ACTS STUDY | SESSION 24 | 13:1-31

Today we continue go into Acts 13 with a brief introduction, discussing how Elymas and Sergius Paulus could be types, the doctrine of the Lord, and the coming conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, the churches in Asia Minor, the participants in the Jewish synagogues, the baptism of repentance, and the ignorance on behalf of the nation that led to the crucifixion our Jesus.

Introduction
Chapter 13 gets pretty interesting for me because for most, not all, it is the beginning of the Gospel of Grace as preached by the Apostle Paul, and that will become obvious when we get down to Acts 13:38-39. Now, if you were to ask me, "When did the Church, the Body of Christ begin? I would respond by saying, with the conversion of Paul. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 makes this abundantly clear to me.

However, there is disagreement in regards to when and/or how many times Paul was converted. Some will say that there was only one conversion in Paul's life and that was on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 and that is when the dispensation of grace began. Others will say, no, that was a Kingdom conversion and that later, when he received the revelation of them mystery, there was another, and that is the one that he is referring to in 1 Timothy 1:15-16.

Personally, and I have the right to change my mind after further study, I believe that Paul experienced two conversions: the first on the road to Damascus and the second after the revelation of the mystery sometime during or right after his three years in Arabia. Again, people disagree, and there are great and convincing arguments for both.

Chapter 13
VERSE 1: Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Bear in mind that this was a predominately Gentile church that had grown under the teaching of Paul, and of which he was the first member (1 Timothy  1:15-16). This, in my opinion, is the Body of Christ that you and I are apart of that is made up of both Jew and Gentile, which began at the revelation of the mystery to Paul.

Notice that Paul is not the only teacher there either as we can see from the text.

VERSES 2-4: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (3)  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (4)  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. Now God providentially decides that Paul and Barnabas need to be sent out to take the Gospel of Grace to the rest of the world in what would be known as the first of his missionary journeys. He would take at least three, possibly four, depending on how many times he was imprisoned. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 seems to indicate twice, but that is another study for another day.

VERSE 5: And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. Now, my question is, what did her preach to the Jews in the synagogues? Kingdom or Grace? Regardless, by the time we get to the end of the chapter, it will be obvious is is teaching the Gospel of Grace.

Notice John again, this is John Mark who penned the Gospel of Mark. The next verses get interesting and are the primary reason I believe Paul is now going to start preaching the Gospel of Grace starting with Sergius Paulus.

VERSES 6-8: And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: (7)  Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. (8)  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. They run upon a Jewish false prophet who name was Barjesus, but Elymas by interpretation according to v.8. He apparently withstood Saul and Barnabas and sought to turn away the deputy from the faith.

VERSE 9: Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, From this point forward, Paul is never called Saul again. To me, this is the proof that Paul had already received the revelation of the mystery. Again, his name Saul is used 26 times prior and the name Paul is used 126 times after this verse. This to me is a strong indicator that it had already happened and the name change was the announcement.

VERSE 10: And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? When we use the word subtle today, it means that we are not being very obvious in our actions. However, in this verse, the word could be translated to mean craft, deceit, or guile. He is accusing him of using deception and dishonesty in perverting th ways of the Lord.

VERSES 11-12: And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Some, including myself, see this verse as a type of the transition that was taking place from the Kingdom to the Gospel; from the prophetic to the mystery. In that case, Elymas would be a type of unbelieving Israel that is in temporary blindness and Sergius Paulus would be a type of the Gentiles that can now clearly see (Romans 11:7-15; Romans 11:25). This would also be the story for the rest of Paul's mystery in that in would be withstood by the Jews practically every where he went. No doubt, some listened, but most withstood and rejected Paul's apostleship.

I am also drawn to that final phrase of the verse the doctrine of the Lord. This is the only place in the Bible where this phrase is used. The only verse that even comes close is 1 Timothy 6:3. I believe this is a reference to the Gospel of Grace, i.e., death, burial, and resurrection. Remember, the Kingdom Gospel is Christ, but the Grace Gospel is the Cross.

