Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation.As stated in 2 Peter 1:20, “First, knowing this: that all prophecy of Scripture does not come to be of one’s own interpretation.”

Prerequisites for Proper Interpretation

1. One must be born again (1 Peter 1:3, 23).Only those who are saved have the capacity to receive the things from the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13). To properly understand Scripture, one must not only be saved but also spiritual.

2. One must be spiritual—emanating things from the Spirit.The spiritual believer is able to receive the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13).A carnal Christian, by contrast, cannot receive the things from the Spirit (Romans 8:5–8; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 3:1–3; Hebrews 5:12–13).

Spirituality begins with a proper frame of mind (Romans 8:5–6; Colossians 3:1–4).A proper mindset leads to a proper walk.We are not to conduct our lives like the Gentiles, who walk in the futility of their minds (Ephesians 4:17).Rather, God has enabled us to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).When we walk by the Spirit, we fulfill the law of the Spirit (Romans 8:4).We walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), and when doing so, we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17).We are thus able to walk in the good works which God has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

The Original Text of the Bible Is the Inerrant Word of God

We must presuppose the verbal plenary inspiration of the text (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16).Every word of Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

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The Gospel is Brought to Iconium (Acts 14:1–7)

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Iconium, a great many Jews and Greeks believed the gospel (Acts 14:1). However, the unpersuaded Jews stirred up and mistreated the souls (emotions) of the Gentiles against the brethren (Acts 14:2). Despite this opposition, Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium for a long time, boldly witnessing to the truth (Acts 14:3).

As a result, the people of the city became divided, some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles (Acts 14:4). Eventually, the Jews, along with some Gentiles and the rulers of the city, attempted to spitefully treat and stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:5). Learning of this plot, the apostles fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:6), and the gospel continued to spread throughout the region (Acts 14:7).

The Negative Impact of a Sign on the Gentiles (Acts 14:8–18)

While in Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled from his mother’s womb (Acts 14:8). This man listened intently to Paul, and seeing his faith, Paul told him to stand upright on his feet, and he was healed (Acts 14:9–10).

Upon witnessing this miracle, the people of Lystra exclaimed that Paul and Barnabas were gods, calling Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:11–12). The priest of Zeus even brought oxen and garlands to offer a sacrifice with the crowds (Acts 14:13).

Barnabas and Paul, in great distress, tore their clothing—a Jewish expression used to draw attention to a grievous matter (Acts 14:14). They urged the people not to offer sacrifices to them, explaining that they were mere men with the same nature, preaching that the people should turn from these useless things to the living God (Acts 14:15). Paul and Barnabas testified that although God had previously allowed the nations to walk in their own ways (Acts 14:16), He had not left Himself without witness. God had given rain from heaven, fruitful seasons, and filled hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17). Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the multitudes from sacrificing to them (Acts 14:18).

The Jews from Antioch and Iconium Stone Paul (Acts 14:19–20)

Soon after, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived in Lystra and persuaded the crowds against Paul (Acts 14:19). They stoned him and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, Paul rose up.

Paul later recounts this experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1–4. He records the event fourteen years later, describing how he was caught up to Paradise at the edge of the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2–4). Prior to Christ’s resurrection, Paradise was located within Hades (Psalm 16:10), where three chambers existed: the lowest Sheol, where unsaved humans resided (Deuteronomy 32:22); the abyss, where fallen angels were bound (Luke 8:31); and Paradise, where the Old Testament saints were kept (Luke 16:22; 23:43). After Christ’s resurrection, believers who die now enter directly into the presence of the Lord in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).

At that time, Paul was not permitted to enter fully into the third heaven, and God resuscitated him. He heard words that were inexpressible and not permissible to utter in this life (2 Corinthians 12:4). The next day, Paul and Barnabas departed for Derbe (Acts 14:20).

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch (Acts 14:21–28)

In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples (Acts 14:21). They then returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith, warning that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:21–22).

In each city, they appointed elders (pastors) for the assemblies, commending them to the Lord with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23). They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia (Acts 14:24), where they preached the word of God in Perga and went down to Attalia (Acts 14:25).

