grips with the fact that its world was changing. We find ourselves in a position of either coming to an understanding of what needs to take place in the church or continually seeing ourselves lose more and more people. These are exciting days. We have a real opportunity to listen to what God is telling us through His word that will help us to once again grow into a dynamic church. Today we will see how Peter handled a critical moment for the church in Jerusalem and how the church continued to expand as others were open to what God was doing.

Acts 11:1

Good news spreads fast. The church got wind of what had happened in Caesarea even before Peter returned from his trip.   The one thing they understood was that the “Gentiles also had received the word of God.” What is not told is what this meant for the church.

1. What implications might this kind of news have for the church meeting in Jerusalem and other parts of Judea?
2. What kind of changes might this force the church to make?
3. What would it take for news of this kind to be spread about Bethany Place?

Acts 11:2-3

What a contrast can be seen between the new Peter and the Church in Jerusalem. He had just been through a number of events that transformed his life and would from that point on impact his perspective of how to carry out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18) All the Church could do was hold on to the old concepts of how God was to work through them.

The reaction of the Jewish believers was to confront Peter. Their words almost seemed to carry with them an accusatory tone, one of condemnation. They certainly did not appear to be pleased with what they had heard. It is amazing how they were able to jump to conclusions based on what had been told to them from others without actually hearing first-hand what Peter had say.

The pervasive elitist attitude which could be seen by what they said, if allowed to continue, would set a dangerous precedent for the church. One only has to look the track record of the Jews of including those outside their nation. They failed miserably in carrying out God’s mandate to be priest to all people.

By all appearances their statements seem to put Peter in between a rock and a hard place. Either he had done something awfully wrong or they had a major heart problem. Sadly, the church in Jerusalem was continuing in this false concept of who and who should not be allowed to receive the grace of God. The standard for inclusion into the church was being set that only those approved by them would be allowed to join

Peter now found himself in a very tenuous situation which would affect the direction of the church. The church had reached a defining moment that would ultimately determine its future effectiveness in spreading the gospel to the rest of the world.

Peter could have responded in a couple of different way. Before looking at what he did, let us think about how he might have dealt with the situation.

• He may have become defensive which would have accomplished nothing.
• He may have backed down and apologized for his actions.
• He may have begun to question himself and doubt his actions.

 

1. Why did the Jews respond so strongly to Peter?
2. Why did they jump to conclusions before hearing the facts from Peter?
3. What was the danger in the attitude they displayed?
4. How could it have affected the spread of the gospel?
5. What should have been the attitude of the believers?
6. How much is this like how we handle the ministry of the church?
7. What did they hope to accomplish with this type of response to the circumstances?
8. In what kind of position did this leave Peter?
9. How would you respond if you were on the receiving end of such harsh words as showered on Peter?

Acts 11:4

With the word “but” we know that the way Peter is going to answer will be in direct contrast to the reactionary attitude of those in Jerusalem. Peter chose a different tact than those shared above. Rather than responding directly to their accusations he used a teaching technique that Jesus used quite often. Peter wanted to take them along with him on the journey he had just completed. He did what any good historian would do. He involved them in each and every step as they fit into the whole picture. He wanted to paint a picture for them of what actually took place, then based on that information they could come to their own conclusions. He wanted them to take the journey with him step by step. This is the sign of a good teacher. Involve the listener in the narrative and they will find answers for themselves. Peter did not want to meet force with force but to tell what happened “in orderly sequence.”

1. What would have been the wrong way for Peter to have responded to the accusations?
2. What do you think of the method Peter used to get the church on board with what God was doing?
3. How would the technique he used to present the information help diffuse the situation?
4. What can we learn from what Peter did?
5. Why do confrontations like this occur?
6. What advantage did he have? (He had been there and had the facts on his side.)

Acts 11:5-14

Peter in these verses gives a full account of all that took place in Caesarea that is found in chapter 10. He emphasized in verse 12 that he did not go alone but that there were six circumcised believers who went him and witnessed all that took place. In the Jewish world three witnesses were needed but in the Roman world there would need to be six of seven who had seen and could verify the account. With that many who had seen what had happened his account would have been more credibility. Like any good teacher Peter was drawing all of them into events and building toward a climax.

1. How might this orderly account help the accusers see the hand of God in what Peter had done?
2. Why was it important for the six men to have gone with him?
3. In what ways are the facts more compelling that rumors and accusations?
4. What did Peter hope to accomplish?

Acts 11:15-17

Although what had been said up to this point was important, the next verses help to solidify for the church that God indeed was working in the lives of Gentiles. Peter made several points that wrapped up his case very nicely.

• While he was speaking the Holy Spirit fell on the people.
• The Holy Spirit manifested Himself in the same way the apostles had experienced on the day of Pentecost.
• Peter remembered the words of Jesus promising the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
• He did not want to stand in the way of the outpouring of God on the Gentiles.

It was now decision time for those who had heard his narrative. Peter had literally forced their hand. There was no way they could remain neutral. Either they would, “Stand in God’s way” or they would agree with Peter that God had done a great thing in the life of Cornelius. It truly was a defining moment in the lives of each of those present. One decision would hamper the work the other would help the gospel to spread and impact an ever widening circle of people, Jew and Gentile?

1. What do you think of the ending of Peter’s account?
2. What were the options for the church?
3. What would be the impact of either decision they might make?

Acts 11:18

These final words of Peter illicited two reactions from the group assembled there. They quieted down and then began glorifying God with the words, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

1. What brought about the change in the attitudes of the people?
2. From the narrative that was presented by Peter what changes had taken place in his life?
3. How should this narrative help us when confronted with questions that are very difficult to answer?

Try to understand that as the early church faced challenges to the status quo you also must deal with a world that is changing all around you.

1. It is important for you to ask questions relating to how we have come to the decisions that will impact the church.
2. You should consider what your part will be in making the church much stronger than it is today.
3. Learn all you can from many sources about the changes that are being suggested.
4. Be open to hearing new ideas without jumping to conclusions about what direction the church should take.

When we as a church face a difficult issue we have a real example of how to diffuse most issues. It is providing clear understandable facts. The one other characteristic to put into place is the use of tact.   Peter gave valid reasons for the actions he took. It was not until the end of his explanation that he made the statement about not standing in the way of what God was doing in the lives of Gentiles. We would be well served to use this format. Rather than moving right to the bottom line it is far better for the sake of unity to explain very carefully each step taken to reach a decision. Once again I believe Acts is giving us much guidance in the decisions that the church is trying to make in regard to Leadership.

 

 

 

Lesson 21

Cornelius Finds Jesus

Acts 10:34-48

When I was a kid in elementary school I had difficulty with certain aspects of math namely fractions. Algebra and Trigonometry I never did comprehend very well, but it was fractions that really gave me problems. I just could not seem to get the whole division thing how you had to invert one set of numbers to be able to come up with the correct answer. You can imagine my joy and relief the day it finally clicked in my brain how it all worked. I have experienced many other challenges in my life much more difficult than math. Each time that God gives me a break through I am so thankful to Him.

