Phillip went to Samaria and proclaimed Christ. The crowds listened closely and many signs and healings occurred, bringing great joy. Later, the apostles Peter and John visited and conferred the Holy Spirit on believers. However, Simon the sorcerer desired this power for money and was sternly rebuked by Peter. In conclusion, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem while continuing to preach the gospel throughout Samaria.
Paul and Silas traveled through towns in Macedonia preaching in the Jewish synagogues. In Thessalonica, Paul reasoned from scripture for three Sabbaths that Jesus was the promised Messiah who suffered and rose from the dead. Some Jews and Greeks believed, but jealous Jews started a riot. The believers sent Paul and Silas away secretly to Berea for their safety, where they continued preaching in the synagogue.
The document summarizes Paul and Barnabas' missionary journey through southern Galatia, planting churches in three cities - Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. It describes their encounters in each city, including facing opposition in Iconium, healing a lame man and being worshipped as gods in Lystra, and successfully preaching the gospel in Derbe. It then discusses their return journey through these cities to strengthen the disciples before returning to their home base in Antioch, having completed their work of establishing churches throughout the region.
The document provides a summary of a passage from the Gospel of Mark. It begins by setting the scene in Gerasenes where Jesus encounters a dangerous and distressed man possessed by an unclean spirit called Legion. Jesus casts the spirit out of the man and into a herd of pigs, frightening the townspeople. The man is left in his right mind and the people are rattled by Jesus' power over evil spirits. The summary concludes by reminding the reader not to fear evil spirits, as Jesus has power to change lives and bring God's kingdom.
Paul finds that the city of Athens is full of idols. He reasons with Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and others in the marketplace about Jesus and the resurrection. Some philosophers debate with Paul and bring him before the Areopagus council. Paul tells them that God is not contained in temples and wants all people to seek and find him. He calls them to repentance now that God commands it for all people. Some scoff at the resurrection while others want to hear more, and some people including Dionysius believe in Paul's message.
The document summarizes Paul's experience preaching the gospel in Thessalonica as recounted in Acts 17:1-7. It says that Paul reasoned with Jews in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, persuading some Jews and devout Greeks. However, other Jews became jealous and stirred up a mob. When they could not find Paul, they dragged Jason and other believers before the city authorities, accusing them of acting against Caesar's decrees. The document then discusses different types of opposition to spreading the gospel according to Acts 17, including spiritual, external from people, and internal opposition.
Paul met with the elders from the church in Ephesus in Miletus during his journey. He warned them that false teachers would arise from within the church to distort the truth. Paul emphasized preaching the word of God and shepherding the flock with humility, even through hardships. He declared himself innocent of any wrongdoing in teaching the people everything that God had revealed to him through the gospel.
Paul travels to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe in Asia Minor. This lesson warns against elevating leaders, allowing ourselves to be elevated, and clarifying the gospel to avoid misunderstanding.
Paul and Silas traveled through towns in Macedonia preaching in the Jewish synagogues. In Thessalonica, Paul reasoned from scripture for three Sabbaths that Jesus was the promised Messiah who suffered and rose from the dead. Some Jews and Greeks believed, but jealous Jews started a riot. The believers sent Paul and Silas away secretly to Berea for their safety, where they continued preaching in the synagogue.
The document summarizes Paul and Barnabas' missionary journey through southern Galatia, planting churches in three cities - Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. It describes their encounters in each city, including facing opposition in Iconium, healing a lame man and being worshipped as gods in Lystra, and successfully preaching the gospel in Derbe. It then discusses their return journey through these cities to strengthen the disciples before returning to their home base in Antioch, having completed their work of establishing churches throughout the region.
The document provides a summary of a passage from the Gospel of Mark. It begins by setting the scene in Gerasenes where Jesus encounters a dangerous and distressed man possessed by an unclean spirit called Legion. Jesus casts the spirit out of the man and into a herd of pigs, frightening the townspeople. The man is left in his right mind and the people are rattled by Jesus' power over evil spirits. The summary concludes by reminding the reader not to fear evil spirits, as Jesus has power to change lives and bring God's kingdom.
Paul finds that the city of Athens is full of idols. He reasons with Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and others in the marketplace about Jesus and the resurrection. Some philosophers debate with Paul and bring him before the Areopagus council. Paul tells them that God is not contained in temples and wants all people to seek and find him. He calls them to repentance now that God commands it for all people. Some scoff at the resurrection while others want to hear more, and some people including Dionysius believe in Paul's message.
The document summarizes Paul's experience preaching the gospel in Thessalonica as recounted in Acts 17:1-7. It says that Paul reasoned with Jews in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, persuading some Jews and devout Greeks. However, other Jews became jealous and stirred up a mob. When they could not find Paul, they dragged Jason and other believers before the city authorities, accusing them of acting against Caesar's decrees. The document then discusses different types of opposition to spreading the gospel according to Acts 17, including spiritual, external from people, and internal opposition.
Paul met with the elders from the church in Ephesus in Miletus during his journey. He warned them that false teachers would arise from within the church to distort the truth. Paul emphasized preaching the word of God and shepherding the flock with humility, even through hardships. He declared himself innocent of any wrongdoing in teaching the people everything that God had revealed to him through the gospel.
Paul travels to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe in Asia Minor. This lesson warns against elevating leaders, allowing ourselves to be elevated, and clarifying the gospel to avoid misunderstanding.
This document provides a detailed summary of Acts Chapter 6 from the Book Of Acts. It discusses the church's second recorded problem regarding neglect of Greek-speaking widows in daily food distribution. Seven men, including Stephen, were chosen as deacons to oversee this task. Stephen engages in a debate with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, displaying wisdom and the Spirit. Enraged by his teachings, these men secretly persuade others to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. Stephen is then brought before the Council and interrogated, with all gazing at his face that appeared "like the face of an angel."
This document provides an overview and analysis of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It notes that Paul and his companions had previously suffered mistreatment in Philippi but still preached God's gospel there with confidence despite opposition. Their message did not come from error or impure motives, but was approved by God. They were not seeking to please people but God alone. Paul cared for the Philippians like a nursing mother cares for her children. He worked hard so as not to be a burden while preaching the gospel to them.
