Category: Acts (Page 5 of 6)

So Why the Shaky Start?

February 11, 2016 / Allan Babcock

P.Allan After Jesus gave Saul a knee-buckling, jaw-dropping, eye-blinding conversion, I’d expect his preaching start would be another Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Not exactly. In fact, Saul’s start was downright shaky . . .

Saul Preaches in Damascus (9:19b-22).

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

After his dramatic conversion (9:1-19a), Saul stayed with the Jesus’ followers in Damascus . Immediately he preached in the Jewish synagogues: “[Jesus] is the Son of God!” The Jews (who’d heard of Saul’s mission to arrest Christian Jews) were astounded. But as far as we know from the text, none believed his message. Instead, the more powerful Saul became in proving Jesus the Messiah, the more befuddled the Jews became.

Their unbelief baffles me. Saul, trained by Rabbi Gamaliel, knew the Old Testament like the back of his hand. Furthermore (not noted by author Luke), sometime during this period, Saul went to Arabia for three years, presumably to re-study the Jewish Scriptures knowing now the prophesied Messiah was Jesus (Galatians 1:17). Finally, I’d expect his “conversion power” to kind of “rub off” on his preaching. Not in Damascus. In fact, the Jews not only disbelieved, they plotted murder . . .

Saul Escapes Damascus in a Basket (9:23-25).

After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Thankfully those who did follow him heard of the plan. So one night, after the city walls were closed, they went to a house built into the city wall (or found an opening in the wall), stuffed him inside a basket (probably made of ropes like an old-fashioned hammock) and lowered him to the ground. Not exactly a triumphant exit! I wonder if on the way down Saul remembered God’s word through Ananias: ” . . . I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (9:16)? On the other hand, he may just have been licking his rejection wounds. All he could do now, as he scrambled out of his basket, was to head for Jerusalem.

Saul Suffers in Jerusalem (9:26-30).

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Since these were pre-social media days, the last the disciples knew of Saul was his leaving Jerusalem years earlier breathing fire toward the Christian Jews in Damascus. Being Christian Jews themselves, they weren’t ready to offer Saul a room for the night. But Barnabas (“the son of encouragement”) confirmed Saul’s story, though we’re not told how he knew it. As far as Barnabas was concerned Saul was the real thing, especially after courageously preaching to blood-thirsty Jews.

So Saul openly preached and talked and debated the Grecian Jews (Jews born outside Israel). But the response in Jerusalem was no better than that in Damascus. ” . . . they tried to kill him.” Again he had to be spirited out of town. “The brothers” secretly took him north to Caesarea, bought him a boat ticket for his Tarsus hometown and sent him off. At least a boat was better than a basket! However, author Luke’s summary statement that follows isn’t exactly complimentary . . .

Saul Sent Off, So Peace (9:31).

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

To be fair “Then” (Greek oon) may simply be used chronologically. Or it may refer to the result of a particular action. (The Greek word can be used either way.) If the latter, it means the church enjoyed peace now that chaos-provoking Saul was gone. The Holy Spirit encouraged and strengthened the believing community. And as the church lived in reverential fear of the Lord, numbers swelled. Now that Saul had gone . . .

So Why the Shaky Start?

Obviously Saul (eventually known by his Roman name Paul) became the greatest apostle the church has ever known. But why this shaky start? I think from the get-go the Lord was teaching Saul to humbly rely on him. I have no chapter-and-verse proof. I just have my speculation about Saul’s personality. Definitely type A. Definitely self-confident, if not a little cocky. Before conversion, he was going to personally “cleanse” the Damascus synagogues of apostate Jews. He’d drag them 135 miles back to Jerusalem if necessary.

I’m guessing (it’s just speculation) that post-conversion Saul still carried some of that cockiness. So from the gate maybe the Lord determined to cut Saul down a bit—because he, not Saul, was to be glorified. Only by suffering weakness, would Saul learn the Lord’s power (2 Corinthians 12:10).

It’s a lesson we all have to learn. And I’m thinking it’s life-long, at least for me. Oh, I’ve learned to humbly rely on the Lord. But not enough to graduate. How about you?

Lightning Strike

February 9, 2016 / Allan Babcock

“I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many of the believers in Jerusalem to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them whipped in the synagogues to try to get them to curse Christ. I was so violently opposed to them that I even hounded them in distant cities of foreign lands” (Acts 26:9-11).

That’s Paul’s confession about his opposition to Christian Jews. He was known then as Saul (“Paul” his Roman name). He was perhaps the fiercest zealot in the great persecution that erupted against the church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:2)—“Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). Like a rampaging wild beast, he roamed the city hunting Jews who believed in Jesus as Messiah. How many suffered and died at his hand no one knows. He believed he was defending the sanctity of Israel’s God.

How ironic, then, today’s text!

