LookingtoJesus

June 1

Bible Reading: Acts 20

Acts 20:28, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

At the conclusion of Paul’s third missionary journey, after spending three years in Ephesus, he addressed the elders of the church (Acts 20:17-38).  His message constituted his final and parting words to them and was filled with exhortations and warnings relevant to their leadership role.  He also spoke of his own attitudes and behavior with respect to ministry.  His parting words to them are of great value to all who have interest in the spiritual nature and behavior of a godly leader.

He served with all humility (Acts 20:19).  In humility, he served in the same spirit as the Lord Jesus Himself did (Philippians 2:1-8; Mark 10:45).  He did not “Lord it over” others, he servant-mindedly put their needs ahead of his own and followed in the self-sacrificing footsteps of the Lord Jesus.

He served with tears (Acts 20:19).  “Jesus wept” as He lovingly sympathized with others (John 11:35).  He wept because he cared.  Paul served with tears because a Spirit-borne love for others had been planted in his heart.  His loving concern was like that of a “nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

He served amidst opposition (Acts 20:19).  God’s work done God’s way will also be met with opposition.  Paul was well aware of the “war the good warfare” nature of life and ministry (1 Timothy 1:18).  He persevered.

He taught the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27).  Paul placed infinite value on the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-17) and affirmed its powerful ability to transform lives (1 Thessalonians 2:13).  He preached and taught not to “please man, but to please God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).  Nothing from God’s Word—whether it appealed to others or not—was off limits (2 Timothy 4:1-6).

He ministered to all (Acts 20:21).  Paul showed no partiality.  He understood that the “all-inclusive” gospel was no respecter of persons (Galatians 3:28).  He ministered to both Jew and Gentile and understood it to be both powerful enough, in Christ, to both save and unify (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:11-22).

He shared the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24).  Paul’s message was the gospel of grace—the gospel of salvation on the basis of grace alone by faith alone in Christ alone (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9).  The message he received from the Lord Himself was the message that he preached (Acts 20:24; Galatians 1:11-12).

He served sacrificially (Acts 20:22-24).  Paul was willing and glad, in following Christ’s example, to “be spent” for the sake of souls (2 Corinthians 12:15; Philippians 2:15, 1:22).

He valued God’s people (Acts 20:28).  Paul understood the nature of the sacrifice by which Christ had brought the church into being.  He placed infinite value on the church and its members.  He was captivated by the desire to “present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).

He cared for God’s people (Acts 20:28, 36).  Paul exhorted the elders in Ephesus to do that which he himself was already doing—that which Christ Himself had exemplified at the cross (Ephesians 5:25; 1 John 3:16). 

He understood dependency on God’s grace (Acts 20:28, 32).  Paul himself was made an apostle by God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).  The elders likewise were made elders by grace (i.e., “by the Holy Spirit”; Acts 20:32).  By grace alone are God’s servants called and equipped to serve.

He led by example (Acts 20:34).  Paul was willing to sacrifice and get “his hands dirty” in his ministry efforts.  He wasn’t off in some “ivory tower” dictating commands he himself was unwilling to do. He served, and in that provided an example worth following (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17).  He worked hard.  He helped the weak.  He followed Jesus’ example (Acts 20:34-36), and in that respect, he has provided for us a wonderful example of the nature of the ministry of a godly leader.

“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” ― John Stott

Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.

May 31

Bible Reading: Acts 19

Acts 19:23, “About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.”

Like most kids, I once believed in Santa Claus, but there came a time when that myth was exposed. It’s possible for any of us to be duped by a myth. And while belief in a make-believe Santa might prove relatively harmless, the very lives of those in Ephesus revolved around the worship of a make believe goddess—until Paul came to town and unveiled to the people the truth.

Ephesus was home to the temple of Artemis (Diana).  It was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  According to one historian, it took 220 years to build the temple.  It was 425 feet long and 225 feet wide.  The temple was surrounded by 127 Greek columns, each bearing sculpted reliefs up the high of a man’s head.  The building was the largest in the temple history.  But Artemis was not real, she was only a myth.

Artemis herself was a goddess universally worshipped throughout the Greek world.  Her sphere was the uncultivated earth, the forests, and the hills.  Homer gave her the title, “lady of the wild things.”  She was popular amongst women because she was considered to be “the goddess of birth.”  Girls who served in her temple did so in short skirts with one breast bare.  She herself was depicted on coins and images as many-breasted.  She was thought to be a source of fertility.  But she was only a fable.

