Podcast 141, Acts, “Pt 6, Ch 6”

These are the early stages of the church, and we begin to see a division of labor. 

Acts 6:1-4

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Much later, Paul explains why the offices in the church are necessary. First Paul calls for worthiness, humility, meekness, and unity in service. In other words, one office, though different, is not greater than another; neither are the officers greater than those whom they serve.

Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

We are all given grace regardless of our callings or positions or service or station in life.

Ephesians 4:7

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Then Paul explains why the offices in the church are essential.

Ephesians 4:11-16

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

One could spend much time on such profound doctrine but let me emphasize the core. First, Christ is the center: “For the edifying of the body of Christ.” Next Paul calls for a unity of the faith: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith.” In other words, those offices are necessary until all Christians come to a unity of the faith. That is one of the primary purposes of the offices in the church, to bring the world into a unity of faith. Next, the purpose is to help us to know Christ: “and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” The reason is simple. We must come “unto a perfect man.” In Matthew 5:48, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” And who is our model? “Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” The entire purpose of the church is to make us more Christlike. Paul emphasized that the head of the church is not the officers no matter how high their calling. The head is Jesus Christ: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” 

Notice the qualifications for those who are called to serve. The qualifications are not power, wealth, position, fame, or personality or education.  It was faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 6:5

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas.

A procedure was set up. To understand the importance of that procedure let’s go back earlier to one of the great events in the divine order of the church. 

Matthew 16:19 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The key words is ‘keys.’  They are keys of the priesthood. The House of God is a house of order. We see this at work in the calling of Stephen and the other six in their priesthood offices of caring for the poor. 

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

We are taught of the importance of the ‘laying on of hands’ by those who are in authority. That brings Paul’s words back to our minds, “till we all come in the unity of the faith.” Whereas we all must set about, of our own freewill, doing good to others and serving our fellowman, but in the church there must be order. And this is what we see above. For example, the Greek converts had an issue with the Hebrew converts. Rather than internal strife, they immediately went to the apostles who held those keys. Notice how they solved the problem; using their high office, they ordained seven men, by the laying on of hands, to carry out the work. And this is the procedure ‘till we all come into a unity of the faith.’

The church continues to grow rapidly.

Acts 6:7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

We know that John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was beheaded, being the first martyr who was a witness for Christ, of the New Testament. Following the organization of the church by Jesus Christ, Stephen is generally acknowledge as the first martyr of Christianity. His story has inspired every Christian. In Acts, Chapter 6, we receive the introduction.

Acts 6:8-9

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Those who are disputing with Stephen are not local. They cover a wide geographical area, some in a 1500 mile radius. Paul, who witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen is from Cilicia, 400 miles away. Jerusalem has clearly become a crossroads in the Middle East. But here is an interesting observation:

Acts 6:10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Why then didn’t they believe Stephen if his arguments were so compelling? Why did it turn to hatred and violence rather than to conversion like so many others? Again, the answer is the same. They did not have the spirit of the Holy Ghost. They had the spirit of Satan

James 3:14–16

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

So they justify their anger by persuading themselves that they are defending God. 

Acts 6:11-12

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

We know they are being led by Satan because Satan is not only the father of contention, he is also the father of lies. 

John 8:44 

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

That precisely describes the mob,

Acts 6:13-14

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

Yet in the midst of their false accusation, when they looked upon Stephen they saw an angel-like being.

Acts 6:15

And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

That, of course, will come back to haunt them in the day of judgment for then they will have to face the truth. I recall the words of Claudius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet who is guilty of his brother’s death, King Hamlet. In trying to pray for forgiveness Claudius says, 

In the corrupted currents of this world

Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice,

And oft 'tis seen the wicked prize itself

Buys out the law: but 'tis not so above;

There is no shuffling, there the action lies

In his true nature; and we ourselves compell'd,

Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults,

To give in evidence.

They should also have heeded the words of Gamaliel.

Acts 5:38-39

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Podcast 140, Acts, “Pt 5, Ch 5”

Probably many would agree that the story of Ananias and Saphhira recorded in Acts Chapter 5 is emotionally very difficult. After all, they gave part of the profit of the Land to the Lord; therefore, what is it that we must carry away from that story? First, let’s read the story together unbroken:

Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

To help us understand the sad story of Ananias and Sapphira, let’s consider the Widow’s Mite.

Mark 12:42 

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

In modern money perhaps it is hard to calculate how much a farthing is. The copper mite was the smallest coin minted. Until a short time ago that would be equivalent to our penny, but that may not be accurate. Our penny has now gone the way of the Russian kopek. It is no longer minted. In addition, though the mite was an insignificant amount to someone who earned a denarius, which was equal to 128 mites which was a day’s wage, for the widow it was all she had. The Savior said, 

Mark 12:43–44:

Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Therefore, the amount that Ananias and Sapphira paid, regardless of how large, was not relevant. It is not about money. It is about violating covenants and lying to the Holy Ghost. Luke records Peter’s words, “why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” The land was their own. Even the price of the land was their own. It would have been better if they had declared the value of the land and kept the entire value for themselves. They, of course, would have lost the blessings of sacrifice, but it would not have been at the cost of their lives. They could have repented or not repented, and the apostles would have done nothing, In Peter’s words.  

Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

The point is that Peter did not kill Anania and Sapphira. It was an act of God. They had entered a covenant with God who promised them eternal life with him. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is the story of the Children of Israel. In Isaiah 25, we read of the destruction of the wicked in the last days. The prophecy in Isaiah is about death of millions of people. Isaiah gives the reason for their destruction. 

Isaiah 24:5-6

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

It was no different with Ananias and Sapphira than with the millions who shall be slain prior to the Millennium. The Old Testament is about the rise and fall of civilizations. Because of righteousness they rose. Because of wickedness they fell. The House of Israel is at the center. How does that differ from the story of Ananias and Sapphira? 

Acts 5 quickly moves from the story of Ananias to the story of the level of faith and miracles of the early saints and the rapid growth of the church.

Acts 3:12-16

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

But to further illustrate that only by the power of the Holy Ghost can one receive revelation and only by the power of the Holy Ghost can one recognize a miracle, the priests and Sadducees witnessed the miracles but rejected them as not being from God and thus fought against the apostles, falsely imprisoning them. This, however, only increased the membership of the church and also gave immortality to one Gamaliel, a Pharisee and doctor of the law, who became the only voice of reason among the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

The first response of the Pharisees and Sadducees to the miracles they witnessed was anger. 

Acts 5:17-8

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

The prison couldn’t hold the apostles. 

Acts 5:19-25

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

First, this is one of the many references to angels in the Holy Bible. Angels from the beginning have been part of the Lord’s plan. They were on earth from the beginning, and we have every reason to believe that they are as active today as they ever were. A belief in the ministry of angels is inherent in Christianity.  

Next, rather than recognizing the miracle, the Pharisees and Sadducees remained intent on stopping the Christian movement. However, the apostles are fearless in the face of the officers. 

Acts 5:26-33

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Why did people act so differently when witnessing miracles? Some accepted the words of the apostles. Some rejected the words of the apostles. The answer is the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Those who had the Holy Ghost in their hearts responded to the miracles with faith. Those who did not have the Holy Ghost in their hearts respondedwith anger. To even hear of the Holy Ghost cut them to the heart causing them to want to murder the innocent apostles. Satan is behind all contention.

James 3:14–16

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Podcast 139, Acts, “Pt 4, Ch 4”

In this brief chapter we have an epic struggle between good and evil. On the one hand we have people in power who want to silence the apostles. The three groups who are organized against the apostles are all high religious leaders: The Captain of the Temple, The Priests, and the Sadducees. 

Acts 4:1-3

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

It is curious that there are those who think they are serving God but are really fighting against God and serving Satan. Those people in high authority in religion are grieved that the apostles are teaching about Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the World. Jesus is Jehovah of the Old Testament whom the Captain of the Temple, the Priests, and the Sadducees think they worship.

Those ecclesiastical leaders all have vested interest. The Sadducees, for example, did not believe in the resurrection of the dead which was being taught by Peter and John. Whereas the Priests and the Captain (or commander) of the temple still held to the Mosaic law of animal sacrifice and the other priestly offices established by Moses that had been fulfilled by the ultimate sacrifice which was Jesus Christ himself. They were protecting tradition, not defending God. The office of the priesthood is not in question. It is the old practices of the priests that is challenged. Remember there were no prophets between Malachi of the Old Testament and John the Baptist of the New Testament, a period of 400 years. When Christ came the traditions of the Jews had been established not by the prophets but by the priests whom Isaiah said, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” 

They did not want to lose their power and authority and perhaps their means of making a living. Remember they had turned the Temple into a money-making enterprise which infuriated the Savior. In addition, the Jewish Christians no longer believed in animal sacrifice, thus that threated the priest’s office and high standing among the people.

They had also witnessed the miracles and could not deny them, but rather than believing in Christ, they arrested Peter and John without cause to intimidate them into giving up their ministry. They do not want the gospel of Jesus Christ to spread. They have the same spirit of those who crucified Christ. 

The problem was that through the preaching of Peter and John, thousands were converted.

Acts 4:4

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

The question they ask Peter and John is rather strange since they must already know the answer. It is as if, now that Christ is dead, he no longer matters. 

Acts 4:5-7

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”

Now we come to the primary theme of Acts 4. The very power they are inquiring of is the power which is now given to Peter, the Power of the Holy Ghost. It is through the power of the Holy Ghost that Peter bears witness of the holy mission of Jesus Christ and it is through that same power that others are converted. It shows that the priests do not have the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:8-12

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The image Peter uses would have been known very well by The Captain of the Temple, the Priests, and the Sadducees for it is from the Old Testament. 