The church has from the beginning face challenges that needed to be confronted and conquered by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are in the midst of such a challenge right now. We are being asked to figure out the leadership style that will best allow for us to advance the kingdom of God in the community surrounding the church. We certainly need God’s guidance as we move forward. There is a hope that the problems that have seemed unsolvable will not continue to confront us. A new direction for the church will only occur as we break down some the barriers that have hindered us and come up with new solutions to face a new day.

It is important to note that nothing can happen until there is meeting of the minds. Unless we can come together with a spirit of unity God will not be able to carry out His work in the church. The key as we have seen in the lesson today is that God brought two totally different people with diverse backgrounds and belief systems and made them united in heart and mind.

The passage being studied today finds the church at one of its defining moments. How the people involved handled it would impact the future of the church. In the next couple of weeks the church will deal with the issues brought on by what happened in Caesarea and Antioch. The decisions made were dependent on the reaction of the leaders in the Jerusalem church to the events that begin with what took place in the rest of Acts 10.

Acts 10:34-35

The opening remarks by Peter are a direct response to the words of Cornelius and the description given by the three men in Acts 10:22. When Cornelius said in Acts 10:33, “we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord,” it was a defining moment in the life of Peter. His words, “I most certainly understand now,” was reflective of the work that God had been doing in his heart. Cornelius’ statement was the missing piece to the picture of what God was trying to accomplish for His glory.

What was it that God had been trying to show him that he NOW understood?

• God shows no partially.
• Men who fear Him and do what is right are welcomed into His kingdom.

In a way Peter saw that it was God who had been changing him to meet with someone whose path he would have never crossed if God had not had His hand in bringing them together. The events that have been studied individually now can be seen in light of the larger scheme of God’s plan for His church and the world today. This is the reason the approach has been to present each event separately to show how each was dependent upon the other in order for Peter and Cornelius to meet.

That message had been there in Scripture all along. All the way by to Solomon is seen that God desired to work in the hearts of the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Isaiah 56 speaks of foreigners joining themselves to the Lord.

1. Why did it take the words of Cornelius to finally open the eyes of Peter?
2. What did he now understand that he had somehow missed even back in Joppa when he saw the vision?
3. What was different now?
4. What are some of the things in our own lives that cause us to be blind to what God is doing?
5. What was so important about all that had occurred up to this point?

Acts 10:36-39

Once again as he had done before gave a brief history of Jesus fixing in the minds of the hearers the true identity of Jesus and what He did while here on earth. This was done to dispel any rumors or misinformation about Jesus that may have been broadcast about by the Jews and Gentiles alike. Peter tried to reassure the people that what he was telling them was accurate by stating that the apostles had been witnesses to all that Jesus did. As Peter continued he shared the part that the Jews had played in the death of Jesus.

1. Why was it so important for Peter to take the approach he did in sharing about Jesus?
2. What did want to establish in the minds of those assembled?
3. Why did Peter interrupt his account by explaining that he and the other apostles had been witnesses to all that Jesus had done?
4. Why did he include what the Jews had done to Jesus?

Acts 10:40-42

Peter wanted to emphasis that the story did not stop with the death on the cross. God raised Him from the dead. He continues to give proof that Jesus is truly alive. His account covered the facts that:

• The chosen witnesses ate with Him after the resurrection
• They had received the command to preach to the people
• They were to give testimony to His appointment by God as Judge of the living and the dead

 

1. Why did Peter keep what he said simple and straightforward?
2. Why did Peter not give specific examples of what Jesus had actually done?
3. What was different in the ministry that Peter was doing in Caesarea as opposed to Lydda and Joppa?
4. How does this compare with the way you might share with someone?

Acts 10:43

Peter went one step further. He says, in essence, do not just take my word for what I am telling you. Look to the prophets. He said, “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

1. Why was it necessary for Peter to bring what the prophets had said into the discussion?
2. What do you think of Peter’s approach up to this point?
3. What would you do differently?

Acts 10:44-48

What occurred at that moment could only have come as a result of hearing that through Jesus they could receive forgiveness for their sins, thus finding salvation. At that point the Holy Spirit fell on them as evidenced by the speaking with tongues and the exalting of God. Notice that Luke used the term “circumcised believers” to describe those who had come with Peter from Joppa. Their reaction to all that was taking place was one of amazement.

Peter immediately recognized what had happened. His desire was that those who “had received the Holy Spirit just as we “the apostles” did” be baptized. It did not take any persuasion for the men with Peter to agree that Cornelius and his household had met the requirements for baptism which is salvation in Christ alone. They were “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Peter then spent several days with them discipling them in their new found faith.

1. What was the key element of Peter’s message that the people heard that opened their hearts to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
2. What are the important factors that have been studied that led to this moment?
3. Why did Luke describe the men with Peter as not just believers but circumcised believers?
4. Although they are not mentioned again, what important role might the men play in the future?
5. What evidence do we need today that a person has fulfilled the requirements for baptism?
6. Why was it necessary for Peter and his companions to spend several days with Cornelius?
7. What does it say are the needs for new believers in our churches today?

 

What were the pieces of evidence that validated what Peter was saying?

Summary:

It was necessary for someone like Peter, A Jewish follower of Christ and an apostle to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. If anyone without his qualifications had been instrumental the conversion of a Gentile would have been suspect as best.

As we shall see later two of the critical issues in the early church involved the conversion of Gentiles. Peter was involved in the decision making process and the resolution of both of them. Remember, with a different results in those two meetings the church today might have a completely look to it.

Each of the last several lessons have shown that every decision made and every step that each of the people took was of great consequence in its affect on the lives of believers and non-believers both then and now.

As you participate in the discussions about the events now taking place remember that each step is important and none of them occur in isolation.

1. Pray that the church will make godly decisions as we proceed.
2. Search the Scriptures for a better understanding of all that is being proposed.
3. Do not be afraid to ask questions of those who are involved in the process.

If we have learned anything from these lessons it is not to get ahead of God. He truly does want to bring all the pieces of our lives together if we will just take it a step at a time. We sometimes want things done according to our own time table which quite often leads to disaster. Peter did not know the future when he left Jerusalem but he was willing to be led by the Holy Spirit. We should follow his example and allow God to open and close doors. If we do this the right decisions will be made.

