Acts of the Apostles Part 1

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Synecdoche Acts of Apostles Jesus Taken Up into Heaven Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost The First Gospel Sermon The Fellowship of the Believers Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar Peter Speaks to the Onlookers Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin The Believers' Prayer The Believers Share Their Possessions

Synecdoche "Synecdoche" is a fancy word that means "a part for the whole", a figure of speech used commonly each day. It can make a long, long story short, preventing repetition, without a compromise in what we say. "The faith" of the New Testament includes a lot of things: It's all that Jesus was and did and said in person while on earth, then through prophets and apostles, as by his Holy Spirit they were led. He had told his closest friends, who knew he was the Christ, to keep this secret to themselves awhile, until the Comforter had come to guide them in all things, when all his teachings they could reconcile. Preceding his ascension, he told the twelve apostles to preach the gospel to the whole creation, baptizing those who would believe, repent and change their ways, to receive the blessed promise of salvation. Those who obeyed were called "believers", followers of "the Way", and later, "Christians," "saints,” or just "the church." The gospel message was the basis for each glad conversion, available still to those who truly search. The book of Acts contains highlights of the apostles' work establishing the church by God's command. Complete details of every sermon have not been related, but there's enough for us to understand that God requires from each of us obedience to his will, our great salvation, our divining rod. The word "belief" is all-inclusive, a "synecdoche", "Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." § Acts of Apostles (by Luke) Acts is a partial history of the work apostles did as they began their ministry of preaching that Jesus had commissioned just before he left the earth, a ministry that proved to be far-reaching. He had told them not to start their work until the proper time when the Holy Spirit would be given them so that on the Day of Pentecost, the day it all began, they witnessed to all things they knew of him. This synopsis of those great events that formed the early church records the Holy Spirit's role as guide in everything the preachers said and all the works they did, through his power and authority inside. As the gospels tell the life of Christ while living here below, and the letters are to members of the church, Acts stands alone to show conversions to the Gospel Way, access to Christ for those who truly search. Along with Revelation, these great books help to form the law of Christ, now perfect and complete-- all we need to attain salvation and lead a happy life, a safety net to snatch us from defeat. Luke accompanied apostle Paul in missionary journeys and saw first hand the power of the Spirit, which only through the apostles' hands was passed along to others for miracles that gave their preaching merit. "Baptism of the Spirit" was most extraordinary, and happened only in the early days to confirm that preachers of "the Way" spoke for the living God, giving only him the glory and the praise. The "tongues" they spoke were languages of Jews that had assembled when they heard the noise, much like a mighty wind that accompanied arrival of the Lord's own Holy Spirit, the Comforter Christ promised he would send. Each Christian's heart is filled with a measure of this Spirit, making understanding of the Word a joy. He helps us with our daily lives, interpreting our prayers, so that fancy language we need not employ. § Jesus Taken Up into Heaven (Acts 1) Luke here takes up his story where his former book left off, adding details of the forty days Christ spent giving more complete instructions for their coming ministry, the beginning of his church, a great event. The apostles he had chosen still did not understand that his kingdom would not be upon the earth, but in the hearts and minds of the church's living stones after each of them experienced rebirth. "Do not leave Jerusalem," he admonished those he loved, "until the Father's gift has been received." They would need the Holy Spirit for the necessary power for effective witnessing to be believed. "For John baptized with water, but in a few days hence you will all be baptized with the Holy Spirit. You will receive his power and be witnesses for me, that all peoples on the earth will someday hear it." Jesus then was taken up before their very eyes, hidden from them as they looked intently on, when suddenly two men in white appeared there by their side to tell them where their Master now had gone. "Men of Galilee," they said, "he is taken up to heaven. but will come back in the same way that he left." His work on earth was done; all was now left up to humans whose first inclination was to feel bereft. His face will not be seen on earth, his voice will not be heard until the great and glorious judgment day. His work, now guided by the Spirit, we must carry on, his Bible giving all the words to say. § Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas (Acts 1) After Christ's ascension on the hill, they walked back to the city - Jerusalem - where they were told to wait. The believers joined together constantly in prayer, unsure of just what now would be their fate. About a hundred twenty souls remained there in Jerusalem, and Peter spoke about the vacant spot that had been left by Judas' death and needed to be filled. This position Christ himself would now allot. A thousand years had now elapsed since the Holy Spirit said through the mouth of David in the book of Psalms, "May his place be deserted; let no one dwell therein," his field of death, a place now filled with qualms. It continues, "May another take his place of leadership," so they must choose between the two good men who had witnessed all that Jesus did, baptism to ascension, and asked the Lord to make the hard choice then: "Lord, you know everybody's heart; show which of these you choose, the apostolic ministry to fill." Then they drew lots, which pointed to Matthias as the one, with no doubt he was chosen by God's will. One of the main requirements of being an apostle was that their eyes had seen the risen Lord. There could be no succession unto this special calling, no sanctimonious popedom to award. All twelve were true to Jesus in spite of persecutions. They gave their all to serve him to the end. Through hunger, misery and death, they paid a hefty price for the honor to be called the Master's friend. § The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost (Acts 2) On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were together, when suddenly came the sound of violent wind, perhaps as loud and awesome as a Texas size tornado, a happening no one could comprehend. Their minds were baptized, completely immersed, with the Holy Spirit, which was demonstrated physically to all. The Jews now in Jerusalem for this harvest festival had heard the sound, perhaps the Master's call? They had come from every nation, a mix of languages, and entered the apostles' meeting place. They heard these men of Galilee speak perfectly the tongues that each one understood, a gift of grace. Utterly amazed, they asked, "Are not these Galileans? How is it they can speak our native tongues?" The sound that brought them there was nothing to compare with the worldwide ministry that had begun. The tower men had tried to build long ago at Babel was where their languages had been confused, and now the circle is complete, the tables have been turned. The tongue of love and grace is ours to use. Baptism of the Spirit controlled the very minds and tongues of the apostles in those days, unlike the Spirit's guidance that the normal Christian knows, that helps correct the folly of our ways. These miracles of speaking in tongues they had not learned, and healing minds and bodies that were broke were not for notoriety of the twelve apostles, but to confirm the Word of God they spoke. § The First Gospel Sermon (Acts 2) Peter stood among the crowd and addressed the growing throng with words from the Holy Spirit, what was promised all along by the prophet Joel who was led by this same Spirit guide. He spoke, yet did not understand the words by God supplied. "In the last days (Christ's dispensation) I will pour out my Spirit," says he, "on people of all nations who desire to be set free. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams, the word will heal divisions. My servants, men and women, will prophecy through the Spirit. Signs and wonders will prove my word is true to all of those who hear it: Wonders in heaven and signs on earth, blood, fire and billows of smoke. The promise I give of salvation will never be revoked." Jesus of Nazareth was the man who worked these signs and wonders to show himself approved of God by miracles without blunder. You delivered him to lawless men to crucify and slay; God raised him from the borrowed tomb in the space of just three days. Each step of this was preordained by Father God on high, that for the sins of humankind, the Christ was born to die. As David said so long ago, "My flesh shall dwell in hope. Hades has no grip on my soul; no corruption will my body know." David plainly spoke of someone else in this prophecy of old, because he is dead and buried.  