“The city of Ephesians (was) the temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky” (Acts 19:35).  The people believed in the sacred stone, which must have been a meteor.  Someone likely took the stone and carved it into the likeness of the goddess that they then worshipped.  Every year a huge month-long celebration in honor of Diana took place in Ephesus.  Thousands of worshippers from the ends of the earth came to the celebration.  All businesses were closed, all work ceased, and the people gave themselves to the celebration of the goddess’s birthday.  But the meteor was nothing but a rock, hardly deserving of worship or reproduction by craftsmen.

Life in Ephesus revolved around a mythical, non-existent goddess.  They prayed to her, appealed to her, and did what they could to appease her so that they could be blessed by her.  And some made a profit from her.  There were artisans, like Demetrius, who worked “to make silver shrines of Artemis” (Acts 19:24).  There was money to be made in the selling of little Diana’s, so Demetrius understood what was at stake in Paul’s preaching of the gospel.  Life in the city revolved around the worship of their mythical god, but, as Demetrius presciently realized, this Paul “has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods” (Acts 19:26).  She was not a god.  She had no ears to hear, no hands to bless.  She was a devilish invention of sin that worked to hold the people in bondage to a futile way of life. 

A riot ensued when the people realized the threat to their adored but mythical deity.  Demetrius was concerned lest, “the great goddess Artemis…be counted as nothing, and…may even be deposed from her magnificence, who whom all Asia and the world worship” (Acts 19:27).  The people heeded his concern and were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:28).  “The city was filled with the confusion” (Acts 19:29).  Most didn’t have any idea what was going on (Acts 19:32).  Alexander, a Jew, was put forward to speak, but when they saw that he was a Jew, “for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:34).  But she wasn’t great.  She didn’t even exist.

The town clerk eventually came forward and quieted the crowd.  He assured them that the city would do everything necessary to protect the goddess and her sacred stone.  But Demetrius and the Artemis worshippers had a legitimate reason for concern.  Artemis was but a myth, the sacred stone but a rock, and the grandiose temple an edifice to an illusion.  But the deceived tenaciously served her.  Sin and its associated idols are not easily pried from the hearts of lost sinners.  The Apostle Paul would ultimately spend three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), preaching the powerful-to-save gospel in the shadow of the great but idolatrous temple (Romans 1:16).  Paul spoke of the true and living God who sent His Son who died for sins and rose from the dead to save lost sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  Some ultimately abandoned Diana to find true salvation in the “living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).  Nothing but ruins remain at the site of the temple of Artemis, but the powerful-to-save gospel is being preached to this day.  Artemis has long since lost her appeal, but the glorious gospel—a true wonder in this world—shines on.

The truth of the gospel is powerful to set hearts free from the worship of all sorts of worthless myths and idols, to worship the true and living God!

All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
All my heart was full of misery and woe;
Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

May 30

Bible Reading: Acts 18

Acts 18:26, “And they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

There is an old proverb which says: “He who knows not and knows not he knows not: he is a fool – shun him.  He who knows not and knows he knows not: he is simple – teach him.  He who knows and knows not he knows: he is asleep – wake him.  He who knows and knows he knows: he is wise – follow him.”  From a Biblical perspective the quote needs some amending, “He who knows and is teachable inasmuch as he realizes that there is a lot more that he needs to know: he is the truly wise man—listen to him.”  From a spiritual perspective, no matter how much we know, there will always be room to grow (Ephesians 3:14-19; 4:13).

Apollos was a man who knew much.  He was a “native of Alexandria” who had come to Ephesus (Acts 18:24).  Alexandria was founded by and named after Alexander the Great.  It grew to become a great commercial center where East met West and both Jews and Gentiles resided.  The Alexandrian Museum, a university, was founded in 280 BC and became the first great university in the world.  It was in Alexandria, amidst the influence of the Museum and its library that the Jewish scholars worked to produce the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament).  Apollos was from such a place, a place that was also birthed men like Philo (a great Jewish scholar) and Clement and Origen (early church fathers).

