Summary of Acts 9:31-43:

The church grew in numbers throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.  As Peter traveled throughout the country (Judea, Galilee, and Samaria are all within modern-day Israel), he went to Lydda where he healed a paralytic man named Aeneas, resulting in more conversions.

In Joppa at this same time lived a sick disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) who died. Peter was summoned. He prayed and told the dead woman to get up, which she did.  More people were converted in Joppa as the news spread and Peter stayed there for a while with a tanner named Simon.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 9:31-43

3) The church experienced a time of peace and growth. It was also strengthened and lived in fear of the Lord.

4) Personal Question. My answer: God can do anything. It inspires me to never give up hope in the face of hopelessness.

5) Personal Question. My answer: I can serve everyone.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 9:31-43

A personal day, it seems. I would have liked to have dived into why, all of a sudden, Peter can raise people from the dead — something we’ve only see Jesus do in the New Testament.  Several people were raised from the dead in the Bible. Continue reading my End Notes for actual in-depth study.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 9:31-43

Acts 9 begins with Saul threatening the disciples. Now, we see the church in a time of peace. Persecution was still happening, however, but God was working.

At the end of Acts 9:31, we reach an important historical crossroads in Acts and the events of the Roman Empire. In A.D. 37, Caiaphas was replaced as high priest, first by Jonathan, then by Theophilus. In the same year, Caligula succeeded Tiberius as Roman Emperor. Caligula was bitterly hostile against the Jews and was assassinated four years later.

Note that we walk in fear and comfort at the same time — hallmarks of the Christian walk.

Two Recorded Miracles

Peter traveled 35 miles from Jerusalem to Lydda. Peter said that it was Jesus that healed the paralytic man.The words of Peter – “Arise and make your bed” – were perhaps consciously an imitation of Jesus’ healing of the paralytic man in Mark 2:10-12.

Dorcas and Tabitha both mean deer. This miracle is recorded because it is remarkable.

Peter did just as he had seen Jesus do as recorded in Mark 5:38-43 – he put them all out, in the anticipation that God would do for Tabitha what He did for the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue.

Why Raise Dorcas from the Dead and Not Stephen?

• Dorcas was not resurrected; she was resuscitated to her old life, where she would die again.
• We cannot know God’s ways. It seemed that Stephen was more important to the church than Dorcas. Yet we must always trust God’s greater wisdom and knowledge in all such things.
• Dorcas wasn’t raised for her own sake. She was raised for the sake of her ministry to others, which is the same reason we have passed from death into life (John 5:24).

Fun Fact:  This is the first time Christians are called saints in Acts 9:32 and 41 . When the Bible calls Christians saints, the idea isn’t of a perfect people; the idea is of a people who are different. Saints are set apart from the world at large; they are distinctive.

Peter associating with a tanner was strictly forbidden by Jewish law since a tanner worked with dead animals. According to the laws of that time, a tanner had to live at least 75 feet outside a village because of his constant ritual uncleanness. Peter was becoming less concerned about Jewish traditions and ceremonial notions than before. This work of God in Peter’s heart laid groundwork for what God would do in Peter in the following chapter.

Summary Acts 10:

A Roman Centurion (a very important man whom all Jews resented and despised) named Cornelius was living in Caesarea.  He was God-fearing and gave generously to the poor.  One day he had a vision of the angel of God.  The angel told Cornelius to send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter, which he did.

Peter had a vision that same day of a large sheet being let down from heaven with all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds on it.  A voice told Peter to kill and eat these animals.

Peter freaked out.  He couldn’t possibly eat anything unclean (as the laws for centuries have been).  The voice corrected him, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

While Peter was pondering this vision, Cornelius’ men arrived and the voice said to go with these men, which he did.

The next day when Peter arrived, Cornelius had invited all of his relatives and close friends to hear what Peter had to say.  Peter reminds everyone it is against Jewish law for Jews to associate with Gentiles but God has said otherwise through this vision.

Cornelius repeats his vision to Peter.  Peter finally understands his dream:  God now accepts every man into His kingdom; the Jews are no longer singled out as God’s chosen people.  With Jesus’ death, everyone is eligible for Salvation.

Peter explains how God chose people to be witnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection and to preach to the people and testify that God is the one and only judge of the living and the dead.

The Holy Spirit then came upon all who were listening, much to the astonishment of the Jews present with Peter.  Then they were baptized.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 10

6) He was a devout, God-fearing man and gave generously to those in need. He was respected by all the Jewish people. He prayed to God regularly.  He was a strong man, authoritative, and loyal to be a Roman Centurion (commander in the Roman army).  He must have been respected, admired, and a good leader.  He obeyed God and yearned to know Him more.

7a) God told Peter to get up and kill and eat, which is against Jewish law. Peter’s objection was just that — that these animals were impure and unclean so he couldn’t possibly eat or kill them. God told Peter not to call anything impure that He has made clean.

b) God confirmed His words by having Peter sent for by Cornelius and taken to Cornelius’ house.