Finally, they returned to Antioch, from where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed (Acts 14:26). Upon arrival, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done with them, including how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). They remained in Antioch for a long time, staying with the disciples (Acts 14:28).

The First Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

Following their return, certain men from Jerusalem came and began teaching the Gentile believers that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). The book of Galatians was later written in response to this issue, addressing how some sought to turn the saints away from the grace of Christ to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6–7).

The term "Galatianism" describes this error—depicting a person who seeks to appear righteous before others through their works (Galatians 6:12). Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed and disputed with those teaching circumcision (Acts 15:2), and the church at Antioch determined that they should go to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders (Acts 15:3).

As they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, Paul and Barnabas described the conversion of the Gentiles, bringing great joy to all the brethren (Acts 15:4). Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, but some believers from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, insisting that circumcision and obedience to the Mosaic Law were necessary (Acts 15:5–6).

This sect, though believing in the resurrection of Christ, had infiltrated the church, and later in Acts, their influence is evident when James boasts to Paul about their zeal for the law. Circumcision inherently required complete obedience to the Mosaic Law.

At the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6–22), the apostles and elders came together to consider the matter carefully. Peter recounted how the Gentiles had heard the gospel through him and believed (Acts 15:7). God, knowing the heart, bore witness by giving them the Holy Spirit, making no distinction between Jews and Gentiles and purifying their hearts by faith (Acts 15:8–9).

Peter questioned why they would test God by placing a yoke upon the Gentile believers that neither their ancestors nor they themselves could bear (Acts 15:10), affirming that salvation comes through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the same for all (Acts 15:11).

Barnabas and Paul then shared the miracles and wonders God had performed among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). Afterward, James stood and delivered his judgment, agreeing that they should not trouble the Gentiles by demanding circumcision and obedience to the law (Acts 15:13–21). He cited the words of the prophets that foretold the Gentiles would seek the Lord (Acts 15:15–18) and outlined simple instructions for them to follow (Acts 15:19–21).

The council agreed with James' judgment, and a letter was drafted to communicate their decision (Acts 15:22).

Breastplate of Righteousness – Ephesians 6:14

* We Are Righteous Because We Are in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:21

* By His Stripes We Are Healed – 1 Peter 2:24

* Abraham’s Righteousness Is an Example for Us—It Was a Righteousness That Came by Faith – Romans 4:22-24

* Not Through Any Quality of the Law – Romans 3:21

* Defends Against Independence from God and Pride

* Independence from God—Knowing to Do Good Yet Ignoring It – James 4:13-17

* Pride—A Novice Falling into Condemnation from the Devil – 1 Timothy 3:6

* Pride—Argumentative and Discontent – 1 Timothy 6:4-6

Feet Prepared with the Gospel of Peace – Ephesians 6:15

* This Is the Message of Salvation – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

* It Is a Gospel of Peace, Not Works – Romans 5:1

* Defends Against Stealing, Laziness in Spiritual Things, and Bitterness

* Stealing – Ephesians 4:27-30

* Laziness in Spiritual Matters – 1 Timothy 5:11-15

* Bitterness—A Result of Thinking You Did Not Get What You Deserved – Hebrews 12:15-16

* We Graciously Received the Gospel Message

* God Did Not Spare His Own Son – Romans 8:32

* The Spirit of God Reveals to Us What Has Been Graciously Given – 1 Corinthians 2:12

The Shield of Faith – Ephesians 6:16

* Faith Is Taking God at His Word – Hebrews 11:1

* Without Faith, We Can Do Nothing – Hebrews 11:6

* Faith Produces Actions in Our Lives – James 2:26

* Defends Against Doubt

* Doubt Means to Thoroughly Judge or Dispute—Not in a Good Sense

* Asking While Doubting – James 1:6

* Are We Asking According to His Will? Then We Will Receive It – 1 John 5:14-15

* Not Receiving? Then We May Be Asking to Satisfy the Flesh – James 4:3

* One Who Acts While Doubting Sins – Romans 14:23

* Fiery Darts of the Malignantly Evil One

* Intended to Cause Doubt About What God Has Done and Provided

* Satan Seeks to Spread His Wickedness by Tempting Us to Act Independently of God