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord– Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here– has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

Saul was born about 5 A.D. in Tarsus (a city in today’s Turkey) to Jewish parents who possessed coveted Roman citizenship. Apparently about 10 A.D. the family moved to Jerusalem where 10 to 15 years later Saul began his Hebrew Scriptures and Law study under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel.

Now, perhaps in his mid-30’s, the zealous rabbi-to-be, is not content to “purify” Judaism in Jerusalem. He seeks authorization from the high priest Caiaphas to arrest any wayward Jews in Damascus synagogues. Midday he and his fellow-travelers (perhaps a few Jewish guards and others making the 140-mile trip from Jerusalem to Damascus, Syria—travelers journeyed together for safety) are nearing the city. Descending Mount Hermon to the plain on which Damascus lay (an area known for lightning storms), a blinding bolt struck. Whether it was God-timed lightning or a phenomenon directly from God matters little.

Saul falls to the ground, hears a voice identifying himself as Jesus, who orders him to enter the city. There he’ll be given his next command. Saul, unseeing, stumbles to his feet. The feared persecutor has to be led by the hand like a child.

In another, calmer vision, the Lord appears to Ananias and sends him to Judas’ house on Straight street to a man called Saul. Ananias is told Saul himself has seen a vision of Ananias praying that he might see again. Saul’s reputation worries Ananias. But the Lord explains: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Ananias obeys. Subsequently, Saul is healed, filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized.

What can we take away from this spectacular conversion?

First, God has a sense of humor. Whom does he choose to take the Gospel to the Gentiles? Jesus’ raging enemy! And he starts the training process by plunging Saul into physical darkness with the glory of his Son, a physical darkness akin to the spiritual darkness in which Saul lived.

Second, God revealed himself in visions. He primarily reveals himself to us today in his written Word. But have you read missionary reports? One can hardly read any without seeing how the Lord revealed himself to someone in a vision. God’s “hands” aren’t tied by “closed countries” or our failed efforts to reach a people for himself.

There are other take-aways, but I think this is the weightiest: No one is beyond the Lord’s saving mercy. The last person anyone thought would be converted was Saul. That’s why the Christians had trouble trusting him (Acts 9:21). The disciples especially didn’t believe it (Acts 9:26).

I shouldn’t assume that, because you’re reading this, you’re a believer in Jesus. And, if you’re not, maybe you’re sure your past is too messed up for him to welcome you. It’s not. If he could save the murderer Saul, he can give you a new, eternal life. Just admit your sin and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.

Finally, since no one is beyond the Lord’s saving mercy, that person you’re praying for isn’t either. We can be encouraged by the Lord converting Saul, that he can convert the most disinterested, hardened disbeliever.

“The voice of the LORD (still) strikes with flashes of lightning” (Psalm 29:7).

Miracle Atmosphere

February 6, 2016 / Allan Babcock

C.S. Lewis once defined a miracle as “something unique that breaks a pattern so expected and established we hardly consider the possibility that it could be broken” (Miracles, Eric Metaxas).

Open Acts and you step into a miracle atmosphere! Though Acts’ early chapters span at least many months (if not a few years). the extent of miracles is still breathtaking: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-4) . . . the conversion of 3000 at Peter’s preaching (2:41) . . . the healing of the lame beggar (3:1-10) . . . the prayer-meeting-place shaken as Holy Spirit again fills the believers (4:31) . . . the church’s sacrificial unity selling possessions to give to their poor (4:32-37) . . . the God-judgment deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11) . . . the many signs and wonders done by the apostles’ hands (5:12) . . . the prison rescue (5:17-21) . . . and the signs worked through Philip (8:6,7).

Today we come to Acts 8:26-40 and find the air again breathing with miracles . . .

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road– the desert road– that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Acts 8:26-40).

Miracle #1–An Angel Giving Directions

The way author Luke writes, “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road– the desert road–that goes
down from Jerusalem to Gaza'” , you’d think a direction-giving angel was as common as a cop on the corner. The established pattern would be an apostle plotting the spread of the Gospel sending a courier to Philip in Samaria with his next assignment. Instead, a God-sent ministering spirit (Hebrews 1:14) is dispatched from God. By faith, Philip went.

Miracle #2–A Perfectly-Timed Meeting

The road from Jerusalem to Gaza was about 50 miles long. Philip was walking; the Ethiopian was riding. Yet the timing of Philip leaving Samaria, reaching Jerusalem and then apparently coming up behind the Ethiopian in his chariot after he had left Jerusalem was perfect. An observer, not knowing the angel direction-giver, would have called their meeting “chance”. But God who exists outside time, works precisely within it. So much so that Philip appears at the very time when the Ethiopian may have been wishing for an Old Testament teacher on that wilderness road!