8 ) Personal Question. My answer: Jesus’s death. All barriers.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 10

Profound passage as Peter finally realizes that all people are made clean through the blood of Jesus Christ. Now all will be preached to.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 10

Caesarea was a predominately Roman city on the shores of the Mediterranean in Judea. It was the headquarters of the Roman governor of the province of Judea. Archaeologists have discovered a stone from a building in Caesarea inscribed with the name Pontus Pilate.

Who Was Cornelius?

• Cornelius was an officer in the Roman Army. A Jew of that day would naturally dislike or even hate him.
• Cornelius was a God-fearer. These were Gentiles who loved the God of Israel; they were sympathetic to and supportive of the Jewish faith. Yet they stopped short of becoming full Jews in lifestyle and in circumcision. Jewish people of that time respected and appreciated these God-fearing Gentiles, but they could not really share their life and homes and food with them, because they were still in fact Gentiles and not full Jewish converts.
• Cornelius gave generously to the poor, prayed often, sought God, and obeyed. How many of us can say the same?

It is significant that God spoke to Cornelius directly, even calling him by name. It is also significant that Cornelius responded with a healthy fear of the heavenly and holy (he was afraid). This shows that Cornelius had a real relationship with God.

Angels have limited abilities. They are primarily messengers. Note that an angel came to Cornelius to deliver a message, not convert him.

Typically, this is how God operates. He speaks to several people about a matter, not just one. Then confirmation is provided, and out of the mouth of two or three witnesses a word is established.

Fun Fact:  It is rare in the Bible for God to speak in an audible voice.

Peter had a bad habit of telling Jesus “no” (Matthew 16:22, John 13:8). Compare Peter’s response to God (Not so, Lord!) with Cornelius’ response to God (What is it, Lord?). On that day, it seemed that Cornelius was more responsive to God than Peter was.

God repeated this vision three times. Peter was to regard this as important.

When the vision ended, Peter did not have it all figured out. That came in time. And so it is with us.

Previously, in Acts 10:13 and 10:15, it was simply said that a voice spoke to Peter. Now, we are told that the Spirit spoke to Peter. This was God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, speaking to Peter.

At this point, God has not told Peter that his visitors were Gentiles. Normally, a godly Jew like Peter would not associate in this manner with Gentiles. Knowing this, and knowing Peter’s previous resistance (Not so, Lord!), God simply surprised Peter with the knowledge that these men were Gentiles.

The idea that God could send and use Gentiles was entirely new to Peter. God was expanding Peter’s mind and heart.

Peter didn’t just coldly give these Gentiles visitors a room; he entertained them as welcomed guests, and he did this against every custom of the Jewish people of that day. No orthodox Jew would have invited Gentiles into his house. He would not have sat down at the same table with them. He would not have had fellowship with them. It was forbidden.

God flooded Peter’s heart with an understanding that though the Old Testament said God’s people were not to become like their pagan neighbors, it also said God wanted His people to become a light to their neighbors who didn’t know the true God.

“Centuries ago another Jew had come to Joppa with a solemn message from his God, which he was commissioned to bear far hence to the Gentiles. Jonah, the prophet, took a ship from Joppa and refused obedience to the divine call.” (Gaebelein)

Significantly, whenever in the Bible worship is offered to men or to angels (as in Revelation 19:10), it is refused. But Jesus received such worship freely (Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 28:9). This proves that Jesus is more than a man, and greater than any angel (Luke 4:8).

Conversion of Paul

Peter actually entered the house of a Gentile, something that Jewish customs and traditions strictly prohibited. By entering a Gentile’s home, Peter showed that his heart and mind had changed, and that he had learned the lesson of the vision of the great sheet.

“The principle subject of this chapter is not so much the conversion of Cornelius as the conversion of Peter.” (Stott)

Cornelius was not a Christian in the sense that he was not yet regenerated or born again, yet in this case God heard his prayers and remembered his generosity to others.

This is the foundation for Peter’s understanding that the gospel should now go forth to Gentiles. This statement goes completely against the prevailing Jewish thought at that time that God certainly did show partiality, towards the Jews and against the Gentiles. In essence, many Jews of Peter’s day thought that God loved the Jews while hating the Gentiles.

The Prejudice Against Gentiles

According to William Barclay, it was common for a Jewish man to begin the day with a prayer thanking God that he was not a slave, a Gentile, or a woman. A basic part of the Jewish religion in the days of the New Testament was an oath that promised that one would never help a Gentile under any circumstances, such as giving directions if they were asked. But it went even as far as refusing to help a Gentile woman at the time of her greatest need – when she was giving birth – because the result would only be to bring another Gentile into the world.

If a Jew married a Gentile, the Jewish community would have a funeral for the Jew and consider them dead. It was thought that to even enter the house of a Gentile made a Jew unclean before God.

Christianity was the first religion to disregard racial, cultural and national limitations.

When the Jews showed this kind of partiality they were not being faithful to God’s heart as revealed in the Old Testament. The idea that God shows no partiality is also stated in Deuteronomy 10:17 and 2 Chronicles 19:7: For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe (Deuteronomy 10:17).