Additional Notes:

C-While Peter was speaking to the whole household of Cornelius about the movement of God in the world through Christ, the Holy Spirit fell on all those in the house. They then were baptized. (Acts 10:34-48; 11:17)

GC-Because God does not show partiality we are to be like Him. (Acts 10:34: Col. 3:11)

GC-It is critical to the spread of the gospel to be a witness of what God has already done in one’s life. (Acts 10:39, 41)

GC-Each of us has been called to preach (proclaim or evangel). Our message is always to be to testify Jesus. One of the aspects of Jesus to which we do not pay enough attention is that of judge. (Acts 10:42)

GC-Through Christ’s name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness. (Acts 10:43)

GC-On three different occasions we are told that a man believed and his whole household.

1. What does this say about the influence a man can have in his family in the matters of faith?
2. What caused the families respond as they did?
3. What does it tell us about the respect that each man had from those in his household?
4. Look also at the diversity of these men.                                                                           (Acts 10:44; 16:31; John 4:53)
5. RT-It took something out of the ordinary to prove to the Jews that indeed the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and that they were now part of God’s kingdom. (Acts 10:44-48)
6. RT-As new believers the Gentiles wanted to be discipled immediately. Therefore, they asked Peter to remain with them for a period of a few days. Can you imagine the kind of teaching they received from one who had been with Jesus for the three years He was here on earth? (Acts 10:48)

 

Lesson 20

Christ Invades the Gentile World

Acts 10:23-33

I don’t know about you but the episode being discussed today is like so many books that I have read. There are times that I get so caught up in the story that I do not want to put down what I am reading. As the characters get more entwined in the events surrounding them I just have to keep going to see how they are going untangle themselves. Of course I always want a “they lived happily ever after” ending, although it does not always work out that way.

If I had been with Luke I would have been setting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what those who were sharing with him were going to say next. Most of the times stories end with the climax. For me what is found in Acts 10 is only the beginning of a continuing narrative that reaches all the way down to today. I hope and pray that I will never become so familiar with what took place in the early church that I lose the thrill of what God was doing in the lives of such a diverse group of people.

We should never forget how history, with all of its twists and turns, affects every one of us. Rick Warren has said in essence that no act or event in one’s life is ever wasted. How true that is for all us in as we journey together as a church. The decisions that are made today will have an impact on the next generation of believers. We have the opportunity to see God’s word as being the most important thing that we can pass on them. Luke certainly wanted us to know our heritage and if we believe with all our hearts that what he wrote is important we will want to pass it on. What is God doing in your life with what you are learning today?

Acts 10:23

The mystery of what God was doing is about to be unraveled. Even at this point Peter only has his vision to ponder and the command of the Lord to go with the men. The men who had come only added a small piece to the puzzle by telling him that a godly man, Cornelius, was waiting to hear a message from him. But what did it all mean? Peter was to embark on a journey that would forever change the history of the church? It is interesting that some of the people of Joppa travelled with him. They may have just wanted to learn more from him. Curiosity may have been a factor or they wanted to be a part of what God was going to do next. This side of heaven we will never know the real reasons.

1. Why was Peter not given any more information by the Lord?
2. What did the men that were sent to him know at this point?
3. When in your life have you been called to be obedient without having all of your questions answered?
4. Why was it important for us that Peter made this trip from Joppa to Caesarea?
5. Why did certain people from Joppa go with him?

Acts 10:24

Before Peter even arrived at the home of Cornelius, Cornelius had gathered together quite an assembly. He had convinced his family and friends to be there in anticipation that God was going to do something special.

1. What was going on in the life of Cornelius that he would bring all the people together?
2. What did he expect to happen?
3. What may have been an event in your life that you just could wait to share with all those you knew?
4. To what length did you go to make sure that they would have a part in what had taken place in your life?

Acts 10:25

When Peter actually came to the home of Cornelius it was Cornelius himself who went out to greet him. This would have highly unusual of a man of his position with servants and other staff to do his bidding. His first reaction to this man of God, the one bringing the message that he was to hear, was to fall down before him in worship. If the words “worship him” had not been included in the text, his actions may just be seen as one of gratitude. The fact that Luke inserted them would indicate more than an attitude of gratitude. This act should not be surprising. Although he was a God fearing man, he was still a Roman. In the Roman culture man worship was prevalent. It was expected for every person in the empire to look upon Caesar as a god. The fact that Christians later on refused to honor the Caesar in this way brought more persecution to the church. For a man of God, like Peter to come to him would illicit the same response of worship that was seen in the actions of Cornelius.

What is disturbing is how much like Cornelius people are today. From the adulation given to men like the pope to the worship of celebrities in sports and entertainment many are guilty of putting man before God.

1. Why did Cornelius answer the door?
2. What did this say about his desire at this point?
3. In what way could this be construed as just gratitude?
4. What would indicate that it was more than that?
5. When have we come close to doing what Cornelius did if in no other way than in the mind?
6. Who or what may be one of your god’s before whom you bow down?
7. What is the answer to keep from getting caught in this trap?

Acts 10:26

Peter immediately addressed this area of the worship of man with Cornelius. His response indicated the work that God had been performing in his life. He said, “Stand up; I too am just a man.” That sentence is packed full of things that we can learn.

• Peter was an apostle who in humility understood that fact did not give him special privileges or make him any holier than anyone else.
• He was making this statement to a man who under normal circumstances he would hate. Cornelius was a Gentile, a military leader of Rome, the nation which was the oppressor of Judea.
• Helped Cornelius to see that Christ leveled the playing field.
• He was striking at the heart of Caesar worship by showing that there is no man on earth who deserves to be worshipped.

This brings to mind some questions?

1. What can we learn from the statement of Peter?
2. What was it about Peter’s attitude that most reflects the desire of your own heart?
3. How did it open the door for what Peter had to say to all those inside the home?
4. What is the danger when we either take ourselves too seriously or allow others to hold us in high esteem?
5. What does it take in our lives to keep who we are from being divisive in our relationships to others?
6. How did Peter exemplify the right attitude in building relationships?

Acts 10:27-29

There is no indication that Peter had any idea that a there would be a number of people assembled to hear what he had to say. His remarks began to immediately break down the barriers that could have hindered the message being heard by those present. He gave God the credit for helping to understand the new relationship that he would now have with the Gentiles. They were no longer to be considered unholy by the mere fact that they were Gentiles. This revelation had brought him into the home of Cornelius without “raising any objections.” Although not mentioned who else was to benefit by Peter’s reactions to the Gentiles?

1. As you read Peter’s words in what ways might they be an example for us if face with a similar situation?
2. What barriers might exist in our own lives that need to be destroyed?
3. How important is it for us to be willing to go and meet people that we might not even know just because the Holy Spirit has prompted you to do so?

Acts 10:29

It was only after entering into the home of Cornelius and seeing the people assembled there did he ask, “For what reason you have sent for me?” It is important to note that God had not revealed to Peter why he was to go to the home of this Gentile. This very fact did the following:

• Peter had to wait on God.
• It allowed for God’s plan to be worked out.
• It kept Peter from developing a number of strategies based on his own conclusions.