Apollos was “an eloquent man” (Acts 18:24).  The term translated “eloquent” means “learned, a man skilled in literature and the arts…He had stores of ‘learning’ and could use it convincingly” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).  In contrast to the disciples (Acts 4:13), Apollos had benefited from an education.  He was “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24).  The Greek term translated “competent” means literally “powerful, mighty.” “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25).  We are not given the specifics regarding what he had been taught or by whom, but he was not at all ignorant regarding that which he taught.  He was “fervent in spirit” (Acts 18:25).  He taught with enthusiasm; his heart was in it.  “He spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25).  There was no error in Apollos’ teaching.  All that he said was true, but “he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25).  He was unaware of the baptism Jesus’ had commanded after His resurrection (Matthew 28:19).  Knowing only “the baptism of John,” he was likely unaware of other pertinent and important post-resurrection truths.

Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos’s teaching in the synagogue.  They had spent much time with Paul (Acts 18:1-4, 11) and were, as a result, very knowledgeable of the truth.  They heard Apollos; he was speaking boldly, but they discerned that something was amiss.  That could have been the end of the story—count the man a heretic and work to steer others away.  But that’s not what they did.  They intervened.  They “took him aside” (Acts 18:16).  They did not rebuke him publicly.  They did not embarrass him by speaking out in that way.  They conferred with him privately “and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).  He was obviously receptive to what they had to say, for they sent a letter ahead to where he was going, instructing “the disciples to welcome him” (Acts 18:27).  “When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed” (Acts 18:27).  He went on to serve and minister in other venues.  Priscilla and Aquila were thereby used of God to help him that he might be better equipped to serve.

Paul shared the truth with Priscilla and Aquila, who then imparted what they knew to Apollos who then passed on what he had learned to others still (2 Timothy 2:2).  It ought to be in the heart of every believer to endeavor to know “the way of God more accurately.”  No one fully knows all that there is to know.  We are ultimately dependent upon the Spirit of God to know spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:12-13), and mutually dependent upon the Spirit and one another to know Jesus better (Ephesians 4:15-16).  A teachable spirit is a prerequisite to the process.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.

May 29

Bible Reading: Acts 17

Acts 17:6, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.”

The context of this startling declaration was the visit of Paul and Silas to the city of Thessalonica. The city was about 94 miles from where they had been in Philippi. It was the capital of Macedonia and the most prosperous of its cities. As with other places in the region, the Gentiles of that city were given to idolatry (1 Thessalonians 1:9). But because of its central location, the city served as a valuable epicenter from which to spread the life-transforming message of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica and spent three Sabbath days in a synagogue reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures, “explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead” (Acts 17:3).  Some of the Jews were persuaded by his arguments and joined them.  A “great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women” also believed (Acts 17:4).  “But the Jews were jealous and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.  And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also’” (Acts 17:5-6).

They’ve turned the “world upside down!”  The men meant it derisively.  It was an accusation meant to trouble Paul and Silas before the civil authorities, but there was truth to it—they had indeed “turned the world upside down.”  J. Vernon McGee said of their statement, “Now don’t put that down as an oratorical gesture or hyperbole.  When they said that these men were turning the world upside down, that is exactly what they meant.  When Christianity penetrated that old Roman Empire, it was a revolution.  It had a tremendous effect.”

And, of course, it wasn’t ultimately the men themselves who were doing it; it was the Holy Spirit and the message of the gospel He empowered them to proclaim. It was the Risen Christ who was at work radically transforming the lives of those who placed their faith in Him. The revolution was changing everything. Slaves to sin were being set free. Rebellious idolaters were being transformed into worshippers of the true God. By the Spirit, people’s hearts were filled with hope and love. Jews and Gentiles were harmoniously working together in a common cause. Lives, cities, and regions were being affected. The revolution would grow so much that the emperor himself would feel threatened by it.

The gospel has such an effect on people.  And it is a positive thing.  The world has been askew ever since Adam’s fall.  Created by God, man was made to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  But sin has altered man’s gyroscope, and he has lost his bearing.  Christ died and rose again that He might put things back in order. 

“Why did Christ come?  Why was he conceived?  Why was he born?  Why was he crucified?  Why did he rise again?  Why is he now at the right hand of the Father?  The answer to all these questions is, ‘in order that he might make worshipers out of rebels; in order that he might restore us again to the place of worship we knew when we were first created.” 