Psalm 118:22–23 

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Other references would have been equally familiar to the priestly leaders. 

Isaiah 8:14 

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

The priests are condemned by their own law. Nonetheless, they are more interested in protecting their own power and positions.

Acts 4:13-18

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Again, it is with the power of the Holy Ghost that Peter and John speak.

Acts 4:19-20

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

We learn this great lesson. It is only through the power of the Holy Ghost that the apostles speak, but it is also only through the power of the Holy Ghost that we can know that what they say is true. The priests heard the same words of Peter and John, but without the Holy Ghost, they could not know those words were true. It is rather astonishing that the wicked priests saw the same miracle as the thousands who were converted but ignored it to protect their own interests. 

Acts 4:21-22

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

The miracle had just the opposite effect on those who allowed the Holy Ghost in their hearts.

Acts 4:23-30

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

It brings to mind the words of Gamaliel to the disbelieving Jews which we find in the next chapter. 

Acts 5:38-39

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

One of the greatest things we can do is to live worthy to have the Holy Ghost dwell in our hearts because then when we hear the truth we shall recognize it immediately and accept it. That is the only difference between those who were converted to Christ and those, who saw the same miracle, but were not converted to Christ. It is so easy due to all our own biases, our own traditions, and our own frame of reference to block new truth because it is not in harmony with our old traditions. 

Acts 4:31-33

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The early saints banded together and had all things common. 

Podcast 138, Acts, “Pt 3, Ch 3”

The apostles have come a long way since they were called to the ministry. In Matthew 4 we read the famous line of the Lord in his initial calling to Peter and Andrew. 

Matthew 4:18–19

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

We see the fulfillment of the above prophecy in the story of the healing of the man lame from birth by Peter which reflects the miracles of the Master when he was with them. Could those two humble fishermen have even dreamed that someday they would be performing miracles in the Savior’s name? 

Acts 3:1-8

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

The story of the healing of the lame man is rich with doctrine. For example, only through faith and only in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth could Peter heal the lame man. In the story Peter elevates Christ to his rightful position and takes no credit unto himself. The boldness of Peter is also a long ways away from his humbling denial of Christ after Christ’s arrest. 

Not the least of the lessons we learn is in the desires of the lame man. All he expected from Peter, a chosen servant of Jesus Christ, was a small coin. The coins were either copper, bronze, silver, or gold. The most the lame man expected was probably a copper coin, the smallest at that, comparable perhaps to the widow’s ‘mite.’ Rather than money, however, Peter gave him his life, a life he never knew, having been crippled from birth. The miracle of his healing defies medical knowledge, perhaps even of our own day. It is no wonder that those who witnessed the healing were astonished.

Acts 3:9-11

And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

Peter quickly responds to this marvelous teaching moment. Notice how Peter immediately turns the thoughts of the people to Christ, the very being whom they so recently crucified.

Acts 3:12-15

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Notice the titles Peter assigns to Christ: “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob”; the “God of our fathers”; “Jesus”; the “Holy One and the just”; the “Prince of life.” Peter made sure they knew that Jesus was the Jehovah of the Old Testament. He condemns the Jews for choosing the murderer Barabas, letting him go free, and condemning The Holy One and the Just to be crucified on the cross, when even the Roman governor, Pontius Pilot, wanted to free Jesus. Peter also teaches one of the greatest doctrines of Christianity, “whom God hath raised from the dead.” It was the Father who raise Christ from the dead. Then Peter establishes the primary role of the apostles—special witnesses of Jesus Christ: “whereof we are witnesses.”

But Peter teaches another doctrine central to Christianity. 

Acts 3:16

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

6 RON

Notice that it is not the faith of Christ but the faith in Christ. One must be tempted to say, “But God is omnipotent! How can that be.” It would destroy everything if God took away the agency of man. He died to preserve our agency. It is the faith the lame man had in the power of Christ that led to his being healed. That is a very hard lesson to learn. Even the apostles who were with Christ daily had to earn their faith. Even Christ could not perform miracles where people had no faith.

Matthew 13:58 

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

How many times did Christ say, ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole?”

Again, Peter teaches the mission of Christ while he was on earth. Peter doesn’t ask them to take his word. He does it by referring to the Old Testament prophets. The audience would have been familiar with the ancient prophets.

Acts 3:17-18

And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Then Peter declares his mission.

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

With that call to repentance, Peter teaches another doctrine that Christ taught and his apostles and prophets taught—that message is that Christ will return to the earth. Peter calls it “the times of refreshing.” In other words, the true Gospel will be restored, and all false doctrine shall be done away. With clarity Peter taught. 