The document provides a detailed summary of Acts 13-14 from the Bible. It describes how Paul and Barnabas were sent out as the first missionary team by the church in Antioch. They preached in various cities including Salamis, Paphos, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. They faced opposition from Jews in some areas but had success converting Gentiles. After completing their journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen the new believers and appoint elders in the churches before reporting back to Antioch.
Acts 13, Antioch Church Headquarters, minister huperetes, What languages did ...Valley Bible Fellowship
• Acts Chapter 13, The Christian Church In Antioch, New Christian Headquarters, Antioch, minister huperetes, What languages did Jesus and the apostles speak, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Reading Scripture, Presenting Jesus To Jews, God's purpose, justified, Iconium, Prophetic Warnings, Cavemen, The Most Precious Thing
The Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul, part 7: Paul's Second Missionary J...Pacific Church
08/07/16 Sermon
Pastor Seth Gatchell
Pacific Church of Irvine
www.pacificchruch.com
7th message in a series on The Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul
Streams in the Deserts prayer presentationmatthewrudolph
God used the Cypriots in seven specific ways in the early church:
1) Barnabas, a Cypriot, encouraged and financially supported the apostles.
2) Cypriots received persecuted believers fleeing from Jerusalem.
3) Some Cypriots in Antioch were the first to preach the gospel to Gentiles.
4) Barnabas, a Cypriot, was set apart for missionary work and helped establish Cyprus as a missions base.
5) Barnabas later returned to Cyprus to strengthen the churches he had previously planted.
6) A Cypriot disciple named Mnason provided lodging for Paul in Jerusalem.
7) Cyprus is referred
Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem to minister to the Jews, but he received warnings from disciples telling him it was not God's will. However, Paul was determined to go, motivated by his strong love and desire to reach out to the Jewish people. When in Jerusalem, things went badly for Paul and he found himself arrested. The document warns that when we act outside of God's will, there can be difficulties and consequences as our desires may not align with God's plans. Ultimately, God's will prevails.
The apostles Paul and Barnabas preached in Iconium and many Jews and Greeks believed. However, unbelieving Jews stirred up opposition against them. They remained and preached boldly with God's power, performing signs and wonders. The city became divided over whether to follow the Jews or apostles. When Jews and Gentiles planned to mistreat them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe where they continued preaching the gospel.
Paul embarked on his second missionary journey, splitting from Barnabas and traveling with Silas through Asia Minor, strengthening churches. They received a call from Macedonia in Troas and preached in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens before spending 18 months in Corinth, where he worked, preached, and wrote 1 Thessalonians. He appeared before Gallio in Corinth and later left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus before returning to Antioch.
Paul spent about four years on his third missionary journey, much of which was in Ephesus establishing churches. He traveled through various regions, preaching and visiting churches. In Jerusalem, he was accused of forbidding circumcision and trying to desecrate the temple. This led to his imprisonment, but gave him opportunities to preach Christ before various audiences including the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.
This document provides a summary of Paul's missionary journeys as described in Acts 15-18. It recounts Paul's travels through Syria, Cilicia, Galatia, Macedonia, Greece and more. Along the way, Paul and his companions planted many churches, encountered both belief and resistance to the gospel message, and received guidance from God to continue preaching even when facing difficulties. The summary highlights Paul's flexibility in adapting his message to Jewish and Gentile audiences and emphasizes the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading, thoroughly studying scripture, and persevering in sharing the gospel.
The document summarizes events from Acts 11:19-12:10 in the Bible. It describes how early Christians were scattered from persecution but spread the word about Jesus in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Many people in Antioch believed, including some Greeks. Barnabas was sent to encourage the believers. Meanwhile, Herod imprisoned Peter but an angel rescued him from prison after prayers from the church.
The document provides a summary and analysis of key events and teachings in Acts Chapter 5. It discusses Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit and being struck dead as a result. It also covers the apostles performing many signs and wonders among the people in Solomon's Colonnade, and being commanded by God to continue preaching despite orders to stop. The advice of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, to leave the apostles alone unless their movement was not of God, is also summarized.
Deuteronomy Chapters 18-19, The Levitical Priests and Levites;
The Detestable Things; Yoga, Witchcraft, False prophets;
A Prophet Like Me
Cities Of Refuge
Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and teaches at the local synagogue on the Sabbath. He reads from the prophet Isaiah and declares that the scripture is fulfilled in him. The people are amazed but question if he is truly the Messiah since he is just the son of Joseph. Jesus tells stories from Elijah and Elisha's time that show prophets are often rejected in their hometown. The people become furious with Jesus and try to throw him off a cliff, but he escapes.
Sabbath school lesson 12, 3rd quarter of 2018David Syahputra
Paul was confined in Caesarea for his safety under Roman jurisdiction. He was accused by the Jews of insurrection, being a leader of the Nazarenes sect, and profaning the Temple, but the Romans found he had done nothing illegal. Paul appealed to Caesar to avoid being captured by the Jews. He was brought before King Agrippa to advise what charges to bring before Caesar, and Paul seized the opportunity to give testimony about his conversion and call to preach about Jesus. Agrippa was almost persuaded to become a Christian himself.
The document summarizes chapters 16-17 of the book of Acts, which describes Paul's missionary journeys in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. In Thessalonica, Paul preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths and some Jews and Greeks believed. Unbelieving Jews stirred up crowds against Paul, so he was sent to Berea where people examined the scriptures daily to see if Paul's teachings aligned with them. Paul was then brought to Athens but was distressed by the widespread idolatry.
Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds some disciples who have only received John's baptism. They did not know about the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus and lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. Paul preaches boldly in the synagogue for three months but some reject his message. He then teaches daily in the hall of Tyrannus for two years, and the word of the Lord spreads throughout Asia.
Stephen gives a speech before the Jewish council defending himself against charges of blasphemy. He recounts the history of God's dealings with Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to argue that God is not confined to any physical location. He says the Jewish leaders have resisted God's messengers throughout history, just as their ancestors rejected Joseph and Moses. Stephen's face is described as looking like an angel's as he speaks. The high priest asks Stephen if his claims are true.