Notably, Peter’s preaching to the Gentiles was essentially the same as his preaching to the Jews. He presented the person and work of Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus and our responsibility before God in light of these things.

Peter didn’t have one sermon for one group and another sermon for another. All people needed to be saved by coming to a living faith in a living Jesus Christ.

Peter’s sermon was a wonderful (if brief and perhaps condensed by Luke) explanation of the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth:

• Jesus was baptized to identify with humanity.
• Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power.
• Jesus was crucified.
• Jesus was raised from the dead, resurrected in view of many witnesses.
• Jesus commanded His followers to preach the message of who He is and what He did.

The moment of a person’s salvation isn’t necessarily when they raise a hand or come forward at an evangelistic invitation. It is more likely at the moment they surrender to God and embrace with trust Jesus in the sincerity of their hearts.

Peter allowed the Holy Spirit to interrupt his sermon. The Holy Spirit was doing the greater work in the hearts of those listening, and Peter went with the flow. He stopped and called for their baptism.

The First Gentile Converts to Christianity

These were likely not the first Gentiles to trust in Jesus and be born again. Gentiles had probably received salvation in the eight years since Pentecost (Acts 2). But those Gentiles were saved as they embraced Judaism as well as Christianity. Gentiles may have received salvation before this, but they were saved as Jews, not as Gentiles.

Their filling with the Holy Spirit was accompanied by the demonstration of spiritual gifts. This was a filling with the Holy Spirit in two senses: First, in the sense that He indwells and abides in every believer; second, in the sense of a special empowering with gifts and graces from the Holy Spirit.

This was unique. It was not common in the Book of Acts or in subsequent Christian experience for those who were not previously converted (born again) to instantly be born again and receive such evident spiritual gifts. Yet it was good and even necessary on this occasion, to show that they received the exact same Spirit, the exact same blessing as the apostles and first followers of Jesus did on the morning of Pentecost (Acts 2).

God would fill Gentiles with the Holy Spirit in the same manner and degree as the Jews.

God loved and blessed the Gentiles just as He loved and blessed the Jews, and He did it while they were still Gentiles.

The Old Testament looked for the day when a light would shine in the darkness of the Gentile world: Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3)

God promised Abraham and his descendants that the blessing that came through him would extend to all nations (Genesis 12:1-4). Here, we see Jesus – the greatest blessing from Abraham – extended to the nations.

Remember Jesus’ promise of other sheep, not of this fold in John 10:16. Jesus also promised, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself (John 12:32).

The first Gentile Jesus dealt with in His public ministry was a Roman centurion from Capernaum. When Jesus healed that centurion’s servant, He declared that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:5-13).

Summary Acts 11:1-18:

Peter’s actions shocked the Jewish community and he was questioned when he went to Jerusalem.  Peter retold the story of his meeting with the Centurion, explaining who was he to oppose God who blessed these Gentiles with the Holy Spirit. (Great explanation by the way!).

Finally, it began to dawn on the Jewish leaders that God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life and given everyone the gift of Heaven.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 4: Acts 11:1-18

9) Because this changed thousands of years of Jewish tradition. We’d all ask the same questions.

My answer to this question back in 2012:

For centuries God’s chosen people has been only Jewish.  God himself has said do not marry foreigners or associate with them.  Jews were accustomed to only thinking God’s words were for them (which it was–they were the chosen ones).  For only 3 short years, Jesus taught otherwise and then overnight, with his death, everyone was made equal and included in God’s kingdom.

This was a MAJOR paradigm shift.  This could be akin to the Equal Rights Movement in the US. When people grow up with a culture and a thought so ingrained in their mind it takes a while for it to change–usually a long while.

So for the Jews to accept the Gentiles would be a process.  We are human after all.  Most can’t just flip a switch and get rid of past prejudices that have been ingrained in us since childhood.

10) Peter recounted exactly what happened.

11) Personal Question. My answer: It’s okay to follow God even when you don’t fully understand. In time, God will reveal all to you. Unsure what “situation” I’m in, but it encourages me to just listen and be open to God at all times.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 4: Acts 11:1-18

I liked how once Peter explained it all to the Jews, they praised God for accepting the Gentiles into eternal life. This would be rare to see in this day and time.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 4: Acts 11:1-18

This reaction of the Christian Jews shows how significant the change was that God initiated in Acts 10. Gentiles no longer had to become Jewish to be saved, and they were equal to the Jews.

When we see what the reaction of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, we can see how wise it was of Peter to take six witnesses with him to Caesarea and his meeting with Cornelius (Acts 10:23 and 11:12).

God emphasized the importance of these events by repeating the story.

The sheet could represent the church, having both “kosher” (Jews) and “unkosher” (Gentiles) on it, with no distinction or dividing line between the two (Ephesians 2:11-18).

If it was permitted for an angel of God to go into Cornelius’ house, it must be permitted for Peter also.