Miracle #3–The Ethiopian Prophet-Reader

Why wasn’t the Ethiopian reading Exodus? Or any one of the other 65 chapters of Isaiah? Instead, he was reading the most powerful, descriptive prophecy of the Messiah’s death! When Philip asked if he understood the words and the Ethiopian said, “I need help” and invited him to sit with him, Philip “told him the good news about Jesus.” When the Ethiopian spotted water, he wanted to know why he couldn’t be baptized right then and there! Doesn’t that all sound suspiciously as God-at-work?

Miracle #4–Spirit Transportation Service

Gotta admit this next one is pretty peculiar: When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Twenty to thirty miles north to Azotus. Reasonable walking distance in those days. But maybe the Lord had mercy on Philip’s tired feet. Maybe the Lord wanted Philip in Azotus faster than Philip’s feet could take him. Or maybe the Lord just wanted to give Philip a thrill-ride for the joy of it. Whatever the reason, “the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away” and he “appeared at Azotus.”

Miracle #5–The Gospel to Afric

You have to ask, “Why did the Lord work so miraculously to get that Ethiopian the Gospel?”

First, I think to show that the Gospel is to include “the ends of the earth.” The Ethiopian was (obviously) from far-off Ethiopia in northern Africa (bottom right, green). He was dark-skinned. In Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, black or white! In the end worshipers will come “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Second, I think the Lord wanted the Gospel planted in Africa. And look who he chose to do the planting! This man was powerful, the chief treasurer of a kingdom wealthy from iron smelting, gold mining and trading. “It was a conduit for goods from the rest of the continent” (A Commentary on the Book of Acts, William J. Larkin, Jr.). Can we doubt that this Ethiopian joyfully took the Gospel back home?

Miracle #6–?

Theologians of a particular bent relegate that miracle atmosphere to a unique non-repeatable dispensation. Preachers of a particular mind-set peddle miracles for a profit. Most the rest of us pray for a miracle, but never see one—at least not the kind Acts shows us. So how shall we respond to this “miracle atmosphere” in Act?

One, give in to the deep (and maybe hidden) desire in our hearts for a life more full-of-wonder than we can even imagine. Certainly one more wonderful than just “the normal” and “the natural.” We do that by admitting our sin against this miracle God and trusting our lives to the crucified, risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ. A simple prayer like that straight from the heart will set us on the way.

Two, keep praying for a miracle. Some of us have given up, because of some God-limiting theology or because years of praying have produced nothing. I have questions about why often God seems silent in the face of great need, but I don’t want to limit him with boxing-God-in theology or my own hopelessness. It’s time for us to go to God like little children who trust that

he is a God of surprising wonders.

Crossing the Border

February 3, 2016 / Allan Babcock

In the U.S., “crossing the border” brings to mind illegal immigrants. Here in Acts 8:4-25, author Luke writes, not about the U.S. border with Mexico or the borders between Europe and the Middle East, but the border between Judea and Samaria. He tells us what happened the first time the Gospel spread beyond Jerusalem and Judea. We’ll see, not only its triumphant advance, but a contemporary concern that confronts us all.

God Uses Persecution-Scattering to Spread the Gospel

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went (Acts 8:4).

Persecution was severe. It started with Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60). It stayed as “Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, [dragging] off men and women and [committing] them to prison” (Acts 8:3). But God used it to “kick” the believers out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria, just as Jesus said (Acts 1:8).

I’m reminded what Joseph told his brothers who had sold him to slave-traders. ” . . . you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). And I think of refugees fleeing terrorized countries for Europe. Is God using that suffering to bring people to lands where they can hear the Gospel?

Samaria Rejoices at the Miracle-Working Gospel of Christ

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many; paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:5-8).

Samaria lay just north of Judea, but was culturally and religiously sharply different. Samaritans were unwanted Jews left behind when Assyria conquered Jerusalem and repopulated it with foreigners in 722 B.C. Thus culturally and religiously Samaritans became a mix of Judaism and pagan idolaters.

Philip, one of the seven chosen to distribute food to the needy Grecian Jewish widows (Acts 6:5), was one of those scattered to Samaria. Based on Deuteronomy 18:18 (I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him”), Samaritans looked forward to one they called “the restorer”. When Philip preached Christ, they rightly believed “the restorer” was Christ. Signs and wonders confirmed the Gospel and the city celebrated with great joy.

Two lessons emerge. One, it may help our witness to use what unbelievers think or want to direct them to Jesus. Example: “I hear you saying you want a better world. Could I tell you how Jesus promised that?”

Two, perhaps we should pray desperately for signs and wonders to gain us a hearing with unbelievers. Maybe we don’t see them because we don’t pray for them or because we’ve replaced his power with our church productions.

Philip and a Man Who Wants the Spirit without Repentance

Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages (Acts 8:9-25).