A. W. Tozer; “Worship: The Missing Jewel”

For 2000 years the gospel has been turning things right side up in the lives of those who trust in Jesus. And throughout the history of the church, it has done so whenever and wherever it has been proclaimed. The Protestant Reformation worked to put the Word of God and the gospel into the hands of the common people and a spiritual revolution ensued. The gospel preached in the Great Awakening worked to alter the course of history. To this day, in places ‘round the world, upside down people are being reoriented through that same message that Paul and Silas proclaimed so long ago.

The world is upside down, the gospel alone has the power to restore things to their proper order (Romans 1:16-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-17).

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

May 26

Bible Reading: Acts 16

Acts 16:30, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved?”

It was the Jailor’s job.  The authorities brought in the criminals; he would lock them up.  Likely, this man had dealt with many prisoners over the course of his career, but never any quite like Paul and Silas.  Their crime?  They had upset the local economy when they exorcised a demon from a fortune teller.  Her masters had profited much from her fortune telling.  When they saw their hope of profit-making from her fortune-telling was gone, they dragged Paul and Silas into the marketplace, to the chief magistrates.  Their indictment against them?  “They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice” (Acts 16:21).  The magistrates ordered them to be beaten and thrown into jail.

The jailer threw them into the “inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks” (Acts 16:24).  It was undoubtedly a cold, dark, and inhospitable place.  They had, in that setting, no earthly reason to rejoice, but that is exactly what they did.  “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25).  Their feet were tethered, yet their hearts had long ago been set free to worship.  I’m confident the jailer had never witnessed anything like that before.  Paul and Silas were men of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, utterly devoted to the task of sharing the gospel.  “The prisoners were listening to them” as they sang (Acts 16:25).  Paul and Silas had an attentive audience.  People are watching our response to difficult circumstances.  We are sometimes prone to grumble, yet the Fount of Blessing can tune our hearts to sing His grace.  Praise amidst problems bears an alluring melody.

God wanted Paul and Silas freed, so He caused a great earthquake.  The earthquake shook the foundations of the jail house, the prison doors were opened and their chains were unfastened.  They were set free.  The jailer was roused out of his sleep.  Supposing his prisoners to be gone, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself.  The penalty for losing one’s prisoners was quite severe (Acts 12:19).  Paul realized what was happening and intervened.  He cried out with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).  The jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas.  “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” he asked (Acts 16:29-30).

It is important at this point to remember what has just transpired.  The jailer had locked them up.  He had fastened their feet with stocks.  He was trembling with fear—what would the authorities do to him?  What might these men do to him?  He had treated them harshly – as prisoners.  He feared retribution.  Had they been common prisoners, he might have had reason to fear.  But they were not ordinary prisoners—they cared more for their message than they did for themselves.   They said to the Jailer, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).  And he believed, along with his whole household (Acts 16:33).

At the heart of that which transpired in that jail was the praise and thanksgiving of Paul and Silas—a worship service in a jail cell!  Corporate worship is a good and necessary thing, but worship doesn’t require a sanctuary.  Worship is the 24/7 privilege of the believer in Christ, through which we acknowledge God for who He is and what He does in what we say and what we do.  To be acceptable to God, it must be in spirit and in truth.  I recently reviewed a book which told the story of seven WW2 pilots adrift at sea on two rubber rafts.  One of the seven had a New Testament, and that man directed the rest to look heavenward.  In their nightly worship services, they read from the Scriptures and cried out to God for help.  And God heard their prayers!  Adrift in the Pacific, surrounded by sharks, they worshipped the God who created all things! You don’t need a sanctuary to worship, in fact, you can worship right now, wherever you are (1 Corinthians 10:31).  And you don’t even need a worship team, in the indwelling Spirit you’ve got the ultimate of all worship leaders (Philippians 3:3).

We are sometimes prone to grumble, yet the Fount of Blessing can tune our hearts to sing His grace.  Praise amidst problems bears an alluring melody.

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

May 25

Bible Reading: Acts 15

Acts 15:11, “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Sola Gratia = a Latin phrase that means “grace alone.”