Acts 3:20-22

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

The dictionary defines restitution as “restoring something that was lost, taken, damaged, or wrongfully withheld, making compensation for a wrong, restoration of all things to their proper or intended state.” Synonyms are restoration, recovery, reinstatement, renewal, reconstitution, reestablishment, revival, replacement, return.

Paul tells us of the apostasy that shall occur.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

It is because in the latter days people do not love the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Again, as we see above, Peter appeals to the ancient prophets. Peter also refers to the destruction of the wicked in the last days, before Christ returns.

Acts 3: 23-24

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Then Peter reminds the Jews that they were the first to be chosen, that they were the children of the prophets, that they were the covenant people, that it was through their lineage that Christ came to earth. 

Acts 3:25-36

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Peter, a master teacher, well knew his audience On the one hand he condemns them for crucifying the Lord, but in the same vein, as Christ who on the cross said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Peter also acknowledges their ignorance, “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.”

He is offering them hope through Christ if ‘they repent and become converted, that their sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.’  Peter is saying that regardless of what they have done, they can repent and come unto Christ for Christ was sent from the Father ‘to bless them and to turn them away from their iniquities.’

Podcast 137, Acts, “Pt 2 B, Ch 2”

In this podcast we shall continue with Acts, Chapter 2. If you haven’t listened to Podcast 136, Acts, Pt 2, A, may we suggest that you listen to that first. We begin Part 2 by Quoting the words of Christ who quotes Isaiah the prophet. 

Matthew 15: 7-9

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Peter continues, 

Acts 2:22-32

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

That is an incredible testimony from a man who only shortly before denied knowing the Savior not once but three times. What a difference the Holy Ghost makes! Peter again testifies of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:33-36

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter teaches the roles of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead by the Father, sat on the right hand of the Father, and the Holy Ghost descended upon man. There are three separate Gods, all with very specific roles in the wonderful plan of salvation. As the Father and the Son are sitting upon their thrones, it is the Holy Ghost, who is a spirit, not a resurrected being, “appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” And everything that is done is done “by the foreknowledge of God.” Also note Peter’s words, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God (speaking of the Father) hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 

If we have any doubts about whom the Father is, listen to one of the greatest and most familiar scriptures of all.

John 3:16-18

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And how do we know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We know because of the Holy Ghost. Dozens of scriptures from the New Testament bear witness of this. I refer to only one.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peter teaches that the Holy Ghost is a gift given only through the power of the priesthood. The difference between having a prompting of the Holy Ghost and having the Gift of the Holy Ghost is that the Holy Spirit may speak to one’s heart through prayer, but the Gift of the Holy Ghost means that the Holy Spirit remains and dwells in their heart. Peter said, 

Acts 2:37-40

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Remember when we spoke earlier of the body being a temple.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Paul also taught, 

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

And of course, as with the outpouring of the Spirit, the Christian celebration of the Day of Pentecost was blessed with thousands of souls being baptized into the church. On the Day of Pentecost all the apostles were present.  One gets the impression that from that point on missionary work accelerated in the church.

Acts 2:41-47

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

One may also assume, I suppose, that persecution, which has always been a serious threat, also accelerated. As with Christ, the church he established also posed a threat to the Pharisees and Sadducees as well as to the authority of Rome. But from that cauldron, we still received the New Testament though many of the apostles and other faithful saints became martyrs. 

Podcast 136, Acts, “Pt 2 A, Ch 2”

Acts, Chapter 2, occurs on the ‘Day of Pentecost.’ The Day of Pentecost was an ancient Jewish feast commanded in the Law of Moses. “Pentecost” comes from the Greek, meaning “fiftieth.” The Pentecost was observed fifty days from the Passover and the offering of the firstfruits. In the Old Testament it was also called “The feast of Weeks,” “The Feast of Harvest,” and “The Day of the Firstfruits.” It was associated with the wheat harvest. 

Exodus 34:22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year’s end.

Because of the festival, faithful Jews gathered from all over.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles...

That is why we read in Acts,

Acts 2:1

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Christians, of course, see the Day of Pentecost differently because of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. 

Acts 2:2-4

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

We also think of the Holy Ghost as the ‘still small voice” as recorded by Elijah at Mount Horeb.

1 Kings 19:11-12

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

The Pentecostal experience, described so beautifully by Luke, was shared with the entire world for our edification to teach us of the power and importance and necessity of the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord omnipotent may manifest himself through the power of the Holy Ghost in such a way and such as time as the above, but only when he deems it appropriate. However, as the Lord taught Elijah, most of us experience the Holy Ghost, not by strong winds or earthquake or fire but by that “still small voice,” what we also call “the promptings of the spirit.” We may call upon the Lord anytime, and we have the right, even a spiritual responsibility, to listen to the promptings of the spirit.

It is a gift that not only must we be worthy of, but we must also learn how to use. How many have felt a prompting of the Holy Ghost but didn’t act upon it only to regret it later? On the other hand, how many have heard the whisperings of the spirit and did act upon it and were greatly blessed. It is entirely associated with faith in Christ. We may spend a lifetime learning how to listen to the promptings of the spirit, but it is a lifetime well spent.

