Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 14

Acts 14

 

-The missionary journey continued on now to Iconium, where proclamation was made in a way that brought many to faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Greeks. However, the Jews who did not believe stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and they became bitter toward the believers. There was a long period here in Iconium to speak out in the Name of Christ and there was boldness with reliance upon the Lord and His grace. There were also many signs and wonders being done by the disciples as the Holy Spirit gave them power to accomplish His will. In time they were driven out of the city by a plot to mistreat and stone them and they dispersed to Lystra, Derbe, Lycaonia, and the surrounding region.

-In Lystra, a man lame from birth was healed as Paul noticed him and his faith to be made well. *Application* Here is another faith healing in the same dispensation in which we find ourselves living today. Do you believe in the power of God for miracles of this nature? Notice that there was a recognition of faith and a command given which preceded this wonder. Notice that the lame man had the faith to heal his condition. Notice that Paul and Barnabas were quick to give proper recognition to the Lord for this miracle and used it to attempt to lead people to Christ. The glory only belongs to the Lord! He is the One who gives the power to heal!

-Again the crowds were stirred up by Jews that came from Antioch and Iconium and this time Paul was dragged out of the city and stoned, left for dead. But while the disciples stood around him, probably praying, he came back to, got up, and re-entered the city. It did not take them long to head for another town in this threatening environment.

-The next day Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe. In this city there was more preaching, believing, and many disciples were made. After these things the missionaries returned to Lysta, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch strengthening to souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in their faith. The message was clear enough, “Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).” Here in these new places, elders were appointed to oversee the newly established churches and they were commended to the Lord with prayers and fasting. *Application* Here we see the Biblical method of planting churches in new areas. First, there is proclamation and believing by lost people. As they come to Christ and are saved they are to be strengthened and encouraged in the Christian walk. There comes a time when leaders are called and chosen to have oversight in the work of the church for the continuation of it (for more detailed description of qualifications see 1 & 2 Timothy and the book of Titus, these are called the pastoral epistles). These should be appointed after careful consideration with much prayer and fasting by the apostles (church planters). Finally the commendation is given and they are given authority to labor in the field in which the Lord has placed them. There should be a unity, partnership, and accountability in all these matters under the direction of the Lord in whom we have believed (Acts 14:23).

-At this point Barnabas and Paul make their way back toward the southern coast and preach in Perga and Attalia. From there they sailed eastward back to Antioch, where they started from, and reported all that the Lord had done with them in opening the door of faith to the Gentiles. Here they spent a long time with the disciples. *Application* One of the best things in the life of a church is to hear testimonies of what God is doing, particularly after mission trips like what we’ve just read about. Take the time to share the great things God is doing on your adventures into lost and dying areas spiritually speaking. This will encourage those who were not able to go. They many times are the ones who have been the prayer supporters as well as the monetary support to make these trips possible. Share what God has done boldly and joyfully!

 

Verse to Memorize: Acts 14:22

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 13

Acts 13

 

-During prayer and fasting and ministering to the Lord, Barnabas and Saul were set apart by the Holy Spirit to go on their first major missionary journey to the island of Cyprus and Asia Minor. The narrative describes the miraculous encounters in these places and the unique experiences of bringing the gospel of Christ to Gentile regions. However, notice the strategy that is used in these missionary endeavors. They would always start with the established synagogue in a new city. This was to tie in the known with the unknown and show how Christ Jesus was a fulfillment of Old Testament truth given by God to His people (Remember Romans 1:16). They needed a reference point from which to share the good news of the crucifixion, the burial, and the resurrection of the Savior of the world. Also, notice that they went to the population centers where there could be a larger audience for their presentations. The idea was to proliferate the message outward towards the rural communities from the epicenters of the larger cities in each region. These proved to be effective methods as they were led by the Lord’s Holy Spirit. *Application* What strategy do you have for winning the lost to Christ Jesus? Seek the Spirit’s guidance and be intentional about evangelizing your world with the good news!