Slides to accompany the #sundayatgrace podcast - use the link in slide 2 or go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/47879/400009-christian-experience-of-god-19-gentleness
Check the website www.yGRWP.com for more!
This document provides a detailed summary of Acts Chapter 6 from the Book Of Acts. It discusses the church's second recorded problem regarding neglect of Greek-speaking widows in daily food distribution. Seven men, including Stephen, were chosen as deacons to oversee this task. Stephen engages in a debate with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, displaying wisdom and the Spirit. Enraged by his teachings, these men secretly persuade others to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. Stephen is then brought before the Council and interrogated, with all gazing at his face that appeared "like the face of an angel."
This document provides an overview and analysis of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It notes that Paul and his companions had previously suffered mistreatment in Philippi but still preached God's gospel there with confidence despite opposition. Their message did not come from error or impure motives, but was approved by God. They were not seeking to please people but God alone. Paul cared for the Philippians like a nursing mother cares for her children. He worked hard so as not to be a burden while preaching the gospel to them.
The document provides a detailed summary of Acts 13-14 from the Bible. It describes how Paul and Barnabas were sent out as the first missionary team by the church in Antioch. They preached in various cities including Salamis, Paphos, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. They faced opposition from Jews in some areas but had success converting Gentiles. After completing their journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen the new believers and appoint elders in the churches before reporting back to Antioch.
Acts 13, Antioch Church Headquarters, minister huperetes, What languages did ...Valley Bible Fellowship
• Acts Chapter 13, The Christian Church In Antioch, New Christian Headquarters, Antioch, minister huperetes, What languages did Jesus and the apostles speak, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Reading Scripture, Presenting Jesus To Jews, God's purpose, justified, Iconium, Prophetic Warnings, Cavemen, The Most Precious Thing
The Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul, part 7: Paul's Second Missionary J...Pacific Church
08/07/16 Sermon
Pastor Seth Gatchell
Pacific Church of Irvine
www.pacificchruch.com
7th message in a series on The Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul
Streams in the Deserts prayer presentationmatthewrudolph
God used the Cypriots in seven specific ways in the early church:
1) Barnabas, a Cypriot, encouraged and financially supported the apostles.
2) Cypriots received persecuted believers fleeing from Jerusalem.
3) Some Cypriots in Antioch were the first to preach the gospel to Gentiles.
4) Barnabas, a Cypriot, was set apart for missionary work and helped establish Cyprus as a missions base.
5) Barnabas later returned to Cyprus to strengthen the churches he had previously planted.
6) A Cypriot disciple named Mnason provided lodging for Paul in Jerusalem.
7) Cyprus is referred
Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem to minister to the Jews, but he received warnings from disciples telling him it was not God's will. However, Paul was determined to go, motivated by his strong love and desire to reach out to the Jewish people. When in Jerusalem, things went badly for Paul and he found himself arrested. The document warns that when we act outside of God's will, there can be difficulties and consequences as our desires may not align with God's plans. Ultimately, God's will prevails.
The apostles Paul and Barnabas preached in Iconium and many Jews and Greeks believed. However, unbelieving Jews stirred up opposition against them. They remained and preached boldly with God's power, performing signs and wonders. The city became divided over whether to follow the Jews or apostles. When Jews and Gentiles planned to mistreat them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe where they continued preaching the gospel.
Paul embarked on his second missionary journey, splitting from Barnabas and traveling with Silas through Asia Minor, strengthening churches. They received a call from Macedonia in Troas and preached in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens before spending 18 months in Corinth, where he worked, preached, and wrote 1 Thessalonians. He appeared before Gallio in Corinth and later left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus before returning to Antioch.
Paul spent about four years on his third missionary journey, much of which was in Ephesus establishing churches. He traveled through various regions, preaching and visiting churches. In Jerusalem, he was accused of forbidding circumcision and trying to desecrate the temple. This led to his imprisonment, but gave him opportunities to preach Christ before various audiences including the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.
This document provides a summary of Paul's missionary journeys as described in Acts 15-18. It recounts Paul's travels through Syria, Cilicia, Galatia, Macedonia, Greece and more. Along the way, Paul and his companions planted many churches, encountered both belief and resistance to the gospel message, and received guidance from God to continue preaching even when facing difficulties. The summary highlights Paul's flexibility in adapting his message to Jewish and Gentile audiences and emphasizes the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading, thoroughly studying scripture, and persevering in sharing the gospel.
The document summarizes events from Acts 11:19-12:10 in the Bible. It describes how early Christians were scattered from persecution but spread the word about Jesus in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Many people in Antioch believed, including some Greeks. Barnabas was sent to encourage the believers. Meanwhile, Herod imprisoned Peter but an angel rescued him from prison after prayers from the church.
The document provides a summary and analysis of key events and teachings in Acts Chapter 5. It discusses Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit and being struck dead as a result. It also covers the apostles performing many signs and wonders among the people in Solomon's Colonnade, and being commanded by God to continue preaching despite orders to stop. The advice of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, to leave the apostles alone unless their movement was not of God, is also summarized.
Deuteronomy Chapters 18-19, The Levitical Priests and Levites;
The Detestable Things; Yoga, Witchcraft, False prophets;
A Prophet Like Me
Cities Of Refuge
Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and teaches at the local synagogue on the Sabbath. He reads from the prophet Isaiah and declares that the scripture is fulfilled in him. The people are amazed but question if he is truly the Messiah since he is just the son of Joseph. Jesus tells stories from Elijah and Elisha's time that show prophets are often rejected in their hometown. The people become furious with Jesus and try to throw him off a cliff, but he escapes.
Sabbath school lesson 12, 3rd quarter of 2018David Syahputra
Paul was confined in Caesarea for his safety under Roman jurisdiction. He was accused by the Jews of insurrection, being a leader of the Nazarenes sect, and profaning the Temple, but the Romans found he had done nothing illegal. Paul appealed to Caesar to avoid being captured by the Jews. He was brought before King Agrippa to advise what charges to bring before Caesar, and Paul seized the opportunity to give testimony about his conversion and call to preach about Jesus. Agrippa was almost persuaded to become a Christian himself.