VERSE 13: Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. This seemingly insignificant verse would set up a dispute between Paul and Barnabas later (Act_15:36-40) and led to Paul taking Silas instead. Now some will point to the fact that Barnabas disappeared from the scene right after that as proof that he was in the wrong, but that is speculation as far as I can tell. We are not sure why John Mark left and returned to Jerusalem. Most believe that he was just afraid.

Paphos was the capital of Syria. Perga was on the coast of modern day Turkey. The entire area is what we call Asia Minor today which is where, from what I can tell, all of the churches which Paul started and ministered were located, e.g., the seven churches of Revelation, Colosse and Galatia.

VERSES 14-16: But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. (15)  And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. (16) Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Antioch of Pisidia is not the same Antioch as where they had come from. We will find moving forward that Paul always went to the synagogue first when he entered any city because he had such a heart for his people (Romans 9:3). He is now going to rehearse the history of the Jewish nation beginning with Abraham, through Jesus' earthly ministry and crucifixion.

When Paul says, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience, it is apparent that there were both Jew and Gentile in this synagogue. I have previously stated that Gentiles were not allowed into the synagogue; however, upon further study, it is apparent that they were (Acts 13:42; Acts 14:1; Acts 17:1-4; Acts 17:10-12; and Acts 18:4). So, obviously, while not allowed into the Temple, only to the Court of the Gentiles, they were allowed into the synagogues.

VERSES 17-19: The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. (18)  And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. (19)  And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. The seven nations included: The Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites (Deuteronomy 7:1).

VERSES 20-22: And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. (21)  And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. (22)  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (23) Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: Paul emphasizes David, because through him would come the Messiah who would deliver the nation.

VERSE 24: When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. It must be understood that the Savior that John preached was exclusively the savior of Israel through which he would use the nation to reach the world which was plan A. The baptism of repentance was for the nation of Israel only. We today, do not partake in this baptism. Anyone who teaches that baptism is necessary for baptism today is conflating the Kingdom Gospel with the Grace Gospel and teaching a works salvation (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; Ephesians 2:8-9).

VERSE 25: And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. John always pointed to Jesus (John 1:19-23).

VERSE 26: Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. It seems obvious from the text that Paul is speaking to both Jew and Gentile.

VERSES 27-31: For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. (28)  And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. (29)  And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. (30)  But God raised him from the dead: (31)  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. What Paul is talking about had occurred only twelve years earlier. Notice that he says that the people did it because they knew him not all the while reading the voices of the prophets every week in the temple and synagogues. Yet, in their ignorance, they fulfilled prophecy.

Peter addressed this in Acts 3:16-18. He was acknowledging that they had indeed put Jesus to death, but they did it through ignorance. Jesus said the same in Luke 23:34. As did Stephen in Acts 7:60. This is important to understand, because had they did it knowingly, justice would have been swift with no grace extended.

Also, we mentioned earlier, even the apostles themselves had been walking in ignorance in spite of the fact that Jesus told them emphatically what was going to happen to him. Even after the resurrection, they were still utterly clueless as to the resurrection that would follow, cf. the women and the disciples in Luke 24:13-27. The point is, the apostles, just like those who demanded the crucifixion, where walking in ignorance.

The law makes it clear that if someone knowingly, premeditatively killed someone, it was life for life. However, if it was an accident, grace was extended for the person to flee to the City of Refuge (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Acts Study | Session 23 | 11:26-12:25

Today we will be covering Acts 11:26-12:25 where we see Barnabas being sent to find Saul in Antioch, the death of the first apostle besides Judas, Peter's imprisonment and miraculous release, and the painful death of Herod.

VERSE 26: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.  There is still no indication that Saul had received the revelation of the mystery. But it must have happened somewhere during this time between Chapter 11 and chapter 13 because chapter 12 is parenthetical to Paul's story line in that it switches back to Herod in Jerusalem and the Twelve.

Interestingly, Saul's name change is announced in Acts 13:1-13. It is significant because the name Saul is used 26 times prior and the name Paul is used 126 times after. Saul is only used in regards to his previous life which is a very strong indicator that it happened no later than when his name change is announced.

