Acts 13:42-47 ESV

42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES

Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism had believed Pau’s message. They followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.[Rom 10:17] the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.[Rom 1:16]

Amazingly, the whole city was stirred. At the next Sabbath, almost the whole city had gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. The Jews felt threatened for they were losing following. They slandered Paul’s character. Let’s be warned about jealousy for James said, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” [Jas 3:16]

This was the reason why Paul said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” The opportunity was given to them first. But apparently, they rejected Jesus vehemently. As John writes.” He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”[John 1:12]

Their rejection had confirmed that God has opened the door so wide for the gospel to the Gentiles as God has ordained him. Later he wrote to the Romans, that “their rejection means the reconciliation of the world.”[Rom 11:15] Sadly like an olive branch, they were broken off. And this made possible for the Gentiles to be grafted in. Paul then warned and charged us saying, “They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.”[Rom 11:20]

As the saying, one’s rubbish is another’s treasure, so is the gospel is rubbish to the Jews but a treasure to the Gentiles. How do you perceive Jesus today? Is He with His claims rubbish to you? Or, a treasure? Jesus is as the fork of the road that belief or rejecting Him will determine your destiny of life – hell or heaven.

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 13:36-41 ESV

36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,

be astounded and perish;

for I am doing a work in your days,

a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

CORRUPTION FREE

Paul quoted King David, who says, "You will not let your Holy One see corruption" (Psalm 16:10; Acts 13:35). He argued that David's prophecy cannot refer to himself. As great as David was, his purpose was for his own generation. He did God's will, then died, and his body decayed. Peter made the same point in Acts 2:27–31. In short, he has been long dead to provide salvation. He couldn’t provide political independence, fill people's physical needs, restore human relationships, or reconcile sinners to God, could he?

On the other hand, His son, Jesus, did not see corruption. He lives perfectly. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.[1 Pet 2:22] In fact, “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”[Heb 4:16b] At one time, Jesus challenged the Jews to find any fault as the reason why they were to stone Him. They answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” [John 10:33]

But, what silenced the mouth of the enemies is His resurrection. His bruised body was buried but was changed into a glorified one. He is the firstfruit of the resurrection. Thus, Paul gloried in the truth of the resurrection,saying;

“ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”[1 Cor 15:54-57]

What does this mean to you and me today? Let’s believe and glory in His forgiveness and true freedom. As Paul declared, “Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.”[v.38,39] The law enslaves. But, ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’[John 8:36] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.[2 Cor 5:21]

Otherwise, those who scoff and won’t believe will perish in their unbelief. As Paul warned them by quoting Hab 1:5 , “

“Look, you scoffers,

be astounded and perish;

for I am doing a work in your days,

a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 13:24-35 ESV

24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’

26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

“‘You are my Son,

today I have begotten you.’

34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

REJECTION AND FULFILMENT

Paul continued to unpack history how the Messiah is revealed. God raised John the Baptist to preach baptism of repentance. He laser focused on lifting Christ up, even evading himself. Sadly, it fell to deaf ears among the Jews. In fact, when Jesus came and did His public ministry, they vehemently rejected and opposed Him. They did not recognize him [Jesus] nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath. Paul commented about this, saying, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”[Rom 10:2]

Obliviously, their rejection had fulfilled the promise. Jesus was mobbed, wrongly accused and humiliated, so that He was crucified. Without all these, Jesus shouldn’t have died by crucifixion. And, there would be no resurrection from death that followed. Thus, everything happened for the purpose of God’s redemption. As the psalmist declared, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]

Scriptures can’t be wrong. Whatever was written will surely come to pass. Not even a single dot Jesus said. Paul had refreshed them to what was quoted in Psalm 2 and Isa 55. Paul had shown the relationship between God and that the Savior—Jesus is the Son of God the Father. He is the ‘begotten’ Son of the Father. This refers to the broader sense of Jesus' whole ministry and mission as described in John 3:16. God’s blessings He promised to David can be everlasting and sure, or trustworthy: God's Holy One was raised from the dead and did not see corruption or decay, as promised in Psalm 16:10. Even Jesus did claim that He and His sacrifice are the main subjects in the Scripture as Luke had recorded. “Then Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”[Luke 24:44]

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 13:13-23 ESV

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:

“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

HISTORY IS HIS STORY

The team left Paphos [Cyprus] to Perga in Pamphylia. John Mark left them back to Jerusalem. They arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. As was their custom, they went to the synagogue during Sabbath day. After the reading of the law and prophets, they were invited to say words of encouragement. Thus, Paul stood up and preached. God had created an opportunity for him to preach Christ.