The document summarizes chapters 16-17 of the book of Acts, which describes Paul's missionary journeys in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. In Thessalonica, Paul preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths and some Jews and Greeks believed. Unbelieving Jews stirred up crowds against Paul, so he was sent to Berea where people examined the scriptures daily to see if Paul's teachings aligned with them. Paul was then brought to Athens but was distressed by the widespread idolatry.
Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds some disciples who have only received John's baptism. They did not know about the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus and lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. Paul preaches boldly in the synagogue for three months but some reject his message. He then teaches daily in the hall of Tyrannus for two years, and the word of the Lord spreads throughout Asia.
Stephen gives a speech before the Jewish council defending himself against charges of blasphemy. He recounts the history of God's dealings with Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to argue that God is not confined to any physical location. He says the Jewish leaders have resisted God's messengers throughout history, just as their ancestors rejected Joseph and Moses. Stephen's face is described as looking like an angel's as he speaks. The high priest asks Stephen if his claims are true.
Slides to accompany the #sundayatgrace podcast - use the link in slide 2 or go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/47879/400009-christian-experience-of-god-19-gentleness
Check the website www.yGRWP.com for more!
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "Baptism and Possession" sermon at New Life Christian Church on August 31, 2014. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
This document discusses the concept of patience. It begins by welcoming the reader and quoting a passage from 1 Thessalonians encouraging rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving. It then states that patience is a complex concept involving calmness under provocation, not becoming angry in difficulty, extensively tolerating others, enduring annoyance or problems, and persisting in difficult situations. The document goes on to explore different aspects of growing in patience such as suffering mistreatment, responding to provocation, tolerating shortcomings, waiting for God to act, and persevering through adversity.
Slides to accompany the y GRWP podcast in the series 'The Christian Experience of God - Self Control' found here:
http://WelshRev.buzzsprout.com
(please allow 24 hours to produce & upload)
Foundation Stone #9: Laying on Hands to Give the Holy SpiritRick Bruderick
The document discusses the biblical concept of laying on hands to impart the Holy Spirit. It provides several biblical references to support the idea that the Holy Spirit is given through the laying on of hands, including accounts from Acts where the apostles laid hands on new believers who then spoke in tongues or prophesied. The document also addresses questions about whether receiving the Holy Spirit is automatic for believers, when the best time for laying on hands is, whether there is evidence of receiving the Spirit, and the ongoing importance of spiritual gifts.
The document discusses lessons that can be learned from Acts 8:1-12. It summarizes as follows:
1. Be faithful to Christ and continue preaching even during persecution.
2. Be active in evangelism by going everywhere preaching the word.
3. Be a willing vessel for Christ to use by having passion for souls and preaching Christ, and giving glory to God for the miracles rather than taking credit yourself.
The document discusses three essential ingredients for doing the work of God: 1) being involved in work commissioned by God, 2) working in a team with others committed to the same work, and 3) being equipped through apostolic input. It contrasts the ways of God's kingdom with cultural preferences in how work is chosen and approached, teams are formed, and leadership is received. The passage from Acts 8 is then reviewed, showing how Philip did works in Samaria commissioned by God as part of a team and was later joined by apostles Peter and John who provided further equipping.
Philip preaches in Samaria and many people believe. The apostles in Jerusalem hear of this and send Peter and John to Samaria. Peter and John pray for the new believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, and they do. The psalmist praises God for his mighty deeds and calls all people to worship God for what he has done. 1 Peter encourages Christians to always be ready to explain their faith gently and respectfully, and that it is better to suffer for doing good as Christ did.
130630 eng from i-moves to i-movements by ps. timothy loheaglepointcf
I:Moves are simple steps to express God's love to others based on two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. I:Moves include initiating prayer, encouraging others, discovering their beliefs, visiting them, acts of kindness, inviting them to church, engaging with guests, and including strangers. Examples of I:Moves in the Bible include Peter and John praying, a servant girl encouraging Naaman, Paul discovering beliefs in Athens, Philip inviting Nathanael to church, Jesus engaging others. The document concludes with the story of four men with leprosy finding food and wealth in an abandoned camp and reporting it, illustrating doing good deeds.
Paul writes a letter of thanks to the church in Philippi, expressing gratitude for their partnership in spreading the gospel from the first day they heard it. Paul prays for them always and is confident that God, who began the good work in them, will continue it until Christ's return. The Philippians had been Paul's joy and crown.
1. Ananias and Sapphira lied about how much money they received from selling property and keeping some for themselves, and both fell dead after being confronted by Peter for lying to the Holy Spirit.
2. Many signs, wonders, and healings were occurring through the apostles and the number of believers in the church continued to greatly increase.
3. The sick and afflicted were even being carried into the streets in hopes that Peter's shadow might heal them as he passed by.
Acts 16, To the Galatians, sing Him praises in prison, to be saved, Timothy T...Valley Bible Fellowship
Acts Chapter 16, To the Galatians, sing Him praises in prison, to be saved, Timothy Timotheos, he circumcised him, Holy Spirit hindered, concluding that sumbibazo, we section, demons messages, repent and believe, 2014
The document is a sermon about the power of preaching the gospel. It discusses how Philip preached Christ in Samaria and people were healed and saved. It emphasizes that preaching the gospel means preaching about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It also discusses how Simon the sorcerer believed and was baptized but later sinned, and how true repentance through prayer can bring forgiveness of sins.
Philip preaches in Samaria and many people believe. The apostles in Jerusalem hear of this and send Peter and John to Samaria. Peter and John pray for the new believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, and they do. The psalmist praises God for his mighty deeds and calls all people to worship God for what he has done. 1 Peter encourages Christians to always be ready to explain their faith gently and respectfully, and that it is better to suffer for doing good as Christ did.
- Water baptism is an important part of the Gospel message found throughout the New Testament. It is presented as something believers should do after repenting from sin and having faith in Jesus Christ.
- Many accounts in Acts describe people getting baptized after believing, including Peter's message in Acts 2, the Ethiopian eunuch, Cornelius and his household, the Philippian jailer and Lydia. Paul also instructs the believers in Ephesus to be baptized after learning about Jesus.