1. Why was it important for the sequence of events to occur as they did?
2. How could have Peter destroyed any possibility of sharing God’s message?

Acts 10:30-33

Following the question that Peter asked, Cornelius gave an account of the events that had led up to asking Peter to come. Peter needed to hear first-hand what Cornelius expected of him. After explaining what had happened Cornelius ended with two statements:

• The first indicated how much he appreciated the fact that Peter was willing to come.
• He basically said to Peter, we are all waiting for you to share the message you have for us with great expectation.

 

1. Why was it important for Peter to hear the account first hand from Cornelius?
2. Why was it important for Cornelius to share all that had taken place?
3. What did the statements at the end of Cornelius’ story tell us about his heart and attitude?

In the same way God has a message for you this week. How are you to prepare for it?

• As you read God’s word this week pray that He will reveal a life changing message to you?
• Prepare your hearts to hear what He has to say to you through others.
• Come to the gathering next Sunday with anticipation that God wants to meet you there.
• Let your whole focus be on God and that He wants to transform your life
• Understand that it is the Word spoken and written that can transform a willing heart.

We will only meet the Cornelius’ of this world if we are willing to go out beyond the doors of the church. We do not know what opportunities God might have in store for us. Notice that Peter went out from Jerusalem with no agenda. We are to follow his example by going to the place where we are needed. Each step of the way prepares us for the next one. Next week we will see the results in the lives of Peter and Cornelius was worth all of the effort God used to bring these two men together.

Additional Notes:

DM-Peter went with the servants and devout soldier sent by Cornelius. He entered into the home of a Gentile where he preached the message of salvation. The response of Cornelius was to believe in Jesus. Not only did he accept Christ but his whole household joined him in that decision. (Acts 10:23, 25-48; 11:14, 18)

GC-Even after we become followers of Christ it is important that we continually make ourselves available before God to hear the message he has for us. In Acts it was the spoken revelation that Cornelius and his family heard. Today the message (revelation) is through His written word. (Acts 10:33)

RT-Cornelius was waiting because God told him to send for Peter and wait. Peter went because God told him to go.

Finally there was an expectancy of what God was going to do because all the pieces of the puzzle were in place. All they knew of Peter was that he was the man who was to bring them the words they so desperately needed to hear, so they waited, ready to listen.

Like every messenger that God has ever sent, Peter had one responsibility before him. He was to speak only those words God commanded him to speak. What was the message Cornelius and those with him needed to hear? Peter knew the content of the message he was commanded to speak. It was from God and not man. Man’s salvation is too important to be left to man’s wisdom, rules and methods. Salvation is always God’s good news to man. The peace that Cornelius sought comes only through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all.

Salvation did indeed come to that house that day because one man had the faith that God truly had good news for him and another man had the faith to go and tell others of that good news.

It is clear that both of the players in God’s drama had learned the lessons that God was teaching them very well. (Acts 10)

RT-Partly because Peter was willing to enter the house of Cornelius the people were willing to hear what he had to say. It is important to go where God tells you to go. Peter under the influence of the Holy Spirit spoke those words that brought the whole house- hold of Cornelius to the point of decision. (Acts 10:23-44; 11:15)

 

Lesson 19

Peter’s Defining Moment

Acts 10:9-23

Some years ago I planned to do a study of the lives of men and women of the Bible to determine the defining moment for each of them in their relationship with God. What I discovered as I began that although there may be one major turning point there are a number of decisions we make that impact the rest of our lives. I, like you, would have to admit that turning my life over to Jesus is the most important choice that I have made. After that it would be marriage, whether to have children etc.

Spiritually, other than becoming a follower of Christ, the defining moment for me occurred as I have shared before about thirty-Seven years ago. The decision to begin to study God’s Word has been a life changer. I often tell people if they don’t like what they see in my life, just think what I would be as if God was working on me through His Word.

Like each of us, somewhere in the history of every church it reaches at least one crossroad. At that point in time it must decide what kind of church is it going to be. All too often this decision or decisions made are based on ME or WE and not what God wants to happen in HIS church. Those choices affect everything that is then done from that moment on. Bethany Place is no different. What we have done in the past is now reflected in who we are today.

We are now at one of those defining moments. Based on what is decided about our direction will determine our future. There are a couple of possibilities. We can continue as we are or look at a different leadership model. The new model for us is really not new at all but is totally biblical. The church would be shepherded not by a single pastor but a team of what is called Elders. Either way we must be absolutely sure that whatever we do it is according to God’s purpose for us.

Like us the actions taken by the players in the events that occurred in Acts 10 and 11 had a great impact on the early church and have repercussions down to the present day.

Acts 10:9-16

As was seen in our previous study, while God was working in the life of Cornelius, the Lord began dealing with the heart of Peter. He was about to prepare him for the unexpected encounter that lay ahead. As any good Jew would do he went into a time of prayer about noontime. It was one of the three times a day a Jew would pray. As has already been described above another of those times would have been 3 PM the hour Cornelius was in prayer the previous day. Notice that God was able to speak to the heart of both men because they sought Him in prayer.

As Peter began to pray he became hungry. God used that occasion for Peter to see a vision of unclean animals being lowered in a sheet. This occurred three times. After each vision Peter was commanded to eat of the animals. Being a good Jew he protested having only eaten those things considered clean by Jewish food laws. God’s final statement to him was, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

1. What examples would indicate that Peter was a good Jew?
2. Why would God use such an extreme example to get Peter’s attention?
3. Why did He not explain to Peter what He was doing?
4. Why was Peter allowed to see the vision three times?
5. Why was this vision so important?
6. What made it more effective? (The fact that he was hungry helped get his attention.)
7. In what areas of our lives have we responded as Peter did?
8. How many times have we said I can’t do that because?
9. What are some examples that you view as God working in your life for His glory?

Acts 10:17-20

Peter did not understand at that point what all that had just happened to him meant. It was at that very moment that the messengers arrived looking for Peter. Verse 19 tells us that he was still thinking through what God had just shown him when the Holy Spirit gave him another command. He was to go with the three men who had shown up at the door of the house where he was staying. This was to be done without knowing why they were seeking him. The only thing at this point that Peter had to know was that God had sent them to him.

1. When in your lifetime have you sensed that you were to proceed to do something without knowing all of the details?
2. What was your initial reaction?
3. What did God do that gave you the assurance that you were on the right path?
4. What were the results when you obeyed the command to go forward?
5. What were the consequences when you failed to act?
6. What details were left out of the instructions to Peter?

Acts 10:21-23

In his discussion with the men sent to get him they began to fill in part of the picture for him. They related the events that occurred the prior day to Cornelius. Their description of him would have not come from the lips of Cornelius but their first hand knowledge of him. Once again he was described as

• Righteous
• God-fearing
• One who was well-spoken of by the Jews

Because of his character the three believed that God had directed Cornelius to send for Peter to hear what he had to say. Therefore they were willing to make the journey. Based on their testimony Peter asked them to stay with him that night.