Acts Chapter 15 records the events surrounding the calling of a council in Jerusalem to debate a matter of utmost importance to the future wellbeing of the early church.  The matter under debate had been a festering concern for some Jewish believers regarding their Gentile counterparts.  The decision made by the council would have serious repercussions.

Some Jewish Christians were teaching their Gentile brethren that it was necessary for them to be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1).  That was at the heart of the debate and question.  “Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them” (Acts 15:2) and were subsequently sent with some others to Jerusalem to seek council from the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2).  On their arrival in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church, “but some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).

Before proceeding with that which happened in the council, it would be good for us to consider the relevance of the matter which was being debated.  Is salvation entirely by grace, or is there something that man must or can do to contribute to it?  That’s a question which would henceforth occupy much of that which the Apostle Paul wrote about in his epistles.  The book of Galatians centers on this very theme.  Paul’s warning regarding a “gospel contrary to the one we preached to you” was a warning regarding a “grace + works” gospel (Galatians 1:8).  In the rest of the epistle, he explains why such a gospel is contrary to “the grace of Christ” (Galatians 1:6).  Likewise, the book of Ephesians emphasizes the “grace-alone” nature of salvation (Ephesians chapters 1-3).  You will find the same teaching and emphasis throughout Paul’s epistles.  Ephesians 2:8-9 summarizes the matter, “For by grace you are saved though faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

The question of whether salvation is by grace alone or by “grace + works” was at the heart of what gave rise to the Protestant Reformation.  “Sola gratia” was one of five “sola” statements that were established to summarize the Reformers’ basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation.  The phrase is a Latin term meaning “grace alone.” 

The question of salvation by grace or by grace + works is one thing that distinguishes false teaching from Biblical Christianity.  The false religions all teach that there are things that man can do to accomplish his or her salvation.  That’s a way of thinking that goes all the way back to Adam and Eve’s response to their sin.  They saw themselves naked and “sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths” (Genesis 3:7).  But their “fig-leaf” approach to solving their problem was woefully inadequate.  By grace, God subsequently graciously clothed them with garments He Himself made (Genesis 3:21).  The only way by which any “dead in the trespasses and sins” person can be saved is by “his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1, 7).

The Jerusalem Council listened to “much debate” (Acts 15:7).  Then Peter stood up and spoke to his own experience in witnessing the “by grace” salvation of the Gentiles (Acts 15:7-11).  Paul and Barnabas then “related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12).  Then James spoke and referenced the prophecy of Amos (Amos 9:11-12) which spoke to God’s inclusion of the Gentiles.  In the end, the council affirmed that salvation is by grace, but encouraged the Gentile believers to refrain from sexual immorality and disputed matters which would trouble their Jewish brethren (Acts 15:19-21; 15:28-29).  Then they sent some men out with a letter from the council regarding their decision (Acts 15:22-29).  The believers in Antioch gathered to hear what the letter said.  “And when they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (Acts 15:31).  In a “sola gratia” salvation, we all have good reason to rejoice!

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross!

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

May 24

Bible Reading: Acts 14

Acts 14:15, “Men, why are you doing these things?” 

Lystra was a city in what is now modern Turkey.  It is mentioned five times in the New Testament.  It was visited a few times by the Apostle Paul.  Acts Chapter 14 records the first such visit.  Lystra was populated mostly by Gentiles and had no synagogue.  The people of that region were given to idolatry and worshipped a pantheon of gods. 

Paul came across a resident of Lystra who had been “crippled from birth and had never walked” (Acts 14:8).  The man “listened to Paul speaking” (Acts 14:9).  Paul, discerning that the man had the ‘faith to be made well’, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet” (Acts 14:10).  And the man “sprang up and began walking” (Acts 14:10).  The crowds saw what happened and “lifted their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men” (Acts 14:11).  “Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker” (Acts 14:12).  The priest of Zeus then brought “oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds” (Acts 14:13).