How do we distinguish the prompting of the Holy Ghost with intuition, insight, inspiration, revelation, epiphany, intimation, inkling, hunch, instinct, presentiment, premonition, perception, discernment, perspicacity, apprehension, realization, enlightenment, insight, genius, prompting, impression, impulse, prescience. In many instances, perhaps they are all one, but only righteousness can be associated with the Holy Ghost. Every thought is not a prompting of the Holy Ghost. We are very complex, dual beings. We have both an immortal spirit and a physical body. We often confuse the temporal with the spiritual. The brain is a case in point. We often give credit to the brain when we should give credit to our own spirit. The physical body is but an extension of the spirit. All life, all conscious thought, all freewill, all inspiration, all logic, etc. come from the spirit, not the physical Body. The Holy Ghost speaks only to the spirit, not to the brain. In fact, speaking of logic, it is not the brain that thinks. It is the spirit that thinks. Intelligence is in the spirit, not in the body, The body is a biological machine that serves the spirit. We get in trouble with the Lord when we let the physical appetites, also called ‘the natural man,’ take over. The brain is nothing without the spirit. When the spirit leaves, the body dies. At death the brain stops but the spirit, which forgets nothing, does not. The spirit lives on forever. 

Death is merely an illusion of terminality. Life and intelligence and consciousness never die because the spirit never dies. Death is nothing but the separation of the spirit from the body. If you could see the spirit of a loved one at their passing, it would look exactly like their body. If you saw with your spiritual eyes rather than your physical, you would see that they are still very much alive, having the same mind, the same intelligence, the same personality, the same smile, the same affections, the same sense of humor, the same love, etc. 

We should be very careful who we become in our earthly life for we carry that same spirit with us when we die. One thing will change at death. The wicked will not be able to mingle with the righteous as they do on earth. At death there will be a great division of spirits. The righteous have nothing to fear at death nor will they ever have to fear again.

The Holy Ghost speaks only to the spirit. The purpose of the body is to give us a physical experience of sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and feel. The physical body, an extension of the spirit, is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to our spirit. The Holy Ghost is another. The resurrection is another. And eternal life with him still another. One cannot choose not to be resurrected, though through wickedness one may postpone their resurrection and one may diminish the light and intelligence and glory and happiness reserved for the righteous. However, one can choose not to have the Holy Ghost, not to live in Paradise, and not to have eternal life with God.

The body is so important that Christ died to bring about the resurrection from the dead to all of us so that we may have our physical bodies forever. Many are familiar with the lines from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
 Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”[1]

In answer to the question above, “How do we tell the difference between the promptings of the Holy Ghost and one’s own personal thoughts?” The simple answer is that only one’s spirit can detect the spirit of the Holy Ghost. It is an act of faith. We have the ability to discern good from evil, God from Satan, the whisperings of the Holy Ghost from the logic of our own mind. Faith in Christ is the first step

God has given us many gifts of the spirit that we must cultivate as referenced elsewhere in the scriptures. We have all observed those gifts in others, perhaps to our own envying. God is the source of all Good. He is the father of us all and he gave those gifts so that all humanity may be blessed. Look at the advancement in science, communication, medicine, and technology. Look at the great writers, musicians, singers, painters, builders, etc. All those gifts are from God. The person who gives God credit for their gifts is more fortunate than those who think they are doing it by themselves.  

On the Day of Pentecost, we observe gifts of the spirit. Because of the Jewish Festival people had come to Jerusalem from far distances. The strange thing, however, is that so many from various nations, spoke with the gift of tongues, some were given the gift of speaking in tongues and others the gift of interpreting different tongues. The experience was far different from people simply jabbering in their own native tongue. The difference was everyone understood each other. That is what the gift of tongues is. 

Acts 3:5-13

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Speaking of ‘gifts of the spirit,’ Paul lists the following:

1 Corinthians 12:8-10

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Podcast 135, Acts, “Pt 1, Ch 1”

The “Acts of the Apostles” is written by Luke, the Physician, to Theophilus. Luke also addresses “The Gospel of Luke” to Theophilus. Nothing is really known about Theophilus, but his name in Greek means “beloved of God.” That is very high praise.  Please allow me a literary license merely for practical purposes. I think first that we must assume that Theophilus is a real person, certainly well known to Luke. We may logically assume that Theophilus is a member of the church already familiar with Christ. But let’s take one very small leap of the imagination and assume that Theophilus, like most at that time, was a new member of the Church and Luke is instructing him about church doctrine. It is clear that the writings of Luke were written to not only Theophilus but to the whole church. Therefore, let us play the role of Theophilus and read The Book of Acts as a new member of the Church of the Firstborn, eager to learn more of the fascinating story of Jesus of Nazareth, the Redeemer of the World. In other words, assume the letters are written especially to you.