Also, after Barnabas found him, he took him from Tarsus to Antioch where they continued to teach. Of course, up to this point in the text nothing really stands out as a benchmark. Sadly, the text just does not flat out say when and where it happened. But, it just seems to me that this is most likely where it happened somewhere between the time that he was sent out in Acts 9:30 which happened shortly after his visit to Jerusalem which happened three years after his escape in Acts 9:25. So, Acts 13:9 is the benchmark in my humble opinion.

Time wise, this is 10 to 12 years after Pentecost. Les Feldick says, "They were first called Christians at Antioch because these are Gentiles who are being saved by Paul's beautiful message of God's Grace." However, I might add, Paul preached the Gospel of Grace to Jew and Gentile alike at some point and that is where his problems began in earnest. After all, who cared what the Gentiles believed, they were always viewed as pagans. Some will point to Acts13:4-12 as a type of Israel blindness in that a Jew tried to lead a Gentile from the faith (Rom 11:15, Rom 11:25).

VERSES 27-30: And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. (28)  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29)  Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: (30)  Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Here we find the church in Antioch which was predominately Gentile sending money to the all Jewish church in Jerusalem because of their actions in Acts 4:33-35.

As we finish chapter 11, we have seen the stoning of Stephen in chapter 8, were introduced to Saul and his conversion in chapter 9. He shortly thereafter ended up three years in Arabia after they tried to kill him during which time, or shortly thereafter, he received the revelation of the mystery. We have also seen Peter going to Cornelius' house in chapter 10 revelation to him that salvation was also being given to the Gentiles even though he still did not totally understand it. Then the church in Jerusalem sends out Barnabas to find Saul who took him to Antioch where they taught for 18 months and were first called Christians. Now chapter 12 turns back to the happenings in Jerusalem, after which Peter will slowly roll of the scene except for chapter 15 and the Jerusalem Council.

Chapter 12
This entire chapter, based upon the death of Herod, occurs in 44 AD. When it refers to Herod the King, it is a reference to Herod Agrippa I who was the grandson of Herod the Great.

VERSES 1-2: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. (2)  And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. Which the exception of Judas who took his own life, this is the death of the first apostle. From now on, the only James referred to is the half-brother of Jesus.

VERSES 3-4: And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) (4)  And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Herod, just like out political leaders today, was trying to appease his base. The days of unleavened bread is a reference to Passover which was a seven day period. Now, many have attempted to make much ado about the would Easter here in this verse by saying that is a pagan reference to the goddess Estarte or Ishtar who was also known as the Mother of Heaven, the mother of Nimrod, Semiramis. However, the word in the Greek is pascha which means Passover. It also comes from the German word oester which means east which points to the rising sun on the day our Lord resurrected from the dead. I see no problem with the word.

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

VERSE 7: And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. But God still had a plan for Peter that did not include his death just yet.

VERSES 8-9: And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. (9)  And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. The entire time, Peter thought that he was seeing a vision. Sounds like me before I have had my first cup of coffee.

VERSE 10: When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. Again, God still had tremendous plans for Peter. Reminds me of the old saying that we are immortal until God is through with us.

VERSES 11-17: And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (12)  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. (13)  And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. (14)  And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. (15)  And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. (16)  But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. (17)  But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. I am sure that this story was shared and laughed about many times later. Term beckon in v.17 means to use a physical gesture. In this case and others, it seems to be just a waving of the hands to get the audience's attention. Also, notice that it says that they thought that it might be his angel.

Albert Barnes says of this, "This notion arose from the common belief of the Jews that each individual had assigned to him, at birth, a celestial spirit, whose office it was to guard and defend him through life (Matt 18:10; Heb 1:14).

VERSE 18: Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.  The emphasis in this verse is no small stir. These men were going to pay for this with their lives. Interestingly, the same rule should have been applied to the guards who were guarding the tomb of Jesus (Matt 27:62-66; Matt 28:11-15). Any one of the day would have known something was suspicious here because these guards did not lose their lives (Acts 16:25-30).

VERSE 19: And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. Makes you wonder how God would allow these guards to be killed in exchange for the life of Peter. However, we must trust in God's sovereignty.