1. If given the opportunity how would another person describe you?
2. How would such a testimony about someone else influence the way you dealt with that individual?
3. How much credibility would you give to such a story, today?
4. Although not written, in what ways do you think that Peter was beginning to understand the events of that day?
5. Why was he willing to give them lodging?
6. What did this indicate that Peter was going to do?

As you reflect on the events surrounding Peter’s defining moment there are several things that you can do:

• Make a list of the things in your life now or that were in your past that may have kept or are keeping you from serving the Lord.
• As you pray over each of the things on your list, which one of them would hold up under the scrutiny of God in His word?
• After dealing with any issues your next step is to determine what spiritual gifts God has given you to use in His service?
• Be obedient servants and begin serving.

If we as the church were to follow the example of Peter and Cornelius just consider the peace and fulfillment that would come into each of our lives. We do not have search for salvation that Cornelius so desperately desired for himself and his family. It has already been given to us. In thanksgiving for all God has done for us our focus in life should be how we can serve Him with all our heart.

Additional notes:

OC-Peter became victorious over prejudices. (Acts 10:9-16, 27-29, 34-35; 11:4-10, 17-18)

C-God set the stage for Peter to go to the house of Cornelius by showing him what He considered clean and unclean. The visions Peter saw gave him a new attitude towards Gentiles. He was then able under the power of the Holy Spirit to enter the home of a non Jew. (Acts 10:9-29; 10:34-35; 11:4-12)

GC-One must be careful not to become legalistic. (Acts 10:14; 11:2-3)

RT-Cornelius made a statement to Peter to which every church should give attention each time it meets. It must be the primary reason we come together.

When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius the words he heard were, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Important conditions were met for this story to have meaning for us today. First they came together. They were there because they had a common need and desire. Even with the understanding the people possessed there was a void in each of their lives. For that reason and only for that reason they had assembled themselves to listen to the message of God.

We need to pause here and turn to Romans to see the important ingredient to these events. In talking about man’s salvation Paul penned these words. “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?” He ended up this discourse by saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Rom. 10:13-15)

GC-One must remember that God is the creator of everything. We are to be careful not to consider unclean what God has cleansed and made holy. (Acts 10:15: 11:9)

S-Peter was commanded to go with the men sent by Cornelius to ask him to come to his house. (Acts 10:20; 11:12)

S-The Bible tells us that Cornelius was divinely instructed to send for Peter to come to his house. From the lips of Peter Cornelius would hear a message of salvation.         (Acts 10:22, 32-33; 11:13)

OC-Peter became victorious over prejudices.                                                               (Acts 10:9-16, 27-29, 34-35; 11:4-10, 17-18)

C-God set the stage for Peter to go to the house of Cornelius by showing him what He considered clean and unclean. The visions Peter saw gave him a new attitude towards Gentiles. He was then able under the power of the Holy Spirit to enter the home of a non Jew. (Acts 10:9-29; 10:34-35; 11:4-12)

GC-One must be careful not to become legalistic. (Acts 10:14; 11:2-3)

RT-Cornelius made a statement to Peter to which every church should give attention each time it meets. It must be the primary reason we come together.

When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius the words he heard were, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Important conditions were met for this story to have meaning for us today. First they came together. They were there because they had a common need and desire. Even with the understanding the people possessed there was a void in each of their lives. For that reason and only for that reason they had assembled themselves to listen to the message of God.

We need to pause here and turn to Romans to see the important ingredient to these events. In talking about man’s salvation Paul penned these words. “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?” He ended up this discourse by saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Rom. 10:13-15)

GC-One must remember that God is the creator of everything. We are to be careful not to consider unclean what God has cleansed and made holy. (Acts 10:15: 11:9)

S-Peter was commanded to go with the men sent by Cornelius to ask him to come to his house. (Acts 10:20; 11:12)

S-The Bible tells us that Cornelius was divinely instructed to send for Peter to come to his house. From the lips of Peter Cornelius would hear a message of salvation.         (Acts 10:22, 32-33; 11:13)

OC-Peter became victorious over prejudices.                                                               (Acts 10:9-16, 27-29, 34-35; 11:4-10, 17-18)

C-God set the stage for Peter to go to the house of Cornelius by showing him what He considered clean and unclean. The visions Peter saw gave him a new attitude towards Gentiles. He was then able under the power of the Holy Spirit to enter the home of a non Jew. (Acts 10:9-29; 10:34-35; 11:4-12)

GC-One must be careful not to become legalistic. (Acts 10:14; 11:2-3)

RT-Cornelius made a statement to Peter to which every church should give attention each time it meets. It must be the primary reason we come together.

When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius the words he heard were, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Important conditions were met for this story to have meaning for us today. First they came together. They were there because they had a common need and desire. Even with the understanding the people possessed there was a void in each of their lives. For that reason and only for that reason they had assembled themselves to listen to the message of God.

We need to pause here and turn to Romans to see the important ingredient to these events. In talking about man’s salvation Paul penned these words. “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?” He ended up this discourse by saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Rom. 10:13-15)

GC-One must remember that God is the creator of everything. We are to be careful not to consider unclean what God has cleansed and made holy. (Acts 10:15: 11:9)

S-Peter was commanded to go with the men sent by Cornelius to ask him to come to his house. (Acts 10:20; 11:12)

S-The Bible tells us that Cornelius was divinely instructed to send for Peter to come to his house. From the lips of Peter Cornelius would hear a message of salvation. (Acts 10:22, 32-33; 11:13)

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 18

Cornelius a Man in Need

Acts 10:1-9

Over a period of years I participated, along with many others, in the FAITH witnessing strategy at Bethany Place. I have often wondered why we did not experience more success as we went out week after week trying to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I reflect on it I would be hard pressed to list more than a few people who made a lasting decision. Many of the visits were to those who were guests at church and only needed some encouragement to come to be part of the fellowship. So what went wrong? Was it the busyness of the people? Was it the material studied? Was it a lack of enthusiasm on our part? Looking back I do not believe that it was any of these things. Then what was missing? It was that the hearts of the people had not been prepared by God to be receptive to what we had to say. The conclusion is there can never be a lasting meaningful relationship with the Father unless the heart of stone has been softened by the Holy Spirit into a willing heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19) They must sense a call from God on their lives. Without either of those two things a person can have the greatest presentation and the desire to witness without results.