Simon is an interesting character. Justin Martyr, a second century defender of the faith, held that Simon (called Simon Magnus) continued to use his magic to attract followers in Rome as well as Samaria and was a long-time opponent of Peter. Whether true or not, Luke tells us Simon “believed and was baptized” when he heard the good news of God’s kingdom. But when he tries to buy the power to give others the Holy Spirit, Peter rebukes him and claims Simon’s “heart is not right before God” and that he is “full of bitterness and captive to sin”. Was Simon’s initial faith genuine? Or did he only want the power he saw evidenced before him? Perhaps the latter. We’re never told Simon did repent, only that he asked that he might escape God’s wrath.

What’s important for us is the reminder that repentance is required in coming to Christ. The Gospel doesn’t offer us power to add Jesus onto our lives so we can accomplish our agenda. The Gospel offers us power to surrender to and follow Jesus as our King and Lord.

Whether “the Simon legend” is true matters little. What matters is that we not repeat “the Simon sin” and assume we’re okay. By (fallen) nature we believe we should have power to determine our destiny and satisfy our desires. Jesus demands we turn away from that belief and bow to his power in our lives. Repentance is the border we must cross. For his glory and our good.

Lord, keep me from being a 21st century Simon.
Holy Spirit, come and work your saving, sanctifying power in me
for the sake of the Lord Jesus and for the sake of my soul.
Amen.

Blood of the Martyr, Seed of the Church

January 29, 2016 / Allan Babcock

Each month 322 Christians are killed for their faith, according to Open Doors (https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/). This is the story of the first one.

Stephen Martyred.

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at (Stephen). But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:54-60).

The Sanhedrin violently reacted to Stephen’s “sermon”/defense/prosecution (theoldpreacher.com/stephen-and-the-stiff-necked/). They were “furious” (Literal Greek, “cut to the heart”) and so enraged they actually gnashed their teeth at him.

In sharp contrast, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw God’s glory and Jesus, the messianic Son of Man, standing (ready to welcome him?) at the place of authority over all. When Stephen made his confession of who Jesus truly is and acknowledged him as worthy of worship and devotion to the death, the Court members covered their ears and, like a pack of hungry wild animals rushed him yelling for the kill. According to law (“Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him,” Leviticus 24:14) they dragged him outside the city, threw him down a small hill and stoned him.

Stephen, bludgeoned by the bashing, prayed for the Lord Jesus to welcome his spirit. Then, falling to his knees under the relentless rain of rocks, cried out as his Lord had done, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” With those words, he passed from this life to Jesus.

Was his prayer ever answered? It was for at least one. Young Saul, at whose feet the Sanhedrin members laid their clothes to execute Stephen, himself met Jesus not long after and became the apostle to the Gentiles. In fact, Augustine (4th century Christian theologian) said, “The Church owes Paul to the prayer of Stephen.”

Great Persecution Breaks Out & Scattered Believers Spread the Word.

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4).

With Stephen’s death, the dam burst. The church became the persecutors’ target—perhaps the Hellenist Christians, since Stephen had been leader of that contingent. If so, the Hebraic Jewish Christians remained and the apostles with them. But the persecution scattered all the Hellenist believers from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. And they ” . . . preached the word wherever they went.” Thus the Lord used persecution to fulfill the next stage of Acts 1:8 (“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”, Jesus.) The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church.

The Church Suffers Persecution Today.

According to Open Doors, “Beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, rape, severe punishment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment, and even death are just a few examples of the persecution (Christians) experience on a daily basis.” The Pew Research Center found that over 75% of the world’s population “lives in areas with severe religious restrictions (and many of these people are Christians).” The U.S. State Department says “Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ.” Open Doors’ “Worldwide Watch List” names the top 20 countries where Christian persecution is the worst: North Korea, Iraq, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kenya, India, Ethiopia, Turkemistan and Vietnam.

Is it coming here? If Vegas was making odds, I think they’d be good. Ask Christian bakers and florists and at least one county clerk. We won’t go from today’s “tolerance” to ISIS-like beheadings. But the heat is slowly getting hotter. Are we committed to Christ like Stephen was?

Meanwhile we can remember our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. We can be informed from organizations like Open Doors https://www.opendoorsusa.org/home/ and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.persecution.com/. Both sites also have projects we might take part in.

Reigning Lord Jesus, Son of Man, Messiah,
toughen us up in America,
so we’re ready to pay whatever price we must
to faithfully serve you.
Move our hearts now with our brothers’ and sisters’ suffering,
so we will do what we can to stand with them and encourage them.
Protect them, Lord,
convict and convert their accusers,
and keep them faithful even to death.
And have mercy, Lord.
May it not take the blood of our martyrs
to awaken the church in America
to the eternal life/eternal death struggle we’re caught up in.
But whether it’s mockery, or job loss, or harassment, or beatings, even death,
may our suffering result in more seed sown for your church.
For the sake of your great name in all the earth we pray, Jesus.Amen.