* Doubt Is Acting Against God's Standards While Hoping for an Acceptable Outcome

The Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:17

* Our Salvation in Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

* Defends Against Disappointment, Discouragement, Cowardice in Spiritual Things, and an Unforgiving Spirit

* Disappointment – Job 3:1-26

* Discouragement – Job 10:1-22

* Cowardice in Spiritual Matters – Luke 22:31-32

* Stand Firm as Men – 1 Corinthians 16:13

* Unforgiving (Not Gracious) Spirit – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

The Betrayal of the Messiah

The Messiah’s Entry to Jerusalem

* The Promise of the King – Zechariah 9:9

* Two disciples sent to fulfill prophecy – Matthew 21:2–4

* Israel did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah – Matthew 21:6; Luke 19:40–44

The Promised Messiah

* From the seed of David – 2 Samuel 7:8–16

* Born in Bethlehem – Micah 5:2

* Given the nations as an inheritance – Psalm 2:2–8

* Cut off for a time – Isaiah 53:1–12

* Seventy weeks determined for Israel's transgression – Daniel 9:24–26

* To finish the transgression

* To seal up sin

* To cover perversity (the sin nature)

* Messiah cut off in the 69th week

* Sins of the people laid upon Him – Isaiah 53:4–5

The Betrayal of the Messiah – Tuesday Night

* Passover dinner prepared and eaten – Luke 22:7–8

* The betrayal by Judas – Luke 22:47–48

* Jesus reveals the betrayer – Luke 22:21; John 13:26

* Satan involved in the betrayal – Luke 22:3

* His attempts to thwart Jesus failed

* Demon-possessed were healed – Matthew 8:16

* Tried to tempt Jesus to fail – Mark 1:13

In the Garden

* Agony of Jesus – Luke 22:44

* Submission to the Father's will – Luke 22:42; John 18:11

The Trial Before the Sanhedrin

* Jesus taken to Annas first – John 18:12–13

* Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and doctrine – John 18:19

* Jesus question why he was asking, he could question those who heard Him for He spoke nothing in secret – John 18:20–23

* Bound and sent to Caiaphas, the high priest – John 18:24

The Trial – Wednesday Morning

* Trial before the council – Luke 22:66–71

* Day of Preparation for Passover – John 19:14

* Trial before the high priest – Mark 14:55–56

* Full council present – Luke 22:66

* Jesus declares His deity – Luke 22:67–70

* They understood His claim – Luke 22:71

Trial Before Pilate

* False accusations – Luke 23:1–5

* Sent to Herod; Jesus remains silent – Luke 23:8–12

* Pilate finds no guilt – John 18:38

* Pilate tries to release Jesus – John 18:39

* Rejection by the Jews – Luke 23:23–25

The Death and Resurrection of Christ

The Crucifixion – Wednesday Afternoon

* Crucified – Luke 23:33

* Reason for the Cross

* To draw all to Himself – John 12:32

* In obedience to the Father – Philippians 2:8

* God’s love for the world – John 3:16

Two Deaths on the Cross

* Prophecy of His deaths – Isaiah 53:9

* Spiritual death

* Separation from God – Mark 15:34

* Three hours of darkness – Luke 23:44

* Physical death

* He breathed His last – Luke 23:46

* Required for sin – Hebrews 9:22

* Payment for Adam’s sin – Romans 5:12, 17

* Veil torn in two – Mark 15:37–38

* Burial before sunset – Luke 23:52–54

Three Days and Three Nights in the Grave

* Prophesied time in the grave – Matthew 12:39–40

* Soul not left in Sheol – Psalm 16:10

* Body not corrupted – Acts 2:31

* Corruption begins on the fourth day – John 11:38–39

* Christ was raised on the third day

After the Crucifixion

The Day After the Day of Preparation – Thursday

* Guards placed at the tomb – Matthew 27:62–64

* Feast of Unleavened Bread Sabbaths – Leviticus 23:4–7

* Passover begins – Leviticus 23:5

* Feast of Unleavened Bread begins – Leviticus 23:6

* High Sabbath – Leviticus 23:7

Two Sabbaths in One Week

* Death of Christ on Wednesday – Day of Preparation

* High Sabbath – Thursday (First day of Unleavened Bread)

* Friday – normal workday (preparation for weekly Sabbath)

* Saturday – weekly Sabbath

* Sunday – resurrection (first day of the week)

The Day After the High Sabbath – Friday

* Preparation of spices – Luke 23:56

The Seventh Day Sabbath – Saturday

* Rest observed – Luke 23:56

The Resurrection – Sunday

* First day of the week – Luke 24:1–3

* Resurrection of Christ – Luke 24:5–6

* Three days since crucifixion – Luke 24:21

* Sentenced Tuesday night

* Handed to Pilate and crucified Wednesday

* In the grave three days and three nights

* Rose Sunday before sunrise

Salvation by Taking God at His Word

The Gospel Message – 1 Corinthians 15:1–5

* Christ died on behalf of our sins according to the Scriptures – Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 9:28

* Christ was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures – Luke 24:5–6

Salvation is by Grace through Faith – Ephesians 2:8

* Grace – God's attitude of giving without regard to merit

* Faith – Taking God at His Word – Hebrews 11:1

Witnesses of His Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:5–8

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Our Daily Armor

· The Armor of Light – Romans 13:12

· Weapons (Armor or Instruments) of Righteousness – 2 Corinthians 6:7

· Breastplate of Faith and Love – 1 Thessalonians 5:8

· Helmet of Hope – 1 Thessalonians 5:8

The Armor of God (The Faith)

· We Resist by the Faith – 1 Peter 5:9

· Our Strength Comes from the Lord, Not Ourselves – Ephesians 6:10

· Used Only in the Evil Day—The Day We Are Under Attack – Ephesians 6:13

· A Battle for the Mind – Ephesians 6:12

Girding the Loins with Truth – Ephesians 6:14

* Refers to Our Thoughts—What Goes Through the Mind – 1 Peter 1:13

* Truth Is Seeing Things as They Really Are

* Truth Is an Attribute of God

* God Always Speaks the Truth – Romans 3:4

* He Always Fulfills What He Says He Will Do – Numbers 23:19

* God Does Not Lie – Hebrews 6:18

* Truth Combats Lying and Gossip

* Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1-4

* Those Who Gossip – 1 Timothy 5:13-15

Breastplate of Righteousness – Ephesians 6:14

* We Are Righteous Because We Are in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:21

* By His Stripes We Are Healed – 1 Peter 2:24

* Abraham’s Righteousness Is an Example for Us—It Was a Righteousness That Came by Faith – Romans 4:22-24

* Not Through Any Quality of the Law – Romans 3:21

* Defends Against Independence from God and Pride

* Independence from God—Knowing to Do Good Yet Ignoring It – James 4:13-17

* Pride—A Novice Falling into Condemnation from the Devil – 1 Timothy 3:6

* Pride—Argumentative and Discontent – 1 Timothy 6:4-6

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Review

· All Judea Hears the Gentiles Have Received the Word of God (Acts 11:1–18)

· The Gospel Spreads Among the Gentiles (Acts 11:19–24)

· Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles Begins (Acts 11:25–26)

· The Church Is Warned of a Coming Great Famine (Acts 11:27–30)

· The Persecution of the Church by Herod (Acts 12:1–19)

· Herod Is Struck Down by God (Acts 12:20–23)

Barnabas and Paul Are Sent Out (Acts 13:1–3)

* In Antioch, the church had prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1):

* Simeon, called Niger

* His nickname indicates he had darker skin.

* Lucius of Cyrene

* His name indicates he was likely a Gentile.

* Lucius is a common Roman name.

* He is from Cyrene, a city in modern-day Libya, North Africa.

* Mentioned again in Romans 16:21 as one of Paul’s fellow workers.