The Holy Spirit was God’s stamp of approval was on this work towards the Gentiles.

These Christians would see this was all in accord with the Scriptures. They had both the word of the Lord Jesus, recorded in Mark 1:8, and the Old Testament promises that Gentiles would come to the Lord through the Messiah (in passages such as Isaiah 49:6).

Activity alone isn’t enough to validate a work of God. It must also be in line with God’s Word. This work among the Gentiles passed both tests.

Jewish People’s Acceptance of Gentiles

The Jewish believers in Jerusalem (those of the circumcision, Acts 11:2) first reacted with a stunned silence. But then they glorified God, because they saw He was now at work among the Gentiles.

This is a powerful passage, demonstrating that the hearts of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were soft enough to be guided and corrected by God. It is a glorious thing when God’s people will allow their prejudices and traditions to be overcome by God’s Word and God’s work.

The church in Jerusalem embraced these Gentile believers at first, but it would be a long time until all the objections of those of the circumcision were answered. This acceptance is only temporary, as prejudice will continue for centuries.

Summary Acts 11:19-30:

Those who had been scattered when Stephen died  traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch preaching to the Jews there.  However some men from Cyprus and Cyrene began to speak to the Greeks as well in Antioch about Jesus.  As a result, many Greeks believed.

Jerusalem sent Barnabas when they heard the news to help.  Then Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch to help preach the Good News.  For a whole year Saul and Barnabas preached the Good News and it was here at Antioch that the term Christians was first coined.

More prophets arrived from Jerusalem.  One of them, Agabus, predicted a severe famine for the entire Roman world (which was most know places).  The disciples decided to help their brothers in Judea during this time.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 5: Acts 11:19-30

12)  Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman empire.  It sat at a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the eastern world.  It was a huge trading center and had a large Jewish and Greek population.  It was the first church with a large number of Gentile members and from here the first missionaries were sent out to spread the Gospel.

13) Personal Question. My answer: This blog. My work. Continue to pray for strength to continue as there are days where I am just tired.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 5: Acts 11:19-30

Another great example of the church growing and God using people to grow the church.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 7, Day 5: Acts 11:19-30

The first mission to the Gentiles begins in Antioch.

Antioch was founded about 300 B.C. by Seleucus I, one of the inheritors of Alexander the Great’s empire. He named many cities after his father, Antioch, about fifteen in total. This city of Antioch was called “Syrian Antioch” or “Antioch on the Orontes.” In the first century, it was a city of more than half a million people; today it is a Turkish city with a population of about 3,500.

Antioch was about 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Jerusalem and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. Many considered Syrian Antioch the third greatest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. Antioch was known for its business and commerece, for its sophistication and culture, but also for its immorality.

“The city’s reputation for moral laxity was enhanced by the cult of Artemis and Apollo at Daphne, five miles distant, where the ancient Syrian worship of Astarte and her consort, with its ritual prostitution, was carried on.” (Bruce)

This is the plan for church growth spoken of in Ephesians 4:11-16. Leaders in the church dedicate themselves to building strong, healthy Christians. As the saints are equipped for the work of the ministry, they grow into maturity, and do their ministry, and it causes growth of the body.

Barnabas remembered the precious brother Saul, and how he was sent to Tarsus for his own protection (Acts 9:28-30). Now Barnabas went and found him.

Barnabas was probably exhausted and overwhelmed by all the work and opportunities in Antioch, and then remembering Saul of Tarsus.

To seek Saul is more literally to hunt him up. MacArthur says the original word “suggests a laborious search on Barnabas’ part.” Saul was so valuable to Barnabas that it was worth it for him to leave the work in Antioch for a season and search hard to find him.

Antioch became a center for great teaching and preaching. Antioch “had the greatest preachers – in the first century Barnabas, Paul, and Peter; in the second Ignatius and Theophilus; in the third and fourth Lucian, Theodore, Chrysostom, and Theordoret.” (Hughes)

The Introduction of the Name Christian

It wasn’t until these years at the Church in Syrian Antioch that the name Christian became associated with the followers of Jesus. They had previously been called disciples (Acts 1:15), saints (Acts 9:13), believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), witnesses (Acts 5:32), followers of the Way (Acts 9:2), and Nazarenes (Acts 24:5).

In Latin, the ending ian meant “the party of.” A Christ-ian was “of the party of Jesus.” Christians was sort of like saying “Jesus-ites,” or “Jesus People,” describing the people associated with Jesus Christ. Boice thinks the idea was that they were called “Christ-ones.”

Also, soldiers under particular generals in the Roman army identifed themselves by their general’s name by adding ian to the end. A soldier under Caesar would call himself a Caesarian. Soldiers under Jesus Christ could be called Christians.

In Antioch, they probably first used the term Christians to mock the followers of Jesus. The believers appreciated the title so much that it stuck.

They gave according to the ability of their resources; those who had more gave more, probably referencing a proportional giving. It also means that they gave according to the ability of their faith, trusting that their gift to God’s work was a worthy investment in His kingdom, and not a loss.

