Lesson 411

(Lesson 411)(09-30-12) Acts Chapter 28, "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the c And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

The lesson contained in this final chapter of Acts reveals some information that is seldom heard in the today's "churches".

One the final leg of his harrowing trip to Rome, Paul comes to and island called Malita where he encounters a tribal people. There he was bitten, and unhurt, by a poisonous snake which he threw into the fire. Paul also, through the power of the Holy Ghost, healed the father of the chief.

The people Melita thought Paul was a God and gave much help to Paul and his traveling party.

From Melita, Paul was finally delivered to Rome where he called together the Jews from Jerusalem and convinced them of his innocence.

Much of the time and passion of today's Christianity, promotes the premise established in one verse within the New Testament. That verse being, Hebrews 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

The common idea, in modern Christianity, that every member should be inside "the church (building)" every time the doors swing, is predicated on this verse alone. To those who limit their "worship" to, and so vehemently endorse this notion, I recommend a very close examination of what Paul did during his tenure in Rome.

"And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

Paul did NOT "go to church". The Apostle Paul, the unchallenged greatest evangelist of all time, while in Rome, stayed in his home and preached the gospel to those who came to him. Remember, John 6:44, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." Those, in Rome, who were in need of the gospel were drawn to Paul by the Holy Spirit of God. There is no indication that Paul preached to the same people weekly, daily, or on any other established schedule.

NOTE: It is NOT my intention to discourage anyone from faithfully attending Christian gatherings, nor is it my intent to justify the actions of those who NEVER assemble with their Christian brethren. Paul's "hired house" could, conceivably, be called a "church". In writing this, I'm simply trying to press the point that Christian worship and instruction, is not scripturally restricted to the "church" (building).

As is so clearly implied by the actions of Paul, the gospel can be preached, very effectively, outside "the church" (building). ~

Lesson 410

(Lesson 410)(09-29-12) Acts 27:26-44, "Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land."

This lesson tells us that by obeying Paul's instructions, every life on the ship was saved. God had promised to deliver them safe, and again, He kept His promise.

We can only pray that, given the same circumstances, we today, would hold fast to the promise of God such as Paul did.~

 

Lesson 409

(Lesson 409)(09-28-12) Acts 27:1-25, "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me."

During Paul's long and arduous trip to appear before Caesar, when landing at a place called Lasea, he warned the ship owners and Julius, the Centurian, that it was far to dangerous to continue the journey. He told them they would be shipwrecked and could possibly lose their lives.

As they passed by and island called Clauda, the wind began to destroy the ship, just as Paul had said.

Having been told by and angel of God that no harm would come to him or the crew, Paul stood and told Julius and crew that God would protect them and deliver him safely to Caesar.~

Lesson 408

(Lesson 408)(09-27-12) Acts Chapter 25, "Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him."

This lesson tells of one more of the many times Paul was delivered before the Roman authority. This time, Felix has Paul delivered to king Agrippa. Paul was, again and again found innocent and kept safe from the Jews who were so determined to kill him.~

Lesson 407

(Lesson 407)(09-26-12) Acts Chapter 24, "And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound."

This lesson depicts Paul's trial before Felix. It gives us an insight into the workings of the ancient Roman judicial system and demonstrates its comparison to our system today. This lesson also tells us of ongoing determination among the Jews to destroy Paul and his message of eternal life through Christ Jesus.~

Lesson 406

(Lesson 406)(09-25-12) Acts 23:11-35, "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Pau And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. And he wrote a letter after this manner: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell. Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall."

In this lesson we find that God told Paul to cheer up, he was being sent to Rome to spread the word of His saving grace through Jesus Christ.
The Romans, after Paul's nephew told them of the Jews plot to kill Paul, ordered him sent to Rome to be judged by Antipatris, the Governor, thereby washing their hands of having allowed a Roman citizen to be publicly beaten.~

Lesson 405

(Lesson 405)(09-24-12) Acts 22:22-30, Acts 23:1-10, "And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

Acts 23:1-10, "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle."~

In this lesson, Paul speaks to the leadership of the Jews from the steps of the temple. When he told them his concience was clear before God the high priest commanded that he should be slapped in the mouth. When Paul told the high priest that God would punish him for abusing the law and accused him of hypocracy, they all went into a rage demanding that Paul be punished for reviling the high priest.