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,[1]

We already know from the Gospel of Luke what an inspired writer Luke is and how well versed he is in the Life of Jesus. Though not an apostle, he has a close relationship to the apostles, particularly with Paul. Paul refers to him as “Luke, the beloved physician…” He was also close to other eyewitnesses. 

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;[2]

In Chapter 1 of Acts, Luke establishes his purpose very clearly. 

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:[3]

We learn that after the resurrection of Christ, he continued to teach the apostles for 40 days. In this chapter Luke clearly establishes the special role of the apostles, their importance to the church, and the necessity of their continuance. What did Christ teach during those 40 Days? Luke tells us: “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Some Christians may be a little hasty about assuming the ‘Kingdom of God’ is in heaven. Luke makes it plain that he is speaking of the ‘Kingdom of God’ on earth, meaning the church led by the twelve apostles.  The Church of the Firstborn is the Kingdom of God on Earth. The New Jerusalem John saw coming down from heaven is the Kingdom of God in heaven. Eventually they join. The purpose of the church is to prepare the saints for the Second Coming of the Messiah. When Christ returns the Second Time, the Kingdom of God in Heaven will join the Kingdom of God on Earth. That will be a glorious day. No wicked will survive the Second Coming of Christ.  

As we examine Acts, Chapter 1, let’s note particularly the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God on earth. I have divided Acts, Chapter 1, into eight attributes, just in this chapter alone, of the Kingdom of God on earth. Truthfully, though many things describe the kingdom of God in heaven, we can examine the entire New Testament under the light of ‘things pertaining to the kingdom of God on earth.’ One of the names of Christ is “Immanuel” which means “God is with us.” That is an important concept to keep in mind. What did Christ do when he left?  Luke tells us.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.[4]

Because of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we still have ‘God with us.’ 

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.[5]

Paul teaches, 

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”[6]

Luke continues, 

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.[7]

One, the Holy Ghost is a source of power. Two, only through the Holy Ghost can one be a witness of Christ. In the above we also learn one of the important “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” It is this: The apostles are special witnesses of Christ. That is also later emphasized in Acts, Chapter 1. 

We also learn another thing ‘pertaining to the kingdom of God on earth.’ First, let me footnote that the phrase “kingdom of God” appears about 70 times in the New Testament and the phrase “kingdom of heaven” appears about 32 times. That alone establishes their importance.  

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.[8]

From that we learn of the Second Coming of Christ in the latter days. The latter days is now. No one knows when, but the signs of the times are given plainly by John in the Book of Revelation. Previous podcasts have covered the entire Book of Revelation as well as The Gospel of Matthew, The Epistles of James, The Epistles of Peter, The Epistles of John, The Book of Hebrews, and The Book of Isaiah. 

Luke continues to teach us of “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.[9]

[1] Acts 1:1
[2] Luke 1:2
[3] Acts 1:2-3
[4] Acts 1:4-7
[5] John 16:7
[6] 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[7] Acts 1:8
[8] Acts 1:9-16
[9] Acts 1:12-20
[10] Acts 1:21-26

Podcast 134, Hebrews, “Pt 13 B, Ch 13”

In the last podcast we ended with Injunction 6 of Hebrews 13. In this podcast we shall discuss Injunctions 7-12.

Injunction 7

Hebrews 13:13-16

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The author presents another of the great teachings of Christ. I refer to the phrase, “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”

The New Jerusalem is one of the favorite images in the Holy Bible. Naturally we think of the Millennium which brings in mind Isaiah. One must read the entire book of Isaiah to get his full vision, so I shall refer only to an earlier chapter. 

Isaiah 2:2-5

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

A companion book to Isaiah is The Book of Revelation by John. The following is only a taste.

Revelation 21:1-4

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Injunction 8:

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Injunction 8 is the only one repeated in Hebrews 13. The repetition is found in Injunction 5.

Hebrews 13:7-8

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Let’s compare the two:

Injunction 5: Remember them which have the rule over you.

Injunction 8: Obey them that have the rule over you. 

 Injunction 5: Who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Injunction 8: And submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls,

 Injunction 5: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Injunction 8: As they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Together, Injunction 5 and Injunction 8 complete the concept. Paul asks us to remember those who rule over us, and to obey those who rule over us. And then he gives the following reasons, 

(1) They have spoken the word of God. 

(2) We must trust in their faith considering the end or purpose of their conversation.

(3) We must summit ourselves for they watch for our souls,

(4)  Jesus Christ is he same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

(5) They that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for us.

 The special calling of the apostles and prophets then is to watch over our souls, to reveal the word of God, to witness of Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and to be judges who must account to God who placed them as our rulers. 