Fun Fact: Luke is the only New Testament author to date his books by referring to Roman emperors. He refers to Claudius three times in the book of Acts. All of the events in Luke’s Gospel occur during the reigns of Tiberius and Augustus.

Summary Acts 12:1-5:

King Herod, on a persecution spree, arrested James, the brother of John, and executed him. He seized Peter as well with the same fate in mind. But the Feast of Passover was occurring so Herod had to postpone his plans for Peter.  Meanwhile, people were praying for him.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 2: Acts 12:1-5

3) King Herod began persecuting Christians. He put James, the brother of John, to death by sword. He seized Peter to kill him, but he had to wait until the Feast of Unleavened Bread was over.

4) Part Personal Question. My Answer: You should not seek worldly approval as King Herod did when he persecuted Christians. Christians should seek the approval of God.

5) Personal Question. My answer: Negatively. Injustice affects us all, whether we see it or not. Pray for those suffering for God to be with them and protect them and for doors to be opened for us to help.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 2: Acts 12:1-5

With recognition and success comes the will to tear you down, as we see with King Herod, who is now threatened by the rise of Christianity.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 2: Acts 12:1-5

This was Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, who ruled in the days of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:1-16). Herod Agrippa I was also the nephew of Herod Antipas, who had a role in the trial of Jesus (Luke 23:7-12).

No doubt, this was done because it was politically popular for Herod. It pleased many of his citizens who didn’t like Christians. Many political figures are ready to persecute Christians if it will make them politically popular.

Fun Fact: Of the twelve who followed Jesus, James was the first to be martyred.

Up to Acts 12, the church had been on a streak of success, experiencing one exciting conversion after another. First there was Saul of Tarsus, then the Gentile centurion, Cornelius, then the highly successful work among Gentiles (and Jews) in Antioch. But in Acts 12, the ugly opposition inspired by Satan again raised its head.

James was certainly not the first Christian to die in faithfulness to Jesus. Stephen (Acts 7:58-60) was martyred before this, and certainly others were also. But the death of James shattered the illusion that somehow, the twelve enjoyed a unique Divine protection.

James, in particular, might have thought to have been protected. He was one of the special intimates of Jesus, often mentioned with his brother John and with Peter (Matthew 17:1, 26:37, Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33; Luke 5:37, 9:2, and 14:33).

But Jesus promised no special protection for even His closest followers; He warned them to be ready for persecution (Matthew 10:16-26).

In Mark 10:35-40, John and his brother James came to Jesus and asked to be considered His two chief lieutenants. Jesus replied to them, You do not know what you ask. Can you drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with? James and John, not really knowing what they were saying, replied by saying they could. Jesus promised them, You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized. This martyrdom was the fulfillment of that promise for James. John fulfilled it by a lifetime of devoted service to God despite repeated attempts to martyr him.

Significantly, there was no attempt to replace James, as there was to replace Judas (Acts 1). This was because James died as a faithful martyr, but Judas revealed his apostasy in betraying Jesus. There was no need for another man to take the office of James.

There was a significant difference between the persecution from Saul of Tarsus (Acts 8:1-3) and from Herod. Saul, wrong as he was, persecuted out of sincere (though misguided) religious conviction; Herod persecuted out of purely political motives.

Herod decided to deal with Peter at a politically opportune time, fearing an unpredictable mob reaction when Passover pilgrims filled Jerusalem.

Why Delay to Execute Peter

Horton suggests three reasons for the delay in executing Peter:

1. Herod wanted to show how scrupulously he observed the Passover
2. Herod wanted to wait until the pilgrim crowds went home, fearing a riot
3. Herod wanted to wait until he had the full attention of the Jewish population.

Knowing Peter (with the other apostles) had mysteriously escaped from prison before (Acts 5:17-21), Herod assigned a high-security detail to guard Peter.

“Normally it was considered enough for a prisoner to be handcuffed to one soldier, but as a special precaution Peter had a soldier each side of him and both his wrists were manacled” (Stott)

“So there were always four soldiers guarding Peter. Extraordinary precautions were also taken by chaining him to two soldiers instead of one as usual (compare Seneca, Epistulae, 5:7). The other two soldiers kept watch outside the cell.” (Hughes)

The Power of Prayer

The church had the power of prayer.

The word constant also has the idea of earnest; literally, the word pictures someone stretching out all they can for something. “The verb ektenos is related to ektenes, a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits.” (MacArthur)

Luke uses this same word ektenos for the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44).

Much of our prayer is powerless because it lacks earnestness. Too often we almost pray with the attitude of wanting God to care about things we really don’t care too much about.

Earnest prayer has power not because it in itself persuades a reluctant God. Instead, it demonstrates that our heart cares passionately about the things God cares about, fulfilling Jesus’ promise If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).

It is also important to see that the church prayed to God. It may seem obvious, but often our prayers are weak because we are not consciously coming into the presence of our great and holy God, offering our requests to Him.