VERSES 20-23: And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. (21)  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. (22)  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. (23)  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Sounds like something right out of a modern-day horror movie. A scientific journal that I read said that he died of a combination of chronic kidney disease and a rare infection that causes gangrene in the genitalia called Fournier's gangrene. They wrote, “The texts that we depend on for a close description of Herod’s last days list several major features of the disease that caused his death – among then, intense itching, painful intestinal problems, breathlessness, convulsions of every limb, and gangrene of the genitalia,” Jan Hirschmann, professor of medicine at the University of Washington, in Seattle.

VERSE 24: But the word of God grew and multiplied. Of course, we can only assume from the text that this word of God was the Kingdom message that they have been sharing since the Gospels.

VERSE 25: And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. This return was to bring the gift that they had collected from the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27-29) thus fulfilling their ministry. Notice that they are also with John Mark.

Acts Study | Session 22 | 9:36-11:25

Today in our study we look at Acts 9:36-11:25 where we see Dorcas being raised from the dead, the conversion of Cornelius and its significance, and Peter's report to the church at Jerusalem.

VERSE 36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Joppa is a small port town close to Lydda (2Ch 2:16; Ezr 3:7; Jon 1:3). Interestingly, the name Tabitha or Dorcas means gazelle.

VERSES 37-38: And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38)  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. (39)  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40)  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (41)  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (42)  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (43)  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. In these verses, Peter raised this woman from the dead. Again, we see the pattern, miracles followed by a belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. No one can honestly say that God works this way today. This was simply a different dispensation. We do not live under this apostolic dispensation today.

Chapter 10
VERSES 1-2: There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, (2)  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. It must first be noted that Cornelius was not a Jew, nor a proselyte into Judaism yet. He was a Roman Centurion. I view this as God preparing Peter for a meeting that he was going to have with Paul twelve years from now. However, make no mistake, Peter is still presenting him with the Gospel of the Kingdom because that is all that he knew.

Notice that even though he was a devout man, and one that feared God, he was still lost. Lest you think that strange, our churches today are filled with them. George Barna said a few years ago that statistically, 70% of the average evangelical church in America is lost. I have no doubt about that.

Peter shared this event in Acts 11:12-14. Of course, Peter is referring to these next verses.

VERSES 3-6: He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. (4)  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5)  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: (6)  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. Cornelius was praying about 3:00 pm, an angel of God tells him that his prayers have been answered, tells him to call for Peter who is currently at Simon's house, and he would tell him what to do next. Interestingly, only the KJV says he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And he does what the Lord tells him to in...

VERSES 7-10: And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; (8)  And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. (9) On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: (10)  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, So, while these guys are on their way, Peter also receives a vision. He is sitting on the housetop around noon in prayer and apparently very hungry. The ladies may have been cooking at the time. Either way, God uses that hunger sensation to show him something.

VERSES 11-14: And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: (12)  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. (13)  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. (14)  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, chapter 11, God had given the nation a list of what they could and could not eat, foods that were considered clean and unclean, and apparently some of these were on the unclean side of the menu. However, the point of these verses that I had missed for years is why did Peter respond the way that he did? The answer is because he was still very much under the Law almost eight years after Pentecost! If the church began, the age of grace began, why is Peter still observing the Law? Why? Because he is still under the Law! There is no Body of Christ at this point in the book of Acts.

VERSES 15-18: And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (16)  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. (17)  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, (18)  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. Just to further makes his point, God repeats himself three times, and Peter still doubted what he had just heard. Some have suggested that this was the revelation of the mystery, no, that was given to Paul, not Peter.

VERSES 19-20: While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. (20)  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. God is now getting ready to demonstrate first hand what He has been trying to tell Peter. Why do you think God used a traumatic vision to speak to Peter? Because, our Lord's entire earthly ministry was to Jews only, and he told his followers the same (Mat 10:5-7; Mat 15:22-24). I have heard for so long that the Jews was bigoted and just did not understand what God was doing and that is why they struggled so hard with taking the gospel to the Gentiles. Not so!