The document discusses ministry as a calling rather than a profession. It notes several passages from Acts that portray ministry as being called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. The document also provides an outline of Acts 13 describing Paul and Barnabas being called by the Spirit, opposed by the devil, deserted by Mark, and then received by Gentiles to preach.
1) The early Church experienced rapid growth with thousands joining, including some priests, but problems arose that needed addressing. 2) Leaders were appointed to serve those in need and solve the problems, contributing to the Church's fulfillment of its mission. 3) Stephen preached boldly but faced opposition, giving a speech defending the faith before being martyred, which led to the persecution that scattered Christians and spread the faith farther.
This document summarizes a sermon given by Rev. Sara McKinley about Acts 8:4-25. The summary discusses how Philip preached in Samaria and many people were healed or delivered from evil spirits. Simon the magician also believed but wanted the power of laying hands on people to give them the Holy Spirit for himself. Peter rebuked Simon for thinking God's gift could be bought. The sermon encourages praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
ACTS 8-9, Saul destroying the church, scattered disciples preach the Word, Si...Valley Bible Fellowship
ACTS Chapters 8-9, Saul destroying the church, scattered disciples preach the word, Simon the sorcerer, Jesus Only movement, Despised Samaritans, raptured harpadzo, Saul's conversion, The Way, miraculous signs not a blessing, Tarsus, Lydda, Joppa
Evidence why Baptism is a crucial element of our walk with our Lord Jesus using reverences from Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Jesus Christ and Acts Chapter 16.
1) Philip is instructed by an angel to go to a desert road where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah.
2) Philip joins the eunuch in his chariot and explains the passage, telling him about Jesus.
3) The eunuch asks to be baptized after believing, and Philip baptizes him before being transported elsewhere by the Spirit, leaving the eunuch rejoicing.
The document provides an overview of the Book of Acts. It notes that Acts was written by Luke as a careful investigation and eyewitness account. Acts tells about the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles after Jesus' ascension. The document outlines the first chapter of Acts, including Jesus' instructions before ascending, the disciples waiting in Jerusalem, and the selection of Matthias to replace Judas. It analyzes key parts of chapter 1 in more detail.
1 2 - overcome a spirit of bitterness. 12 june. 2011PLCMC CS
1) Philip preached in Samaria and many people believed, including Simon, after witnessing Philip perform miracles like exorcisms and healings.
2) Simon offered Peter and John money, wanting to gain the power to impart the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands.
3) Peter sternly rebuked Simon for thinking he could buy a gift from God with money, and told Simon he was full of bitterness and captive to sin. Peter urged Simon to repent and pray.
What does “being Christ’s witness” mean? Would you consider yourself Christ’s witness? How do opportunities for witness arise? What occasioned Peter and John to share Christ with a lame man? (3:1-5) How is our ministry like the Lord's? What do people in need typically request? What did the lame man need most? (3:6) What is every person’s greatest need? (3:12-20) What can physical healing teach us about spiritual salvation? How did the people react to the healing of the lame man? (3:9-11) What was the theme of Peter’s second sermon? (3:12-26) How is it different from the message he delivered on the day of Pentecost? What was the reaction to Peter’s second sermon? (4:1-4)
Paul writes a letter to the church in Corinth greeting them and reminding them that they have been called by God into fellowship with Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthians and says that God will strengthen them until the end. Paul urges the Corinthians to end their divisions and be united in their faith as those who have been called by God.
These slides accompany the thirty minute radio podcast for 29/11/2015 from Grace Rural Wales Partnership at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/47879/328835-grwp-radio-podcast-2015-11-29-the-lord-s-prayer
which examines the recent furore about the rejection of a cinema advert featuring the Lord's Prayer.
The podcast features a 15 minute expose of this 2,000 year old prayer's controversial contents and some controversial responses from members of the public to the prohibition.
Slides to accompany the video on the y GRWP Youtube channel and WelshRev podcast on Buzzsprout on Mark 16:1-8 ... The Pastorally Purposeful (broken?) Ending of Mark
Slides to accompany audio on WelshRev's Buzzsprout podcast webpage on Mark 16:1-8 and the pastorally purposeful (broken?) end of Mark
It's all about persevering faithfully through DARK days!
Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to Pilate and requested Jesus' body after crucifixion. As a prominent member of the Council who was waiting for the kingdom of God, Joseph bought a shroud and buried Jesus safely in a tomb, fulfilling the Jewish customs before the Sabbath. Nicodemus assisted Joseph in preparing Jesus' body for burial.
The document discusses why Christians believe in one God consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It provides biblical evidence for each person being God, including texts that state Jesus is God, show Jesus exercising divine authority like God the Father, and classify the Holy Spirit alongside the Father and Son. The document argues that belief in the Trinity is essential to the gospel's claims about Jesus bearing the penalty of sin and restoring fellowship with God through his atonement.
1. Jesus was crucified at 9am where he was mocked and insulted. From noon until 3pm there was darkness over the land. At 3pm, Jesus cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" before dying.
2. Upon Jesus' death, three events testified to who he was: the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, the centurion said "Surely this man was the Son of God," and some women disciples witnessed from a distance.
3. The document describes Jesus' crucifixion and death, including the events that occurred at three specific times, and three witnesses that testified to Jesus' identity.
This passage from Mark describes the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. It notes that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss to identify him for the soldiers. When the soldiers arrested Jesus, his disciples deserted him and fled. Only a young man followed at a distance before fleeing naked when seized. The passage examines different levels of commitment to Christ - committing to church but not Christ, committing to Christ but not fully or to follow him, commiting to Christ but not his people or taking him at his word.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to pray in Gethsemane, telling the others to stay and keep watch. He was deeply distressed and asked God to take away his suffering if possible. Returning to the disciples, Jesus found them sleeping three times and admonished them to stay awake and pray. The third time he told them the hour had come for him to be betrayed.
The passage encourages Christians to draw near to God with confidence through Jesus, their great high priest. It exhorts them to hold firmly to their faith and spur one another on through love and good works. They are instructed not to abandon meeting together but to encourage one another, especially as the day of the Lord draws near.