Stephen and the Stiff-Necked

January 28, 2016 / Allan Babcock

Stiff-necked people are arrogant and stubborn. They work hard to be good before God. But they refuse to worship God as God, celebrating their achievements instead. Therefore, after much patience, God turns away from them.

We come to the third sermon of “The Acts Eight”, “Stephen and the Stiff-Necked”. It’s long (7:1-53), so to “hear” it we’ll need our Bible. Let’s pull it out and read along. Before we get to Stephen’s sermon, let’s take a brief look at the man and charges made against him.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)– Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:8-15).

The Man Stephen.

We met him in Acts 6:5. There he was one of seven chosen to distribute food to church widows and introduced as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Here author Luke describes him as “a man full of God’s grace and power” who “did great wonders and signs among the people” (6:8). He spread the Gospel primarily among Hellenist Jews, that is, Jews born outside Israel (“Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria and the provinces of Cilicia and Asia”). They reacted with arguments. Unable to succeed, they persuaded some men to make false charges against Stephen. They seized him and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. When members looked at him closely, they saw a face literally shining with God’s glory, as was written of Moses’ face (Exodus 34:29,30).

Charges Against Stephen.

To the Court the men Luke calls “false witnesses” charged Stephen with blasphemy against Moses and against God, specifically (1) speaking against the temple saying Jesus will destroy it and (2) speaking against Moses by changing his traditional customs. Like most lies, they contained enough truth to be deceptively convincing to the already hostile Court.

Stephen’s Sermon.

It wasn’t really a sermon, but a historical defense which Stephen turned into a prosecution of the Court. In it, Stephen over-viewed Jewish history in the Old Testament. Two themes run throughout it. First, God’s steadfast covenant faithfulness to his people. Second, the people’s resistance to God in favor of their own way, resulting eventually in God turning away from them. We’ll look for those themes as we read. And we’ll do it with the prayer that God may keep us from being stiff-necked before his grace.

The High Priest’s Question.

“Are these things (the charges of speaking against the temple and the customs of Moses) so?” (7:1)

God and Abraham (please read 7:2-8).

Stephen tells how God called Abraham to a land he would show him. Abraham went, but only as far as Haran. But God “removed” him from that land to bring him to the land of promise. In other words, Abraham half obeyed, half resisted. Nevertheless, God acted in sovereign grace and drove Abraham from Haran to the Promised Land.

God and Joseph (please read 7:9-16).

Stephen recounts how the patriarchs (the men who would become heads of Israel’s twelve tribes) sold Joseph into Egypt, jealous of his dreams in which he claimed they would have to bow down to him. But God was with Joseph and gave him favor with Pharaoh. Therefore, by God’s sovereign grace, Joseph saved his family (and future generations) from famine. (His brothers did bow down to him.)

God and Moses (please read (7:17-43).

Stephen narrates Moses’ story—how the Hebrews were enslaved under Pharaoh and how the Lord rescued them with signs and wonders. But from the Hebrews rejected Moses again and again, questioning Moses’ credentials as ruler and redeemer, finally making a golden calf “and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.” God then “turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven . . . “

God and the Temple (please read 7:44-50).

Yet a believing remnant survived 40 years in the wilderness. God brought them into the Promised Land, driving out the nations for their sake. Solomon, David’s son, built the temple. “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?’says the Lord. ‘Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?'”

With that quote from the prophet Isaiah (66:1,2), Stephen begins to drive home his charge against them. The temple was the work of their ancestors’ hands. They built it and gloried in it, instead of in the God who doesn’t live in a house made by men. Rather, he is the maker of all things.

Stephen’s Charge.

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him– you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it” (7:51-53).

Their history reveals their resistance to God. And they have climaxed it by betraying and murdering the Messiah. Yet, there is still opportunity to repent at this “sermon.” We’ll see next time if they do. Meanwhile, here is . . .

A Soft-Necked Prayer.

O God, please soften my neck.
I don’t want to be like those people
who enjoyed your grace but worshiped themselves.
I never want you to turn away from me
because of my arrogance or stubbornness.
Enable me to lower myself and humble myself
to your good and perfect will
(even if I think my way is better).
Teach me that I can’t box you in,
because you’re too big and can’t be contained.
Teach me that my achievements earn nothing,
that all things are from you and through you and to you.
What am I that you are mindful of me?
In the name of your Son who chose your will for my sake.
Amen.

War of Women

January 27, 2016 / Allan Babcock

If I called this “The Apostles Solve a Food Distribution Problem” you’d probably prefer reading the phone book. Admittedly, “War” stretches the conflict a bit, but there was grumbling and complaining and division. Let’s read Luke’s account . . .

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (And) The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:1-7, NRS).

Why did the Holy Spirit lead author Luke to write about this ‘War of Women’?” I find four reasons . . .

First, to report that the church continued to grow in numbers despite internal conflict.

Luke begins and ends this text noting the church’s growth . . .

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number . . . (6:1a)

The word of God continued to spread;
the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem,
and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith (6:7).