Injunction 9

Hebrews 13:18-20

 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Prayer is a central part of worship. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, asks the saints to pray for the leaders. He asserts his worthiness of their prayers, that he has a clear conscience in all things willing to live honestly. In other words, Paul lives the word as well as teaches the word. It was the evil rulers that brought the Children of Israel down. Many times the Lord chastised the wickedness of the rulers.

Jeremiah 23:1–2

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Injunction 10

Hebrews 13:21

  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Such a rich passage. It contains five concepts: (1) Become perfect in every good work. (2) Do the will of God. (3) Do that which is well pleasing in his sight. (4) It is through faith In Jesus Christ, & (5) Glory will be in Christ for ever and ever.

Perfection, of course, is not possible in this life, but notice how these passages refer to a process of becoming. He said, “make you perfect.” We cannot do that ourselves. It is Christ alone who can make us perfect. Paul gives us guidelines: do the will of God, do that which is well pleasing in his sight. That is in our power. Leave perfection to Christ. He will do the rest. 

Injunction 11

Hebrews 13:22

  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words

He uses the verb “suffer” more like patience. Be patient in “the word of exhortation.” He is referring again to his injunction to obey the words of the apostles and prophets.

Injunction 12

Hebrews 13:23-25

 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.  Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.

He is speaking, of course, of brotherly love which was the first injunction, “Let brotherly love continue.” But he ends with a blessing, “Grace be with you all.” And we all must seek the grace of Christ which is the central message of Chapter 13 as summed up in Injunction 5, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Podcast 133, Hebrews, “Pt 13 A, Ch 13”

Though Hebrews is traditionally attributed to Paul, the authorship is still controversial. I claim no scholarship in this or any other area and rely entirely upon others for historical content. I follow the KJV which begins with, “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” I am entirely responsible for my own interpretations. 

It appears, however, in Chapter 13, Timothy is involved in this chapter, either in delivering it or writing it. I shall not make a distinction.

In the final letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 13, we are given 12 injunctions as a kind of summing up. One of the overriding themes of Hebrews is to encourage the Jewish Christians to press forward and endure in the faith. 

Injunction 1

Hebrews 13:1

Let brotherly love continue.

This, of course, is at the core of Christian doctrine. What Christian cannot quote the following commandment of Christ. 

John 13:34–35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Let’s also consider what is often referred to as the Two Great Commandments. 

Matthew 22:37–40 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

There is no commandment repeated more often by Jesus than love or its variations. The Savior alone uses the word love or its variation about 60 times. As we saw above, he refers to love as “A New Commandment.” It replaces the Mosaic Law of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

Exodus 21:23–25 

And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Injunction 2

Hebrews 13: 2 

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Christians believe in angels. The word angel, singular or plural, appears approximately 290 times in the KGV of the Holy Bible. They may be referred to as heavenly messengers, servants of God, ministering spirits, archangel (Michael), heavenly beings, watcher, holy one.  Though the term “guardian angel” is not mentioned, descriptions of angels who watch over us do appear. For example.  

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Psalm 91:11–12

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Hebrews 1:14 

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

“Heirs of salvation” refer to all, Jew or Gentile, who come unto Christ, obey his laws, and endure to the end. 

Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

That, of course, reflects the concept of brotherly love and echoes the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. It also establishes the importance of Marriage and the law of chastity

Injunction 4

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Hebrews 13:4 

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

I suppose many of us struggle with the concept of “being content with what we have.” What we have is almost never enough. Even advertisers promote covetousness in the way they package their products. They are able to create desires that didn’t even exist before. Advertisers depend upon selling new and better products, the latest technology. There is even a term that describes a method used to force us to buy new products. It is called “designed obsolescence.” Things are made to wear out. It is implicit in another term we are all familiar with, “limited warranty.” The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” is familiar to all. We are fighting a system that we ourselves promote. It is as if Paul saw our day.  The promise, however, that “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” gives us all unlimited hope.

Injunction 5

Hebrews 13:5-6

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Though clearly the audience is experienced in the gospel; nevertheless, this is still first generation Christians. The audience, being Hebrews, would be steeped in the traditions of the Mosaic Law. Traditions are very hard to let go, particularly if their family and friends still hold to them. Here the Hebrews, including all Christians, are encouraged to follow the words of the apostles and prophets. In other words, “them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God,” meaning the New Testament. The end of the injunction contains profound doctrine, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever.” That is one of the most comforting scriptures. The author is talking to a group steeped in tradition and also steeped in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are being taught that the God of the New Testament is also the God of the Old Testament. Though the old law has been fulfilled in Christ, Christ himself didn’t change. He was the Jehovah of the Old Testament. 

Injunction 6

Hebrews 13:9-12 

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Animal sacrifice was done away with Christ who was the final sacrifice. He was the sacrificial lamb. Here we get an insight of the struggles the new saints are facing. Strange doctrines are creeping in. Using the Gospel of Christ as the shell some want to slip in their own philosophy. They are not content with the simpleness of the teachings of Jesus. They want mystery. They want to introduce the philosophies of man. Remember Paul’s experience on Mars Hill. 