* Manaen (who had connections to Herod’s court)

* Saul (later known as Paul, the apostle)

Barnabas and Saul Are Sent Out from Antioch (Acts 13:2–3)

* While they were rendering religious service, the Holy Spirit instructed them to send out Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2).

* Although often translated as “worship,” λειτουργέω refers to the rendering of religious service (Romans 15:27; Hebrews 10:11).

* They were instructed to separate Barnabas and Saul for the task to which God had previously called them (Acts 13:2).

* After fasting and worship, they affirmed their calling and sent them out (Acts 13:3).

Barnabas and Saul Bring the Word of God to Cyprus (Acts 13:4–12)

* Barnabas and Saul sailed to Cyprus, arriving in Salamis (Acts 13:5).

* Salamis was located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

* It was the principal port and largest city of Cyprus during the Roman period.

* The presence of a synagogue indicates a significant Jewish diaspora community.

* They were assisted by John (also known as Mark).

* They encountered Bar-Jesus, a magician (Acts 13:6–12).

* While traveling across the island, they met a Jewish false prophet (Acts 13:6).

* He was with the proconsul, a Roman provincial governor, who desired to hear the word of God (Acts 13:7).

* Elymas the magician opposed Barnabas and Saul, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith (Acts 13:8).

* The Holy Spirit judges Elymas (Acts 13:9–11):

* Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts him (Acts 13:9).

* Elymas is called a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness (Acts 13:10).

* He is struck with temporary blindness (Acts 13:11).

* As a result, Sergius Paulus believed the word of God (Acts 13:12).

The Word of God Comes to Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13–52)

* Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark left them (Acts 13:13).

* John Mark had been helping with travel, lodging, and provisions.

* Arriving in Antioch of Pisidia, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14).

* After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers invited any word of exhortation (Acts 13:15).

* Paul addressed the assembly (Acts 13:16):

* He acknowledged both Israelites and God-fearing Gentiles.

* God chose the ancestors of Israel (Acts 13:17).

* He led them out of Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness for forty years (Acts 13:17–18).

* He destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave them the land (Acts 13:19).

* All of this spanned about 450 years (Acts 13:20).

* God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet (Acts 13:20).

* Israel asked for a king, and God gave them Saul (Acts 13:21).

* God removed Saul and raised up David as king (Acts 13:22).

* From David’s lineage, God brought forth a Savior—Jesus—as promised (Acts 13:23).

* Before Jesus' appearance, John preached a baptism of repentance (Acts 13:24).

* At the end of his ministry, John declared the coming of one greater than himself (Acts 13:25).

* The message of salvation was sent to Israel and those who fear God (Acts 13:26).

* Those in Jerusalem and their rulers fulfilled the words of the prophets by condemning Jesus (Acts 13:27).

* Though they found no fault in Him, they handed Him over to Pilate for execution (Acts 13:28).

* After fulfilling all that was written, Jesus was buried (Acts 13:29).

* But God raised Him from the dead (Acts 13:30), and He appeared to many witnesses (Acts 13:31).

* Paul declared that this good news was the fulfillment of God's promises (Acts 13:32–37):

* The promise made to the fathers was fulfilled to their children (Acts 13:32–33).

* God raised Jesus from the dead, as foretold in Scripture (Acts 13:34–37).

* Paul proclaimed the sending away (forgiveness) of sins through Jesus (Acts 13:38–39).

* He warned them with the words of the prophets concerning scoffers (Acts 13:40–41).

* The people requested to hear more the following Sabbath (Acts 13:42).

* Many Jews and devout converts followed Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:43).

* The Jewish leaders, seeing the large crowds, became jealous (Acts 13:45–47):

* They opposed Paul and Barnabas and spoke against them (Acts 13:45).

* Paul and Barnabas responded boldly, stating that the word of God was to be proclaimed first to the Jews (Acts 13:46).

* Since they rejected it, the apostles turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47).

* The Gentiles rejoiced upon hearing that salvation had come to them (Acts 13:48).

* The word of the Lord spread throughout the region (Acts 13:49).

* Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet against those who opposed them and traveled to Iconium (Acts 13:50–51).

