Acts Chapter 20

Dr. Luke’s bird’s-eye view of Paul’s third missionary journey continues in Acts 20, which includes important details of people, places, days and times. I get excited about the connection of biblical content to historical events, and even physical places which can be visited today – this attests to the historicity of the events described and often allows for a better understanding of the context of the times. Grounding the Scripture in this way is important to me, perhaps because what I find “safe” are things that are logical and demonstrable. 

Initially, this chapter settled me into my comfort zone – put on my old favorite sweatshirt, plop down in my slouchy couch with a cup of coffee, and enjoy the show. However, upon closer analysis, this text poured a bucket of ice-cold water on my previously-relaxed self. Acts 20:22–24 follows:

22 “And now I am bound by the Spiritto go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

Paul was in tune with the Holy Spirit, who was guiding his movements. Paul was “bound” (or compelled or constrained) by the Spirit to go. Even with the expectation of suffering ahead, he still went. 

For me, it is one thing to understand managing through suffering when it is encountered; it is entirely another thing to proceed knowingly into suffering. Vibrantly illustrating this point is perhaps my most frequent, recurring prayer. Fundamentally, it is a heart-felt, fearful prayer for protection. 

Although God’s protection isn’t a bad thing to pray for (it is often covered in Psalms), protection must not be the obsessive focus. Aligning with God’s will for my life may not result in the kind of protection I think I need for me and my family. This is a difficult truth for me to accept, yet the fact that I have even started this sentence in this way demonstrates I’m very much a work-in-progress.

While I will keep praying for protection, my simple desire is to listen more and follow more closely the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am strengthened, encouraged, and challenged by Paul’s perspective in verse 24 – I have been assigned work by Jesus, and I better get on with the business of finishing it!

What work has the Lord Jesus assigned to you? Are you making progress?

Acts Chapter 19

The riot in Ephesus struck a note in me as I thought about where we are in today’s attitudes in regards to our society’s business practices. Demetrius’ business in idol making was threatened by the Gospel being preached because the goddess Artemis was not a true god.  Money, success, power are driving forces for business here in Silicon Valley as evidenced by the high prices and wages in our valley.  The cost of living are so high that most families have both father and mother working long hours just to keep up with mortgages, utilities and food. Dare we speak to our society about these values being false gods?  I remember when most businesses were closed on Sundays.  Today, most businesses are open on Sundays and it being one of the most profitable day of the week.  What if a “Paul” would speak out against these business practices?  However, what about those services that are absolutely necessary 24-7 like hospitals, police, fire…?  Are restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, recreational activities also necessary?  Can our society function without these services?  Perhaps the core message of this passage is whether or not these practices are just a cover for economic concerns.  Are they open purely for opportunities for more profit ?  Are we encouraging these businesses by patronizing them by taking friends out for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Sunday? Shopping?  How do we interpret Jesus’ statement that the “Sabbath was made for man and not the man for the Sabbath “  and “…the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  The main idea I get is that it is the intent rather than the letter of the law.  The intent is that we love God and man, and not necessarily the letter of the law. Maybe we need to discern what is necessary and what is want or convenience.  Can a Christian stay in a business that  opens on Sundays for better profits?  How can the church accommodate those who have to work on Sundays? Saturday services?  Small groups or house churches that meet on week nights? Let’s begin to think of what the church is placed on Earth for.  What does God want His people to be?

Acts Chapter 18

If all of Paul’s travels were to be marked on a world map with a red marker, it would look like a massive ball of red yarn that would almost completely obscure the map in many places.  Paul was constantly on the move to convince Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus is the Messiah - and he wasn’t alone.  Paul had a tight network of friends and allies as dedicated as he was and working as a team.  The friends that catch my attention here are Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish husband and wife deported from Rome.  They met up with Paul in Corinth, lived together and worked together making tents … and Paul “preached on Sundays”.  