Summary Acts 12:6-11:

Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter the night before his execution and rescued him. Peter followed the angel’s instructions and the gates leading to the city opened for him, and he was free.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 3: Acts 12:6-11

6) Part personal Question. My answer: Peter was sleeping when an angel of the Lord wok him up. The chains fell off Peter’s hands without waking the two soldiers who were sleeping next to him. The angel told Peter to put on his cloak and sandals and wrap his cloak around him and follow him. Peter did so. They passed guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It miraculously opened up, and Peter knew it was God who rescued him. I like the fact no one woke up, Peter was basically wearing an invisibility cloak.

7a) Personal Question. My answer: God has a purpose for all of us, and if we obey, He will rescue us and show us the way.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Speaking words of encouragement to others and thinking before I speak. Just to be kind and patient.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 3: Acts 12:6-11

Good in-depth look at Peter’s escape according to God’s will.  Do you ever wonder why Peter was rescued but not James?  I wanted more information on this from the Bible.  I’m assuming the Lord’s work for Peter was not done and James’ was.  James’ death had a purpose as did Peter’s remaining life.  Interesting to think on though, and so it is for us. God has a plan, and we don’t know it. Our job is just to obey.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 3: Acts 12:6-11

Peter obeyed without really knowing what was happening. He knew enough to sense that God was doing something and the explanation would come later.

James was martyred (Acts 12:1-2) and Peter was rescued. The reasons God does such things, or does not do them, are often known only to Him. We do know that James, having gone to glory, did not consider himself a loser in any way.

Simply, it wasn’t time for Peter to go to his heavenly home yet. Until it was time, he was invulnerable. He couldn’t be harmed. It was James’ time, not Peter’s. That is all we can know.

Summary Acts 12:12-17:

Peter went to the house of Mary mother of John to tell them he was okay.  Many people were there praying for him. The servant girl, Rhoda, was shocked as was everyone else at Peter’s escape. He told his tale and told them to tell James and the others.  Then Peter fled for safety.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 4: Acts 12:12-17

8 ) Personal Question. My answer: Simply, prayer is powerful.

9a) Personal Question. My answer: You can’t ever give up hope in the power of prayer and the power of others praying for you.

b) Personal Question. My answer: It doesn’t really. Just keep praying for others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 4: Acts 12:12-17

It’s cool that Luke recorded the servant girl’s name.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 8, Day 4: Acts 12:12-17

Rhoda was so excited to hear from Peter that she left him out at the gate! The natural, true-to-life feel of these accounts show the reliable historical character of the Book of Acts.

We are comforted (and amused) by the little faith of these Christians. Even while they prayed for Peter, they found it hard to believe God actually answered their prayer.

Their prayer was earnest (Acts 12:5), but their faith was not overwhelming. Little faith can accomplish great things if it is placed in the great God.

The Jews believed in the idea of guardian angels, and it seems that some among them may have believed that one’s guardian angel bore some kind of resemblance to the human it was assigned to.

The James that Peter told others to report to was not the James who was just martyred. It was probably James, the brother of Jesus, who was a prominent figure in the church at Jerusalem.

Fun Fact: Except for a brief mention in Acts 15, this is the last Luke speaks of Peter. We know that Peter later met Paul in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14), and later he wrote his two letters.

NOTE TO ALL: In 2012, BSF did this passage for Lesson 28, Day 2. Interesting that they have moved it up.

Summary 1 Peter 1:1-12:

Peter, Jesus’ disciple, writes to God’s elect, strangers in the world who are scattered throughout the known Western world.  In God’s great mercy, He has given us (Christians) new birth into a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade through faith.  We greatly rejoice in our future resurrection even if now we are suffering trials.  These trials test our faith so it may be proved genuine and will honor God.  Even though we do not see God, we believe in Him and rejoice in our salvation.

The Old Testament prophets searched intently to discover when Christ would come and they knew they were speaking to the future generations to come.  Even the angels were eager for God’s plan to be carried out.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 2: 1 Peter 1:1-12

3) New birth into a living hope and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade (eternal life in heaven).  God sends us trials so that our faith may be proved genuine and bring God praise, glory, and honor.  We rejoice in our salvation, which is the goal of our faith, and brings us inexpressible and glorious joy.

4) Personal Question. My answer: It’s a living hope through Christ’s resurrection that our inheritance will never perish.

5) Personal Question. My answer: Peter says suffering is for a little while, which is true. Most of our “sufferings” are only for a blip in our lives, but we make it into so much more instead of giving it to God. I love how trials proves our faith genuine that we are strong enough through God to survive and endure them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 2: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Our faith isn’t tested because God doesn’t know the depth of it (of course He does–He knows everything).  Our faith is tested because we don’t know the depth of it and God wants to show us just how much we believe in Him.  For if your life is smooth, how will you know if you have faith?  By mere words?  God says that’s not enough.  He tests us to prove our faith and to strengthen it, to purify it like gold is to fire, and to glorify Him.  For as we know, it’s all about Him!