The Communicator’s Commentary offers this valuable insight regarding the situation (The Communicator’s Commentary; Volume 5: Acts; Ogilvie, Lloyd John; Word Inc.; 1983): “There was an ancient myth that Zeus and Hermes had come to that region disguised as mortals.  The community—except for one couple, Philemon and Baucis—rejected them.  The two gods sent judgment on the area except for the old couple, who were rewarded for their receptive welcome by being made guardians of a magnificent temple on the outskirts of Lystra.  Later, when the couple died, they were turned into two giant trees as memorials of their kind deeds.  The legend had become part of the folklore of Lystra, and the people identified Zeus and Hermes with Paul and Barnabas!  When they saw the healing of the lame man, they exclaimed that the two gods had returned.  They were going to take no chances this time.  They gave Paul and Barnabas the key to the city and a welcome befitting the gods they supposed them to be.  Tall and robust Barnabas was deified as Zeus, the head of the pantheon, because of his physical stature; and Paul, because of his ability to speak, they called Hermes, the god of eloquence and rhetoric.”

Immediately when Paul and Barnabas came to understand what was happening, “they tore their garments and rushed out in the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things?  We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.  In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.  Yet he did not leave himself without a witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful season, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:15-17).

Paul and Barnabas could have enjoyed much benefit at the hands of those people in their mistaken identity, but they “tore their garments,” expressing their dismay, and diverted the attention and focus from themselves to God (contrast the response of Herod who refused to give glory to God when he received praise from men; Acts 12:21-23).  They reminded the people that they were men just like them.  They spoke of the good news and contrasted the foolhardiness of their idolatry (i.e., “these vain things”), with the worship of the “living God, who created all things.  “Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (Acts 14:18).  The people thought them to be gods, but they were friends with One far greater than the false gods they worshipped!

Not only were the people mistaken regarding the identity of Paul and Barnabas, they were also confused as to the identity of God Himself.  There was (and is) no Zeus, no Hermes, and no two giant trees memorializing an old couple.  It was just a fable—nothing and no one deserving of worship.  How prone to idolatry are the sons of Adam!  But there is a true God, the creator of all things, who made good news known to the people of Lystra.  The presence of some disciples there (Acts 14:20) indicates that some had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). 

Sin and idolatry can lead to all sorts of foolhardy and damning beliefs and vices.  But the truth can work to set us free to worship the One who alone is worthy.

To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
and because he is strong in power,
Not one is missing. –Isaiah 40:25-26

May 23

Bible Reading: Acts 13

Acts 13:49, “And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.”

My friend in India sent me video of a small worship service in his much-persecuted region. Their building wasn’t much, some poles supporting tarp walls and a tarped roof. Their small group was gathered on a Sunday morning to worship God. The drummer set the rhythm and the worshippers sang will all their hearts in praise to Jesus. This despite the ominous threat of the large group of Hindus who surrounded their building and we’re there to disrupt their service. The persecutors approached the humble sanctuary and began to tear down the tarp walls–one by one. But the worshippers kept singing. Then they set about to tear off the roof. But the worshippers kept singing. Next, they began to uproot the poles that supported the makeshift building. Still, the worshippers kept on praising Jesus! They never stopped despite the opposition!

The exciting message of the book of Acts is not just how the gospel spread, but how it spread despite intense opposition.  The opposition was pervasive and was directed towards the church in a variety of ways.  God’s work will always be met with opposition, but Jesus has promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).  His purpose cannot be thwarted.

There are those who seek to DESTROY the church.  Saul himself had been amongst them: “breathing threats and murders against the disciples” (Acts 9:1).  King Herod was also: “Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church” (Acts 12:1).  He had James, the brother of John, put to death, then he arrested Peter and had him put in prison (Acts 12:2-4).  But Peter was set free (Acts 12:6-18) and God dealt with Herod and “the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24).

There are those who DESERT the ministry.  God called Barnabas and Saul to go forth from Antioch to preach the gospel (Acts 13:1-3).  They took along John (Mark) as their helper (Acts 13:5).  We are not given the reason, but Mark deserted them (Acts 13:13).  The situation so grieved Paul that he refused, on a subsequent journey, to take Mark along (Acts 15:37-38).  The desertion of a fellow soldier is a discouraging thing to those who remain on to fight.  Every servant of the gospel knows of such instances.  But God can strengthen and restore His children.  Mark was likewise restored and later proved himself useful to Paul for service (2 Timothy 4:11).