Slides to accompany the audio of the sharp point of discipleship to Christ in Mark's Gospel from Simon Bowkett to be found on Archive.org under 'Missional Mark'
Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way. The disciples were astonished by what was happening, and those following were afraid. Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and told them privately what would happen to him in Jerusalem. He said he would be delivered over to the chief priests and teachers of the law, who would condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, spit on, flogged, and killed. However, Jesus also told them that three days later he would rise again.
This passage from the Gospel of Mark describes Jesus teaching his disciples about eternal life. When asked what one must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus says to follow God's commandments. He then warns that it is very difficult for rich people to enter God's kingdom. While the disciples are amazed, Jesus reassures them that with God all things are possible. When Peter protests that they have left everything to follow Jesus, Jesus promises that those who give up possessions for him will receive rewards both in this life and the next. He concludes by saying that those who are first will be last and vice versa.
3. Acts 8:1-25
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the
church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were
scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men
buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul
began to destroy the church. Going from house to house,
he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
4 Those who had been scattered preached the word
wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in
Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6 When the
crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did,
they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 With
shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics
and cripples were healed.
8 So there was great joy in that city.”
6. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
7. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
8. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
• Words used
9. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
• Words used
• And listening happened
10. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
– Saw signs, v. 6-7
11. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
– Saw signs, v. 6-7
– Paid close attention, v. 6
12. Acts 8:7
“7 With shrieks, evil spirits came out of
many,
and many
paralytics and
cripples were healed.”
13. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
– Saw signs, v. 6-7
– Paid close attention, v. 6
– Good done to poor people, v. 7
14. Matthew 11
“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he
sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who was
to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you
hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have
leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and
the good news is preached to the poor.
6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of
me.”
15. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
– Heard Phillip, v. 6
– Saw signs, v. 6-7
– Paid close attention, v. 6
– Good done to poor people, v. 7
– Great joy, v. 8
16. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
• Including the genuine, vv. 14-17
17. Acts 8:14-17
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that
Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent
Peter and John to them.
15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that
they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the
Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they
had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord
Jesus.
17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them,
and they received the Holy Spirit.”
18. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
• Including the genuine, vv. 14-17
19. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
• Including the genuine, vv. 14-17
• Cursing the counterfeit, vv. 18-24
20. Acts 8:18-24
“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying
on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and
said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom
I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you,
because you thought you could buy the gift of God with
money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry,
because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of
this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will
forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to
sin.”
24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that
nothing you have said may happen to me.”
21. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
• Including the genuine, vv. 14-17
• Cursing the counterfeit, vv. 18-24
22. Acts 8:1-25
• Introduction
• Phillip went down to Samaria, vv. 1-5a
• Phillip proclaimed Christ there, v. 5b
• The response of the crowds, vv. 6-8
• Including the genuine, vv. 14-17
• Cursing the counterfeit, vv. 18-24
• Conclusion: persisting in intentional evangelism
“When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord,
Peter and John returned to Jerusalem,
preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.” (v. 25)
Editor's Notes
I often think we get a bit reluctant as modern, Western Evangelicals to get involved with any intentional evangelism because we have some pretty preconceived ideas about how it should go and how things should work out.Now, by ‘intentional evangelism’ I mean deliberately setting about the process of telling people who are without Christ the something if not everything that they need to hear and come to terms with in order to come to Christ and be saved.Now, that involves not a theoretical but a practical, personal awareness of THEIR sin and their resulting inability to earn their own salvation or get themselves saved.It involves not a theoretical understanding of faith but a practical and ultimate personal reliance for all their needs on the Christ Who saves, secures and sustains His people.More than that, it involves the practical and personal re-orientation of life and lifestyle in a direction that follows the Christ we have become absolutely committed to as the absolute visible example of the sort of life God would wish us to lead. In short this means that overcome by His mercy and grace we become disciples and followers of Jesus Christ Himself.And each of us will need to reckon with those broad generalisations at a different point, so one person is going to feel the Gospel shoe pinch their existing lifestyle where it touches on our sexual ethics, another where it pinches on our dishonesty or tax fraud, or greed, or indiscipline, or uncontrolled anger, or arrogance and pride.I’m saying the exact subject matter of our conversations in the process of intentional evangelism may vary, just as the sort of people we encounter and seek to bring to Christ will vary but Biblically the responses we get will fall into certain very similar categories … and our appreciation of the teaching of Scripture at this point, our expectations as to what will happen and therefore our persistence in following Christ ourselves at this point (and He was the intentional evangelist par excellence, by the way!) will be lacking.It will be lacking when things do not turn out as we expect, not because something is wrong but because our expectations (as 20th century Western Evangelicals) of where it will lead are what’s wrong!In practice we tend to expect to reach people like us, with an inoffensive message, which elicits a completely amiable and polite response and wins us friends the world over, bringing people like us to think the way that we think and do as we do and join our cosy, comfortable Christian CLUB.Now tell me honestly: WHERE do you find that in Scripture?
“8 So there was great joy in that city.”But believe me, that’s really not ALL there was.
Stephen, one of the seven Hellenistic Jews elected to deacon the church in Acts 6 has been martyred.Philip, another member of the seven (6:5), undertakes a mission to Samaria. Was the Samaritan city he evangelized Gitta—Simon Magus's home according to Justin Martyr, who himself hailed from the region (Apology 1.26)—or Samaria's religious center, Shechem—which was also the site of some of John the Baptist's and Jesus' ministry (Jn 3:23; 4:4-42; Bruce 1988:165; Lake and Cadbury 1979:89)? Luke does not tell us.The syncretism and the mixed race of the post-Assyrian-exile Samaritans (2 Kings 17:24-41), together with the reciprocal reprisals against both Mt. Gerizim and Jerusalem worship centers in intertestamental times (Josephus Jewish Antiquities 13.255-58; 18.29), so heightened prejudice and animosity between Jew and Samaritan that the best that could be said for their relations in the first century was "Jews do not associate with Samaritans" (Jn 4:9).