Previously Luke gave a running account of church growth . . .

Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (2:41),

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (2:47).

But many who heard the message believed,
and the number of men grew to about five thousand (4:4).

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord
and were added to their number. (5:14).

The U.S. account is different. A recent Pew Research study reveals that from 2007 to 2014 the percentage of Americans who claim to be Protestant Christians declined from 78.4.% to 70.6%. The percentage of Catholics declined from 23.9% to 20.8%. Orthodox Christians remained about the same: 0.6% to 0.5%.

According to the Atlas of Global Christianity, in 1910 Europe was 90% Christian; in 2010 Europe was less than 84% Christian. Better news: in 1910 Asia was 2.4% Christian; in 2010 Asia was about 9% Christian. And in 1910 Africa was 9.4% Christian, while in 2010 Africa was 48% Christian. We can interpret these statistics differently, but one thing is clear: the church can’t be extinguished, and in some unlikely places the church is thriving.

It was in Jerusalem. It must have been exhilarating. But with growth came internal conflict.

Second, Luke wrote this to show us that the Gospel unites when cultures clash.

Hellenists or Grecian Jews were from outside Israel. They spoke Greek and had adopted some of that culture. Their widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. Hebrew Jews were born in Israel. They spoke Aramaic and held to Jewish culture. Their widows were well fed widows.

When the apostles learned of the conflict, they gathered the believers and had them select seven men to administer food distribution. But they had to be “men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” In other words, they were to be men known among the church as Spirit- and wisdom-filled. To say it another way, they had to be men regenerated by the Spirit and being sanctified by the Spirit. Such men who embody the Gospel draw people together in unity. This is why I say the Gospel unites when cultures clash.

Third, to provide a model for church leadership.

The model is simple. When the church spread into Gentile lands, the model remained. The apostles appointed pastors/elders to pray and serve the Word, while deacons were chosen to serve other church needs. However, for both spiritual qualifications remained paramount (see 1 Timothy 3:1-13).

The model remains today. The pastor/elder should prayerfully serve the Word to the people. The congregation’s needs make that difficult. But this is the pastor’s/elder’s calling. Once Lois and I visited a church of thousands, where the pastor largely directed the Sunday “production”; it showed in his poor preaching.

Deacons should be responsible for other areas of ministry. Even if they are food-distributors, they should be spiritually qualified. In fact, I believe this model applies to worship team members, Sunday school teachers, etc. They should be selected primarily because they are known to be being-sanctified-by-the-Spirit followers of Jesus.

Fourth, to teach us the importance of the church caring for her poor.

As far as I can tell, the Roman Empire had no welfare system. The poor were largely on their own—but not among the Christians. From the beginning, the church took care of her poor, particularly widows. In this case, ” . . . 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” (4:34,35). That distribution as we’ve seen, included daily meals.

Today government programs help the poor. But often not enough. To love one another as Jesus loved us surely includes being sure our poor are cared for.

* * * *

What should we do with these four reasons for the inclusion of this incident in Acts? Most of us are in no position to direct what happens in our church. But we can pray . . .

Lord Jesus, the church you birthed is triumphant,
even in places where she seems weak and is struggling!
The church is triumphant because you are
and, for the sake of your name, you will never let your people lose.
Cause that truth to lift our depressed heart.
Where there is disunity among us, Lord,
root your gospel deep in our minds and hearts
until it brings us together as one in your transforming love.
Give us pastors and elders
who will prayerfully devote themselves to your Word
and others who are spiritually qualified to serve.
And may we who have much
remember the needs of the poor
as you yourself did.
We ask all this for the fame of your name
and the good of the people for whom you died.
Amen.

The Living Church

January 24, 2016 / Allan Babcock

In 1973 we planted a church in New Jersey. Named it “The Living Church.” The local Episcopal priest (half?) joked, “I guess that means the rest of us are dead.” Ours was alive, yet nowhere near the “alive-level” of the Jerusalem church in her exhilarating early days. Makes me long for what they had.

In this series of posts, I’m focusing on “The Acts Eight”—eight sermons scattered throughout the book. To see them in context we ‘re following the narrative. It’s taking more time than I anticipated. I hope the Lord uses it for good.

In Acts 5:12-16 author Luke writes a third summary (see 2:42-47 and 4:32-37 for the first two) of church life, as she marched through her early months and years. This summary intoxicates . . .

Alive with the Spirit’s Power

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 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. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

“Seeing” the scene helps—so an explanation. Solomon’s Colonnade was a porch-like walkway running along much of the eastern side of the temple courtyard. They met in homes, but this was the public place believers gathered. Outsiders kept their distance. (Memories of Ananias and Sapphira?) Yet more came to faith; numbers surged. Miraculous healings were regular. Crowds came from outside the city with their sick. Like the days of Jesus.