If any of you know why BSF has moved this up in the study, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

I LOVE these videos. Check this one out if you get a chance that summarizes 1 Peter in under 8 minutes:

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 2: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Peter in the Bible

Peter was an important and influential man in the early church. Considering the author, the first Christians would receive this letter with a sense of importance.

Fun Fact: Peter’s name is mentioned in the gospels more than anyone except the name of Jesus. No one speaks in the gospels as often as Peter did, and Jesus spoke more to Peter than to any other individual.

• Jesus rebuked Peter more than any other disciple.
• Peter was the only disciple who dared to rebuke Jesus.
• Peter confessed Jesus more boldly and accurately than any other disciple.
• Peter denied Jesus more forcefully and publicly than any other disciple.
• Jesus praised Peter more than any other disciple.

Peter and Jesus in the Bible

• Peter stepped out of the boat during a raging storm and walked on the water with Jesus (Matthew 14:24-33).
• Peter saw Jesus transfigured in glory, together with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9).
• Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive a brother that sins against us, quoting the high number of “seven times” (Matthew 18:21-35).
• Peter ran with John the disciple to the tomb on the morning of the resurrection, after hearing the report of the women that the body of Jesus was not in its tomb (John 20:1-10).
• Peter received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:34).

Peter introduced himself as an apostle. “The supreme importance of the apostles is suggested by the fact that the phrase of Jesus Christ is attached to no other New Testament office: we do not read of teachers of Jesus Christ or prophets of Jesus Christ or evangelists of Jesus Christ, only of apostles of Jesus Christ.” (Grudem)

Original wording is pilgrims instead of elect. This has the connotation of a temporary resident in the land. Peter clearly wrote to Gentiles and Christians (see 1 Peter 1:18, 2:10, and 4:3). Yet he called them pilgrims of the Dispersion, or Diaspora, a name that was applied to the Jews. He called them this because he saw the Christians of his day as sprinkled throughout the world as the Jewish people were in the Diaspora after the fall of Jerusalem when the Babylonians conquered Judah.

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were specific places where Christianity had extended in the first several decades after the beginning of the church. It was probably the route that the original courier of Peter’s letter followed in distributing the letter. This was not written to any one congregation, but written to all Christians.

The Elect

Peter first described his intended readers as elect, which means they are chosen, chosen by God in a particular and unique sense according to His foreknowledge. The chosen are sanctified and obedient and cleansed by Jesus’s blood.

There were three circumstances in the Old Testament where blood was sprinkled on people.

1. 1. At the establishment of Sinai or Old Covenant (Exodus 24:5-8).
   2. At the ordination of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:21).
   3. At the purification ceremony for a cleansed leper (Leviticus 14:6-7).

The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus on us accomplishes the same things. First, a covenant is formed, then we are ordained as priests to Him, and finally we are cleansed from our corruption and sin.

Peter’s Explanation

• Praises God for Salvation
• We are a new creation
• We have eternal life that can never fade, spoil, or perish
• We have God Himself, like the inheritance of Aaron (Numbers 18:20) and the inheritance of the Psalmist (Psalm 16:5-6)
• We are kept by God’s power through faith

A Christian’s Trials

• God has a purpose not only for the trial but also for the heavy grief we feel in the trial.
• We suffer to test our faith
• The end of our faith is when Jesus returns

Fun Fact:  The word translated “joy inexpressible” “occurs only here in the New Testament, and describes a joy so profound as to be beyond the power of words to express.” (Grudem)

It was important to constantly remind people that their teaching was the same as the Old Testament’s prophets’ teachings.

Much was hidden from the Old Testament prophets, such as the character of the Church (Ephesians 3:4-6) and the very essence of life and immortality (2 Timothy 1:10).

The unfolding of God’s eternal plan is something that angels desire to see. Angels observe our conduct (1 Corinthians 4:9), giving us reason to behave (1 Corinthians 11:10).

Part of God’s eternal purpose is to show His wisdom to the angelic beings through His work with the church (Ephesians 3:10-11). God wants the angels to look in on what He does in the church, and the idea is that the angels are bending over with intense interest and desire to learn.

Summary of 1 Peter 1:12-2:3:

Peter continues with advice on how to live, saying to prepare our minds for action, to be self-controlled, and have hope in Jesus.  Obediently, we must not conform to the evil desires of our old life, but we must be holy in all that we do for we are called to be holy since God is holy.

We must live our lives as strangers here in reverent fear for we were redeemed from our old, empty way of life with the blood of Jesus Christ who was perfect.  We believe in God through Jesus, giving us faith and hope in God.

So love one another deeply from the heart since we are pure from our obedience to Christ and God.  We are born again for all of eternity through the word of God as Isaiah taught.

Get rid of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and feast on spiritual milk to grow in your salvation and in the Lord’s goodness.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 3: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

6a) According to Webster’s Dictionary, holy means, “Exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness; divine; devoted entirely to the deity or the world of the deity.”

Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary by J D Douglas and Merrill C Tenney defines holiness as, “The state of quality of being morally pure and separate from evil.”