Instead of the Davidic Messiah, the Samaritans looked forward to the coming of the taheb, "the restorer" (Deut 18:18), a herald of the last day—a day of final judgment, of vengeance and reward, when the temple of Gerizim would be restored, the sacrifices reinstated and the heathen converted (R. T. Anderson 1988:307). What Theophilus and we know about Samaritans from Luke's writings is a mixed picture that on balance is positive (Lk 9:52-56; 10:29-37; 17:11-19).Philip "preaches" (4:18-19/Is 61:1-2; Lk 24:47) the Christ in whose person the kingdom of God has come and by whose name it spreads. God accompanies this announcement with signs of healing (compare Acts 4:16, 22, 30; 5:12; 6:8; interestingly, signs are mentioned only two more times in Acts at 14:3; 15:12). In enemy territory, where false worship is practiced, it is not surprising that one encounters the spiritual powers behind such worship: evil spirits (NIV puts the literal rendering, unclean, in the margin; they are ritually unclean and make those whom they possess ritually unclean).God in his mercy does signs of his kingdom's advance in syncretistic Samaria, granting release through the herald of his liberating gospel. And tokens of the coming messianic age appear as well, when Philip heals the paralyzed and the lame (Is 35:3, 6; compare Lk 7:22; 5:24-25; Acts 9:33-34). No wonder the people paid close attention (prosecho may even have the sense "to attend to, i.e., to believe and act on"—compare 16:14—Lake and Cadbury 1979:89; but Haenchen 1971:302 doubts it).
Please notice in this account the primacy in mission (at the human level) of verbal communication in bringing people to the awareness of the truth that leads to salvation and following Christ.Words are used.It’s not ‘preach the Gospel – if necessary use words’.That (Biblically) is nonsense.Fine sounding sound bite.RUBBISH theology.(Oh DO be careful of this … Twitter is FULL of fine sounding sound bites that are actually RUBBISH theology, and it is not cool sounding sound bites but the TRUTH that sets you free).Truth.Preaching the Christ.Words are used.
Now who’d have believed THIS bit?!This is just (humanly) SO unlikely!What we need is really cool music.What we need is really influential people to endorse Christianity and give interviews and support campaigns.What we need is to make Christianity look really cool and laid back … unexceptionable and inoffensive.Phillip didn’t do that.He went down to a dodgy place and a really dodgy bunch of people and he preached Christ Himself to them and (the biggest miracle in the forthcoming list) by the mercy of God these people LISTENED to him!“When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said”
But if he’s going to first and foremost make it his business to preach the Christ to these guys, Phillip is going to do it the way Jesus did it … RISKY!This Gospel is good news to these people … and Phillip under God makes Good News to them of it!Now, of course, there are those in our oh-so-secular Western Evangelical culture who will feel uneasy with all this and insist that the nature of this first-time advance of the gospel across the cultural threshold to Samaria may primarily account for the signs' presence.But the fact that Philip faces a situation of spiritual encounter not unlike what pioneer church planters among unreached peoples face today should encourage us to expect the powerful working of the gospel in these situations as well.Simon is described by Luke as practicing magical arts with the effect that the whole population of Samaria, regardless of social standing, has been for a long time held in his sway, completely astonished at his power (8:9, 11; compare 2:7, 12; Philo De SpecialibusLegibus 3.100-103; Plato Laws 909A-B; Josephus Jewish Antiquities 20.142; Delling 1967:356-59). Simon capitalized on their attention and presented himself as the embodiment of the occult power. He received praise as if he were an angelic or divine supernatural being: "This is the power of God, [the power] that is called `Great' " (NIV has smoothed over the syntax but in the process has altered the second title).But the arrival of the Gospel in his city has put Simon in a rather difficult position … just as it challenges the established religious system wherever it goes.The first thing these Samaritans learned was that the Gospel's power is superior to the Magic of a person like Simon the Sorcerer!How will he respond?After all, he is the one who’s been winning a large and (in line with contemporary cultural expectations, no doubt) profitable following by means of his occult empowered magic stunts.And along comes Phillip … doing all these signs!Because that’s the big thing here … these weren’t stunts, they were signs.Phillip has been doing the signs of the Messiah as described in Isaiah’s prophecy as the paralysed and lame were healed with a word in the Name of Jesus, the Messiah Whose empowered and sinless life and subsequent atoning death personally fulfilled the prophecies of God’s coming Saviour.So the Samaritans believe the gospel of the reign of God in the powerful name of Jesus and are baptized. Simon believes, is baptized and devotes himself to Philip. The one who amazed the Samaritans (8:9, 11) is now himself continually amazed at Philip's signs and great miracles (compare the title in 8:10).And today when God chooses to do signs and wonders through his servants as his church advances, the immediate "quantitative" effect, amazement, may be expressed in outward profession of belief and even baptism. But if the signs and wonders, when combined with the Spirit-empowered preaching of the word of salvation, do not have a "qualitative" effect, regeneration, then the convert will adopt a syncretized Christianity. Jesus will be no more than a magical name, though the most powerful one. What makes the difference is repentance from a magical mind set through an affirmation of the sovereign power of God, who grants salvation blessings when and where he will. We must affirm that it is not the power of miracle, so easily seen in our unregenerate mind set as magic, that saves us, but the power of the Word of God which by the Spirit we receive, believe and follow and so are liberated (Krodel 1986:165; Lk 16:29-31; Jn 2:23-25).
It’s that emphasis on credible signs following the preached Word that Luke (who wrote Acts) depicts for us as authenticating Phillip’s Gospel preaching.Now, I confess that personally I find this a little challenging of my prevailing pattern of faith and practice.So are we sure this is what Luke is saying here?Apostolic practice was to preach (primarily) and then to authenticate the message with clear manifestation of (not just testimony to) the works of the Messiah?Are we sure?Well the whole point is for us to follow Jesus, right?In his church-founding sermon on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, this is what Peter preaches: “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross …”And how does Jesus of Nazareth go on to be accredited by God to the people of Jerusalem in the next few chapters?Peter and John heal the crippled beggar at the Beautiful Gate at the Temple.And in those early days at Jerusalem this was quickly established as the normal situation:“12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders(Q) among the people. And all the believers used to meet together(R) in Solomon’s Colonnade.(S)13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.(T)14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.(U)15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.(V)16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil[a] spirits, and all of them were healed.(W)(The Apostles Persecuted)17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party(X) of the Sadducees,(Y) were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.(Z)19 But during the night an angel(AA) of the Lord opened the doors of the jail(AB) and brought them out.(AC)20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”So when … fulfilling centuries of prophecy … the Gospel begins to spread out into the world and goes from the Jewish world into Samaria as persecution breaks out in Jerusalem … how does God accredit Jesus to the world?