VERSES 21-23: Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? (22)  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (23)  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Even though Peter is still obviously confused, he is obedient and goes with them.

VERSES 24-26: And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. (25)  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. (26)  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. In preparation for Peter's arrival, Cornelius had gathered his kinsmen and close friends. That fact that Cornelius tried to worshiop him speaks of his spiritual state. Of course, the first pope didn't allow himself to be worshiped, that would come later.

VERSES 27-29: And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (28)  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (29)  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? Now Peter recounts why he is there and wants to know why he had been sent for. Interestingly, Peter points to the Law to say that a Jew should not keep company with a Gentile; however, the Torah never directly prohibited that. Instead, Peter is most likely referring to the rabbinical teachings of the day. That, or he is referring to Jesus' command that they go not to the Gentiles with the Gospel of the Kingdom; probably the former though. Note: Gainsaying means promptly. In other words, he did not fight it.

No doubt, a transition is taking place which began with Saul's conversion in chapter 9, Cornelius here in chapter 10, when Peter returns to the church in Jerusalem and reports that the Gentiles had received the word of God, then sends Barnabus to Antioch to find Saul where they were first called Christians, in chapters 13 and 14 Barnabus and Paul head out of their missionary journeys, and finally in chapter 15 they are back in Jerusalem explaining God's continued work among the Gentile through the Gospel of Grace that had been revealed to Paul.

I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? indicates to me that Peter still had no idea why he was there. In other words, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to them was not what he was thinking of.

VERSES 30-33: And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, (31)  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. (32)  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. (33)  Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Cornelius then explains that he is still in the dark as well and was only being obedient to the that man in bright clothing and that Peter was supposed to tell him what thou oughtest to do (Acts 10:6).

VERSES 34-35: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35)  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Now Peter is putting it all together, the Vision + Cornelius = Gospel. As such, many will say at this point that Cornelius was the first Gentile Christian. However, the content of Peter's message simply does not bear that out.

VERSES 36-37: The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (37)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; He is simply sharing what had been and was going on in regards to the nation of Israel and the preaching of Christ. Apparently, it was so well known that he assumes that even the Gentiles had already heard of it. Again, nothing new here. Jesus' ministry began in Galilee after the baptism of the John the Baptist.

VERSE 38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Again, referring to Jesus' baptism at the hands of John and his ministry thereafter that only proved that he was indeed their Messiah.

VERSE 39: And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: In other words, we were there throughout his ministry and are witnesses to everything that he did in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, before they slew him and hanged him on a tree. Again, our Lord's ministry was exclusively to the nation of Israel.

VERSES 40-42: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; (41)  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. (42) And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Of course, his resurrection from the dead was the ultimate proof that he was their Messiah. And they were witnesses chosen before of God. That doesn't mean that others did not see him (1Cor 15:6), but that they were chosen to be the ones who would bear witness of that resurrection as seen in v.42.

VERSES 43-48: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (44)  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47)  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. This is the Kingdom Gospel and Cornelius' response in the next verse is a Kingdom response in that it was followed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and baptism. So far we have seen the Holy Spirit come upon the Twelve, the other Jewish believers, the Samaritan believers, and now upon Gentile believers. Therefore, it must be concluded that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a mark of the church, but an empowerment to preach the Kingdom Gospel (Acts 1:8).

Again, some will say that Peter was preaching and Cornelius was responding to the Grace Gospel, if that was truly the case, nobody told Paul, because he consistently argued that he was the first to hear about it and receive it (Gal 1:11-12;  Eph 3:2-4; Rom 2:16; Rom 16:25; Gal 1:15-17; Gal 2:2; 1Ti 1:16). Paul even said that when he did preach to the Jews prior to the revelation he only spoke of what the prophets and Moses said should come (Act_26:22).

Under the Kingdom Gospel, they only believed in the Messiah for eternal life and national salvation, but under the Grace Gospel, we believe in the completed work of Christ on the cross and thus receiving immediate and personal salvation outside of any Kingdom promises or requirements. This is not the message that Peter taught in this chapter.