A clarification. The NIV says, “The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders”. An unfortunate translation, because it makes the apostles the actors. More faithful to the original Greek is the ESV translation: “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done . . . by the hands of the apostles.” This makes the apostles the means, not the source.

That church, that was The Living Church. Alive with the Spirit’s power.

But such dynamic success instigated opposition . . .

Advance Despite the Court’s Clout

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin– the full assembly of the elders of Israel– and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead– whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 5:17-42).

This text, too, beats with the Spirit’s life. First, the miraculous “prison break”, noted almost matter-of-factly. Second, the bold “defense” of the apostles, which Peter attributes to the power of the Spirit. Third, the rejoicing by the bloodied apostles. And finally their unstopping good-news-proclaiming.

Speaking of “the bloodied apostles”, it’s significant to note that the flogging may well have been the traditional 39 lashes with bone-filled straps. That they rejoiced having been “counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”, and that they continued spreading the Gospel knowing the cost, points to the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit in them.

In fact, it’s quite remarkable how unflinchingly they declared Jesus to be the One . . .

raised from the dead by the God of their fathers. Thus they connected Jesus to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
the Court had killed by crucifixion. Thus declaring their unquestioned guilt before God.
God exalted to the place of ultimate authority (“exalted to his own right hand”).
who is now “Prince (Greek arkaygos–leader, prince, pioneer) and Savior”.
whose exaltation is for the purpose of giving repentance and forgiveness of sins. Thus giving the Court opportunity to repent and be forgiven.
whom the apostles saw alive again with their own eyes.

So again, as before (4:1-22), the “optics” for the Court aren’t good. Despite their best efforts, they look powerless and inept, as the bloodied apostles leave rejoicing and persistently spread the word.

Aberrant Today?

Question: Is Acts only a history of the church or a model? If model, then from my (admittedly limited) view, we’re not matching up well. What is happening among us that can be attributed only to the Holy Spirit? When was the last time people came because they heard how the Lord was miraculously changing lives among us? Are we in danger of persecution because our words and works threaten powerful people?

Maybe we should pray desperately for what we’re missing from the model . . .

Money: Fulfilling or Fatal?

January 21, 2016 / Allan Babcock

At a busy intersection not far from where we once lived a billboard boasted, “WE’RE A CHURCH THAT DOESN’T PREACH MONEY!” Funny. My Bibles says a lot about money.

In fact, Luke’s second summary of early church life (4:32-37) is almost all about money. That’s especially significant because many months (maybe even a year or so) has passed since his last summary (2:42-47).

Church Life Summary (4:32-35)

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

The first sentence is key to this summary. All the believers were one in heart and mind. Commentator William J. Larkin Jr. writes, This phrase masterfully brings together both the Greek ideal of friendship–“a single soul [mia psyche] dwelling in two bodies” (Aristotle in Diogenes Laertius Lives of the Philosophers 5.20)–and the Old Testament ideal of total loyalty (1 Chron 12:39–referring to the devotion of David’s band of men in the wilderness).

I caught glimpses of unity like that over 44 years of pastoring. Sadly, I also saw painful occasions where we suffered the opposite in shameful church splits. Most of the time, though, our church unity registered somewhere in between.

This Acts’ oneness was more than a km-ba-ya moment around a campfire. It was lived out by the whole church. “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” with the result that there “were no needy persons among them.” This was especially significant, because Jerusalem’s economy was shaky at best, the country as a whole suffered through several famines, members from Galilee and other places were away from their source of income and social and economic persecution added to their poverty (Acts 24:17; Romans 15:26). This sacrificial love enabled the apostles to testify to the Lord Jesus’ resurrection “with great power.”

How, I wonder, did the apostles pull 5000 members into such unity? Fundraising projects? Car-salesman-like persuasion? It wasn’t the apostles at all. It was the gracious work of God the Holy Spirit (“much grace was upon them all”). Author Luke comments: “For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” In other words, they gave freely having been moved by the grace of God the Holy Spirit.

That’s extraordinary. More accurately, that’s miraculous. Who does that? Maybe a multi-billionaire who can write off such gifts as “charitable giving” on his taxes. But these people weren’t rich and enjoyed no tax deductions. Without question, this was the result of Spirit- empowered, grace-produced oneness. In passing, Luke identifies one example . . .

A Living Example (4:36,37).

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Why did the apostles nickname Joseph “Son of Encouragement”? Perhaps in part because his Spirit-inspired gift brought heavy-hearted people hope. But there was two other people whose gift brought a distinctly different result . . .

Fatal Fraud (5:1-11).

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Even though this narrative is pretty straightforward, a few observations . . .