* The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

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Satan’s Methodology

* Independence from God – James 4:13-17

* Pride – 1 Timothy 3:6

* Disappointment – Job 3:1-26

* Discouragement – Job 10:1-22

* Bitterness – Job 7:11

* Doubt – James 1:6

* Cowardice in Spiritual Matters – Luke 22:31

* Lying – Acts 5:1-4

* An Unforgiving Spirit – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

* Stealing – Ephesians 4:27-30

* Corrupt Communication – Ephesians 4:27-30

* Laziness in Spiritual Matters – 1 Timothy 5:11-15

* Gossip – 1 Timothy 5:13

* Being a Busybody – 1 Timothy 5:13

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Demonic Activity Today

* Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers – 2 Corinthians 4:4

* Satan pacifies unbelievers through the world system – 1 John 5:19

* Satan energizes his sons—those sent to mimic Christians – Ephesians 2:2; 5:6

* Satan battles spiritually with believers – Ephesians 6:12

* He seeks to ensnare them to do his will – 2 Timothy 2:26

* He transforms his servants into servants of righteousness – 2 Corinthians 11:15

* There is no indication of demonic possession occurring today:

* Unbelievers are still influenced by demons.

* Superstition, a work of the flesh, also contributes to the appearance of perceived demonic activity.

* Those who formerly possessed humans are now bound – Luke 8:31

* A description of the lower ranks of demons—those involved in demonic possession – Revelation 9:6, as compared to the higher ranks, who bring plagues – Revelation 9:17

* They wear fake victor’s crowns – Revelation 9:7

* They possess authority to harm people – Revelation 9:10

The Christian’s Authority Over Demons

Authority of the Disciples

* During the earthly ministry of Christ – Mark 3:14

* Given authority by Christ – Luke 9:1

* The Seventy-One – Luke 10:1, 17

* This authority had no implications for the Church – Matthew 10:5–6

Authority of Peter and the Other Apostles

* After the resurrection of Christ and the establishment of the Church:

* Used as a sign for the Jews – Acts 5:12

* Healing and casting out demons – Acts 5:14–16

Authority of Paul

* A steward of our dispensation (the Dispensation of Grace) – Colossians 1:25

* Signs used for the Jews – Acts 19:11–12

* Casting out demons – Acts 16:16–18

* Turning a saint over to Satan – 1 Timothy 1:20

* Did not have authority over all demons – 2 Corinthians 12:7

Authority of the Church

* Resist demons – James 4:7

* Stand firm in the faith – 1 Peter 5:9

Traditions of Men for Battling Demons

* Anointing a house perceived to be full of demons

Angelic and Demonic Warfare

The Impact of Prayer

* Often presented as a physical battle

* Our prayers assist in the battle

Improper Ways Taught to Overcome Satan

* Through prayer and sayings

* Pleading the blood of Jesus

* Fasting

* Solitude

* The Cross

The Issue with the Ending of Mark

Major Textual Issues

* Most of the last chapter is derived from Latin sources

* Contradicts other accounts of Christ’s resurrection

* Used to justify traditions of men – Mark 16:17–18

Ministry in Lydda and Sharon (Acts 9:32–35)

* Peter spreads the message of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 9:32).

* Aeneas is healed as a sign to the Jews in Lydda (Acts 9:33–34).

* The residents of Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord (Acts 9:35).

Historical and Geographical Context:

* Lydda:

* Established by the tribe of Benjamin after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 11:35).

* Known under Roman rule as Diospolis (“City of Zeus”).

* Located in the coastal plain of Judea, about 10–12 miles southeast of Joppa and 25–30 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

* Identified with the modern Israeli city of Lod.

* Functioned as a significant administrative and commercial center along the Via Maris trade route.

* Sharon:

* A fertile coastal plain in which Lydda was located.

* Extended from Joppa to Mount Carmel, about 50 miles long and 10 miles wide.

* Part of the major international highway network between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The Resuscitation of Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43)

* Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa, is known for good works and charitable alms (Acts 9:36).

* She becomes ill and dies (Acts 9:37).