Notice also that Peter commanded them to be baptized. Why? It was required. On the other hand, Paul said that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, let the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (1Cor 1:17).

Chapter 11
VERSES 1-3: And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. (2)  And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, (3)  Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. Notice Peter's reception when he returned to Jerusalem! Why were they upset with him if he was only obeying Matt 28:19? Obviously, it is because Mat 28:19 does not mean what we have been taught that it means.

VERSES 4-17: But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, (5)  I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: (6)  Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. (7)  And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. (8)  But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. (9)  But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (10)  And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. (11)  And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. (12)  And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: (13)  And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; (14)  Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. (15)  And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (16)  Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (17)  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? These verses do not really contain any new information as that they are just Peter recounting the whole event with Cornelius. Some have speculated why Luke would be so repetitive in recounting the entire episode again, but I believe that he is just being true to the events as they happened. Peter's only conclusion for the naysayers was, what was I, that I could withstand God?

VERSE 18: When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. When Peter finished his summation, they glorified God recognizing God had granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles as well. However, please understand that what Cornelius and those who were with him had accepted was the Kingdom Gospel. This was not a grace through faith not of works salvation, but instead a grace through repentance and baptism salvation.

VERSE 19: Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Here we see that even though Peter had taken the Kingdom Gospel to the Gentiles, the others who had been scattered after the stoning of Stephen did not. Just for context, the stoning of Stephen occurred in 33 AD and we are now in 41 AD. That is eights years gone by and they were still only preaching to Jews only. They were simply being obedient to Acts 1:8.

VERSES 20-21: And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. (21)  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. These that were scattered from Jerusalem from v.19 came into contact with Grecians, or hellenistic Jews, who were part of the diaspora. We first saw these Jews in Acts 6. They were simply non-Palestinian Jews whose ancestors had been carried away by Babylon and never returned. Therefore, they grew up outside of Jerusalem. These are those spoken of in Acts 2 at Pentecost (Acts 2:7-8). And to these Jews, they preached the Kingdom Gospel.

Interestingly, the modern translations do not call these Grecians, but Greeks which would make them Gentiles. Again, I believe that bias has worked its way into the translations. Again, the issue is the underlying texts. The KJV comes from the Received Text which uses the word Hellenistes which is a Greek speaking Jew, while the modern versions use a manuscript that uses the word Hellen which is simply a Greek speaking person.

VERSE 22: Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. It is worthwhile to mention here that it is obvious that the church in Jerusalem is in charge. A model that the Roman Catholic Church modeled from Rome.

VERSE 23-24: Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (24)  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Upon his arrival, Barnabas confirmed that what they had heard was true.

VERSE 25: Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: Remember that Saul had been sent out in Acts 9:30 and not heard from since.

Acts Study | Session 21 | 9:15-38

Today we will be looking at Acts 9:15-38 where we see Paul receiving his sight and teaching Christ in Damascus that he is the Son of God, the three year period between Damascus and his visit to Jerusalem, and Peter's subsequent journey to Lydda and the healing of Tabitha.

VERSE 15: But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Notice that the Lord just says, Go thy way! and doesn't even attempt to respond to Ananias' objections. This marks the beginning of the transition in the book of Acts.

Notice that he is going to go to Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Some will contend that this is beginning of the Body of Christ with Saul's conversion, but that case simply can not be made from these verses. Saul is responding to the Kingdom Gospel in that he repented and will be baptized in v.18. As far as Saul was concerned, he was simply being chosen to take the Kingdom Gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the house of Israel. Saul new the Old Testament prophecies about the nation being used as a kingdom of priests to the Gentiles.

VERSE 16: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Going with the previous thought, God says, I will shew him meaning yet future.

VERSE 17-18: And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (18)  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Now these is something different in these verses. In Acts 2, they repented, were baptized, and then received the Spirit. In Acts 8, they Samaritans repented, then baptized, and then received the Spirit at the hands of Peter and John. Here, some will say that Saul repented, received the Spirit along with his sight, and is then baptized. Or it could simply mean that he had repented, Ananius prayed over him to receive his sight, he was baptized, and then received the Spirit just as the others before. For now, I tend to go with the latter.