-An interesting tidbit of information is given in verse 13, which would later create tension and controversy between Paul (Saul) and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). In fact they would separate as missionary partners over the decision of John Mark to return back to Jerusalem. This was certainly not a move that Paul endorsed for whatever reason. But, Barnabas as was his nature was patient, compassionate, and encouraging of the young and growing brother in Christ. Later, Paul reconciled and approved of the help that John Mark was to the Kingdom work (2 Timothy 4:11). *Application* Let us not be too quick to dismiss and cast away people that make mistakes. John Mark demonstrated immaturity, possibly through fear, fatigue, and failure by his quick return from a missionary adventure. Perhaps he got homesick or the persecution and hardship was too much for him to handle. We are really not sure, but we do know that later Barnabas stuck with this young lad and helped to restore him in the Lord. We should have the same compassion on those who fail us.

-The scene in Pisidian Antioch becomes a familiar response to the gospel as it goes forth into these untapped regions. There is first curiosity and intrigue as the message of Christ is preached. Then comes a Jewish response of jealousy and accusations of this being a false message. This usually ends up in a disturbance of some sort with some believing and receiving the message, but others adamantly against the word of the apostles. The Gentiles are awakened to God’s truth and rejoice, but the Jews drive out the apostles trying to thwart their message. The apostles shake the dust off their feet in protest against the rejection of the gospel and go on joyfully with the Holy Spirit to the next city and adventure. *Application* In your strategy to share the message of Christ you will find diverse responses as well. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guiding and leading when you share your faith. Remember that to some you will be an offense, but to others the fragrant aroma of a saving Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 13:2, 38-39

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 12

Acts 12

 

-Herod the king (Herod Agrippa I) began to lay violent persecuting hands on the believers in Christ including some of the apostles. James, the brother of John, was killed in this persecution and when Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he had Peter imprisoned during the feast of Unleavened Bread intending to bring him before the people after the Passover. What must have been the feelings in Peter at this time? He had to have anticipated the same fate as his Savior and fellow brother in Christ, James. These must have been intense days of suffering and other world expectation.

-However, the Bible tell us that the brethren were praying fervently for him and the Lord delivered him miraculously with His angel. The reunion was precious and almost unbelievable for those who were gathered in the house of John Mark’s mother, but Peter had been rescued. God was not finished with His faithful servant-leader yet and delivered him out of certain death. *Application* Our God has His timing for all things and will protect when He has a purpose and a plan for you. Walk in faith, God is sovereign. He will deliver you from the most strenuous circumstances and conditions when you are accomplishing His will.

-The narrative jumps to Herod Agrippa’s arrogance amidst receiving praise. He accepted man’s applause and the honor of being called a god to the anger and wrath of God Almighty. He was struck down because he did not give God the glory and worms ate his carcass. *Application* Make sure the proper credit is received by our Lord for all your success, right? There very well could be dire consequences for your conceit.

-The word continued to grow and be multiplied. Barnabus and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after they completed their mission. *Application* Multiplication of God’s Word in His church is a fundamental principle we need to grasp. Have a growth mentality in your personal life as well as the life of your ministry and church. Spread the message of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom wherever you go. It will increase; His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 12:5

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 11

Acts 11

 

-Peter has to defend the work of the Holy Spirit among the Jewish brethren back in Jerusalem upon his arrival because they took issue with breaking the Law to go into a Gentile’s home to eat. Peter’s conclusion was that he could not stand in God’s way because it was the Lord who gave the visions and the Holy Spirit to them according to His will. When the Jewish brethren heard this they quieted down and glorified God for opening up the door for Gentiles to come into the Kingdom of God through the “repentance that leads to life (Acts 11:18).”

-Luke describes how the gospel was now going out to regions beyond Israel. He lists Phoenicia, to the north, Cyprus, an island to the west in the Mediterranean, and Antioch, even further north. This again happened as a result of the persecution that broke out in Jerusalem over the martyrdom of Stephen. Even Greeks were becoming obedient to the faith and the word was spreading. As word spread about what was going on in these places, Barnabas was sent out from Jerusalem to Antioch and he strengthened the work there being full of the Holy Spirit and faith. He was an encourager with resolute heart and diligently worked to help these new believers remain true to the Lord with steadfast purpose (Acts 11:23). *Application* The world desperately needs people like Barnabas who are willing to leave their comfort and go to a new place to encourage, exhort, and strengthen brethren in the Lord. This spirit should be evident in all Christians. Is it in you?