Paul, recognizing that the crowd was split about fifty fifty Sadducees and Pharisees, told them he was a Pharisee, knowing he would set them against each other because the two sects disagreed on whether or not the dead would be resurrected. This touched off another rage during which the Roman soldiers again rescued Paul and took him inside the castle.

The actions taken by the Jews in this lesson remind us of some of the problems that exists among today's Christians.

There are many "Christians" who can easily be sent into a meaningless rage, sometimes even to the point of splitting up congregations, over things that a prayerful study of the bible leaves no room on which to disagree.~

Lesson 404

 

(Lesson 404)(09-23-12) Acts 22:1-21, "Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles."

This lesson tells us that, after Paul had convinced the chief captain of the centurians that he was a free Roman citizen, he was allowed to speak to the assembled Jews from the steps of the temple.
He told them the story of his being stricken down by Jesus and how Jesus, in the Spirit had blinded him and challenged him to carry His gospel to the Gentiles. He told them about how Jesus had commanded him to go to Damascus and there Ananais would give him back his sight. Ananais said to Paul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard." Ananais then told Paul to "arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord".
There are many who will interpret this last passage of scripture to verify that Paul was commanded to be, and eventually was, "baptized" in water. That however, is not what this passage conveys.

To clarify the real meaning of this text, we must go back to the original account of Pauls conversion in Acts 10:15-18, "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
This passage contains Jesus' command to Ananias as to what he was to do for Paul, Ananais said, "Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." Ananias was sent to Paul to give him back his sight, and grant him the Holy Ghost. Jesus did not give Ananias a command to baptize Paul in water.

One might say, well this passage says Paul WAS baptized! That is correct, Paul was immersed (baptized), but NOT in water. The baptism Paul received was the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Both accounts of Pauls conversion mention baptism, and it can, understandably, be confusing. To help clear it up, we must remember how the term "baptize" and it's grammatical variations came into being and understand that there are many things into which one can be baptized. Water is only one of them.

Baptize was transliterated from the Greek term BaptizO which simply means 'to immerse' and does NOT specify a medium into which an object or person is baptized. We must rely on the context of the scripture to determine what medium is implied in each of the many applications of the term "baptize" represented in the New Testament.

It should also be noted that there is no scriptural evidence that any of the other thirteen Apostles were ever baptized in water, therefore, there is no reason for Paul to have been. However, John the Baptist provided evidence that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost, Matt. 3:11, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"

Further, One should list the events that occurred between Paul and Ananias in the order they were commanded and the order in which the commandments were fulfilled. Firstly Ananias said, Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, (1)"that thou mightest receive thy sight", (1a)"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith,"

(2)"and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (2b)"and arose, and was baptized."

This last portion of the text that says, "and arose, and was baptized.", is the point at which Paul received the Holy Ghost, "was baptized" simply means he was overcome by or immersed into, the Holy Ghost.~

Lesson 403

(Lesson 403)(09-22-12) Acts 21:26-40, "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,"

In this lesson we see that even Paul relented to Jewish law and tradition when he submitted himself to the "purifying" baptism that the law required of all Jews before they entered into the temple. The Jews of who were a part of the Church in Jerusalem demanded that he spend seven days away from contact with the Gentiles before being baptized in water, Paul then went with the men the elders had selected so as to give him cover from the Jews.
This "purifying" process, under the law, demanded that one stay away from whatever had made them unclean for a period of seven days, then demanded that the one being cleansed be baptized in water. Jesus was bound under the law to be "cleansed" by that same water baptism.~

Lesson 402

(Lesson 402)(09-21-12) Acts 21:15-25, "And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication."

The first portion of this lesson tells us of Paul's welcome to Jerusalem, and demonstrates the happiness among the disciples at the results of his ministry in Asia.
The second part of this lesson is a little confusing and demonstrates how torn the early Church really was.

Close attention should be paid to what is said to Paul after those present had celebrated his work. They said, "Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law", meaning that they still considered themselves bound to the letter of the Law of Moses, including ALL of its ceremonial behavior even after claiming to have accepted Christ as fulfilling the old law and establishing the new law of faith.