In order for us as a church to reach the unsaved we must make some preparations ourselves. We are to be prepared to witness to a lost world by knowing what God has to say in his word. Secondly, we need to develop sensitive hearts open to the instructions of the Holy Spirit. God will prepare the hearts of those who He is calling to hear the message. If we allow Him to lead us He will provide the time and place for those who have the message and those who need the message to meet. For the next three weeks we will see how God arranged for two people, Peter and Cornelius, to arrive at the same place where the one with the word met the one who needed to hear the word.

Acts 9:43

This is a pivotal verse in the spiritual journey of Peter as God is preparing him to meet Cornelius. The fact that he was willing to stay with an unclean man set the stage for his defining moment in Acts 10:9-23 and the coming encounter with and acceptance of Cornelius, a Gentile, which will be covered in the rest of Acts 10.

Acts 10:1-2

This verse introduces the pivotal person in the drama to be played out. On the surface as a Gentile, he would be an unlikely candidate to play such an important part in all of history. Cornelius was, first and foremost, a military man who held the rank of centurion (captain) in the Roman army. He was in charge of a battalion of some 6,000 men stationed in Caesarea.

Before continuing with Cornelius we will look at the city of Caesarea. This city located on the Mediterranean had been built by Herod the great to honor Caesar. During the time of Christ and following it was the seat the Roman government in Israel. Pontius Pilate was the first to have his headquarters there. Because of its location it was a commercial center having a man made port from which shipping took place to places like Italy. It was from Caesarea that Paul began his final journey to Rome from Israel.

Now back to Cornelius. In the Bible we have the mention of two men of the Roman army who appear to have the same character qualities. The first is found in Matthew 8:13. Jesus said of the centurion, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”

In Acts Luke tells us that Cornelius was:

• A devout man
• One who feared God
• A giver of alms to the Jewish people
• A man of continual prayer

 

1. In what ways would it seem unlikely from man’s perspective that we would be reading of this incident in the first place?
2. What are the qualities that he exhibited that God looks for in a person?
3. Why would a Roman centurion desire to believe in God?
4. What does it mean that Cornelius feared God?
5. How does this differ than being a Jewish proselyte?
6. What would it take for a person like Cornelius to be accepted by the Jews?
7. Would the qualities he possessed be enough to accept him into church?

Acts 10:3-4

God was about to do something in the life of the church. Obviously He was going use Cornelius in some way to bring about this new thing. As was his habit Cornelius was praying at the ninth hour which would have been about 3 PM. God sent and angel to him. His response would be just like any of us. He became frightened by the appearance of one who had come from the presence of God. His question to the angel reflected his acknowledgement of who was before him. He wanted to know why the angel had come to him. Like the appearance before Daniel, the angel commented on the qualities of the man. His prayers and alms had been accepted by God as an offering from a humble man. The Jews would have felt obligated to make burnt offerings to be acceptable to God. Here the only offering required was that which came from the heart of a godly man.

1. What does it show about Cornelius that he would be found praying at 3 PM?
2. What may have been the content of his prayers that would have gotten the attention of God?
3. How did those prayers affect the instructions given by the angel?
4. For whose benefit did the angel appear to Cornelius?
5. Why were his prayers and giving of alms acceptable to God?
6. Why is there no mention of burnt offering needing to be made?

Acts 10:5-9

The angel answered the question above by commanding Cornelius to send for Peter who was staying in Joppa. In all likelihood without this command and what was to take place in the life of Peter which will be studied next week the two men would have never crossed paths. He dispatched three men to bring back Peter. Two personal servants and a devout soldier were sent on this important errand. The trip took them a whole day to reach their destination.

1. Why was he not given specifics about what Peter was to do if he came?
2. Why was Cornelius willing to obey the instructions of the angel and send for Peter?
3. What was missing in Cornelius’ life?
4. How was he to know what he needed? (Look at Romans 10:13-15)
5. Why did Cornelius select the particular men to carry the message to Peter?
6. What does it say about the view he had of the command of the angel?

You have been given the greatest opportunity ever known to man. You have become a follower of Jesus Christ.

1. During the coming days you might reflect on all that means?

• You can pray to your Father anytime and anyplace.
• You have the assurance that He hears you.
• Unlike Cornelius you no longer have to search for your identity, you are his child.

2. You should also use that time to pray about opening the door to witness to someone like Cornelius whose heart God has prepared to hear what you have to say.
3. You by the guidance of the Holy Spirit be on the lookout for the Cornelius’ that just might cross your path.

We need to understand that any activity of God is a process. We have already seen how God had moved Peter from Jerusalem to Joppa. Each step took him closer and closer to Caesarea. We are to be faithful and to accomplish what God has called us to do all along the way. Who knows we will have a God encounter with someone like Cornelius. The last lesson which will be repeated again is that we cannot manufacture such events. They must be God orchestrated for them to have eternal results.

Lesson 17

On the Road with Peter

Acts 9:32-43

I have often discovered that the best laid plans often do not work out as I expected. In Proverbs 16:9 the writer says, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” This certainly does not mean that we are not to prepare for the future, or stop learning or just wait around to see what is going happen. For many years as I studied the Bible I could not figure out why God had given me such a passion. It seemed that I was doing it for my own growth. What I learned that in order to teach or lead or whatever God is calling us to do that He gives the person the drive to know all that he needs to know to carry out the task. I do not know what God has planned for my future, but I do know that I want to be ready when He says this is the next step for you to take.

Sometimes In the church we spend more time talking about what we are going to do than actually performing the tasks. We have by-laws, constitutions and manuals of procedures which often times hinder us from following God’s leading. We find ourselves having to try figure out what to do or how to work around man made rules to perform the ministries to which God has called the church. In our lesson today and next week we will see a man who just went where God led him and found that the situations for service just came to him. We must keep our eyes open to what is occurring around us. If we do, we will be able to discern the reason that God has brought people and situations into our lives.

Acts 9:32

None of the events that took place in the life of Peter would have occurred if he had remained in Jerusalem. Peter probably felt a freedom and the leading of the Holy Spirit to travel more since the hostility against the church had stopped for a while. Prior to the incidents that follow, there may have been a sense that his leadership was not needed as much in Jerusalem to keep the church together in the face of the persecution that took place under Saul. Now there was peace and Peter could leave the church in hands of other leaders like James.

The healings in Lydda and Joppa opened the door to the real purpose God had planned for him. There is no indication why he happened to be travelling through those regions west of Jerusalem. It would not appear to be a continuation of the trip he had made with John because he is the only one mentioned.

1. Why did Peter begin travelling more at this point?
2. What more could he accomplish by remaining in Jerusalem?
3. In what ways was it detrimental to the growth of God’s kingdom for him and others to continue to just serve in Jerusalem?
4. What was the challenge for him?

Acts 9:33-35

We do know what took place in Lydda. He first healed a man named Aeneas. This opened the door for many from Lydda and Sharon to become followers of Christ. It is interesting that there was no call by the disciples for Peter to heal the man.   As a result of the miracle many in those two cities became followers of Christ?