It was Jesus he foretold. We twelve are witnesses of his death and of his resurrection. He was exalted to the right hand of God, the place of pure perfection, and has poured out his Spirit on us, which you have seen and heard, to prove that we, his apostles, speak only his holy word. This Jesus whom you crucified is made both Lord and Christ. For you and all who will believe, his life was sacrificed." Their hearts were pricked by Peter's speech and asked, "What shall we do?" "Repent and be baptized," he answered, "every one of you, for the remission of your sins, and the gift you shall receive: the Holy Spirit of the Lord, his righteousness to achieve." Their load of sin was lifted when they these words obeyed. Three thousand souls were added to the kingdom on that day. § The Fellowship of the Believers (Acts 2) The plan of salvation described by Peter wasn't the end of his speech. With many words he warned them not to wander out of reach. "Save yourselves from this generation. Don't let them corrupt your souls. Turn away from worldly, vain pursuits, with righteousness your goal." Devoted to new priorities, their repentance plain to see, they fellowshipped with Christians, often on bended knee. Though infants in Christ, yet they obeyed all the apostles taught, inspired by their sincere love and faith, in awe of the works they wrought. All believers were in common, shared everything they had, not forced, as in communism; volunteering made them glad. Saturated by the Holy Spirit in character, soul and mind, they were filled with Christian love and zeal. A long face was hard to find. They met together in the temple courts where there was plenty space, then in homes to share their groceries and the blessings of God's grace. With glad and sincere hearts they ate and praised the Lord above, were good examples to all who saw the richness of their love. § Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar (Acts 3) One day, at three in the afternoon, the time of Jewish prayer, into the temple came Peter and John to join the others there. At the Beautiful Gate lay a crippled man who had never walked since birth, begging alms from people who entered there, perhaps a pennyworth. He asked the apostles for money and they looked on him with love. "Look at us!" commanded Peter with authority from above. "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk." Peter's faith would make it true. He helped him up, and instantly his feet and ankles grew strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk, praising God all along. When the people saw him walking and leaping and praising the Lord, they were filled with amazement and wonder at what had just occurred. They recognized the beggar who always sat at the gate, and knew it was a miracle that now had changed his fate. Their ears were now attentive to what the apostles said as they began to share the news of the Living Bread. § Peter Speaks to the Onlookers (Acts 3) While the beggar held on to Peter and John, the astonished people came running. The healing of this crippled man was a miracle so stunning that their attitude was worshipful toward the two apostles, but Peter immediately set them straight by preaching to them the Gospel. "It is not by our own godliness that the crippled man can walk. We have no power of our own accord to make you stare and gawk. The God of our fathers has glorified his Son whom you have slain. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and caused horrendous pain. You killed the very author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of the risen Lord and believe in all he said. By faith in the name of Jesus Christ we have done this mighty deed, to strengthen bones and muscles, the results of which you see. I know you acted in ignorance when you slew the Son of Man, but, just as the prophets had spoken, it fulfilled the Master's plan. Repent, then, and turn from your wicked ways to the Savior who can forgive, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord if in his Word you will live. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up a prophet like me from among your own people (the Israelites) who from sin will set you free. Anyone who does not listen to him from his people will be estranged. Listen closely to all that he has said and your lives will be rearranged." § Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4) While Peter and John spoke to the people who observed the beggar's healing, the priests and captain of the guard and Sadducees were reeling. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection of the dead, so were opposed to everything the two apostles said. Peter and John were put in jail without a charge or cause, and they knew there was no sign of proof they had broken any laws. On the morrow they were questioned by the rulers of the Jews. "By what power or name did you do this?"  The answer they surely knew. Emboldened by the Holy Ghost and given words to say, Peter answered them respectfully, "If we are accused today of kindness shown to a cripple, then know this, Israel, it is by the name of Jesus Christ that this lame man was healed - the Jesus whom you crucified, but God raised from the dead. The stone you builders rejected, as the throngs you have misled, has become the church's cornerstone, the base of faith and hope. Salvation is found in no one else: none other can help us cope.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John, their bold audacity, being ordinary, unschooled men, their amazement was plain to see. No argument could refute the fact that a 40-year-old man was healed by a miracle from God, so they must devise a plan. They commanded John and Peter not to teach or speak at all in the name of this man Jesus, on whom so many now called. "Judge for yourselves," said Peter and John, "whether it is right to obey you rather than God himself.  Is it proper in his sight? For we cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard, to spread abroad the Gospel, the Good News of God's word." After further threats, they released the two, for they were afraid of the crowd who had witnessed this great miracle and were praising God aloud. § The Believers' Prayer (Acts 4) When Peter and John had been released after threats from the Sanhedrin, they reported to their own people what the leaders had said to them. On hearing this, they began to pray for God to keep them strong, that they could continue in his work, to teach those in the wrong. Unconcerned with personal safety or spite and retaliation, their hope was in the strength of God to offer the world salvation. "Sovereign Lord," their humble prayer began, "you made the heaven and earth and the sea, and everything in them. Of your wisdom there is no dearth. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David, our father: 'The kings of the earth will take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord's Annointed One; they rage and plot in vain.’ So foolish is the man who fights what God has foreordained. Herod and Pontius Pilate indeed met to conspire with the Gentiles and people of Israel - a plot that would backfire- against your holy servant Jesus, your Annointed Son of Man, and did just what your power and will many years ago had planned. Consider now their threats, O Lord, and enable your servants to speak with boldness through your awesome power, yet keep us humble and meek. Stretch out your mighty hand to heal and perform miraculous signs through the name of your servant Jesus to soften their hearts and minds." Then the place where they met was shaken in answer to their prayer, renewing the strength of the Spirit to embolden their teaching there. § The Believers Share Their Possessions (Acts 4 and 5) All the believers were one in heart, and shared a common mind through the Holy Spirit's leading, a righteous, caring kind. No one claimed his own possessions, but gave to those in need, as day-by-day the family grew from the One and Only Seed. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord, whom their love could not deny. Much grace was with the infant church as they cared for one another, having everything in common with their spiritual sisters and brothers. When the need arose, the Christians sold their houses or their lands and gave the money from the sale into the apostles' hands to be distributed to those who might be destitute. The Son of Encouragement, Barnabas, was one who followed suit. But a man named Ananias, together with his wife, sold some property, then lied to God, for which he gave his life. He brought part of the money but pretended it was all, keeping back a part for selfish use, and greed was his downfall. Peter said, "Did it not belong to you to freely give or keep? Why did you choose to lie to God, his painful wrath to reap?" When Ananias heard this, he fell right down and died. His wife, Sapphira, did the same and was buried by his side. cgtrent@att.net

Acts Part 2

The Apostles Heal Many The Apostles Persecuted The Choosing of the Seven Stephen Seized Stephen Before the Sanhedrin The Stoning of Stephen Philip in Samaria Sinful Simon Philip and the Ethiopian Saul's Conversion Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem Aeneas and Dorcas