These disciples had just admitted that they already allowed the Jewish element of the early Church to dictate that parts of the Law of Moses be imposed on the Gentiles. As we well know, the Law of Moses is what our savior came to fulfill, so that we would have a means by which we, along with a small contingent of believing Jews, could inherit eternal life. The new law was actually given to the Gentiles because the Jews had already rejected it.

The Law of Moses, and Christianity are two separate doctrines and cannot be mixed, as Paul spent much of his ministry trying to explain. One must accept the sacrifice of Christ for remission of sin, or devote oneself wholly to the Law of Moses. God did not provide a means by which both could be practiced.

That rift between Paul and the Jewish element of the early Church created a serious problem, parts of which still linger today. The evangelists had already relented and allowed some elements of the law to be placed on the Gentiles by the Jewish dominated elders at Jerusalem, "save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication." And now, the Jews were demanding that the Gentiles be subjected to the entire law, effectively eliminating the need for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ altogether.

As we will learn, Paul fought against this Jewish domination of the Church for his entire ministry. He did, for the true believers, establish that there are no requirements within the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ that demands that we obey ANY of the requirements of the Law of Moses.
There will be more on this as we continue these lessons.~

Lesson 401

(Lesson 401)(09-20-12) Acts 21:1-14, "And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done."

In this lesson Paul, knowing he faced the possibility of death, continued his journey toward Jerusalem.
When we are faced with troubled and threatening times, even today, we should do as those disciples at Caesarea did concerning the safety of Paul, we should merely pray that God's will be done. He is ALWAYS faithful to pull us through.~

Lesson 400

(Lesson 400)(09-18-12) Acts 20:13-24, "And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

The words written in this lesson tell of a true Christian in every sense of the word, one who loved God with all his heart, a man so totally devoted to the work with which the Lord had burdened him that on many occasions he strolled into cities not knowing whether he would be kissed or killed.

The Apostle Paul left a legacy, of total devotion to his savior, that every Christian should humbly and diligently aspire to.

Much attention should be paid to this lesson by those of us who sit so comfortably in our modern homes and subconsciously pat ourselves on the back each time we accomplish some minor "good work".

We should all pray for just some small portion of the devotion demonstrated by Paul in his efforts to spread good news of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 399

(Lesson 399)(09-17-12 Acts 20:1-12, "And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted."

This lesson demonstrates the continual persecution of those early Christians as they worked to spread the wonderful news of salvation through the sin remitting sacrifice of Christ crucified.

Paul preached until the wee hours of the morning, even after returning life to one man who had fallen asleep and fell to his death from the uppermost rooms.

What a wonderful thing it would be, if today's Christians would demonstrate the same zeal as some of those early disciples who suffered so much to make sure we have access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This lesson demonstrates that the Church did not meet exclusively on the Sabbath (The last day of the week) and is the first example of the early Christians actually assembling themselves together on the the first day of the week. (Sunday).

Lesson 398

(Lesson 398)(09-16-12) Acts 19:21-41, "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly."

This lesson dimonstrates how Demetrius, the silversmith who with the help of others, had made himself a really rich man by building idols from silver and gold for the shrines of the goddess Diana. When Paul and the disciples came preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, turning the people away from Diana, Demetrius was afraid the Ephesians would stop worshipping idols and he would be put out of work. Therefore, he stirred up a mob to get the disciples thrown in jail but again the "townclerk" refused and let the disciples go free.~

Lesson 397

(Lesson 397)(09-15-12) Acts 19:13-20, "So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

This lesson tells of how, simply by taking pieces of Paul's clothing, all manner of the sick were healed. It also demonstrates how, the exorcists who mocked Jesus and Paul by calling out demons in their names, were themselves overtaken and destroyed by the same demons they beckoned.
The text tells us that through the efforts of Paul and the other Christians, the name of Jesus and His saving sacrifice was accepted by many, "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.~

Lesson 396

(Lesson 396)(09-14-12) Acts 19:8-12, "And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

This lesson again reminds us of the struggles that were prevalent in the spreading of the early Church. Note that Paul had preached to the same group for three months then because of Jewish dissenters in the group, left them.