1. What did Peter appear to be doing in Lydda?
2. Why do we not see any reference to Peter preaching?
3. Just looking at the setting in which the healing occurred what does it tell us about what Peter hoped to accomplish?
4. What was special about Aeneas that God should heal him?
5. How is it people became believers without the sharing of the gospel by Peter?

Acts 9:36-37

In the nearby city of Joppa another drama was being played out that would affect Peter’s life. There was a disciple there by the name of Tabitha or Dorcas in Greek. Tabitha took her Christianity seriously. It was said of her that she continually performed acts of kindness and charity. As the narrative continues it is said that Tabitha died and was prepared for burial. As tragic as this event was in the lives of those who knew her, there was a sense of hope.

1. What are the admirable qualities that are seen in the life of Tabitha?
2. Why was a person like her so important to those who knew her?
3. Why did they not bury her immediately, as is the custom in the Middle East?
4. Why was there, in their minds, hope for a different outcome?

Acts 9:38-39

Peter now enters the scene. Rather that burying Tabitha on the day of her death they sent for him. He was still in Lydda so two men were sent to ask him to come with them. The Scripture does not mention that they asked him to raise her from the dead but only implored him to come with them. Upon arriving he was confronted by those who had benefited from Tabitha’s kindness.

1. Why was Tabitha not buried immediately?
2. What did they hope Peter would be able to do?
3. Who would benefit by Tabitha being brought to life?
4. What thought was given to what it would mean for her to be raised from the dead?

Acts 9:40-42

Peter put everyone out of the room. He then prayed. Only then did he speak her name. Upon hearing her name she opened her eyes and sat up. Peter then extended his hand and she got up. He then called all of the saints and widows “presented her alive.”

As would be expected the word of what happened went throughout the city. Once again many who heard became followers of Christ?

1. Why were the widows showing Peter the things that Tabitha had made?
2. Why did Peter put all of the people out of the room?
3. For whose benefit was Tabitha raised?
4. What was the good that came out of this event?
5. What could be the witness of Tabitha from that point on in her life?

Acts 9:43

This is an important verse that should not glossed over. In it there is the continuing change taking place in Peter’s life. The verse reads, “Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.” Why is this verse so important? To answer one only needs to look at the way the Jewish religious would view such a man as Simon. Because he constantly worked with the skins of animals he would have been considered unclean by the Jewish religious leaders and would not have been allowed to worship in the temple. Peter puts aside all those rules and stayed with an unclean man. He could not know it but this time also was preparing him for what lay ahead which will be discussed next week.

1. Why would Simon be considered unclean according to the Jewish religion?
2. What did this mean in terms of his ability to worship in the temple?
3. What was happening in the life of Peter that he would not have any problem staying with such a man?
4. Why did Peter remain in Joppa?
5. Why are we not given any more information about Peter’s activities there?

During the coming week as you think about this lesson, you should spend your time

• Praying that God would continue to provide unexpected opportunities for you to witness.
• Consider how you might use the gifts God has given you in service here at Bethany Place
• Put your own agenda, wants and needs aside and consider how you might encourage and help others.

We need to learn to seize every opportunity to serve wherever we find ourselves. Although one of the primary ways to witness is through the spoken word we need to realize the smallest deed done in kindness can have tremendous affect on a person’s life. As others see us acting in a Christ-like manner they will be drawn to the Savior we lovingly serve. Let us use all the tools God has provided to us to advance His kingdom.

Additional notes:

C-Peter healed Aeneas of a paralysis that had kept him bedridden for eight years. As a result of the healing many in Lydda and Sharon came to know the Lord. (Acts 9:32-36)

GC-A follower of Christ abounds with deeds of kindness and charity. (Acts 9:36)

C-Tabitha a disciple who lived in Joppa died. When Peter came he prayed for Tabitha, Dorcas, and God brought her back to life. This act brought many in Joppa to Christ. (Acts 9:36-42)

C-Peter spent many days with a man named Simon. He was a tanner. Therefore, he would be considered unclean according to the Jews. (Acts 9:43)

 

 

Lesson 16

A New Life for Saul

Acts 9:19-31

Each of us needs encouragement along life’s journeys. I have had three men who had a great influence in my life. These men challenged and encouraged me, each in his own way, to grow as a follower of Christ. One was a minister I had when just a young person. After I became an adult the minister of the church I was attending began to mentor me. He was the person who was instrumental in getting me involved in studying the Scriptures in a systematic way. It was at that point that I began to write what I was learning out of God’s word. The third was a co-worker who challenged me to begin memorizing Scripture. Although he already knew a great deal of the Bible, he and I worked together for several months on memorizing the book of Ephesians as we rode back and forth to work. Even after we no longer travelled together I continued to memorize other books. It only took the spark that he provided to start a fire in my heart to know God’s Word. I would not be where I am today without each of them. I thank God that He saw fit to bring such men into my life.

We as a church should know that the church will not continue if each generation does not impact the next one for Christ. Deuteronomy six speaks of the importance of mentoring. It tells us that the fathers, mature men and women, should teach the children, those younger people in the church, at every opportunity. To do so, means that we have to spend time learning and growing also. We cannot model or teach what we do not know. Saul knew a great deal about the law but he needed others to help him along the way. We need to be the church at Damascus to help the next potential Saul along the way.

Acts 9:19

This verse is one that most of us gloss over in our reading in Acts. It, however describes a very critical time in the life of Saul. Following his baptism Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus before embarking on the task of proclaiming the gospel. Although not was well known as Barnabas, Ananias never-the-less played an important role in Saul’s development as a new follower of Christ. We have already read about his part in Saul’s conversion. We are not told how he was instrumental in bringing the two parties together. Without his efforts we cannot say what would have happened.

1. Why were these several days so important to Saul?
2. Who was instrumental in bringing Saul and the church together?
3. What does this say about the faith of Ananias?
4. What did Saul gain from this time?

Acts 9:20-21

After spending time with the disciples Saul began immediately to proclaim the gospel in the synagogues of Damascus. His preaching had a great impact on those who heard it because they knew why he had originally come to Damascus. It is interesting that although the people were amazed at the preaching of Saul there is no mention of a great influx of new believers into the church. There is a lesson to be learned. Saul was faithful in doing what God had called him to do and was willing to leave the results to God.

1. How was Saul able to begin sharing the gospel so quickly after being converted?
2. In what ways would his message be different from what the other apostles would preach?
3. Why was there not great additions made to the church at this time?
4. What would it take for Saul to begin to see results from his preaching?
5. How did the people view him at this point?
6. Why did he start in the synagogues?
7. What results might be expected from preaching in such a venue?