The Apostles Heal Many (Acts 5) By the hands of the twelve apostles many miracles were wrought to show that God was speaking in the message that they brought. The believers came together in Solomon's Colonnade, but no one else would join them there, for they were sore afraid after witnessing the discipline of Ananias and Sapphira. They perhaps felt too inadequate, yet they were staunch admirers. In spite of their fear, many women and men were added to their number through the pattern Peter had laid out, their sins to disencumber. As a result of these awesome deeds, people brought their sick folks out, laying them on beds and mats in the street where Peter might be about, that at least his shadow might fall on them for healing as he passed by. From towns around Jerusalem crowds gathered, mystified, bringing their sick for healing, and those by demons tormented, All of them were healed at once, and many souls repented. There was no doubt these miracles were not the work of frauds, and as the believers returned to their homes, God's word was spread abroad. § The Apostles Persecuted (Acts 5) The high priest and all his associates, members of the Sadducees, heard about the apostles' great success and were filled with jealousy. They arrested these miracle workers and put them in public jail, but during the night an angel came and quietly provided bail. He opened the doors of the prison and brought them safely out. "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said. "Tell them what this new life is about." At daybreak, as the angel asked, they entered the courts of the temple and began to teach the people in powerful words, yet simple. When the Sanhedrin had assembled, they sent for the preacher/jailbirds, but the officers did not find them there, and this is what they heard. "We found the jail securely locked, but no one was inside." The leaders pondered this puzzle til someone came and cried: "Look! The men you put in jail are in the temple courts, courageously teaching the people."  The Sanhedrin was out of sorts! At that, the captain of the temple guards and officers brought them back. Afraid that the people might stone them, instead of force they used tact. Before the Sanhedrin, the apostles appeared, to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders that in this name you should discontinue to teach, yet you have filled Jerusalem with teachings about this man. To make us guilty of his blood seems your determined plan." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the tomb where he had been after you had crucified him by hanging on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand that he might set man free. We are witnesses of all these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey the Gospel when they hear it." This infuriated the leaders, self-righteous, pompous, proud, and they wanted to kill these Christians, their hatred now avowed. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, addressed the leaders in private and told them what he saw. "If their purpose is of human design, it soon will surely fail. If from God, you cannot stop it with persecution or jail." So they simply had the apostles flogged, threatened them and let them go. The apostles rejoiced in their disgrace, that this great Name they could know. Day after day, from house to house, they never stopped spreading the word that Jesus is the risen Christ, the best news ever heard. § The Choosing of the Seven (Acts 6) The number of disciples was greatly increasing, among them Grecian Jews, who complained that their widows were overlooked in the distribution of food. So the overworked apostles called the church together and said, "We should not neglect the ministry for the serving of daily bread. Choose seven men from among you who are known to be Spirit filled, with wisdom to know the way to serve according to God's will. We will turn this responsibility over to these good men, and will give our attention to prayer, with more time for the ministry then." This proposal was pleasing to all the group, and seven Greeks were named. The apostles prayed and blessed them, and deacons they became. All their actions gained them much respect, so the word of God was spread, their numbers increasing rapidly, for their preaching was Spirit led. Many priests became obedient to the faith of Christ the Lord, and the growing church in Jerusalem were all of one accord. § Stephen Seized (Acts 6) Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, one of the church's first deacons, did miraculous signs and wonders, to the people a righteous beacon. Opposition arose, however, in the Freedmen's Synagogue. Though he spoke by the Spirit's leading, he became the underdog. Men were secretly persuaded to twist the truth a bit, calling his preaching blasphemy, his wisdom to discredit. They stirred up the people and elders and teachers of the law, and they seized the preacher Stephen whose message had no flaw. He was brought to the Sanhedrin, false witnesses took the floor in a mockery of justice just as Jesus was tried before. Stephen knew they had decided before the hearing began that today would be the last day of this God-fearing man. His soul was bound for glory when he drew his final breath, and his face looked like an angel as he contemplated death. § Stephen Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) The high priest asked of Stephen, "Are these charges of blasphemy true?" That began a very long discourse, his last chance God's will to imbue. "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham of old, who is to the Jews revered. 'Leave your country and your people, go to a land I will provide. I will make of you a nation if you walk close to my side.' Abraham and Sarah, very old, begat a precious son, just as God had promised. The lineage had begun. I saac fathered Jacob, and Jacob the patriarchs, heads of the twelve large Israelite tribes, on history to leave their mark." He related how Joseph was sold as a slave, then saved his clan from starvation, how Moses became an Egyptian prince, then from slavery led his nation. He quoted Moses who told them "God will send you a prophet like me from among the Jewish people and set the captives free." "But our fathers refused to obey him, and worshiped idols instead. They were sent away to exile, just as God had said. You stiff-necked folks with uncircumcised hearts are like your rebellious fathers. You resist the Holy Spirit whose teaching is just a bother. You murdered and betrayed the Christ, have not obeyed his law, and now there is no other name on whose help you can draw." § The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7) The hearts of the Sanhedrin were now in terrible pain, being stabbed with the truth of Stephen's accusations. They were furious and gnashed their teeth like a mob of rabid beasts, adding flames of fire to their own condemnation. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, turned his eyes toward heaven and saw the glory of God, both Father and Son. He related the vision aloud to these angry "religious leaders", and they all rushed at him yelling, every one. Though they failed to convict him of a crime, the passion of hate prevailed, and they dragged him forth outside the city gates. The witnesses who accused him were the first to cast a stone. For a cruel death, Stephen didn't have long to wait. Removing their outer garments for free movement of their arms, they laid them at the feet of the young man Saul. Stephen, praying as they stoned him, said, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit", and then he prayed for his persecutors all. "Do not hold this sin against them, Lord," he echoed Jesus' plea as he hung upon the cross that fateful day. Then Stephen fell asleep in peace, released from earthly pain to paradise where nothing can dismay. This was the first of many deaths among the early Christians, persecuted for their faith that would not die. Godly men mourned over Stephen, buried his tortured body, and renewed their strength, this evil to defy. A great persecution of the church began with this event, and all but the apostles scattered afar. To Judea and Samaria, everywhere they went, they preached the Word as in a holy war. § Philip in Samaria (Acts 8) Persecution proved that God makes good to come from bad events. The scattered Christians preached the word everywhere they went. Philip went down to Samaria, proclaiming Christ, the King, performing many miraculous signs, much healing there to bring. Samaritans, having been under the spell of Simon, a magician, could see that the miracles Philip wrought were more than an exhibition. Evil spirits were banished from many, paralytics and cripples were healed, so there was great joy in that city as the power of Christ was revealed. They all paid close attention to what Philip had to say, and soon believed his preaching, being baptized day by day. Simon himself knew magic, but nothing to compare with the signs and wonders that Philip performed through the Holy Spirit's care. He believed the word, was baptized, and stuck by Philip's side, astonished by the miracles that left him goggle-eyed. § Sinful Simon (Acts 8) When they heard that the Samaritans accepted the word of God, Peter and John were sent to visit them. They had been baptized in water and were indwelt by the Spirit, but had no miraculous powers provided by him. The apostles prayed that they would receive the baptism of the Spirit, and it came with the laying on of hands. When Simon, the former sorcerer, saw how it was delivered, he asked to buy this power of command. It was given only to a few, the humble, loving leaders, who would prophecy and understand the word until the written Gospel could one day be provided, insurance that the message might be heard. "May your money