VERSES 19-20: And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (20)  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Notice that Saul is teaching Christ, not the cross, in the synagogues. Of course, the only people in the synagogues were Jews. He was converted under the Kingdom Gospel and he taught the Kingdom Gospel at this point. Galatians 1:23 says that he preached the faith that he once destroyed.

If you think that Ananias was freaked out by this guy Saul who was coming to persecute them, can you imagine how tense it was to be in the same synagogue with him now?

VERSES 21-22: But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? (22)  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. However, in spite of their concerns, God used Saul and he increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. Notice that Paul was proving that this is very Christ. This was the same ministry of the other apostles.

The word proving in the original means to drive together, unite, infer, show, teach. He was proving from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus was their Messiah.

VERSES 23-25: And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (24)  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (25)  Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. Notice after that many days were fulfilled, the the Jews took counsel to kill him. Many believe that it was after this escape that marks the beginning of the three years in Arabia that Paul mentioned in Gal 1:16-18 before heading to Jerusalem in v.26. Paul also refers to this event in 2Co 11:32-33.

Some believe that it was during these three years in Arabia that God showed him the the mystery. However, I don't lean that way. Instead, I tend to think that it was some time after Arabia and sometime during the fourteen years later that he returned to Jerusalem for the council in Acts 15 (Gal 2:1-2). I just think that if Paul had received something he would have shared it with Peter the first time that he went to Jerusalem in v.26.

Now some do believe that it might have been just after Jerusalem that he received the mystery because when Paul gives his testimony in Acts 22:17-21 he was told that he was going to be sent to far hence unto the Gentiles. And by the time, he does arrive in Jerusalem in Acts 15 (Acts 15:23) fourteen years later, he mentions that there are churches that were made up of Gentiles in Syria, Silicia, and Antioch which is where he went after leaving Jerusalem.

VERSES 26-29: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (27)  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28)  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. (29)  And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Time wise, this is about 38AD and three years after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. However, it is no wonder that the disciples were still a little leary of Saul. Who wouldn't have been at this point. The dude had people killed!

This is when Barnabas, whose name means "son of consolation", steps to the plate and spoke of behalf of Saul to help remove the hesitancy that so many apparently had in regards to him. This was the beginning of ministry together. However, Saul still met tremendous amounts of opposition because of his insistence that Jesus was their Messiah. Nothing will get the dander up on a religious person more than challenging their strongly held unbiblical beliefs. Of course, their answer was to kill him.

VERSE 30: Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. Here we find Saul fleeing for his life again. Not a very good start to ministry for sure. It is from here that the brethren brought him down to Caesarea as recorded in Gal 1:21. Tarsus was in Cilicia. These brethren are still those of the Kingdom Church as their is no suggestion that Paul has received anything different at this point.

VERSE 31: Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Understand that these churches are still Messianic Jewish believers at this point. Randy White makes it a point to point out that only the KJV uses the plural churches while the others use the singular church and this is an example of them forcing their theology on the text.

VERSE 32: And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. After the introduction to Saul, there is a brief shift back to Peter who visited the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Again, so far we have seen nothing but Jews. You just can not insert Gentiles into these chapters without clearly displaying some bias. On another note, even if Saul did receive the revelation of the mystery by this point, there is no indication of it.

VERSE 33: And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. (34)  And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. (35)  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. The palsy was a disease that negatively affected the muscles and kept him from walking for the past eight years. As a result of the healing, all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron turned to the Lord. That means that they believed the Kingdom Gospel and became a part of the way. Many refer to those of the way as Peter's little flock referred to in Luke12:32. These were simply Jewish believers in the Kingdom Gospel.

VERSE 36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Joppa is a small port town close to Lydda (2Ch 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3). Interestingly, the name Tabitha or Dorcas means gazelle.

VERSES 37-38: And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38)  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. (39)  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40)  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (41)  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (42)  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (43)  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. In these verses, Peter raised this woman from the dead. Again, we see the pattern, miracles followed by a belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. No one can honestly say that God works this way today. This was simply a different dispensation. We do not live under this apostolic dispensation today.