Acts 17:18-22

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Apostasy in the church began very early. The apostles were constantly fighting against false doctrine, false teachers, ignorance, and apostasy. That was one of the major roles of the Apostles to keep out false doctrine. 

As we read the Apostles Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed, we see the struggles in the early church to define doctrine. And then fifteen hundred years after Christ, Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation which was an attempt to return back to the Bible, but even the Protestant Reformation splintered into many Christian denomination. For example, today we have over thirteen major denominations and over 45000 minor Christian denominations, meaning those with fewer numbers, 

We also have the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea, often called the ‘Father of Church History,” writing about 300 years after Christ who gives us great insight into early Church History and conflicts over doctrine.

Christ established only one church through his apostles sometime referred to in the Holy Bible as The Church of the Firstborn. 

Fortunately for Christians and all other religious denominations, we have freedom of religion in America and can choose for ourselves. We should never, ever give up that right or infringe on the rights of others to worship as they please as long as it is in the boundaries of just laws that respect the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Attacks against Christianity and the Jews in America today is reaching an appalling intensity and is being winked at by people in high places. That is a serious sign that our liberties are being chiseled away.

Podcast 132, Hebrews, “Pt 12, Ch 12”

We shall approach Hebrews 12 by dividing it into five themes.

1.     Theme 1 Patience (verse 1)

2.     Theme 2 Look to Jesus (verses 2-4)

3.     Theme 3 Despise not the Chastening of the Lord (verses 5-13)

4.     Theme 4 Follow Peace, Holiness, Diligence, & Chastity (verses 14-17)

5.     Theme 5 God is a Consuming Fire (Verses 18-29)

Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Patience can also be substituted for endurance. Paul compares life to a race. One of the requirements for entering the Kingdom of Heaven is to endure to the end. In John’s letters to the seven churches, the refrain, “to him that overcometh” precedes all blessings. The following verses are familiar to Christians. 

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 37:34

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land...

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The overriding theme of both Old and New Testaments is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Jesus is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. And Jehovah is the Christ of the New Testament. At the baptism of Jesus and on the Mount of Transfiguration, The Father bears witness of his Son. At the baptism of Jesus, we have all three members of the Godhead: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Matthew records, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”   That is one of the greatest moments in the history of the World. Paul, an apostle and personal witness to the resurrected Lord, exhorts us to look to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2-4

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Notice that twice Paul refers to Christ as one who ‘endured the cross’ and one who “endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.’ He reminds us that unlike Christ we haven’t ‘yet resisted unto blood.’ Christ shed his blood in Gethsemane where, suffering for our sins, he bled from every pore as describe by Luke the physician. Christ also shed his blood when the crown of thorns was pressed upon his head. Christ shed his blood under the lashes of a whip while carrying the cross. And Christ shed his blood on the cross at Calvary. Christ is both the author or creator of our faith and the finisher of our faith. By finisher he is referring to the final judgment where he perfects those who endured to the end. In heaven there will be faith no longer for it shall be supplanted by pure knowledge. In other words the ‘trial of our faith’ is finished.

Next Paul admonishes us to accept the chastening of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:5-13

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Notice the beautiful doctrines taught above:

·      Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.

·      He scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

·      If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons

·      God is the Father of spirits.

·      We might be partakers of his holiness.

·      Chastisement produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness. 

·      We should make our paths straight.

To partake of his holiness, we must ourselves be holy. That is why we must look unto Christ. To make our paths straight, we must follow peace, holiness, and virtue.

Hebrews 12:14-17

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Our final judge is Christ. The only way Christ will allow us into the presence of the Father is if we keep his commandments.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Grace is not guaranteed. Paul tells us that we may “fail of the grace of God.” Grace is conditional. Paul gives some of those conditions: 

·      Follow peace with all men

·      Follow holiness

·      Look diligently lest any man shall fail of grace

·      Do not allow any bitterness to trouble us

·      Do not commit fornication

·      Do not take the Lord’s name in vane

That, of course, is not a definitive list for we are told to follow every word that procedeth out of the mouth of God. But Paul is teaching the principle that we must earn grace. As James teaches, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.”

Next Paul teaches us of the differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. 

Hebrews 12:18-21

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 

In the above Paul is speaking of Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, was a sacred mountain. Only the sanctified could endure the presence if the Lord, but even the sanctified were restrained by boundaries. 

Exodus 19:10-13

And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

On Mount Sinai the Lord “descended upon it in fire.” It was like the “smoke of a furnace.” If the people even gazed upon it they would perish. 

Exodus 19:16-21

And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.

On the one hand the Children of Israel, who were under the Mosaic Law, could not even approach Mount Sinai. On the other hand, the Lord gives the saints of the New Testament,  an open invitation to come to Mount Zion. That is the great difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.