He politely addressed the Jews as a people who feared God. They were religious, reverent people, and full of piety, but not necessarily that they knew God personally. Paul, then, moved on to declare a historical account that Jesus, is the fulfillment as the long promised Messiah they were waiting for.

God chose Israel not because they were great. They were a very small and weak nation. They became captives in Egypt but became great after 400 years. Through Moses, God uplifted them and led them into the wilderness, where they wandered for forty years. And, it was through Joshua’s leadership that God made them possess the land when they defeated the seven nations or tribes inside. From Egypt to their settlement in the Land of Promise, it took them 450 years. After Joshua, He gave them the judges until the prophet Samuel came. The people asked Samuel a king. Thus, God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. God removed Saul and chose David in his place whom the Lord testified,” ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

Jesus is the offspring of David. Paul wrote later, “concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh”[Rom 1:3], Also in 1 Tim 2:8, he expressed “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.”

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 13:4-12 ESV

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

OPPOSITION

Though the team was sent by the Holy Spirit, it didn’t mean they won’t meet opposition in preaching the gospel. They arrived at Salamis and they preached at the synagogues of the Jews. A proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But a certain magician and false prophet named Bar-Jesus [Elymas] opposed them seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Even later, Paul recognized that at Ephesus “a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”[1 Cor 16:9]

Bar-Jesus [Elymas] was a servant of Satan. Satan, as the prince of the world, has every unregenerate person under his captivity. He destroys lives until one believes on Jesus.[John 10:10] He blinds them from the truth [2 Cor 4:4] Thus, he would prevent anyone to believe Jesus as what Elymas did to Sergius Paulus.

But, Satan is a defeated foe. Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

What Paul did was to appropriate the authority of the Lord to cripple His enemies. Truth wins. He [Christ] disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.[Col 2:15] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.[Col 1:13] We are victorious in Christ. John says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”[1 John 4:4] Thus, James said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”[Jas 4:7]

As a result the proconsul believed the gospel. Ha saw and was astonished of the teaching of the Lord. Salvation is purely Spirit’s working in and through the sinner’s heart. Man has no part except to preach the gospel.

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 13:1-3 ESV

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

SET APART BY GOD

Antioch is south of the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day bay of Antakya, Turkey. The church here has started because of Saul's persecution of the church (Acts 8:1–3) Later, this church did Barnabas and Saul make us the base to their missionary journey.

One day, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul were gathered together worshiping and fasting. Men of diverse backgrounds were united to worship and serve God because of the gospel. It's not clear if they were doing so because of a specific need but "while" fasting probably means it was a regular practice.

Barnabas and Saul were chosen by the Spirit. This was a clear answer to their prayers. Thus, they laid their hands on the two to show they authorized their commissioning. They did not endow Barnabas and Saul with special spiritual gifts, did they? Barnabas was already a prophet and Saul was a teacher. And certainly, they were not giving them the Holy Spirit. Barnabas had received the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36–37; 11:22–24), and Saul when Ananias laid his hands on him. (Acts 9:17)

Definitely, the Holy Spirit honored the prayers of the leaders of the church in Antioch by giving specific guidance. However, today, we shouldn't assume that God would always tell us exactly what to do like these men. But, in most cases His plan is for us to live faithfully our lives forChrist and the gospel through biblical principles. Not all of us are called to fulltime ministry, but we are all called to live for Christ wherever we are.

Every heart without Christ is a mission field. Every heart with Christ is a missionary.

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 12:24-25 ESV

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

GOSPEL GROWTH

When Herod, the murderer died, the church prospered. His horrible death of being eaten by worms must had initiated fear among the people for Herod’s plight for blaspheming God.

Resultingly, the word of God increased and multiplied. For the believers, Jesus is "The Word," and in the same sense, so is the scriptures, although at this point in time it was not completed yet. Hence, "word" means the idea, doctrine, and message of Jesus. It is the gospel message that Jesus is God and that He was born into a human form, crucified for our sins, and rose again on the third day for our salvation.

‘Increased’ meant the word spread geographically or grew in the hearts of each believer as they came to know God better and allowed the Holy Spirit to work in them. We term this as "sanctification”, the lifelong journey of growing in spiritual maturity.

While "multiplied" referred to the spread of something to others, rather than an internal growth. That is, the understanding of salvation through Jesus grew in His followers and spread to other people groups.

Based on historical account, Barnabas and Paul didn't go to Jerusalem until King Agrippa I was dead. Barnabas and Saul went back from Jerusalem with John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. John Mark lived in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) They returned from Jerusalem to Antioch after they ‘completed their ministry’, that was probably, delivering the relief to the brethren affected by the famine.