Somehow this makes me imagine a warm friendship between these three.  Tent-making, like quilting or other crafts, allow for much chat while the hands are busy.  That they also ate together, lived in the same house and worshipped at the same place every Sabbath indicates they really came to know each other’s hearts.  They were fully united in their devotion to preaching Jesus as the Messiah.  

Over the next several years, the preaching continued and the church grew.  Paul went from “preaching on Sundays” to preaching every day.  When Paul set sail to Syria to continue spreading the gospel, he took along none other than Aquila and Priscilla, the couple he had come to know so well during his days of tent-making.  Like a chain of links, Paul connected to Aquila, who was connected to Priscilla, and then Apollo enters the picture.    

A powerful speaker, Apollo knew about John’s baptism but not the truth that Jesus is the Messiah.  It was Priscilla and Aquila, two links in the chain to Paul, who connected with him to impart all the truth they had learned. After this, Apollo “proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed.”

None of us are called into GO alone.  Who are you connected to?  Who knows you so well that you can impart the secrets of the kingdom to them, and they to you?  Who are the irons that sharpen your iron so that you become more effective in the ministry God has for you?  

Acts Chapter 17

How bold was Paul?  Did Acts 17 really say that he went to new cities, stopped in to Synagogues, and began talking/teaching about Jesus! Either he was very bold or Synagogues were much different than I imagine where a designated teacher, or Rabbi in today vernacular, was “the” teacher.  I know it would violate all kinds of norms today for a visitor to come to our church and begin teaching.  There is no doubt in my mind that Paul was bold.  It says that he even taught in public squares to whoever was present.  And man, it sounds like he meet all kinds of resistance.  He was chased out of towns.  It sounds to me like very few believed him.

As brilliant, convincing, and bold as Paul seemed to be, most people who heard him did not become a believer in Jesus.  

It makes me wonder why did I become a believer? Why might others become believers?  Well for me it was a process.  I listened to many teachers (like Paul) and did some reading of the Bible and Bible commentary on my own, and eventually came to believe intellectually.  But spiritually I had to do some living after I believed intellectually to realize that there is no way with all of my flaws that I could be credited with the beauty around me or the beauty that I was a part of (like the family Kris and I have been blessed with, our healthy delightful children, and more recently our grandchildren) and I came to the realization that the God that I believed in intellectually was actually at work living through me.  I THINK I BELIEVE MORE AND MORE THE LONGER I LIVE.  The process may be different for others, but somewhere along the journey I think most come to an instinctive realization that they cannot claim credit for all of the blessing in their life and/or that they desperately need the help of a super power to overcome obstacles in their life. 

Acts Chapter 16

Chapter 16 is kind of a turning point in the book of Acts.  Paul and Barnabus have parted ways over their disagreement about John Mark, and now Silas enters the story as Paul’s new missionary partner.  We meet Timothy for the first time, and Luke joins the journey as observer of all that is happening (notice the pronoun change in verse 11).  We are also introduced to Lydia, who is a merchant of expensive purple cloth and a worshiper of God.  And finally, it is the first time Paul preaches in a Roman colony, Philippi. The Holy Spirit seems to be taking Paul in a new direction, a direction that ultimately leads to Rome.

I’m intrigued by the Holy Spirit’s leading up to Lydia’s conversion.  Paul and Silas are trying to focus on Asia, Mysia and Bithynia (modern day Turkey), but the Holy Spirit won’t let them.  They are prevented from preaching in Asia, and are not allowed to travel to Bithynia.  The Holy Spirit has other plans for this part of the world as we will see later in Acts, but now is not the time.  It’s not clear how the Holy Spirit communicated this Paul and Silas, but it’s clear that their plans were thwarted.  Doors were closed.  The Holy Spirit is in control.

Then Paul received direction through a vision, and believing in faith that God was calling them to preach in Macedonia they left at once.  It sounds like they traveled quickly and easily across the sea to Macedonia and ultimately to Philippi.  Again, the Holy Spirit is in control, this time providing direction and opening doors leading to Philippi.