Now … importantly it does NOT say all.Neither does it say those of faith, or BIG faith were all healed.But it does say MANY!And it says that these tremendous answers to what must have looked like RISKY prayers bears a close relationship to the credibility, authenticity and effectiveness of Phillip’s preaching Christ there: “When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.”
This Gospel reaching didn’t just promise Good News to the poor … it delivered.The Lord Himself had replied to John the Baptist’s disciples along these lines just a few action packed years before … do you remember?Matthew 11
So here is the Lord Himself pointing to the way that He looks like the Biblically promised Messiah because He does the works of the Messiah … just as Isaiah described them.And Phillip is a follower of the same Messiah, so He goes about preaching that same Biblical Messiah and praying for God to accredit Jesus and His ministry in Biblical ways.Scary, isn’t it?!
And funnily enough the people were really happy about going to Phillip’s church, in fact listening to Phillip’s sermons was a pleasure!Because of Phillip’s ministry there, in fact we’re told that “… there was great joy in that city.”Now that really is authentic Biblical stuff, is that!Do you remember back at the outset when the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds by night as they kept watch over their flocks by night He described right back there what the effect of receiving the coming Messiah would be?“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”And just about 33 years later Phillip (the Hellenised – Greek – Jewish believer in Jesus) goes down to a city in Samaria of all places, intentionally and faithfully preaches Christ in that apparently God-forsaken place.And what is the effect of that?Others hear and believe, and when they trust Christ, good is done to their souls and there is GREAT rejoicing in THAT place!I suspect we are quite happy with that aspect of the outcome?If Scripture did not bear the hallmark integrity of the voice of God, we could expect the account to start at v. 5 and stop right here.It doesn’t.We need to know that it doesn’t, notice that it doesn’t and LIVE with the implications of everything that both precedes and follows our most desired outcome and expectation.
Now, the first hint that things aren’t quite right arises when the ‘pure’, Jewish church up at Jerusalem sends envoys (two of it’s VERY best men) down to ‘unclean’ Samaria to see what on earth was going on.When they went there, they saw what appeared to be Biblical believing going on … amongst the Samaritans of all people, the Gospel going out from Jerusalem into all the nations the way the prophet Joel had prophesied and the way that Peter had Himself preached in Acts 2!But they put their finger on something interesting … these genuine seeming authentic believers had not yet received the Holy Spirit the way the Jewish believers had in the beginning.So what is God doing in this situation?This is the first recorded church out in the Gentile world, and they have not yet received the Holy Spirit … not until the leaders of the church at Jerusalem come down to Samaria to pray for them.They have properly heard the authentic message and repented and believed and seen the power of God at work.But they haven’t received the spirit of prophecy of Joel 2.
Jews and Gentiles BOTH … to the Jew first and then to the Gentile … TOGETHER in the Kingdom of God.That’s the idea.And Peter and John come down from Jerusalem so that there shouldn’t be two churches but one as the Gentiles get included together with the Jews in one racially inclusive church of God walking together in the power and the fellowship of the Spirit.
Intentionally proclaiming the Gospel entails intentionally including the diverse but genuine and …
Intentionally excluding the counterfeit.This part really is not going to be popular.Not anywhere.Not ever.But certainly not in philosophically and ethically relativist 21st century Wales.Get this … Peter and John are certainly not currying favour here!
Now, just notice a couple of things in this passage with me before we conclude:Intentional evangelism entails exposing what is NOT authentic Christianity as well as describing what is.None of us wants to be negative.None of us ought to be predominantly so.But none of us can afford to be condemned by the things we approve.Romans 14:22 – “Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”Romans 1: “32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”So there are several things going on here …Firstly (in green) Simon the Sorcerer is cursed with a curse formula a person like Simon would recognise.Then secondly (in gold) there’s a public and personal separation of the fake from the authentic.Thirdly there’s a serious attempt (in red) to bring the lost person into Christ’s fold … ‘you are actually way out in the cold, but do THIS and you’ll be safe in the warm’.Does it come off?We don’t know.We want it to.We expect it to.But perhaps deliberately Luke simply doesn’t tell us.We’re just not prepared that it might work out less happily.It might challenge our faith if it doesn’t.WHY?Because our expectations of the effect of our intentional evangelism in a lost and fallen world are often utterly unrealistic and completely un-Biblical.What is it that the Lord leads us to expect in response to communicating our faith?It’s the parable of the soils that I’m thinking of … but for a farmer not to work hard at tilling and sowing because the response will be mixed would be a travesty of a response to the hardship of his work and so is withdrawal from active intentional evangelism born of fear that the process will fall short of our unreasonable expectations.
So, Peter has NOT just expressed another viewpoint.He’s not opening a discussion over alternative approaches to an issue.Peter speaks as an authoritative representative of Christ.In fact he has used a curse formula against corruption and error.Is he addicted to popularity?Yes he is.Popularity with Christ!Is he afraid of giving offence?Yes he is.Afraid of giving offence to the King of all Kings.And if people are to genuinely repent and find Christ, then truth must be spoken … in love.
Peter and John might be forgiven for nipping away quietly for a rest.It hasn’t been an easy missionary trip for these two apostles.But they testified and proclaimed God’s Word thoroughly down in that Samaritan city, then returned to Jerusalem preaching the Gospel in many Samaritan villages as they passed through.City wide intentional evangelism.Rural intentional evangelism.Next time personal, individual, intentional evangelism.Where does this leave us?Making a good impression?Forming friendships?Influencing fish?YES!We’re not here to be bolsheviks, angular and irritating people!But it is too easy to lose sight of our proper point, purpose, motivation and mission.We’re here to be the authoritative but gracious, caring but clear heralds of the Gospel of Grace.Intend.Evangelise.Persist.