—Apparently these two wanted the praise without the price.
—I think the Holy Spirit revealed Ananias’ deceit to Peter.
—Satan was the “power” behind Ananias’ sin.
—Ananias’ lie was primarily to God the Holy Spirit (who was present in the believers), only secondarily to the apostles.
—Death seems an extreme penalty for what we today call “spin”. But spoken in God’s presence, it’s a capital crime.
—The phobos (Greek) that seized everyone was not “reverence” (Romans 3:18), but “terror”.

Three Warnings & One Reward

First warning: God punishes sin. So, don’t mess with God. He is to be feared, not casually dismissed. The Good News part of this warning is that when Jesus died, he was punished for the sins of all who would believe in him.

Second warning: God sets the rules. We judge Ananias’ sin as small or even shrewd. But life isn’t our “game”, it’s God’s. And in the Bible he instructed us how it’s to be “played”.

Third warning: The Spirit may move us out of our comfort zone. Not to spotlight ourselves, but to point people to Jesus.

One reward: We can bless others with our money and possessions. Not only will that meet their needs and bring glory to the Lord; it will give us great joy that can come no other way.

Fill us with the Holy Spirit, Lord,
so we will be radical givers
as you have been to us.

Image result for photo of giving money

Chutzpah Prayer

January 15, 2016 / Allan Babcock

“Chutzpah” is a Yiddish word which American humorist Leo Rosten defined as “that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.”

“Chutzpah” has a negative connotation as the synonyms “brazenness” and “arrogance” suggest. But it has a positive connotation too as the synonyms “boldness, confidence, gutsiness” suggest. Positive “chutzpah” is the kind believers displayed in their prayer after Peter and John were released by the authorities having been arrested and tried for preaching in the name of the resurrected Christ (see https://theoldpreacher.com/interruption-malfunction/ ).

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:23-31).

Today we continue following the Acts narrative leading up to Acts 7:1-53, sermon #3 of “The Acts Eight”. The narrative today is almost entirely a prayer.

Whom They Address.

“Sovereign Lord (Greek despotays), you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them” (4:24). By addressing God this way they affirm God’s total authority over his servants, all of his creation, and even over the Sanhedrin opposing them. Thus they encourage themselves that the God they serve is in control of all things.

What They Remember the Sovereign Lord Said.

“You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One'” (4:25,26). This God spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David. As Francis Schaffer entitled one of his books: “He Is There And He Is Not Silent.” And what did God say? The early believers quote from Psalm 2, a psalm of David considered by the Jews to be messianic.

How They Apply What the Sovereign Lord Said.

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen (Acts 4:27,28). Knowing that the Lord is sovereign and remembering what he said in David’s psalm, they conclude that Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel “did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen”. Each of these anti-Lord people chose to “conspire against [God’s] holy servant Jesus”. Yet their choice was what he had decided beforehand should take place.

What They Ask the Sovereign Lord For.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:29,30). Remarkably, they don’t pray for protection. While they ask the Lord to pay attention to the threats of their enemies (implying how he may or may not act is up to him), their only concern is that the Lord enable them to carry out their mission “with great boldness.”

The NIV incorrectly breaks 4:29 and 4:30 into two sentences. The ESV translation captures the meaning of the Greek: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” In other words, the believers assume Jesus will continue to do the miraculous works he started (as recorded in the Gospel—Acts 1:1) as they speak his word.

Here’s the heart of the “chutzpah” prayer. No one thinks the cost of spreading the Gospel too great. No one gives up the fight and goes home. Jesus is alive. He is Sovereign Lord. They are his witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit to make him known to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

How the Sovereign Lord Answered.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (4:31). The Holy Spirit is the divine Enabler. On Pentecost they had been filled (2:4). Here they’re filled again. This reminds us that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time “trophy” experience, as some Pentecostals seem to think. It also tells us this filling isn’t the object of the prayer—empowerment for bearing witness of Christ is, especially in an environment officially hostile to their message. But as church father Chrysostom observed about the place being shaken: “and that made them the more unshaken” (Homily on the Acts of the Apostles 11). May the Lord’s answer to our praying also make us unshaken by whatever opposition or suffering we face!

* * * * *

Many of us who read this blog live in nations without overt opposition to the Gospel—though even in America and West European nations hostility is growing. Some of us who read this live in nations where opposition is overt and dangerous, as it was for these early believers.

All of us, however, should see this prayer as a model. All of us can be Yiddish in praying. “Yiddish” was the language of Central and Eastern European Jews until the mid-20th century. We could all do with a little Yiddish chuztpah, couldn’t we!

Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens, the earth, the sea,
and everything in them.
You own it all and you rule it all—even the people opposed to you.
As you spoke long ago,
what your Son endured was your will,
so today nothing happens outside your will.
You know the opposition we face to making Jesus known,
some of it from outside, some from within ourselves.
Take note of those threats, Lord,
and enable us as your servants to speak your word with great boldness,
—with chutzpah, unmoved by resistance or rejection or dread—
while you heal and do miraculous signs and wonders
through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
In his name we pray. Amen.”