BIBLE READING: Acts 26

Paul’s about-face to follow Christ had a profound and lasting effect on the church. But it also created enemies to his work. Those who had one been supporters of his zeal for the Jewish traditions weren’t just upset—they wanted him dead. They would chase him from town to town, ultimately resolving that he must not only be silenced but killed (Acts 9.23; 23.12; 25.3). 

Their efforts culminated in Paul’s arrest and trial (Acts 22.31-36). Throughout these proceedings Paul had opportunity to present his case not just to the authorities, but to his fellow Jews. He knew them, they knew him (Acts 26.4), and his desire was to help them see the truth about Jesus (Romans 9.3-5; 10.1-4). To do this, he gave his personal testimony as compelling evidence to the truth of Jesus as the Christ. 

“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth…” (Acts 26.9). “But I received mercy… that in me… Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe…” (1 Timothy 1.16). In every account of Paul’s conversion his message was, “You know who I used to be… but I’m not who I used to be.”

Luke records the conversion of Saul 3 times in Acts (Acts 9, 22 & 26). Throughout his letters, Paul would recount the changes Christ brought in his own life (see Galatians 1.13-24; Philippians 3.4-11; 1 Timothy 1.12-16). Jesus’ intrusion into Paul’s life was significant, and the effect on his way of life proved a powerful witness to Christ. Paul was not the same person after he came to know Jesus. I wonder if the same could be said for us. 

A couple thoughts to consider:

1. The gospel is intended to change you. Change in priority. Change in allegiance. Change in the way we talk and think and live. Our habits, desires, and goals must evolve to align with a manner worthy of our calling. A life without change does not understand the calling of the gospel. We are to put off what we want and put on new things that model Jesus (Ephesians 4.22-24). The longer we know Jesus, the more evident the change should be in our lives.
2. Your past reveals the gospel's value. There may be things in your past of which you are ashamed. It’s ok to reflect on, and even share those things from time to time. It reminds us how much God has done. We are not who we used to be by the grace of God.
3. The effect of the gospel in your life is powerful. When we practice what we preach, it draws others to Christ. Paul would often encourage believers to imitate him as he conformed his life to Christ (1 Corinthians 11.1; 2 Timothy 3.10-11). How you live becomes a model for others to witness and follow Christ. That is, in fact, our mission in this world. 

Take some time to reflect on the changes Jesus has brought into your life. Is your way of life a witness to the work of Jesus Christ? But don’t stop there. Think about how you still need to change. We are all on a journey to become more like Christ. By his grace let’s grow to become more like him today. 

“I am what I am by the grace of God.” (1 Corinthians 15.10)

BIBLE READING: Acts 18-19

“And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ (Acts 19.3-4)

Apollos taught boldly about Jesus in the synagogues at Ephesus (Acts 18.24). However, he only knew the baptism of John, which the text implies made his teaching incomplete (18.25). Because of this, Aquila and Pricilla took him aside and explained to him the way more accurately (18.26). We’re not told precisely what they taught him, but it must have been in relation to baptism’s role under Jesus. This is further explained when Paul returned to Ephesus in Acts 19 where he found some disciples who had only received John’s baptism (Acts 19.3). Paul explained that John’s baptism was for repentance and was intended to turn people towards belief in Jesus (19.4). They understood this to mean they needed to be baptized again into the name of the Lord Jesus (19.5). 

Throughout this episode, the reception of the Holy Spirit is emphasized (19.2, 6) because the Holy Spirit is promised to believers as a fulfillment of Jesus’ work (Mark 1.4-8; Acts 2.17, 38-39; 5.32). As new covenant understanding matured, the process of baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit became a single process, as foreseen in Acts 2.38. However, it was necessary in some cases for the Holy Spirit to be given miraculously, which was accompanied by spiritual gifts to confirm God’s approval (ex. 8.14-16; 10.44-48; 11.15-18). Such is the case here, as God affirmed that this was the proper way to accept Jesus (19.6). Believe in him as Lord and be baptized in his name.

Why all the fuss about whose baptism it was if people are already believing and teaching Jesus? In both episodes, there was misunderstanding that needed correction so that all could be right with Jesus. This emphasizes the import of being baptized with understanding. Baptism is the sign of our covenant with Jesus today (Romans 6.3-14; Colossians 2.11-12) and was directed by Jesus in his parting words (Matthew 28.18-20). But as Peter would say, it’s not simply getting in the water that saves, but “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3.21). If someone does not understand (1) their need for salvation and (2) accept that only submission to Jesus will do that, then the act of baptism will not save them. They must obey the command of Jesus to be baptized and observe all that he has commanded (Matthew 28.18-20) to truly follow Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5.32).

It is popular to state that everyone is on their own spiritual journey. This is not inaccurate. However, it can downplay the role of proper Christian doctrine and practice. Faith in Jesus is constrained by belief in the Lordship of Jesus and our commitment to obey his teaching. So, we must believe in the proper doctrine of Christ and appreciate the urgency it is intended to create. Its why Aquilla and Priscilla pulled Apollos aside. It’s why Paul had the Ephesian brethren ‘rebaptized’. We must align ourselves with the proper doctrine of Jesus by accepting what he says we must do, trusting his power to give us salvation.

BIBLE READING: Acts 14

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples…” (Acts 14.21-22a)

Paul liked to revisit places he had already been. But given the events of Acts 13-14, his return to these cities was unexpected. In Antioch, he was run out of town for preaching the gospel (Acts 13.50). In Iconium, the city was divided about them, and an attempt was made on their lives (Acts 14.4-5). Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra where the people treated them like gods (Acts 14.8-18), until the folks from Antioch and Iconium showed up. Paul was then dragged out of Lystra, stoned, and left for dead (Acts 14.19). Yet almost immediately he went back to all those places. Not only did he love these brethren but he recognized the power of demonstrated faithfulness in difficult circumstances.