-At some point Barnabas left for Tarsus to find Saul. Tarsus was just west of where he was in Antioch and was not too long of a journey. He found him and brought him back to Antioch, where for an entire year they met with the church and taught them in considerable numbers. It was at this time and in this place that the disciples were first called Christians. Up to that point they had been known as the Way (John 14:6, Acts 9:2).

-Also at this time some prophets came down Jerusalem (Jerusalem’s high elevation and spiritual center point metaphorically speaking causes everything to descend from it. We often would think of going north as going up but this is a different figure of speech here used in the Scripture). Agabus prophesied that there would be a drought and great famine in all the world. This happened a short time later in the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. It was determined here that any proportion that the disciples had as far as means should be shared with brethren in Jerusalem and Judea for their relief. So they sent Barnabas and Saul to the elders in Jerusalem with this gift. *Application* The giving spirit is again manifested in the early church as anyone had need. The same should apply in our lives. If you have the power and ability to do good, you should not withhold it (Proverbs 3:27). Let generosity pervade our Christian lives!

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 11:17

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 10

Acts 10

 

-Revival in the midst of Gentiles as the Holy Spirit comes upon them is the theme of this remarkable chapter in God’s Word. The narrative begins with a description of Cornelius who is devout, a God fearer, a giver, and a continual prayer warrior in Caesarea Maritima, a coastal-port city built by primarily Herod the Great. An angel miraculously appears to this centurion and he sends men for Simon Peter down south a ways in Joppa. He was staying in this coastal town in the house of Simon the Tanner (A house that is still standing and actually being lived in to this day in what is now known as Jaffa, just south of Tel Aviv).

-God gives Peter a vision on the rooftop of this house declaring that what God calls clean is no longer to be considered unholy. He uses foods in the vision, but the meaning is found in verse 28, “God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.” This is a departure from the strict separation Jews lawfully adhered to in the ancient times, and many still do to this day. God was showing His faithful people, like Peter, that the message of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was for all the nations, not just His chosen people (Acts 10:34-35).

-Peter, with some of his brothers in Christ, accompanies the delegation from Cornelius back to Caesarea and meets Cornelius, who wants to worship him; however, Peter reminds him that he too is just a man and not God. A Spirit-filled presentation of Christ is delivered as the Holy Spirit comes upon Gentiles for the first time here in this place. They are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ as all the circumcised believers are amazed at what God is doing.

-*Application* We must not put limits on what God wants to do in certain and specific situations. He is a God who reaches out to people that fear Him and want Him in their lives. Never cease to be amazed at what the Spirit of the Lord is up to in our generation. He still moves!

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 10:2, 34-35

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 9

Acts 9

 

-Acts 9 gives us the details in Saul’s (Paul in Greek) conversion on the road to Damascus, where he intend to bind disciples of Christ Jesus and take them back to Jerusalem for punishment. He was attacking the church in an attempt to destroy it and its momentum. However, Jesus shows up along the road and changes everything! His voice spoke and His light shown down and Saul would never be the same. Ananias obeyed the Heavenly vision in Damascus and Saul was baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Immediately he began to speak out in the Name of Jesus and became Christ’s most passionate supporter. A miracle had occurred for the sake of the gospel and God called Saul to be a chosen instrument to bear His Name among the Gentiles, kings, and sons of Israel all while suffering for His purpose (Acts 9:15-16). *Application* Our evidence here is that only God can change a life and many times it is a radical rebirth. What is your testimony in the saving saga of our Lord Jesus Christ? If you’ve never experienced His Spirit and presence come upon you, pray to receive and He will in no way cast you out (John 6:37). Believe in Him and call upon His Name for salvation (Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9).

-Another interesting note here in this chapter is Christ’s identification with His church. Notice the words He uses to Saul along the road to Damascus. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me (Acts 9:4)?” The church is organism not an organization. Notice here that Jesus is one with His body, the church. Christ is the Head of all things pertaining to the church and we are His bride (Colossians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 12, Revelation 19:7). There is a vital unity here that we need to understand and there are no unimportant parts to His body.