Philippi was a Roman colony, and it is likely that there wasn’t much of a Jewish presence there. The fact that Paul and Silas went out to a riverbank where they thought people might gather for prayer suggests that there wasn’t a synagogue in town (and it only took 10 circumcised Jewish men to form a synagogue).  Paul must have been wondering why he was directed to this place when he met Lydia. The Holy Spirit opens her heart to the gospel, and Lydia and her household were baptized.  So Paul’s first convert in this new part of the world was a woman. The Holy Spirit is in control. His ways are surprising, and His ways are not our ways.

I don’t have trouble believing that the Holy Spirit is in control, and that he opens and shuts doors to guide believers through life’s decisions.  And I know that his ways are not my ways, and that he can lead in surprising ways.  The part I struggle with is believing that God will give me specific direction, some kind of leading like Paul’s vision or a word of guidance.  I just don’t expect him to do that for me, and that is wrong.  Maybe even sin.  I’m quenching the Spirit’s work in my life.

The Holy Spirit hasn’t changed in the way he works with believers.  He still moves and works in the same ways today as he did in chapter 16. I need to change my ways and my expectations, and trust in the Spirit’s leading.  How about you?

Acts Chapter 15

One of the hardest things to navigate is a new position. How do you handle the procedures that are in place, the changes needed or implementing the new ways of doing things? Or perhaps you have taken on a new project where you replaced old ideas and have added your new ideas. Then when you present those new ideas you are met with a road block when you’re told that the old ways were the preferred way. I’m sure it caused ill feelings or just plain discouragement. Rest assure that there is no wrong or right way. What there is, is an opportunity for seeing things differently. Ways to reach others who do not see, know or act like you.  Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for everything. The old ways are great for keeping records, for knowing history and for reminding us of the good old days. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for the traditionalist. There is. The traditionalists are great for keeping our traditions alive, for being our point of reference, for being our guidelines. The newbie gives opportunity for new traditions to be made, gives glimpses of what could be and is a breath of fresh air. Together both can make a great team because together they strengthen each other and build a bond that will stand the test of time. 

Act 15 is all about this. Its about giving way to the gentiles so that they too can hear the good news and believe. One of the beauties of being a gentile is that we act and look differently and come from different places too. The best part is that God knows this too and more importantly he knows our hearts. Verse 8 & 9 confirms this, 8“God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.” 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. These verses confirm God’s plans and it gives permission for change. To go to where the people are. To break from the old ways and to be open to new ways. Many argued that how can the gentiles be transformed if they do not follow the traditions that were in place since Moses? In the days of Moses, the tradition would be that the men would be circumcised to be converted. What would you choose? Thankfully God’s ways are better. He knows what is right and which way is best. It’s confirmed in verses 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” 28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: 29 You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well.” It calms my heart to know that God seeks to be in relation with us. He desires us to be dependent on him. To be welcomed and converted we must hear the good news and believe. We need to have a change of heart. Turn away from our old ways and allow the Holy Spirit to reside in us. This is open to all.

Acts Chapter 14

In Acts 14 Paul and Barnabas are continuing their first missionary journey starting in Iconium which is a town in what is now Turkey.   Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such great power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.  However, there was a mob of both Gentiles and Jews, whose minds had been poisoned by the Jews, who plotted to attack them.  After learning of the attack, Paul and Barnabas fled to the surrounding towns and continued to preach the Good News.  The Lord gave the Apostles great power to do miraculous signs and wonders, and when they started using those powers the locals were amazed and started offering sacrifices to them.  The Apostles were so dismayed by their actions that they ran into he crowds telling them that they were just humans and they were there to bring them the Good News not to be idolized.  After some Jews from Iconium show up and swayed the crowd to stone Paul, he had to flee again. 