There are those who work to DISTORT the message.  Paul and Barnabas made their way to Paphos.  They found there a magician, Elymas, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who sought to hear the word of God (Acts 13:6-7).  While Paul and Barnabas were sharing with the proconsul, Elymas was working to “turn the proconsul away from the faith” (Acts 13:8).  Paul understood him to be “full of all deceit and villainy,” working “to make crooked the straight paths of the Lord” (Acts 13:10).  For every action, there is a reaction.  The preaching of the true gospel is met with enemy opposition.  The evil one is at work to undermine and distort and keep blinded the eyes of the unbelieving.  Many distorted gospels are widely taught and are readily accepted in our day (Galatians 1:6-8; 2 Corinthians 11:4). But God used Paul to blind Elymas and open the eyes of the proconsul to the truth (Acts 13:11-12).  And though the god of the world is ever-working to blind the minds of the unbelieving, still God works to unveil the gospel to some (2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

There are those who work to DISTURB the hearers.  Paul and Barnabas made their way to Pisidian Antioch and preached the gospel on a Sabbath day in a synagogue (Acts 13:13-41).  The people begged to hear more and on the next Sabbath, the entire city was assembled to hear the Word (Acts 13:42-44).  But the enemy was working.  “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul” (Acts 13:45).  So, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).  The Gentiles then heard the message of salvation and rejoiced and “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:47-48). 

The early church grew and flourished in spite of opposition.  And the true gospel is met with similar opposing forces today.  Any proclamation of the true gospel will be met with resistance.  Any gospel that does not incite some resistance is likely not the true gospel.  The devil is well-pleased with the proclamation of contrary “gospels” that diminish Christ and His finished work (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:4).  The gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ—that’s a different matter.  It is this gospel that the devil hates and that stirs up trouble.  It did exactly that throughout Paul’s ministry.  He preached the gospel and riots broke out.  Persecution intensified.  Trouble came.  But he fought the good fight of faith and was not deterred. 

Don’t be surprised by opposition! It is standard fare for those who endeavor to speak God’s truth (2 Timothy 3:12). Remember that the God who raised Christ from the dead is at work to guide, strengthen, and direct His children in the midst of it. Paul and Barnabas were fiercely opposed, but “the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region” (Acts 13:49). In the midst of intense opposition, people still heard the message. And some responded and were saved.

“For five years we never went outside our doors without a volley of curses from our neighbors” – C. T. Studd

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us

May 22

Bible Reading: Acts 12

Have you ever prayed earnestly for something, asking God to intervene in a specific way in your life, only to be surprised when God actually answered your prayers? That’s akin to what happened when the early church prayed for Peter. The church was fervently praying for Peter’s release, but then was surprised when he actually showed up and interrupted their prayer meeting!

In his commentary on the book of Acts, Jack Andrews writes, “How important is prayer to you? How often do you practice praying? Do you talk more about praying than you actually pray? FACTS: The early church was used by God to reach their world for Jesus. They saw the power of God change hearts, save souls, rescue His children, and release those bound up by Satan.  Entire cities turned to Christ and the whole world turned upside down! The early church understood the importance and significance of prayer. They spent much time together in prayer, many hours laboring in prayer and fervent dedication to prayer! The early church talked to God, pleaded with God, wrestled in prayer to God, warred against the powers of darkness in prayer to God. The church must get back to fervent and faithful praying! If we are going to be used by God, we must daily seek Him in prayer! Prayer was important to the early church! Is it important to you?”

In his persecution of the church, King Herod “killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also” (Acts 12:2-3).  King Herod put Peter in prison with four squads of soldiers guarding him, “but earnest prayer for him was being made to God by the church” (Acts 12:5).

How distressing for the church!  The Apostle Peter had been at the very heart and center of the great work the Lord had done in birthing and building His church.  But now he was being held in a prison.  And guarded by four squads of soldiers!  What were they to do?  It was a contest of good vs. evil.  King Herod meant evil to the church.  He had both political power, his mighty prison, and strong soldiers.  But the church was free to pray, and they did!  It was as one commentator pointed out, “When every other gate is shut and locked, the gate to heaven is wide open.”  That’s a good thing to keep in mind next time you feel trapped.

So, there were many praying.  They were not praying mechanically, or simply “going through the motions,” but earnestly, with fervor and a sense of urgency.  Their prayers were specific.  Specific prayer is powerful prayer.  They wanted Peter released, and they also likely were praying for God’s peace and strength for him. We infer from the context they were praying for a long time.  They kept on praying until the answer to their prayers showed up at the gate (Acts 12:14)!  They’ve set a good example for us in how to pray when troubles come our way.