-After Saul’s dramatic escape from Damascus, he arrives back in Jerusalem to a suspicious and fearful welcome from the disciples. It was Barnabas who brought him to the apostles and explained to them the genuineness of Saul’s conversion. After this, Saul was accepted and began to talk and argue with those in Jerusalem concerning the Lord Jesus. After a period of time some Hellenistic Jews got angry with him and threatened to kill him, which led to his departure to Caesarea Maritima and then on the Tarsus. The church enjoyed peace and growth after this in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31). *Application* There will be times of trial and tribulation and war in the Christian walk. There will be other times of peace and relative tranquility where the Lord is prospering you. Be true to Him in both instances and let Him have His perfect way and will in your life. Be built up in Christ no matter what you go through.

-Now some information on Peter’s ministry is narrated as he proceeds westward through Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa doing the work of the Lord. There are great accounts of a healing and a resuscitation given as many believe in the Lord Jesus Christ through Peter’s work. *Application* Here is more evidence of the Holy Spirit leading and directing with some amazing results. God’s power is always on his humble, faithful, and obedient servants.

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 9:27

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 8

Acts 8

 

-Acts 8 marks a turning point in the spreading of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the church (i.e. the body of Christ, meaning believers in Him). Refer back to Acts 1:8 and we have the structure for the book. First, the witness of Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit begins in Jerusalem; it then spreads to Judea and Samaria, and then to the rest of the region and world. Here in this section we see that the murder and subsequent persecution of the church led to the scattering of believers out into other places where they shared their faith in Christ Jesus. This was God’s purpose and plan. From this point on Jerusalem began to stagnate as the rest of the world began to be drawn in to the gospel story for salvation (Romans 11:25). *Application* There are points in our life where we personally stagnate and need a jolt of God-sized proportions to move us and shake us. When the feelings of complacency and mundaneness begin to creep into your being you are one step away from being dull and spiritual growth will stop. We have to be constantly on guard against this. The apostle Paul puts it well in Philippians 3:12-14, as he describes this “pressing on” mentality that will help him realize his “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This is often where faith will kick in and God will stretch us out into new possibilities and challenges that will keep us reliant upon Him alone. Otherwise, we will become lethargic in the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2) and the battle (Ephesians 6:12-18, 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 4:7). For a good song that depicts this attitude check out Switchfoot’s More than Fine at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxiYRx55g1c. It is interesting to note here that the church in Jerusalem faded away as a power source for Christianity. Even today all you will find in this city of God is some relic type churches full of religiosity and man-made tradition. The power of the Holy Spirit is present in other parts of the globe much more mightily (see http://www.operationworld.org/, http://www.imb.org/main/default.asp ). However, God’s glory will one day return to this city (Matthew 25:31-32, Romans 11:26). The Lord will never forget about His people, the Jews.

-The first place that the gospel takes root outside Jerusalem which Acts speaks about is through Philip’s witness in Samaria where many believed and received Jesus as Lord. The narrative on Simon the magician is intriguing and shows a first century perspective on how men reacted to the demonstrations of the Holy Spirit as it went forth.

-Verses 14-16 give us some intriguing interpretative matters. Some theologians will say this is a special occasion in history, as with Cornelius and his family in Acts 10:44-47, where the Holy Spirit makes a dramatic appearance much like the Pentecost experience with the apostles. These would point out that in other, more usual circumstances; the Holy Spirit indwells the believer at the point conversion. There are other theologians who say that there are two baptisms: one for belief in Christ and one for the filling of the Holy Spirit. This is a passage these theologians will use for a proof text. This matter has been debated and is too extensive for discussion in this blog beyond what has been stated.

-The gospel keeps going forth and the apostles were spreading the word in Samaria on the way back to Jerusalem. At this point, Philip was called by an angel to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is a desert road. Philip obeys the call and goes to this location where he finds an Ethiopian eunuch reading the Scriptures out of Isaiah 53. Right at the appropriate moment Philip is able to clarify his understanding of the Messiah to this worshiper of God. The eunuch believes and receives Christ as his Savior and is baptized. At that point the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away towards the north to Azotus and then even further northward and westward towards Caesarea (Maritima). *Application* Philip’s sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to move and direct him is an example for us in our modern walk. What is God telling you to do today and how does He want you to do it? His instructions are surprisingly clear and specific when we make the choice to obey.

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 8:4