* The disciples send for Peter (Acts 9:38).

* God raises Tabitha through Peter (Acts 9:39–40).

* Peter presents her alive (Acts 9:41).

* Many in Joppa believe because of her restoration (Acts 9:42).

* Peter remains in Joppa for several days (Acts 9:43).

God Sends a Messenger to Cornelius (Acts 10:1–8)

* Cornelius:

* A centurion of the Italian Cohort (Acts 10:1).

* The unit’s Latin name, Cohors II Italica Civium Romanorum, signifies it was composed of Roman citizens—an elite auxiliary unit.

* Possibly a volunteer force, stationed in Caesarea Maritima.

* A proselyte who feared God (Acts 10:2).

* Cornelius receives a vision during prayer at the ninth hour (Acts 10:3).

* An angel tells him:

* His prayers and alms have ascended to God (Acts 10:4).

* He must send for Peter, who is in Joppa (Acts 10:5–6).

* Cornelius sends two servants and a devout soldier (Acts 10:7–8).

Peter’s Vision: Gentiles Will Be Fellow Heirs (Acts 10:9–23)

* At the sixth hour, Peter prays on a rooftop (Acts 10:9).

* He falls into a trance and sees:

* A sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals (Acts 10:10–12).

* A voice commands him to kill and eat (Acts 10:13).

* Peter refuses, citing uncleanness (Acts 10:14).

* The voice says not to call common what God has cleansed (Acts 10:15).

* This occurs three times (Acts 10:16).

* The men from Cornelius arrive while Peter is perplexed about the vision (Acts 10:17–18).

* The Spirit instructs Peter to go with them (Acts 10:19–20).

* The men explain why they were sent (Acts 10:21–22).

* Peter invites them in and departs with them the next day (Acts 10:23).

The Gentiles Are Accepted into the Church (Acts 10:24–48)

Peter Meets Cornelius (Acts 10:24–29):

* Cornelius expects Peter and gathers relatives and friends (Acts 10:24).

* He worships Peter, but Peter corrects him (Acts 10:25–26).

* Many are assembled to hear Peter (Acts 10:27).

* Peter explains that, though unlawful for Jews to associate with Gentiles, he came because the Spirit instructed him (Acts 10:28–29).

Cornelius Explains the Vision (Acts 10:30–33):

* Describes the angel in bright clothing and the command to send for Peter (Acts 10:30–32).

* He gathers everyone to hear what the Lord has commanded Peter (Acts 10:33).

Peter’s Sermon: The Death and Resurrection of Christ (Acts 10:34–43):

* God shows no partiality; all who fear Him are accepted (Acts 10:34–35).

* God sent the message to Israel, preaching peace through Jesus (Acts 10:36).

* The people knew of Jesus’ ministry after John’s baptism (Acts 10:37).

* Jesus was anointed by God, did good works, and healed the oppressed (Acts 10:38).

* Peter and others witnessed His ministry and death (Acts 10:39).

* God raised Him on the third day (Acts 10:40).

* He appeared to chosen witnesses (Acts 10:41).

* These witnesses were commanded to proclaim Him as Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42).

* The prophets testify that belief in Him brings forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43).

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44–48):

* While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44).

* This amazes the Jewish believers (Acts 10:45).

* The Gentiles speak in tongues (Acts 10:46).

* Peter commands that they be baptized (Acts 10:47–48).

* This fulfills the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the same body (Ephesians 3:6).

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The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8–7:60) and the subsequent persecution of the Church led by Saul (Acts 8:1–4) set the stage for the proclamation of the resurrected Christ in Samaria (Acts 8:5).

Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-13) believed the message of the resurrected Christ (Acts 8:9–13). Simon practiced sorcery, engaging in religious superstitious awe (Acts 8:9), which is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20) and involves false religions (Revelation 18:23). He claimed to be someone great (Acts 8:9), and the whole city gave heed to him, saying he was the power of God, the one called great (Acts 8:10). He had astonished them with his magic for a long time (Acts 8:11), but Philip evangelized the things concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 8:12), and Simon believed and continued with Philip (Acts 8:13).