perish with you; this gift cannot be bought. Your heart has no share in this ministry. Repent now of your wickedness and pray the Lord's forgiveness. You are full of bitterness and sin, I see." Only Christians have been promised an answer to their prayers for forgiveness when they sin and fall away. Accepting Peter's judgment of the sin he had committed, Simon asked his help in knowing how to pray. When they had testified of Christ, proclaimed the holy word, the two disciples finished up their stay and headed for Jerusalem where many saints were jailed, preaching in Samaritan villages on the way. § Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8) An angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the desert road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, and in that direction he strode. There he saw an Ethiopian, an official of Candace, the queen, who had gone up to Jerusalem for the yearly worship scene. Returning home in his chariot, reading Isaiah's prophecy about the coming Messiah, the big picture he could not see. The Holy Spirit told Philip to approach the puzzled man, so he ran up to the chariot and asked, "Do you understand the scripture you are reading?" "How can I," the eunuch said, "unless someone explains it?" And this is what he read: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and silent as a lamb, he opened not his mouth in reply although he was in a jam. He was deprived of justice; humiliation brought strife. Who can speak of his descendants? He gave up his earthly life." "I beg you, please, "the eunuch said, "tell me who he is speaking about. Was it himself or someone else?" His heart was searching, devout. Then Philip began with that scripture and taught him the whole Gospel way, everything that Jesus commanded, and the eunuch was quick to obey. When they came to a pool of water, Philip baptized the God-fearing guy, and he went on his way rejoicing with a gift no money could buy. § Saul's Conversion (Acts 9) Saul was so devout in his belief that he was serving God, he traveled to Damascus, full of zeal to persecute the scattered church who worshiped Jesus Christ, the wounding of the Jewish faith to heal. On this long and toilsome journey, a light from heaven flashed, so shocking that Saul fell upon the ground. A voice said to him, "Saul, why do you persecute me?" His cohorts heard, but saw no one around. "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked the voice.  Was it someone he had killed? "I am Jesus, whom you persecute," he said. Saul knew the scriptures well that told of the Messiah, should have recognized the Christ from all he read. "Now get up," the Lord commanded, "and go into the city, and you will be told what you have to do." As in all other instances from the time of Christ's ascension, only humans passed along the wondrous news. When Saul arose, his sight was gone, and he was led away. He reached Damascus, penitent, afraid. Three days he spent in prayer, eating and drinking nothing, til God sent Ananias to his aid. No Christian would have volunteered to visit this man Saul whose main ambition was to murder them. But the Lord told Ananias to go restore Saul's sight because there was a mission planned for him. "He is my chosen instrument to carry forth my name to the Gentiles and their kings, and also Jews. There is much that he must suffer for my righteous cause as he spreads my Word, my Gospel, my Good News." Ananias found the Straight Street house, and entering, met Saul. He said, "The Lord has sent me here to you, to help you see again and receive the Holy Spirit." His purpose Saul could hardly misconstrue. By the laying on of hands of the faithful Ananias, the scale-like covering fell from off Saul's eyes. He could see the things about him, and also those within, and immediately arose to be baptized. § Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9) Soon after Saul's baptism, he began to teach and preach in the synagogues where Jews were gathered round. He proved by early prophecy that Jesus was the Christ, the disbelieving hearers to astound. They asked, "Is not this man the one who among the church raised havoc? And isn't it his purpose to arrest them?" Yet the power of his words just grew and baffled all the Jews. Each proof of Christ was like a precious gem. Since their arguments proved useless, the Jews conspired to kill this Pharisee, considered now a traitor. Day and night they watched the gates so that he could not escape, but God helped his great new communicator. His friends took him by night and put him in a basket, then lowered him through an opening in the wall. Returning to Jerusalem, he went to the disciples, but they would not accept his word at all. They knew his reputation for persecuting Christians; his conversion story seemed to them a ruse. But Barnabus was first convinced, then brought him to the others. This faithful brother they could not refuse. Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of Christ the Lord. He debated with the Grecian Jews, and they, too, tried to kill him. Religious prejudice is deep and hard. When the brothers learned of this, they moved him once again, to Tarsus, the hometown from whence he came. The church enjoyed a time of peace, and grew in numbers daily, the Holy Spirit's power to proclaim. § Aeneas and Dorcas (Acts 9) In Peter's many travels, he went to the town of Lydda to visit and encourage Christians there. He found a man name Aeneas, bedridden, paralytic. Eight years he'd had this heavy cross to bear. "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "you are healed by Jesus Christ. Get up and make your bed."  And he arose. All those who lived in Lydda and the area of Sharon turned to the Lord whose power was disclosed. Not far from there in Joppa, lived Dorcas, a disciple whose life was spent in always doing good. Becoming sick about this time, the saintly Dorcas died, bringing gloom and sadness to the neighborhood. The women washed her body and dressed her properly, preparing this great seamstress for the tomb. Disciples sent for Peter, and when he had arrived, he was taken where she lay, an upper room. The widows stood around him, crying, showing him the robes that Dorcas made with her own loving hands. Peter sent them out and knelt to pray beside the cold dead body, and turning, softly spoke a sweet command. "Get up," he said to Dorcas, and she opened up her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up on the bed. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet, like Lazarus, now risen from the dead. Then he called in the believers, presented her to them, a woman dead for hours, now alive. All over Joppa this was told, and many turned to God. The community of Christians grew and thrived. cgtrent@att.net

Acts Part 3

Cornelius and Peter Peter at Cornelius' House Peter Explains His Actions The Church in Antioch Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison Herod's Death The First Missionary Journey Missionaries in Pisidian Antioch Hardships and Joy The Council at Jerusalem The Mission Expands Missionaries Go Into Europe

Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10) According to human logic, Cornelius was a good man. He and his family were devout, a respected, God-fearing clan, giving generously to those in need and praying often to God. One day while he was deep in prayer, the Lord gave him a nod. Although he was a Gentile, a Roman Centurion, he worshiped the one God of the Jews, rather like an alien. In a vision he saw an angel who came to him and said, "God has remembered your many prayers and the poor folks you have fed. Now send for Simon Peter, who will tell you what you need. So he sent servants and a soldier to Joppa with all speed. As these men approached the city, about noon that next day, Peter, at Simon the tanner's house, went up on the roof to pray. He was hungry, wanted something to eat, and fell into a trance, while below the food was being prepared, hardly just by chance. He saw the heavens opened, and something like a sheet was lowered to the earth containing every king of meat. Four-footed animals and birds and reptiles were replete. A voice then spoke to Peter, "Get up, kill and eat." "Surely not, Lord!" he answered. "I've never eaten anything that (according to Jewish law) was impure or unclean." Three times he was instructed, then the sheet was taken away. While Peter pondered the meaning, three men stopped at the gate. "Simon, three men are looking for you," the spirit said to him. "So get up and go downstairs.  Don't hesitate to go with them." Peter went down and met the men and asked, "Why have you come?" When they told him, he knew that it was wrong to consider Gentiles scum. He invited them in to be his guests, a no-no for a Jew, realizing that the Christian age had started something new. § Peter at Cornelius' House (Acts 10) The barriers were falling down, as Peter had been shown. Gentiles were now to hear the word that had been for Jews alone. The messengers were fed and bedded in the house where Peter stayed, and they all left on the morrow, Christ's plain command obeyed. Some Jewish Christians went along to witness this new twist of converting Gentiles to the faith, a God-sent catalyst. Cornelius had called together his relatives and friends who were also seeking for the truth, Peter's message to attend. He said to them, "You are well aware that it's against our law to associate with Gentiles, but in a trance I saw that I should not call any man common or unclean, so I raised no objections when you sent for me." Cornelius related how the angel had appeared and told him to find Peter so that all his house could hear the Good News he could offer to those who truly search, for they had heard of Jesus Christ and the good work of the church. Then Peter said, "I realize that God accepts all men that fear him and do what is right, forgiving them of sin. Peace can be had through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. You know how he went about doing good, and we apostles recall everything he said and did through the ministry he chose. He gave his life on Calvary's cross and then from death arose. We ate and drank with him and accepted his command to preach the word to sinners who need his loving hand. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on these God-fearing Gentiles, a message clear as a bell. This miracle left no room for doubt that favoritism was past, and the Jews should not consider the Gentiles as outcasts. Peter was here to tell them words by which they must be saved, and when they heard his message, they gladly all obeyed, were baptized in the name of Christ to wash away their sins. We Gentiles should be thankful for the way this story ends! § Peter Explains His Actions (Acts 11) By word of mouth throughout Judea, news had quickly spread that Peter had been hanging out with Gentiles. So when he reached Jerusalem, he was criticized for actions that would heretofore defile. Precisely, Peter told them everything that happened when God told him that nothing was unclean, and right then Gentiles stopped to fetch him up to Caesarea. No doubt now, God is not concerned with genes. The Spirit bade him go with them, and when they had arrived, Cornelius told what the angel had to say: "Send to Joppa at the tanner's house and ask for Simon Peter. He will tell you words by which you will be saved." "As I began to apeak to them," said Peter to the brothers, "the Holy Spirit fell upon them there just as he did on us on the Day of Pentecost, and I knew salvation now was theirs to share. If God gave them baptism of the Holy Spirit, to speak in tongues just as he gave the Jews, dare I try opposing God after his direct command to take the Gentiles word of his Good News?" So now the Jewish Christians knew that Peter's heart was pure, and guided by the Spirit in this cause, that God was no respecter of genealogy, and Christ had banished certain Jewish laws. They realized the enmity between the two were gone, that the lion and the lamb slept side by side, that peace between all nations is possible in Christ, if all would choose in his word to abide. All Spiritual blessings are in him and in his righteousness. No sins can be brought through the narrow gate. His word can purify our hearts and lead us to obey, to bask in love, escape a wretched fate. § The Church in Antioch (Acts 11) When Stephen had been stoned to death and others persecuted in Jerusalem, headquarters of the church, most of the Christians scattered to other towns around where the word of God no longer was besmirched. They shared the Gospel tidings with every Jew they met, established many churches here and there, and after Peter baptized Gentiles in Caesarea, it was natural that other Christians share. In Antioch they preached to Greeks, and many there believed. and turned to Christ for his complete salvation. The persecutors of the church were thereby instrumental in the spreading of the word to every nation. News of the work at Antioch had reached Jerusalem, and the church sent Barnabus to cheer them on. He was known as the encourager, full of the Holy Spirit, with his awesome faith in Jesus daily shown. Many people were brought to the Lord; the church was growing fast, but they needed an apostle's holy hands. So Barnabus went to Tarsus to find his good friend, Saul. For a year they labored with this Gospel band. Great numbers were converted in this huge pagan city, and were known as Christians first at Antioch. Some prophets from Jerusalem had come to share the news, predicting that a famine soon would rock the entire Roman world, disastrous for their people, and disciples there began to think of others. According to ability, they took up a collection to help the harder hit Judean brothers. Perhaps the first sign people see of Christian faith and practice is the sharing of their money, time and love with neighbors, strangers, friends whose needs are widely varied, inspired and strengthened by the Lord above. § Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison (Acts 12) King Herod had arrested some members of the church, with plans to persecute them for no reason except to feed his blood lust and pacify the Jews, but his popularity lived for just a season. James, the brother of John, one of the twelve apostles, was put to death, beheaded, on a whim, which greatly pleased the Jews, and Herod was their hero. Whatever he did now was fine with them. He proceeded to seize Peter, the leader of the pack, to save for public trial later on. This happened during the Jewish Feast of Unleavened Bread, and soon this year's Passover would be gone. While Peter was in prison, the church prayed earnestly that God would firm his faith and ease his mind. Four squads of soldiers guarded him so he could not escape, but peaceful sleep in chains he still could find. The night before his trial, an angel of the Lord appeared within the cell where Peter slept. A light shone round about and the angel wakened Peter. God's promise to the righteous had been kept. "Get up!" he said, and then the chains fell off of Peter's wrists. "Put on your clothes and sandals," he was told. "Now wrap your cloak around you," the angel prompted him, "and follow me"; the master plan unfolds. His eyes still filled with sleep, Peter thought this was a dream, but followed his instructions to a T. Passing all the sixteen guards, they reached the iron gate, and it opened by itself miraculously. When the angel left him in the street, Peter realized that his escape was real, thanks to the Lord. He went to Mary's house where many were in prayer, and believing it was him was rather hard. Herod was embarrassed by this bold escape, would not admit that God had bested him. So he blamed the sixteen soldiers who failed an easy task, and executed every one of them. § Herod's Death (Acts 12) After Herod was embarrassed by Peter's quick escape and executed sixteen faithful guards, he went to Caesarea and stayed there for awhile, perhaps his bloody image to discard. Those people sought his favor because they were dependent on peace with him who furnished food supplies. So when he came to speak with them, he wore a royal robe so resplendent that the brilliance hurt their eyes. From his throne he gave a speech, and they boosted his ego: "This is a god-like voice, not of a man." Their praise was pleasing to his ears, and he did not deny the flattery that through his cold blood ran. But because he gave no praise to God, an angel struck him down, and his innards crawled with worms before he died. For days he lay in torment, a torture he had earned, as the hungry worms devoured his insides. His persecution of the saints to still the voice of God was now reversed; the church's numbers grew. The scattered Christians spread the Gospel everywhere they went, and many folks accepted this Good News. § The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13) The prophets of the early church were baptized in the Spirit, and could present God's word infallibly in order that the Gospel message could be spread throughout, til later written down for you and me. The church at Antioch had some prophets and some teachers, and to one of them the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me the two I've chosen, Barnabus and Saul, for the work to which they heretofore were led." So after fasting, praying, they placed their hands on them, and sent them off to spread abroad the word, the word that brings salvation to those who truly seek, although the world considers them absurd. Arriving at Salamis, the island port of Cyprus, they proclaimed the word in Jewish synagogues. John Mark had come along to help, perhaps as the baptizer, to assure the meshing of the busy cogs. As they traversed the island, they met a man at Paphos, a Jewish sorcerer with bones to pick, an attendant of the proconsul, a man named Sergius Paulus. Elymas was apt to use a dirty trick. The proconsul, intelligent and seeking for the truth, sent for Barnabus and Saul to hear God's word. But Elymas, the sorcerer, opposed the things they taught, and tried to turn the man from what he heard. Then Saul, whose Gentile name was Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and to him said, "You're a child of the devil, an enemy of right." The riot act to Elymas was read. "You are full of trickery and all kinds of deceit. Will you never stop perverting the Lord's ways? His hand is now against you, and blind you will become, unable to see light for many days." As darkness overshadowed him, he blindly groped about, seeking someone who would kindly lead him forth. The proconsul had witnessed this miracle, of course, but was more amazed by the teaching about the Lord. The greatest miracle ever performed pales in significance to salvation by the blood of Christ, to a love we can't imagine that would take a precious Son and give him as the sinner's sacrifice. § Missionaries in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13) Heretofore in Acts we have read about Barnabus and Saul, but now the tide has turned, and the leading man is Paul. Paul and his companions from the isle of Cyprus sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark was derailed, returning to Jerusalem, and left the two alone. They traveled to Pisidian, where their names were hardly known. On the Sabbath, at the synagogue, the rulers sent them word that if they chose to speak awhile, their message would be heard. Paul talked about God's leading the Jews for many years, and promising a Savior who one day would appear. From the line of good King David, Messiah would descend. Now God has sent us Jesus Christ to take away our sin. Preparing for his coming, John preached about the need for repentance and baptism, the coming of the Seed who was mighty, awesome, holy, the Son of God on high. But the Jews would not accept him, and sentenced him to die. On a rough-hewn cross they nailed him, the perfect Son of Man, after torturing him with thorns and whips til his lifeblood freely ran. In a borrowed tomb they buried him, and thought that was the end, but God the Father raised him up, mortality to transcend. "Forgiveness is proclaimed to you through the risen Savior, Jesus, because you can't be justified by the out-dated law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your day and time that you will not believe, even if someone told you.  The Messiah you won't receive.' " Most of the Jews rejected the message brought by Paul, so he turned again to Gentiles who on the Lord would call. The leaders persecuted and expelled the missionaries, but disciples there were filled with joy despite their adversaries. § Hardships and Joy (Acts 14) At the Iconium Jewish synagogue, Paul and Barnabus spoke so effectively that many there believed. But the stubborn and rebellious Jews stirred up believing Gentiles against the brothers who they had received. Paul and Barnabus spent their time speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his saving grace by miraculous signs and wonders through the missionaries' hands, but the people were divided in this place. There was a deadly plot afoot among some Jews and Gentiles to mistreat and stone these bearers of good news. When the two found out about it, they fled to other cities with hopes of finding folks with godly views. In Lystra was a crippled man who had never walked, and he listened closely when Paul preached the word. Paul looked directly at him and saw that he had faith in the Gospel message that he just had heard. "Stand on your feet:" said Paul, and the man jumped up and walked, which caused a stir among the pagan crowd. They shouted out, "The gods have come to us in human form!" continuing to shout their praises loud. Bulls were brought as sacrifice to honor the apostles, but they objected, tearing at their clothes. "We too are only human, bringing you good news, that you should turn from sin, your deadly foe." Then some Jews from Antioch who already hated Paul and from Iconium, from whence they fled, came all the way to Lystra to stir up hatred there, stoned Paul and gave his body up for dead. Disciples gathered round him, no doubt in tears and prayer, and soon he was revived enough to walk. The next day he and Barnabus set out on foot for Derbe and won disciples by their godly talk. Then bravely, they reversed their route to visit all the saints in Lystra, Antioch, Iconium, to strengthen the disciples, encouraging their faith, appointing elders by God's rule of thumb. Back to "the other" Antioch returned the missionaries, to the church who sent them preaching years ago. They reported all that God had done to open wide the door of faith to Gentiles so the church would grow. § The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) Some Jews from the church in Judea came down to Antioch and tried to bind the law on Gentile saints. They said that circumcision must be added to baptism, to complicate their lives with this constraint. Paul and Barnabus were sent, along with other brothers, to Jerusalem, to meet with elders there and three of the apostles, Peter, James and John, for agreement as to what is right and fair. Even in Jerusalem, the Pharisees believed that circumcision and the law were binding. It would take the Jewish converts awhile to understand that their old traditions surely were unwinding. Peter asked them plainly, "Why are you testing God by yoking the disciples with a law that no one (except Jesus) has been able to bear? To the grace of Christ you introduce a flaw." They listened to the missionaries, Barnabus and Paul, tell how the Lord had blessed them on their trek to preach the simple Gospel to the scattered Gentile people without hanging the old law around their neck. James suggested that they write a letter to the Gentile saints that would help them draw apart from their old ways, the pagan idol worship that lingered from their past, temptations that might haunt them all their days. The epistle was prepared and sent to Antioch, and to other Gentile churches round about, by the hands of Paul and Barnabus, accompanied by others, so that their message would erase all doubt. The church in Antioch was very much relieved that the Holy Spirit lifted up their burden, that they could just be Christians, free of Jewish law, their salvation through the grace of Christ more certain. § The Mission Expands (Acts 15) Apostles and other disciples, led by the Holy Spirit, agreed the Christian movement as a whole, both Jews and Gentiles, were to follow teachings of the Christ, not mixing in the Jewish law of old. Yet on a personal level, they did not always agree, as shown when Paul and Barnabus made plans to re-visit all the churches in the towns where they had taught, encourage them to keep the Lord's commands. Barnabus asked to take John Mark, who accompanied them before, but Paul thought it unwise to take the chance, as he earlier deserted them when the going got too tough in Pamphylia, without a backward glance. Their disagreement was so sharp, they parted company, so Barnabus and Mark to Cyprus sailed. Paul chose the prophet Silas, who had helped at Antioch, as the Holy Spirit helped the work prevail. Through Syria, Cilicia, they visited the brothers, encouraging their faithfulness in Christ, strengthening the churches with their knowledge of the word, reminding them what they must sacrifice. This is just one more example of the wisdom of the Lord, how he can turn our failures into good. Now they had two missionary teams to travel far and wide, to help and strengthen all the brotherhood. § Missionaries Go Into Europe (Acts 16) Paul and Silas came to Derbe, then to the town of Lystra, which was home to Timothy, a faithful brother. His father was a Greek, but his mentor must have been his dedicated Christian Jewess mother. The disciples there spoke well of him, and Paul was so impressed that he wished to add him to the journey's crew. So for expediency, he was circumcised, to satisfy the many area Jews. As they traveled on from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by Jerusalem elders and apostles that they were not bound by Jewish law, but should obey the Christ, everything they had been taught within the Gospel. So the churches, strengthened in the faith, daily grew in numbers, and the missionaries soon went on their way. Throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia they went, led by the Holy Spirit day by day. Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia begging them to come and help the people there. They took this as God's calling, and prepared to go at once, the good news of salvation thus to share. They came to Philippi where there was no synagogue, so went to the river to find a place of prayer, where a gathering of women listened to them speak, as the story of the Christ they did declare. Lydia, a dealer in royal purple cloth, had listened, and the Gospel touched her heart. She and all the members of her household were baptized, and immediately in their mission took a part. She invited them into her home, and there they stayed awhile with this family to whom they had been sent. Now they understood, like Philip, how the Holy Spirit worked, to lead them to those folks who would repent, who were worshiping and searching and waiting for the word to be spoken from the lips of faithful men. Lydia's household met to pray at the riverside, and from that day on were never the same again. cgtrent@att.net

Acts Part 4

Paul and Silas in Prison In Thessalonica and Berea In Athens Choices In Corinth Apollos Paul in Ephesus Riot in Ephesus Paul on the Move A Sad Farewell On To Jerusalem Saul's Conversion II

Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16) As Paul and Silas preached the word at the riverside place of prayer, they were followed by a slave girl who caused them trouble there. She was a fortune-teller, sadly demon possessed, and from her constant loud harangue, they could find no rest. "These men are servants of the Most High God, telling you the way to be saved", she shouted after them repeatedly, a situation grave. They did not want their mission contaminated by this girl and the spirit that possessed her, a demon of the nether world. Paul finally commanded the spirit, in the name of Christ the Lord, to come out of her, and it was so.  Her sanity was restored. But it didn't sit well with her owners who had profited from her pain, and were incensed that these Christians had destroyed their hope of gain. They dragged them into the marketplace, to the authorities there, accused them of advocating customs illegal for Romans to bear. The crowd joined in and, as usual, the loud majority ruled. They were stripped and beaten in public, objects of ridicule. Thrown into prison, their feet in stocks, backs beaten bloody and sore, they overcame the pain with prayer, and gave thanks all the more. At midnight, as they prayed and sang praises unto God in the darkness of their prison cell, at peace against all odds, a violent earthquake shook the jail and opened up the doors, and the loosened chains of everyone clanked loudly on the floor. The jailer, startled from his sleep, saw all doors opened wide, and supposed his prisoners had escaped the dark and gloom inside. He drew his sword to kill himself, until Paul stayed his hand. "Don't harm yourself; we're all still here, each and every man!" The jailer's trembling first response was, "What must I do to be saved?" And he listened enrapt to the answer that Paul and Silas gave. They spoke the word of the Lord to him and all of his household, who repented and were baptized, just as they were told. At dawn the magistrates sent to release the wrongly mistreated men, but they refused to leave until the magistrates came in and apologized for treating Roman citizens this way. Escorted out in proper style, they left Philippi that day. § In Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17) Leaving Luke and Timothy to organize the church at Philippi, preachers Paul and Silas traveled on their way. A hundred miles or so they walked to find a synagogue, and teach the worshipers who came to pray. Thessalonica was such a place, with Jews and proselytes, who listened as Paul reasoned week to week. On three Sabbath days he would explain how Christ was meant to die, using prophecies about this King so meek. The miracles Paul always worked were proof he came from God, convincing many Greeks and fewer Jews. But the other Jews were jealous, rounded up a mob of rabble, for a riot that would drown talk of this Good News. The leaders rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas, to bring them out to this unruly crowd. Not finding them, they dragged out Jason and some other brothers, and to the city leaders shouted loud, "The world has been turned upside down by these Christian preachers, and Jason here has kept them in his home. They defy decrees of Caesar, saying Jesus is the King, which is certainly against the rule of Rome." The city was in turmoil from this outlandish scheme to kill the preachers just for doing good. So the newly baptized brothers, as soon as it was night, sent Paul and Silas from the neighborhood. On arriving at Berea, they found the synagogue, where men of noble character had met. With eagerness they welcomed the message of the Christ, and soon roots of the church were firmly set. The Jews from Thessalonica, who heard of this success, came to Berea, bringing agitation. So the brothers sent Paul to the coast, and he sailed down to Athens where he would preach the Gospel of salvation. § In Athens (Acts 17) Paul, walking around in Athens, was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols of every pedigree. In the synagogue he reasoned with the staunch, closed-minded Jews and God-fearing Greeks who worshiped there, who wanted nothing new. In the marketplace he talked to some who happened to be there, and some philosophers argued, with their self-righteous air. The Epicurians' god was pleasure, sensory delight, and the Stoics thought that human wisdom was the ultimate might. But they brought him to a quiet place, away from all the fuss, to hear about his "foreign god" at the Areopagus. "I see you are very religious," Paul started out his speech, to put them in a frame of mind that some souls might be reached. "I saw an altar "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD", who I now proclaim to you. He is the God who made the world, and everything in it, too. He does not live in temples that are built by human hands, needs nothing that a man can give.  We exist at his command. From one man he made every nation of men to inhabit all the earth, and determined where and how long they'd live, from the very day of birth. He hoped that men would seek him, enjoy a close-knit bond, be thankful for each breath they  take, and to his love respond. Since we are all God's offspring, with an everlasting soul, we should know that this Divinity is not of silver or gold. He commands all people to repent, for he has set a day when, by his Word, he will judge the world, and justice will hold sway. He has given proof to all men, raising Jesus from the dead." Then some of the disbelievers sneered at what the preacher said. But others stayed to hear him out, and a few of them believed all that he had spoken, the Gospel message received. Some seed will fall on stony ground, be eaten by the birds, but to some, salvation's promise is the best news ever heard. § Choices When God created Adam and Eve, he made them fully grown and capable of immediate reproduction. Likewise, the other living things were formed mature and whole, which causes scientists some misconstruction. A study of the age of man on that creation day would likely prove that he was twenty-one, or maybe forty-five - who knows?  It is of no import. And the earth looked old the day it was begun, which confuses those who would try to date the time it took to form from accidental groupings of the atom. On purpose, God left mysteries to stagger worldly wisdom, like looking for the footprints of a phantom. Left to itself, all matter in time will decompose, not purposely progress to a higher state. No accident can write a book or cook a pumpkin pie, much less a complicated man to make. The knowledge of God is inherent in man, and must be strongly fought in order to become an atheist, or even an agnostic, who questions his own soul, his inborn need for worship to resist. Disbelief in God is no excuse when comes the judgment day. Each person has a conscious choice to make: Ignore the living, loving God who gives you air to breathe and sent his Son to suffer for your sake, or take him at his promise, obey his blest commands to sacrifice your ego and your will, and find that giving of yourself is such a little price, as in the peace of God your mind is stilled. By the right of his creation, God possesses everything, allowing us to use the things we need, giving us the choice to share our money, time and thankful hearts, or be consumed instead with selfish greed. He gave us a guide to happiness while living here below, a map that will take us all the way to glory. The Bible is deep, yet simple, and is the power to save, more than a fable or a bedtime story. It depicts the personality of God, whose love is great, yet whose discipline and wrath must take their toll. To resist his blest commands is a slap right in the face of the only one who can liberate your soul. § In Corinth (Acts 18) From Athens Paul went to Corinth, alone and likely broke. He worked by day at making tents, as the word of God he spoke to all the folks within earshot, their souls his main concern, engrossed in preaching God's Good News to anyone ready to learn. There he met a Jew named Aquila, and Priscilla, his good wife, who also labored making tents while adjusting to the life of making this pagan cesspool the site of their new home, as Claudius ordered all the Jews out of the city of Rome. The three friends worked together, their daily food to seek, an on Sabbath days at the synagogue, Paul reasoned with Jews and Greeks, testifying to the scriptures, proving Jesus was the Christ, and that for the sins of many, his life was sacrificed. When from Macedonia his helpers came -Silas and Timothy - he was freed from working with his hands, to preach exclusively. But when the Jews opposed him, abused him and the Word, slandering the name of Christ, whose message they had heard, Paul absolved himself of any blame for the hardness of their hearts, as he had done his very best, the Gospel to impart. He went then to the Gentiles, and many of them believed and were baptized into the body of Christ, his Spirit to receive. Crispus, the synagogue ruler -a devout, God-fearing Jew - became a believer, also, one of the chosen few. He realized that Christianity fulfilled the Jewish law before it passed into history, replaced by one without flaw. Only Jewish tradition and prejudice kept scoffers in the dark, with eyes shut tight from Jesus' light, denying even a spark. God told Paul not to be afraid of religious persecution, and for eighteen months he labored there in daily elocution. Even when they brought him into court, their weak case crumbled and fell. The synagogue ruler was beaten, and the proconsul shrugged, "Oh, well..." § Apollos (Acts 18, 1 Cor. 3) Apollos knew the scriptures, and preached with righteous zeal, even though the Holy Spirit, as of yet, was not revealed. He was eloquent, persuasive, this open-minded Jew, trying hard to teach the Gospel with everything he knew. Priscilla and Aquila, who heard him preach of Christ, knew he needed more instructions to make his work precise. They invited him into their home, explained to him the Way, more adequate than John's baptism from a bygone day. He became a missionary, a great help in the faith, and vigorously refuted Jews in many a debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the man who was spoken of in prophecy, the Savior of their clan, that his reign as King was spiritual, a freedom of the soul, to rule within