A display of resolute strength in adversity is powerful. I recently spent time with my grandparents who are currently suffering from major health challenges. They’ve both been in and out of the hospital and things just aren’t getting better. It’s been difficult but they never once wallowed. Instead, they made it a point to talk to me about heaven and encourage me in my work. They aren’t thrilled with the present but they are convinced of the outcome; and their faith encouraged me to be more purposeful. The fact is, faith that is tested offers a powerful testimony to other believers.   

Your attitude in difficult situations has the potential to inspire determination in others. Your persistence may encourage someone who wants to give up. Paul didn’t return complaining about what happened. Sure, he was persecuted for what he taught. He sometimes even struggled with what he suffered. But he reminded them that this was part of being a follower of Jesus (Acts 14.22b). At one point he was nearly driven to despair (2 Corinthians 1.8-9); but he never lost sight of whom he trusted (2 Timothy 1.12). He determined to shared the peace and contentment he had learned from faith (Philippians 4.10-13).

We will all have difficult seasons, and it’s important we share that with each other. This is the value of fellowship. Like Paul, let’s determine to seek out other believers to lean on and find encouragement. But we need to remember that how we carry ourselves matters. We can give into despair, or we can dig into our faith. God has designed the church to bear one another’s burdens, but we must all make a commitment to trust him. A church united in this trust is a powerful source of strength to all involved. 

“…with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14.23b)

BIBLE READING: Acts 9

“…Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9.1-2)

Saul was public enemy #1 to these early Christians. His authority and actions drove fear into the new Christian community (Acts 9.1, 13-14). These were fragile times for believers in Jesus and Saul had potential to crush the whole movement. 

Given the events of Acts 5 you might have expected God to handle Saul decisively. But instead, how did God deal with Saul? He repurposed Saul for His work and glory. “He is a chosen instrument of mine,” God told Ananias (Acts 9.15). Following Jesus’ appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul made a dramatic about-face that no one expected. “…immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, “He is the Son of God.”” (Acts 9.20).

This came as a shock to everyone (Acts 9.21). Even when God told Ananias his plans, he was skeptical and uncomfortable (Acts 9.13-14). Given Saul’s deep ties among the religious leaders and recent actions (see Acts 8.1, 9.1-2), no one could have predicted what Saul would become. But God knew how useful he would make Saul for the kingdom. This is Saul’s (Paul) testimony to others. He would give no pretense about who he once was or why he changed. He gave all credit to God’s grace, mercy and patience (1 Timothy 1.12-16). 

We all have a past and some of it we’re not proud of. Some of you may not want to talk about your past. You are embarrassed about who you were and what you have done. But somewhere along the way you heard the gospel, and it changed you. Look at what God has done with you; think about how God has changed you. For many of us, the people we are today has nothing to do with what I wanted and everything to do with the power of the gospel and what God has done in me. 

The story of Saul reminds us that God’s invitation is for anyone. God may be working in the lives of someone who doesn’t appear to care and may even be opposed to him at the moment (Romans 5.8). But the gospel makes enemies into family; Sinners into saints. The gospel is an invitation from God for every single person to be useful in his kingdom.

May we never forget the source of our change, but also the purpose God has for us. “We are a chosen race, royal priesthood, a people for God’s own possession, that we might proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2.9-10).” God’s calling is for us to be useful in the kingdom, as we introduce others to him. It is not our job to change people but simply to get them connected to Jesus. Sometimes we plant, sometimes we water, sometimes we simply put life events in the context of Jesus, as Ananias did (Acts 9.17). Whatever the case, we are useful when we open the door for God to be known and let him do his work.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1.16)

BIBLE READING: Acts 3

“And a man lame from birth was being carried, who they laid daily at the gate of the temple… And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.” (Acts 3.2, 4-5)

There is a reason in our digital age, that the Girl Scouts continue to sell cookies face-to-face. Having to look those girls in the eyes makes their message more real and relevant to you. They are asking you not just to buy cookies but to invest in them. The Girl Scouts have run one of the most successful direct to consumer businesses in my lifetime simply because they recognize the value of personal interaction.

We live in a world where kiosks are replacing cashiers, social media is replacing true social interactions, and many people just don’t want to be bothered by the anxiety talking to another person. What this means for us is that opportunities to connect with people are becoming more and more scarce. It has become easier to accept this norm rather than step up to the call of the gospel. But we must not shrink back or give up. In fact, now, more than ever, is when we need to be connecting with others and pointing them to Jesus. But how do we reconnect with people in an increasingly disconnected world?

Notice how Peter turned this potentially awkward moment into a real social connection with 3 simple actions: Peter acknowledged the man, looked him in the eyes, and spoke to his need. Surely it would have been easier to just walk on by. This man had been there every day, and I’m sure many others passed by without a thought. But Peter and John stopped. They looked at him and had a conversation. They let him know he mattered. 

Choosing to engage someone you don’t know is probably the hardest part of evangelism for most of us. But did you notice it doesn’t have to be a big deal? Peter didn’t lead off with some deep theological question or force himself into this man’s life; he simply talked to him. We can’t fix everyone’s problems, but we can show compassion and concern for everyone. Certainly, God has done that for us (John 3.16; Romans 5.5-10)! 

More than anything this episode teaches us the personal nature of the gospel. The good news cannot be communicated unless God’s people do so (Romans 10.14-17). We live in a world of people in need. They are our friends, neighbors, people we see regularly at coffee shops, people we see at events we go to, maybe even people in our own family. We may not be able to meet their immediate needs, but because of the power of the gospel, we can give them what they truly need. But we have to take the first step and engage people with compassion and love for their souls.

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4.19)