The text says, "But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus."

Paul "separated the disciples" and gathered together those from among them who believed. Even then, there were those who obviously and for whatever reason, caused trouble among them. The text says Paul and the group were, "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus."

We should all remember that those who made up the early Church did not have all of God's word, the bible, neatly written with it's intent neatly ordered so as to make it easily understandable such as we do today. They had only those divinely inspired teachers, Paul and the others, who like them were human and fallible, just like you and I.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was dependent upon the memories and Christian intent of those who heard it then passed it on. As is recorded, there were some who took the gospel message and properly applied it vastly spreading the knowledge of God's saving grace. Then, on the other hand, there were those who took the gospel message and distorted it using it for their own personal gain, or agenda.

Understanding the struggles of the early Church helps us better understand the challenges we face, today, as we attempt to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

This lesson also tells of the many miracles performed through Paul as he preached God's word.~

Lesson 395

(Lesson 395)(09-13-12) Acts 19:1-7, "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve."

This lesson further demonstrates, along with yesterday's, how the intent of "John's baptism" had been misinterpreted by some of the earliest disciples.That misinterpretation still exists among some religious beliefs today. There are those who strongly, but wrongly, still believe water baptism is required to achieve eternal salvation.

This lesson should provide clarification as to how that erroneous interpretation of the gospel might have come into being and why many, without having made a thorough study, could so readily accept it.

Those disciples, mentioned herein, were asked if they had yet received the Holy Ghost. It is vividly clear that they could not have yet been correctly taught God's plan for eternal salvation, through a resurrected and glorified Jesus, because God's true plan for salvation could not have been taught without explaining the coming of the Holy Ghost to those who believed. They had only been taught what John was pre-ordained to preach, that message being,"prepare the way" for the coming of the Messiah, and in so doing, there was a requirement, under the law, that part of that preparation was to be immersed in water (Cleansed of and repenting the old in preparation for the new).

After realizing their error, Paul pulled them aside and, just as Aquila and Priscilla had done with Apollos, he taught them the correct gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and how through Him, (His name) they would be worthy of receiving the Holy Ghost, "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

Note what happened to those disciples AFTER Paul had correctly explained the true gospel and identified that Jesus was the Messiah referenced by John and that he had already come, " they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on CHRIST JESUS."

The text says, "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." After they had correctly been taught that Jesus had made a one-time-fits-all sacrifice for thier sins, those disciples were "baptized" in the name of the Lord Jesus (enveloped within the name of the Lord Jesus.)
The term "baptized" as it is applied in the latter portion of this text clearly indicates an immersion into the name (complete identity and testament) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It should be noted also that instead of the Holy Ghost just simply coming down on these believers, Paul presented the Holy Ghost by laying his hands on them. Maybe, at some point, we will learn why Paul did that.~

Lesson 394

(Lesson 394)(09-12-12) Acts 18:19-28, "And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ."

In this lesson, Paul said goodbye to Priscilla and Aquila saying, "I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem:" Remember, Paul was a Jew, and God had commanded the Jews, while they were still in Egyptian captivity, to honor the Passover celebration forever. One cannot, however, be sure this is a reference to that feast.
Paul then left for Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia and Phrygia. This text says he encouraged the disciples in all those locations.

This lesson also tells us of a man named Apollos, "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John."

Let's examine what is meant by, "knowing only the baptism of John" as it is applied in this text. I believe the story of Appolos represents a clear example of how the error in teaching that water baptism is essential to eternal salvation came into practice.

That is what it appears that Apollos was doing, "he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John." We know that John the baptist taught and administered water baptism. It is also very clear that some biblical applications of the phrase, "John's baptism" reference the message that John taught.

What was John's message? Mark 1:3, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Water "baptism" was essential, by law, to the Jewish people in preparation for any religious event. Therefore, Apollos was preaching water baptism as prerequisite to the coming of Christ after Jesus had already appeared and fulfilled His divine destiny.
Apollos had obvioulsy been formally schooled on the Old Testament, and had heard the message of John the Baptist. Apollos had obviously not yet learned how Jesus had already died, was buried and raised again, leaving the sins of those who would believe in the grave.

Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and correctly taught him the glorious plan of eternal salvation through faith in the testament of Jesus Christ. Apollos went on to become a powerful voice for Christianity among the Jews.~

Lesson 393

(Lesson 393)(09-11-12) Acts 18:9-18, "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. And he drave them from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow."

We learn, in this lesson, that Paul, after God assured his safety and told him in a dream to keep preaching there, remained in Corinth for a year and a half He preached only to the Gentiles and those among the Jews that would follow him. The Jewish leadership, again rose up because many of their people had converted to Christianity, and took Paul before the deputy, Gallio. When Gallio learned that the matter concerned a dispute among the Jews, he dismissed them and refused to make a judgment against Paul assuring his safety, just as God had promised. The Greeks then took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the Jews who had falsely accused Paul, and beat him in the presence of Gallio.~

Lesson 392

(Lesson 392)(09-10-12) Acts 18:1-8, "After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were *baptized."

In this lesson, we see that Paul left Athens and went to Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscilla who had been ordered out of Rome by Claudius. This is the first mention of the Romans having totally ejected the Hebrew people.
We learn herein that Paul preached in the synagogue every sabbath **(once weekly). This is the first biblical mention of a weekly meeting of the Church. The reason for his weekly sermons at the synagogue was that it just happened to be when the Jews gathered to read the Torah and offer their sacrifices. We should pay close attention to the fact that after Paul had significantly built up the numbers in the Church in Corinth, and the Jews, again, rebelled against him, Paul gave up on the Jews who gathered there and no longer preached weekly in their synagogues, vowing to preach only to the Gentiles. Because of their rejection of His grace, Paul left them to face the wrath of God.

* I believe the term "baptized" as it is applied in this passage refers to an over-washing of those who were saved, by the Holy Ghost, seeing that there is no mention of water within this text, and knowing, that indeed, past reference has been made to granting of the Holy Ghost as a "baptism".

** Today's practice of assembling for "Church" on a weekly basis probably originated with the ritual sabattical gathering of the Jews. No other mention of a weekly assembly is mentioned in the New Testament text. ~

Lesson 391

(Lesson 391)(09-09-12) Acts 17:19-34, "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. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."

This lesson tells us how Paul, after leaving Berea, went into Athens and found things to be very similar, in some ways, to our religious society today. There were those who professed faith in all manner of superstitions and idols.
Paul preached a very special sermon, to which many today should pay close attention. He told them how God was the creator of all mankind and how there were none greater, or lesser, than others. He told them that there had been a time when God had "winked" at their idolatry and the sins of mankind, but now He demands that His children, both Jews and Gentiles, worship no other but Him. They must repent and accept His supreme sacrifice, Jesus, His only begotten,whom He had buried with the sins of the world then raised from the dead, therein fulfilling "the operation of God" Col. 2:12, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.".

Paul, for the first time, also mentions the "Godhead" (The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.)

The following quote should be paid special attention to,"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;"

We see that God does not dwell in a building, as some today would have us believe, "seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;".
God needs nothing from us, in other words, there is no such thing as "God's helpers" as some today label themselves, "Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;"".

We see also, that mankind cannot worship with his/her hands, meaning the physical things (works) we do avails nothing to God's ultimate plan, God, "Neither is worshipped with men's hands".

We should all learn from this lesson that we do not impress God with our petty day to day physical actions outside the teaching of His holy word, which is our Christian duty, unless those actions are hurtful to others. In which case we, as Christian people, will suffer God's wrath. ~

Lesson 390

(Lesson 390)(09-08-12) Acts 17:11-18, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 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."

In this lesson we find, that even though the Bereans were far more approachable for Paul and his gospel message, the Thessalonian Jews followed them to Berea and continued to persecute Paul and Silas for preaching Christ. Even though they met persecution on almost every turn, Paul, Silas and the other devoted disciples continued to strengthen and expand the Church.
I wonder how many of today's evangelists would stand up to that degree of adversity? Especially those who's message seems to be far more pointed toward filling their own bank accounts than leading the lost to the wonderful salvation offered in the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified.
I even wonder how I would react if I were beaten and imprisoned on a regular basis. I pray that I could withstand it like Paul, Silas and the others.~

Lesson 389

(Lesson 389)(09-07-12) Acts 17:1-10, "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews."