Chuck Swindoll gives two applications of this story focused on prayer: First, ask God for what you want—and be bold! Too often we temper our requests—even good, godly requests like the healing of a friend, or the restoration of a failing marriage—perhaps to protect ourselves from disappointment, or to pray responsibly, or to avoid presuming upon God, or to pray within the bounds of what we imagine the Lord’s will might be…Pray boldly for what is good. Don’t hold back. Don’t qualify your requests. God’s sovereignty isn’t threatened and His goodness isn’t compromised if you plead earnestly—supplicate shamelessly—for good to prevail…Second, trust the sovereignty and goodness of God to prevail. The people in the home of Mary gathered to pray for Peter. We don’t know the content of their prayers, but some must have asked God for a miraculous release, just like the earlier release. Clearly, however, no one really expected to see Peter alive again, or they wouldn’t have been so dubious when he knocked. Still, they trusted God…No matter how your circumstances turn out after earnest prayer, assure yourself with these words—repeat them as often as necessary: ‘The Lord is right in all His ways’ (Deuteronomy 32:4).”

Chuck Swindoll (Commentary on the Book of Acts)

“O believing brethren! What an instrument is this which God hath put into your hands! Prayer moves Him that moves the universe” – Robert Murray McCheyne

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

MAY 19

Bible Reading: Acts 11

Acts 11:23-24, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”

Encouragement, noun: the act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive.

Webster’s Dictionary 1828 Edition

Barnabas was an encourager.  A Jew from Cyprus, his given name was Joseph (Acts 4:36).  But the apostles renamed him “Barnabas” (i.e., “son of encouragement), which served as an apt description of him and his ministry.

He is first mentioned in the Bible in Acts chapter 4.  Many Jews were dislocated in Jerusalem.  They had traveled there for Pentecost from faraway places.  They remained there after their conversion to Christ and needed help with food and shelter.  The earthly church responded: “There was not a needy person among them for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:35).  Likewise, Barnabas “sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money” (Acts 4:37).  Imagine how those early believers must have been encouraged through the loving sacrifice of people like Barnabas.  Barnabas would later similarly serve in a “relief effort” to meet the needs of those suffering through “a great famine” (Acts 11:27-30).

Some of those believers that were scattered as a result of the great persecution preached the gospel in Antioch.  “A great number who believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).  The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas there.  And in Antioch, Barnabas worked to encourage the new believers “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23).  He needed help in his ministry, so he “went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch” (Acts 11:25-26).  Together, they spent “a whole year” teaching “a great many people” (Acts 11:26).  Together, Barnabas and Paul encouraged those believers in the Word of God (Romans 15:4).

The Christian life is often compared in Scripture to a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 3:14).  There is a need to run the race with endurance.  The runner is confronted with many distractions, diversions, and discouragements (Hebrews 12:1-2).  Imagine the scene.  Christians running side-by-side all headed to the same goal.  But some fall behind and others collapse.  Some are weighed down by sin, and others are entangled by life’s distractions.  Too often fellow runners pay no heed to their struggling companions.  They carelessly run past them, step over them, or even kick them when they are down.  But that’s no way for a Christian to behave.  God would have us instead to lovingly assist and encourage each other along the way.

God would have us all to be like Barnabas.  We all have need of encouragement and God is well-aware of that.  The Holy Spirit is the ultimate encourager.  He is called the “Helper” (Greek “parakletos,” “one called alongside to help”; John 14:16).  The Greek word for Barnabas’ moniker, “son of encouragement,” is akin to that given to the Holy Spirit.  Being filled with the Spirit, Barnabas functioned in his ministry as the “hands of the Holy Spirit.”  He directed others to look Christ-ward, and to the hope bound up in Him. By the Spirit, Barnabas encouraged others such that they were better off in Christ.

God exhorts His people to encourage one another.  By the Spirit they do (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  There is a good chance you have someone in your life who is even now desperate for some loving word or deed by which they might be encouraged in their walk with Christ.  There is plenty of encouragement to be had in Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 12:1-3).  We all, like Barnabas, are called to be “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Be on the lookout for an opportunity in your day in which you can encourage someone along the way!

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.