Paul later expressed the dynamics of gospel ministry progress. He wrote to the church at Corinth, “as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6b,7] Let’s function faithfully where God has placed us. Each of us has different gifts in the gospel ministry, as was Paul, Apollos, Barnabas and John Mark. Paul was not to compete but to compliment Apollos work. Apollos has a church to water because Paul planted it. Paul should have been dismayed if the church has not grown, even dying, because no one is watering them like Apollos after him. Like both of them, we must play our distinct roles faithfully. And, God gave the increase.

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 12:18-24 ESV

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

PRIDE DESTROYS

The soldiers were disturbed to realize Peter’s escape. Their fear was founded. King Herod had anticipated the day of Peter’s execution for this would please the Jews. Herod became mad when Peter could not be found so that he executed the sentries or guards.

Herod went down from Judea to settle at Caesaria Maritima, the capital of the Roman government in the region. There was a conflict between Agrippa and Tyre and Sidon, but the language suggests that they argued violently. Tyre and Sidon are two city-states in Phoenicia, north of Galilee. One day, they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain[a trusted personal assistant], they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

King Herod Agrippa I epitomized pride. One appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” It was pure madness. His eccentricism had cause him to rob God the glory due only to His name. the people equated him to God and he loved it.

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Surely, it was a horrible sight for a king to be eaten by worms alive. This is far more tragic to the humiliation of King Nebuchadnezzar, who also extolled himself as God. He was put down by God so that he crawled as an animal alone in the fields eating grass.

What does this mean for us today?

Let’s remember that God deserves all the glory. Isaiah says, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.”[Isa 42:8a] The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords [1 Tim 6:14] Thus, for each one of us, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Cor 10:31] Like John the Baptist, let us seek that Jesus should increase and we should decrease. Nothing less. Nothing else.

Sola Deo gloria.

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 12:12-17 ESV

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

SURPRISES

The account of Peter having been imprisoned and freed has brought a few surprises. Peter, when he fast asleep, was ‘struck at the side and woke up’ by the angel. His chains fell off. He dressed up and followed the angel walking past the two set of guards. After passing through the opened iron gate, he reached outside to the street where the angel left him. At first he thought he saw a vision until he realized it was real when he was already outside.

A few minutes later, at the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, Peter knocked the door while the believers were praying. Tradition says Mary owned the upper room where Jesus held the Last Supper and the disciples had their headquarters (Acts 2:1). The fact that Peter knew to go to her upon his release indicates her importance in the Jerusalem church.

A servant girl named Rhoda heard and recognized Peter’s voice. She was too excited or joyful to not open the gate and intervened their praying and saying that Peter was at the gate.

What were their reactions?

They accused Rhoda for being mad. That, Rhoda was out of her mind. Who truly was out of their mind? What can we say to a person who is praying for rain and is not bringing his umbrella? How many times we display our inconsistencies in prayer. We pray that God can do the impossible but we won’t believe or doubt if He did. Perhaps, they were expecting God to answer m thein a different manner. A similar predicament with Martha and Mary, who did not expect Lazarus to rise from death at that day but much later during the day of the resurrection.

But, Rhoda was insisting and Peter kept knocking, even shouting outside. But, they said, ‘It’s his angel.” Jews believed one's guardian angel. It's surprising too why they wouldn't be eager to go and speak with the angel. In short, they explained it away for their unbelief that God would answer their prayer immediately and miraculously.

When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. Our God is an awesome God, is he not? Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [Eph 3:20] Several times the Bible states that faith is an essential step in receiving a positive answer to prayer. Jesus told the disciples, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Mat 21:22). This doesn't mean we can receive anything we want if only we have enough faith. We must also pray according to God's will according to John, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14). 

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Acts 12:5-11 ESV

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

THE SLEEP OF PETER

King Herod Agrippa I had beheaded James and was determined to deliver Peter to the Jews after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. Peter’s life was at stake. Yet, we found Peter sleeping in between two soldiers. Sleep is a gift from God.[Psa 127:2]

A few weeks back, we saw Peter sleeping in the garden of Gethsemane with the other disciples. It was a sleep marked by weakness for they supposed to be awake and had prayed with Jesus. When Jesus tenderly warned them, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”[Matt 26:41]

Contrariwise, Peter’s sleep here wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was a mark of peace and security. What made the difference her? Peter became a different man, that is, a Spirit-filled apostle. The Holy Spirit was in control and not his feeble self. Isn’t peace the fruit of the Spirit? [Gal 5:22,23] “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”[2 Cor 3:17] Fear brings bondage but our submission to the Spirit could free us from any form of bondage.

Moreover, the church was praying for him. There is a comfort when we know that the brethren are praying us during our time of crisis. God promises to hear, with a mind to act on the prayers of those who are righteous. Solomon writes, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”(Prov 15:29)

--------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram