Lesson 3679

 (Lesson 3679)(01-31-22) Acts 18:24-28

    “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 publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

    Today’s quote contains another very important lesson that is overlooked by the many who believe that water baptism is a requisite of spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation.

    Therein, Apollos is noted as being a learned man, very knowledgeable of “the way of the Lord”. However, is is also noted that he had ONLY, at that point, received the “batpism of John”.     That information tells us that Apollos, at that point, had ONLY heeded the message of John the Baptist, and had ONLY received the water baptism that was required of ALL Jews under the law.

    The quote tells us that Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and taught him about the new law of grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Apollos was then recommended to the church where he began to eloquently preach the grace of God by “shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ”.~

Lesson 3678

 (Lesson 3678)(01-30-22) Acts 18:19-23

    “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.”

    Today’s lesson  tells us that after Paul left Corinth, he traveled back through the region where he had ordained several churches, uplifting and edifying them as he went.

    Paul would eventually find his way back to Jerusalem in time for the Passover celebration.~

Lesson 3677

 (Lesson 3677)(01-29-22) Acts 18:8-18

    “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. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul, in a dream, got assurance from God that he would be safe from the Jews in Corinth causing him to remain there preaching the gospel for over a year.~

Lesson 3676

 (Lesson 3676)(01-28-22) Acts 18:1-7

    “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.”

        Paul, after much frustration with the reaction of the Jews wherever he went, announced that he would take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

    We should remember that Paul was explicitly chosen by Jesus to take God’s saving grace and eternal salvation to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3675

 (Lesson 3675)(01-27-22) Acts 17:16-34

    “ 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. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul found in Athens a people much like the “Christians” of today. Many actually believe in nothing and act as if God is just another someone on their own level who can be molded to fit their own lifestyle. That is the farthest one can get from the truth.

    I hope that sincere Christian people will continuously study the true word of God and recognize my heavenly Father for who He really is, the master and creator of the universe. My God is omnipotent, He requires NO help from anyone, We can neither put Him certain places, nor can we take Him out. ~

Lesson 3674

 (Lesson 3674)(01-26-22) Acts 17:1-15

    “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. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates the travels and accomplishments of Paul and Silas as they continued to spread the good news of God’s amazing, saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

    The quote also relates the contention between Paul and some of the regional Jews. Many of them wanted Paul and his message killed.~

Lesson 3673

 (Lesson 3673)(01-25-22) Acts 16:29-40

    “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. 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.”

    Today’s quote, as accepted by the vast majority of “Christians”, leaves some questions that I have not been able to reconcile with what many believe to be intended by the text.

    Confronting that problem, first let me say that I believe with all my being that the bible is the word of God and that it contains God’s plan for the eternal salvation of all mankind. And, it also contains all else that God requires of us. However, I also believe that parts of the bible text were altered and corrupted by Roman Catholicism. I concluded that knowing that they had almost total control of the text for hunreds of years and that their professed belief is totally contrary to what Jesus taught. 

    Having said that, I believe that is the reason that we must do our homework and “study to show (ourselves) approved” and that we must “rightly divide the word of truth”.

    Today’s quote tells us that, being freed of their bonds by an earthquake, Paul and Silas were taken, at night, from a prison to the home of their jailer. At his home they had their wounds cleansed, after which they baptized the jailer and his entire family. (Many would have us believe, those baptisms were in water.)  After the jailer and his family had been baptized Paul and Silas enjoyed a meal with them and were returned to the prison as if nothing had happened.

   After much thought and prayer, it is my opinion that the baptisms that took place at the home of the jailer, were baptisms of the Holy Ghost that occurred AFTER they had accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3672

 (Lesson 3672)(01-24-22) Acts 16:16-34

    “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. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates how Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for releashing a young girl from the grasp of a demon. 

    While imprisoned, the jailor asked, “what must I do to be saved”, Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved”. That is the single most important part of this lesson. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou will be saved”.~

    

Lesson 3671

 (Lesson 3671)(01-23-22) Acts 16:13-15

    “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.”

    Today’s quote relates that after Lydia had “attended unto the things which were spoken OF (about) Paul”, she was “baptized”. 

    I believe that the baptism Lydia underwent was the baptism of the Holy Spirit, NOT a baptism with water. 

    The text tells us that Lydia a “woman which (already) worshipped God”, underwent her baptism BEFORE she even met with Paul. She evidently heard of his message from someone else. I believe that because the text tells us she “attended unto the things spoken OF (about) Paul, before she was baptized That means she had believed BEFORE she met Paul, “And when she was baptized, and her household, she (THEN) besought us”.~

Lesson 3670

 (Lesson 3670)(01-22-22) Acts 16:4-12

    “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. 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 endeavoured 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.”

    Today’s quote relates how after Paul and the others hand delivered instructions from Jerusalem to the Gentiles, after which they ordained those churches and continued their travels.~

Lesson 3669

 (Lesson 3669)(01-21-22) Acts 16:1-3

    “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.”

    Today’s quote relates how Paul, knowing that Timotheus’ mother was a Jew, and under pressure from the local Jews, relented to have him circumcised before they began their journey to preach the gospel of Christ.~

Lesson 3668

 (Lesson 3668)(01-20-22) Acts 15:36-41

    “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.

    Today’s quote relates the intense split between Paul and Barnabas because of their differing relationships with, and opinions of, Mark.~

Lesson 3667

 (Lesson 3667)(01-19-22) Acts 15:30-35

    “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.”

    Today’s quote relates that the order from Jerusalem, concerning the restrictions of the law that would be imposed upon the Gentiles, was delivered by Judas and Silas.

    The quote also relates that, while there, Paul and Barnabas continued preaching the gospel to many eager listeners who would become believers.~

Lesson 3666

 (Lesson 3666)(01-18-22) Acts 15:12-29

    “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

    Today’s quote tells us that after much discussion, the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, James and others, sent a letter by Paul, Silas, and Barnabas, to the churches at Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, binding them to certain parts of the old law.

    As history has taught us, as Christianity began to grow and spread across the region it would become more and more polluted by the imposition of Judaism, Paganism, and Roman Catholicism.

    The true gospel of Jesus Christ can still be found today; However, we are obliged to search it out outselves. Studying to show ourselves approved and rightly dividing that word of truth.~

Lesson 3665

 (Lesson 3665)(01-17-22) Acts 15:5-11

    “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

    Todays quote is the Acts version of the events that took place with Paul and Barnabus as they stood before the “Christian” Jews in Jerusalem. There was disscension among those Jews, Peter, James and Paul, concerning whether or not to impose the laws of Moses upon the Gentiles. That was to include circumcision. ~

Lesson 3664

 (Lesson 3664)(01-16-22) Acts 15:1-5

    “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

    Today’s quote relates how many elements of the Law of Moses began to be intertwined into the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ among the early Christians. Those impositions were demanded by such authorities as James and other of the apostles.

    Contrary to what James and some of the others wanted, Jewish rituals, such as water baptism, circumcision etcetera, were never intended to be a part of Christian doctrine. 

    As Paul and others so eloquently and forcefully preached, the old law and the gospel of Christ were like oil and water, they COULD NOT be mixed together. Jesus made that perfectly clear in Matthew 9:16-17, “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the  ottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”

    As we will learn from upcoming lessons, Paul, Peter, James and some other apostles would have a parting of their ways because of this issue. 

    Paul, however, with some negligible concessions, held onto, and continued to preach, the basic principles of Christianity, in spite of the interference from James et al.

    It is also very important to note that the influences of Paganism and Roman Catholicism began to creep into the gospel message, among many, as Christianity was spreading throughout the region. This too will be borne out as these lessons continue.~

Lesson 3663

 (Lesson 3663)(01-15-22) Acts 14:22-28

    “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.”

    Today’s quote relates that after Paul and Barnabas ordained the church at Antioch they continued their travels throughout the region spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in many cities confirming that the salvation had also been offered to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3662

 (Lesson 3662)(01-14-22) Acts 14:8-21

    “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul, with the power of the holy Spirit, restored the legs of a man in Lystra. It also relates how the idol worshipers mistook Paul for a god and began to make sacrifices to him and Barnabus.

    The Jews again stirred the people against Paul and Barnabus causing them to flee to another city.~

Lesson 3661

 (Lesson 3661)(01-13-22) Acts 14:1-7

    And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel.”

    Paul and Barnabas preached in the city of Iconium where many were saved after hearing their words. They remained in Iconium until such a time as the Jews stirred up many of the people to against them.~

Lesson 3660

 (Lesson 3660)(01-12-22) Acts 13:42-52

    “And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.”

    In today’s quote, Paul taught that eternal salvation had been first offered to the Jews who rejected it, The Jews had Jesus, their Redeemer, Messiah, the Son of God, killed. Paul then announced that eternal life, through faith in Jesus Christ, would be offered to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3659

 (Lesson 3659)(01-11-22) Acts 13:40-41

    “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul warned the unbelieving Jews of their fate.~

Lesson 3658

 (Lesson 3658)(01-10-22) Acts 13:26-39

    “Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul preached how Jesus was prophesied from the beginning and that His virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension had fulfilled those prophesies.

    The last sentence of today’s quote contains a very important lesson that is often either overlooked, or totally ignored by many of today’s so-called Christians. 

    Therein, Paul made it clear to both Jews and Gentiles that it IS NOT the works of the law that provide forgiveness of sins. But rather, it is faith or belief in Jesus Christ that not only provides forgiveness, but also “justification”, for the sins of mankind.

    As the Jews of the Old Testament proved, mankind CANNOT overcome the sin that is born in us. We require that the total righteousness of Jesus Christ be freely imputed into us through faith in Him.~

Lesson 3657

(Lesson 3657)(01-09-22) Acts 13:24-25

    “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”

    In today’s quote, Paul affirmed that John the Baptist was not Christ, but rather he was a messenger sent from God to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah. 

    Paul further affirmed, by nuance, that the water portion of “the baptism of John” was NOT a lesson in Christianity. Water immersion was a part of a Jewish body cleansing ritual required by Jewish law to PREPARE the Jews for the coming of the Lord.

    As both John the Baptist and Paul make clear, the baptism that provides spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation of the soul, is that baptism (immersion) into the loving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.~ 

Lesson 3656

 (Lesson 3656)(01-08-22) Acts 13:13-23

    “ Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:”

    Today’s quote relates that Paul began to preach in the synagogue at Antioch, explaining first how Jesus was born through the lineage of kind David as was prophesied.~

lesson 3655

 (Lesson 3655)(01-07-22) Acts 13:6-12

    “ And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”

    In today’s quote, Paul, with the power of the Holy Ghost, overcame Elymas the sorcerer and struck him blind. 

    Today’s quote also records the first time Saul of Tarsus was called Paul.

Lesson 3654

 (Lesson 3654)(01-06-22) Acts 13:1-5

    “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.”

    Today’s quote relates the God separated Saul, Barnabas and John from the others at Antioch, and sent them to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.~

Lesson 3653

 (Lesson 3653)(01-05-22) Acts 12:12-25

    “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.”

    Today’s quote relates that Peter, after his miraculous jail break, much to their astonishment, returned to his people.

    The last part of the quote relates that an angel of God killed Herod because of his blasphemous actions.~

Lesson 3652

 (Lesson 3652)(01-04-22) Acts 12:1-11

    “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”

    Today’s quote relates how Peter, at the behest of the Jews, was captured and imprisoned by Herod just to be released by and angel of the Lord.~

Lesson 3651

(Lesson 3651)(01-03-22) Acts 11:25-30

    “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

    Today’s quote relates that those who chose to believe in Jesus Christ were first called Christians at Antioch.

    Today’s quote also tells us that the Christians in Antioch set an example for the churches when they sent “relief” to the Christians in  Judea when Judea was in the grasp of a terrible drought.~

 

Lesson 3649

 (Lesson 3649)(01-01-22) Acts 11:18

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

    Today’s quote marks the end of the “chosen” status for the Jews. With the completion of His sacrificial ordeal, Jesus extended God’s saving grace to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.~