Acts 9:22

Even though there is no indication of many conversions, this time was not wasted. Saul used it to hone his skills. This verse tells us that he was “increasing in strength.” He was definitely getting stronger in his ability to answer the questions that he faced from the Jews. He obviously used all of his training in the Old Testament in presenting his arguments. As we have seen throughout our study of Acts that the apostles and now Saul continually referred to the Old Testament prophecies in proving that Jesus indeed was the Messiah to come.

1. What was the nature of the strengthening that Saul was acquiring?
2. In what ways did he confound the Jews with his preaching?
3. In what ways was he able to prove that Jesus is the Christ?

Acts 9:23-25

As has been seen over and over both in the gospels and now in Acts that when those who opposed the truth laid out before them could no longer refute the message they attempted to destroy the messenger. We find that it is no different whether the preachers were lowly fishermen or a well known Pharisee the result was always the same. Saul had been one of them, but because he brought a message they did not want to hear they attempted to kill him. Fortunately, the plot was uncovered and the disciples were able to get him out of Damascus.

1. Why did the Jews want to kill Saul?
2. What does the willingness of the disciples helping him escape said about the relationships that had been built?
3. What actions by the Jews show their determination in getting rid of Saul?

Acts 9:26-28

These two verses show two different responses to Saul as he attempts to unite with the church in Jerusalem. The first is the natural tendency to fear one who has caused great harm. The disciples were wary of this sudden conversion of Saul and did not know whether to believe what he was telling them.

Barnabas, the encourager, becomes an ally of Saul. He was willing to believe what Saul had told him and to give Saul the opportunity to become part of the body of Christ in Jerusalem. Rather than jumping to conclusions he was willing to listen to the testimony of Saul and he himself shared those events with the church. Based on the word of Barnabas, Saul was accepted by the disciples.

Saul took up where he had left off in Damascus. He began to travel about the city and spoke out “boldly in the name of the Lord.”

1. What does this incident show about the attitude of the early church?
2. In what ways were they like the church today?
3. In what ways were they different?
4. What two traits possessed by Barnabas do you admire?
5. In what ways were both Ananias and Barnabas the same?
6. What affect did the actions of both men have on the church?
7. What events took place upon the acceptance of Saul into the church?

Acts 9:29-30

Saul began sharing with the Hellenistic Jews. These are the same people who opposed Stephen. Remember that Saul was part of the group that had Stephen executed. Now he was proclaiming Christ to them and arguing with them. As they had with Stephen when they could not refute the things they were hearing they became determined to kill Saul also.

To save him the disciples spirited him off to Caesarea. He then returned to his home in Tarsus. What happened there will be a lesson for another time.

1. Why did the Hellenistic Jews refuse to listen to one who had once been a part of them?
2. What was he sharing that they could not refute?
3. What did the actions by the disciples about the how they now regarded Saul?

Acts 9:31

A chapter that started speaking about the great danger to the church not only in Jerusalem but in all Judea, Galilee and Samaria ended with the people experiencing peace. With the threat of persecution removed during this period the church continued to grow. It was “going on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”

1. Why was the church now experiencing peace?
2. How far had the church spread at this point?
3. Why would the church grow in this kind of climate?

This would be a good time at the beginning of the new year to give thought to which of the individuals in the narrative you would see yourself being. You might look at the characteristics of each of them and pick those you may to want to emulate:

• The transformed Saul
• The disciples of both the churches in Damascus and Jerusalem
• Ananias
• Barnabas

We need to be careful that we do not fall in the trap that we have seen in the church at Jerusalem. They let fear cloud their judgment. They were not willing to accept the fact that people can change. God is in the business of changing people.

Our attitude should be that of the church at Damascus who saw the potential in Saul and were willing to mentor him correcting his theology where he was off track but also helping him to build on his strengths of teaching and preaching. Because they were so open to see the positive in Saul they did not hinder his spiritual growth. We too need to be constantly looking at others in our body and those who might come to the church for ways to help them grow and use how God has wired them for God’s kingdom.

Just think if the disciples in Damascus had rejected Saul what would the church look like today. We must not forget that each person in our midst may be another potential leader of the church with the impact on the world like that of Saul.

This process can start with each of us assessing how God can even use you or me.

Additional Notes:

RT-All that Paul had and all he had accomplished needed to be handed completely over to Christ. By doing this he did not become less of a Jew, a Benjamite or learned keeper of the Law. One thing is certain he did not lose his passion for what he believed. He, however, had been given a new direction and a new focus for using all God had given him. Christ had made him new on the inside in order to take him to places among people he did not know with a new purpose. Paul saw the world in a different light after the scales of blindness were removed. (Acts 9: Phil. 3:1-10)

C-From the time he became a follower of Christ, Paul, instead of persecuting the church at Damascus, began to proclaim the gospel of Jesus in the synagogues. (Acts 9:20-22)

GC-When one is able to present the truth he will confound the opponents of Christianity. (Acts 9:22)

GC-If you understand the Bible you will be able to use it to answer some of life’s most difficult questions for unbelievers as you witness to them. Remember to do it with all gentleness not haughtiness or false piety. (Acts 9:22; 1 Peter 3:15; Col. 4:6)

C-Those who had once been Paul’s compatriots were now plotting to kill him because he was now preaching Jesus. (Acts 9:23)

DM-The Jews continually tried to suppress the truth. In this case it was Paul one of their own group that attempted to kill. (Acts 9:23-24, 29)

C-Paul escaped from Damascus and went to Jerusalem where he tried to associate with the disciples. Understandably they were suspicious of his intentions since only recently he had been a persecutor of the church. (Acts 9:25-26)

C-In Barnabas Paul found a needed friend who was willing to trust him and bring him into the fellowship of the believers. (Acts 9:27)

DM-Barnabas overcame any misgivings he may have had about Paul. He took him under his wings and became his mentor. Paul was even brought by Barnabas to meet the Apostles. (Acts 9:27)

C-In the city in which he done the most harm to the Christians, Paul began to speak out boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts (9:28)

C-Some of the Hellenistic Jews tried to put Paul to death after hearing the message. He was sent away to Tarsus for his protection. (Acts 9:29-30)

RT-Things have not changed a great deal since the time that the book of Acts was written. People are still trying to still the voice of those who move in their midst boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus. If the world could only see that out of the proclamation of this word of truth, man can find life then he would not go to such great links to destroy it. The primary difference between those of the early Christian era and the present day is that even with the tremendous opposition and persecution the followers of Christ experienced there were many who were willing to listen with a genuine anticipation to what was being promised to them. Today even though the same truths are being taught there is less of a tendency to listen at all. (Acts 9:28; 1 Peter 2:2)

C-For a time the churches throughout the areas of Judea, Galilee and Samaria experienced a time of peace. They were being built up and went about in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The churches under these conditions continued to grow in numbers. (Acts 9:31)

GC-One continues to grow when he has the fear of the Lord and lives in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:31)