the heart of man, with heaven as his goal. Converts he made a-plenty, which later caused division in the infant church at Corinth, a case of imprecision. Some were saying, "I'm of Paul," or "I am of Apollos", forgetting in their quarrel that Christ is uppermost. "The two of us are only servants," Paul corrected them. "I plant, Apollos waters, but the outlook would be grim unless God gave the increase and made the seed to sprout, grow into a heavenly kingdom of the righteous and devout. The planter and the waterer have just one aim in mind, to guide you in the ways of God, his peace and joy to find." § Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19) When Paul returned to Ephesus, where Apollos had been preaching, he re-baptized about a dozen men who only knew of John's baptism calling for repentance, so Paul taught them what they needed there and then. When he placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit's power came upon them so that they could prophesy and speak in other languages, to teach whome'er they met, enlarging kingdom boundaries thereby. For three months in the synagogue, Paul boldly spoke to Jews until they publicly maligned the Way. He took the disciples with him and moved to the lecture hall working there for a productive two year stay. Extraordinary miracles were done by God through Paul, much illness cured and evil spirits removed. This showed their righteous love and mercy for their fellow man, and proved that they were all by God approved. Some Jews, without authority, were trying to drive out demons in the name of Jesus, just as Paul had done. "Jesus I know, and also Paul, but who are you?" they answered, and beat them til they had to cut and run. Terrified, naked and bleeding from the demonic man's assault, the counterfeit healers hit the streets in shame. The Jews and Greeks were seized with fear, perhaps a bit of awe, and honored Christ the Savior's holy name. Many sorcerers, who thus believed, brought their books of magic and burned them publicly, their love to show for this wondrous Gospel message that turned their lives around, and the word spread far and wide, the church to grow. The miracles drew attention, to prove they were from God, but the power of salvation is the word, which is synonymous with grace, the gift we cannot earn, found only in the blood of Christ the Lord. § Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19) The silversmiths and craftsmen were disturbed about “the Way” that threatened to diminish their great wealth, turning people from the worship of their many hand-wrought gods, with emphasis instead on spiritual health. Paul was “leading them astray” by telling them the truth — that man-made idols were no gods at all. He might discredit the goddess herself, rob her divinity, and their trade in superstitions thus would fall. “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians,” the furious tradesmen shouted, and soon the city echoed their uproar. Some folks had no idea what was going on, but added to the riot all the more. They seized two missionaries, compatriots of Paul, since he was not available to them. When he heard about their capture, he wanted to appear and address the crowd, but friends prevented him. For about two hours they shouted, until their fury waned, and the city clerk proposed a better way. “Be quiet and do nothing rash, but let the courts decide if any laws were broken here today. These men have robbed no temples nor blasphemed Artemis. Let the craftsmen press their charges on their own. Anything you have to say must be in a legal assembly, as the laws against a riot are well known.” Emotion had subsided; they knew that he was right. He dismissed them and they quietly dispersed. Paul surely breathed a sigh of relief when his two friends were freed, after natural expectations for the worst. Adversity was part and parcel of their ministry, yet the church still grew in numbers and in strength. Paul never wavered in his faith and dedicated work. To spread the word, he would go to any length. § Paul on the Move (Acts 20) Paul said goodbye to Ephesian saints, with Jerusalem as his goal. Along the way, he traveled slow, comforting many a soul. Realizing that this would likely be his last chance in this life to see these brothers face to face, his heart was torn with strife. Luke joined him again at Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and at Troas they met more disciples who had traveled on ahead. On the first day of the week, when they gathered for communion, remember the sacrifice of Christ and enjoy their common union, Paul spoke to this family he loved, a sort of farewell speech, to leave them much encouragement with which to fill the breech. Seated in the window was a man, Eutycus by name, and at midnight, long past bedtime, deep sleep upon him came. From the window, three whole stories down, he fell to untimely death, but by Paul and the Holy Spirit, he soon regained his breath, an example of how the Savior can take a life dead in sin, and wash it clean in his precious blood, leaving joy and peace within. § A Sad Farewell (Acts 20) After a sleepless, eventful, emotional night with the Troas Christian brothers, Paul decides to walk all the way to Assos, where he plans to meet the others. His aim is to reach Jerusalem in time for Pentecost, a chance to renew his ties with the saints, and again preach to the lost. The Holy Spirit has warned him that adversity is his lot, yet he never slows down in his selfless quest, despite many enemy plots. At Miletus, he sends for the elders in Ephesus, nearby, while waiting for his ship to sail, their work to solidify. Although headed for hardships and prison, his concern is for the church, with encouragement and warnings that Christ’s name they not besmirch. “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood, for savage wolves will attack the flock, try to nip it in the bud. Even from your own number in the church, men will distort the word, and draw away disciples into their ungodly herd. I pray only to finish the task the Lord has given me, of testifying to his grace, that men everywhere may see the saving power of his truth, its salt and light and leaven that promises redemption and eternity in heaven” Then he knelt down with these saints and prayed and wept a fond goodbye, for they figured their next meeting would be before the throne on high. § On To Jerusalem (Acts 21) Paul's third missionary journey was coming to an end as he headed toward Jerusalem, Pentecost to attend. They sailed along the coastline, then headed out to sea, with visits to the churches wherever they might be. Some of the prophets realized that danger awaited Paul by returning to Jerusalem, but this had been God's call. He was willing to die for the Gospel, had suffered so much woe, and determined to follow the Master's lead wherever he said to go. Greeted warmly by Jerusalem saints, he reported in detail the work among the Gentiles, a long and happy tale. But they were concerned that the thousands of Jews who had been converted to Christ would misunderstand his mission, and they offered him this advice: Take part in the ceremonies of purification rites for four Christian Jews who had made a vow, to calm these Israelites. It was a sacrificial concession for Paul to take a part in this ritual of Jewish law, to upright the applecart. Not everything is black-and-white; we must use common sense. Becoming all things to all people so as not to cause offense was the way Paul always labored to carry God's Good News, not to compromise the Gospel, but to change the sinner's views. § Saul's Conversion II (Acts 9, 22, 27) Saul had been born in Tarsus, went to school and learned a trade, then to Jerusalem he soon was sent. By Gamaliel, a Jewish teacher, one of Israel's best, he was grounded in the law, his time well-spent. He was blameless as he kept the law, a zealous Pharisee, and in good conscience fought the Christian Way. Convinced that he was serving God by persecuting saints, he arrested and maligned them day by day. Both men and women were imprisoned for the name of Jesus, as he breathed out murderous threats and blasphemy. Not content with just the local crowd, he traveled to Damascus, a holy terror busy as a bee. All Christians were afraid of Saul, but God could look within and see the kind of man that he could use. Before he reached Damascus, a light brighter than the sun was sent to stop his ignorant abuse. He and his companions all fell upon the ground, and a voice in Aramaic spoke to Saul. The others heard the sound, which added to their terror, but they couldn't understand the words at all. "Saul! Saul!" the Savior said, "Why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." "Who are you, Lord?" cried terrified Saul, already a believer, as he lay there helpless, blinded in the road. "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.  Get up, stand on your feet. Go into Damascus, to the street named Straight. My disciple Ananias will give you back your sight and tell you what to do to change your fate." Three days Saul waited, fasting, anxiously praying to God, contrite, repentant, ready to do his will. Ananias came and healed his sight, saying, "God has chosen you to hear his words, his commandments to fulfill. Now get you up and be baptized to wash away your sins." And Saul obeyed at once, his soul reborn. Now his zeal and fervor were for Christ and the church bought with his blood, and from the faith he never would be torn. cgtrent@att.net