In this chapter you see such a dichotomy of good and bad.  The Apostles were so successful in making new believers, but there was still that faction of folks who continued not to believe.  Through it all the Apostles continued to be faithful, preached the Good News, encouraged the believers, and endured unspeakable hardships.  This reminds us that we can’t give up no matter how hard it becomes.  We will be rewarded in the end.  Praise God!

Acts Chapter 13

Verse 3 “So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

I can picture the young church of Antioch gathered together on a Sunday morning! This will be the first time in the history of the church that they will be officially sending out missionaries and supporting them. There is such excitement in the air as they talk about what the process should look like and who will do what.  The pastor calls Paul and Barnabas to the front of the church.  The pastor then invites up their families and friends to lay hands on them.  He prays for their mission trip.  Amen.  Everyone claps and cheers.  Paul is a little embarrassed over the commotion but Barnabas is excited.  After church they have a big lunch and many of their friends come pray over them personally.  After lunch the little church of Antioch walks to the edge of town with Paul and Barnabas.   

In 2008 I went on my first adult mission trip to Cuba.  There were a lot of unknowns and I was pretty excited and nervous.  I know that having my bestie, Katie Vorreiter there made all the difference.  We were more like Lucy and Ethel then Paul and Barnabas.  But together we saw miracles, mingled with the locals planting seeds and grew closer to God threw the experience.   

Acts Chapter 12

Today’s chapter is full of emotion; sadness over the martyrdom of James, anger over Herod’s plan to have Peter killed after the Passover celebration, amazement over Peter’s escape from jail, and satisfaction over Herod’s fate in verses 22-23.

What struck me was feeling of amusement, verses 12-17 could have been a scene out of a sitcom.  After Peter’s fantastic deliverance from jail, he went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark.  A woman named Rhoda answered his knock in her excitement, she left Peter at the door, ran to inform the disciples he was there. As Peter continued to knock, the disciples tell Rhoda she out of her mind; other translations say she was mad. When they finally acknowledge someone may be at the door, they insisted it was not Peter. 

This exchange is comical, but what I find most interesting is the fact that the disciples were gathered at Mary’s home to pray. Most likely the disciples were fervently praying for Peter’s fate. When God answered miraculously, they did not recognize it. 

Being on the more practical side, I know I tend to rationalize, explain away something that is incredible. I remind myself that the God we serve is mighty, anything is possible. He created the world, parted the Red Sea, and caused the sun to stand still in the sky. He is also the God who created our fingerprints, who knows how many hairs are on our head and cares for the smallest of birds.  When I ask Him for something, I should not doubt his ability to grant it. I often pray for sensitivity to recognize His activity, to respond like Rhoda with overwhelming joy and praise to an answered prayer.  

Scripture says, What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of the fish? (Luke11:11) We have a Father in heaven that sometimes delivers a whole bread truck when we asked for a loaf. Preparing for the miraculous should be the norm.

Acts Chapter 11

What an awesome chapter, so much happens in these thirty verses of scripture. The excitement of the gospel spreading was tangible. 

Here's the flyby.

* Word spreads that Peter has been baptizing Gentiles. The Gospel spreads cross culture.

* Peter comes back and shares the epic vision and that God said unclean things are now okay.

* He explains that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while he was speaking, and filled them with the same signs and gifts as they had received.

* A celebration erupts.

Meanwhile in Antioch

* The disciples there are preaching to Jews and Gentiles also.

* Barnabas goes to check things out. He and Paul stay for a year to help the church get up and running.

* A prophet comes and declares there will be a bad famine soon.

* The disciples decide it's up to them to make sure that fellow believers are cared for if this happens, so they send supplies with Barnabas and Saul.

I love how the Christians responded to the need by being generous and providing for fellow believers. This is a wonderful picture of love in action. What would the world look like if the Church responded in the same way to the needs of our communities today?  What if our “normal” was living in a constant state of radical generosity?