This lesson demonstrates the hostility Paul and Silas met as the attempted to bring the gospel of Christ to the Thessalonians. Many of the Greeks surrendered to Christ which planted the seed for the Church of the Thessalonians to whom Paul will later build a great relationship. Paul and Silas were then accosted by the Jewish hierarchy and forced to leave town in a hurry.
Having left Thessalonica, they traveled on to Berea where they were much more graciously accepted.~

Lesson 388

(Lesson 388)(09-06-12) Acts 16:32-40, "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed"

The description of the events that took place at the Jailers home do not provide enough context to determine the exact meaning of the term "baptized" as it is applied in this text. Seeing that these events occurred at night and knowing that light, sufficient to baptize, or totally immerse, a group of people in a river or *mikvah, was practically nonexistent at that time.

Applying that reasoning, one must assume that the term "baptized", as it is applied in this particular text, implies a complete surrender to the gospel of Christ as delivered by Paul and Timothy. An example of such a surrender can be found in Galations 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This example clearly expresses that one totally believing in Christ actually immerses him/herself into the concept of Christ as an absolute arbiter for sin.
I readily admit that this analysis is my own, established by an in depth historical study of the term "baptize" and its grammatical variations."
There is certainly room for other analyses.

After the magistrates realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and had been wrongfully beaten and imprisoned, they immediately sent word to Paul that he could go free. Paul, realizing that as a Roman citizen, he could cause the magistrates a lot of problems, demanded that they come in person to release him. After which, Paul and his party were politely asked to leave town.~

*Mikvah: Is a Hebrew term that defines a baptismal pool, or as we would refer to it today, a baptistry.

Lesson 387

(Lesson 387)(09-05-12) Acts 16:16-31, "And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

There is no clearer instruction as to how one is to be saved than the one given to the Roman jailor by Paul.
The clear question was, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?", Paul's very clear answer was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved", it don't get any plainer than that.~

Lesson 386

(Lesson 386)(09-04-12) Acts 16:12-15, "And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

For those who believe water baptism is required to achieve salvation, close attention should be paid to what is said here. Lydia, a woman who was by the river when the disciples came to pray, overheard them and was called by the Holy Spirit to hear Paul's message, and subsequently obeyed his teaching.

Lydia,"whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

This passage very clearly demonstrates that Lydia had already done what was required of her by Paul before she, and her family, were baptized in water.~

Lesson 385

(Lesson 385)(09-13-12) Acts 16:6-12, "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days."

This lesson gives us some insight into how far Paul traveled to spread the gospel. It also demonstrates how the Holy Ghost barred the disciples from preaching in certain areas. I don't believe the bible ever gives the reason for this, that matters very little since we are in no position to question the Holy Ghost.~

Lesson 384

(Lesson 384)(09-02-12) Acts 16:1-5, "Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."

This lesson, again, demonstrates a contradiction in the conduct of those who made up the early Church. We see herein that Paul, because he was half Jew and half Greek, and at the insistence of the Jews, had Timotheus circumcised. Paul knew it was not necessary to circumcise Timotheus, but he did it anyway, just to appease the Jews.

This lesson begins Paul's tutelage of Timotheus (Timothy), which would make him a powerful defender of the faith.~

Lesson 383

(Lesson 383)(009-01-12) Acts 15:30-41, "So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."

This lessons demonstrates even more dissention among those that made up the early Church.
We see here that Paul and Barnabus could not agree on whether or not to take John (Mark) with them on their mission. It seems that Paul didn't trust John because he had run out on them before, Barnabus on the other hand, wanted John to go. The two, in turn and after a heated argument, decided to go their separate ways.
It is very clear, that just like today, there was much petty, and even some doctrinal, disagreement evidenced in the early Church.
Satan started his campaign to destroy the Church very early, he managed to fragment it so that, even though the true Church can still be found today, there are very few who have it right. Just as Jesus predicted in Matt. 7:14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."~