Holy is perfect in goodness and righteousness.  Hence, we should strive to be perfect, good, righteous, morally pure, and separate from evil.

b) To prepare our minds for action, to be self-controlled, and have hope in Jesus. Obediently, we must not conform to the evil desires of our old life, but we must be holy in all that we do for we are called to be holy since God is holy. We must live our lives as strangers here in reverent fear for we were redeemed from our old, empty way of life with the blood of Jesus Christ who was perfect.  We believe in God through Jesus, giving us faith and hope in God.

7) In the Old Testament, to be cleansed of sins God’s chosen people had to make sacrifices, which had to be perfect and without blemish.  One of these sacrifices was the lamb.  Hence, Peter here is saying Jesus qualifies as a sacrifice for the people, a sacrifice for all of eternity.

Exodus 12 describes the first Passover and God says, “Each man is to take a lamb…The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect…all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them.”

Leviticus 23:12 “…you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the Lord a lamb a year old without defect…”

Leviticus 1:2-3: “offer a male without defect …. so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.”

Isaiah 53:7 compares Jesus to a lamb, saying “[Jesus] was led like a lamb to the slaughter.”

John 1:29: John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Revelation 5:6: John again calls Jesus the Lamb “I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne…”

Peter is propounding on how to live a Christian life, saying to live a life as strangers here on Earth and have faith and hope in God.  They were redeemed from the empty way of life through Christ Jesus just as the Old Testament people were redeemed, made righteous through animal sacrifices–only this time it’s permanent.  The people have been made pure so now they can lead a holy life.

It’s hard to speculate here how much the people would have understood the sacrifices since Peter is writing to Gentiles who had no previous experience with Old Testament ways; but I will assume they knew enough to get the analogy or Peter would not have put it in.

8 ) Part Personal Question.  My answer: You are born again for all of eternity through faith in the word of God (which includes Jesus as the Holy Trinity) and through believing Jesus is God’s Son who died for our sins.  I need my faith strengthened in God and just being more holy every day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 3: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

This lesson is virtually identical to the Lesson from 2013. The idea of a Lamb as Jesus speaks powerfully to his sacrifice for us. John writes extensively of Jesus as the Lamb in Revelation.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 3: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Other Bible translations say “gird up the loins of your mind” instead of “prepare your minds.” Both mean be prepared for action.

God’s grace is for the past, present, and future.

• Peter greeted us with grace (1 Peter 1:2).
• Peter told us of the grace that came to us in Jesus, predicted by the prophets of old (1 Peter 1:10).
• Peter tells us Jesus will bring grace to us when he comes back.

“Grace is the unmerited love of God, stooping to save and bless; the source of all those bright and holy gifts which come from his infinite heart.” (Meyer)

Holiness as Separate

God is separate from the world, as we should be as Christians.

Jesus died so that we could be holy and live holy.

Holy living is accompanied by love that is only possible by those who have been born again by God’s word.

Peter did not use the same wording for born again as is found in John 3; but he did use the exact same idea.

Peter here quoted from Isaiah 40:6-8. The word of the LORD certainly has endured. It has survived centuries of manual transcription, of persecution, of ever changing philosophies, of neglect both in the Church, of doubt and disbelief – and still, the word of the LORD endures forever!

In AD 303 the Roman Emperor Diocletian demanded that every copy of the Scriptures in the Roman Empire be burned. He failed, and 25 years later the Roman Emperor Constantine commissioned a scholar named Eusebius to prepare 50 copies of the Bible at government expense.

Some people try to draw a sharp distinction between the two Greek words most often translated “word,” which are the ancient Greek words rhema and logos. But here Peter used both words (logos in 1 Peter 1:23 and rhema in 1 Peter 1:25) to refer to the exact same idea. The two words sometimes have subtle differences, but often not significant differences.

The Importance of the Word of God

The word desire is strong. In the Septuagint (an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) it is used for man’s deepest longing for God: As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God (Psalm 42:1). It speaks of the desire each believer should have for the word of God.

The Word of God is necessary for Christian growth.

The attitude of heart that receives the word and grows by the word is a humble, honest heart, willing to do what the Word of God says.

Evil speaking or slander: This ancient Greek word has more the idea of spicy and hurtful gossip than the idea of profane speech.

Summary of 1 Peter 2:4-10:

Peter says Jesus is the living stone who was rejected by men and chosen by God and precious to him and so are we (Christians) living stones being built into spiritual houses and holy priesthoods. The stone (Jesus) is precious to believers as our cornerstone, but unbelievers reject the stone and is now the capstone and a stone that causes those who disobey the message to stumble.

We are a chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, belonging to God, and called into the light from the dark. We are God’s people out of His mercy.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 4: 1 Peter 2:4-10

9) Living stone, which was rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious to God. We, like living stones, are being built into spiritual houses to be a holy priesthood. A stone laid in Zion will be a cornerstone to trust in and never be put to shame. Stone is precious. Stone is the capstone that was rejected by builders adn then they stumbled over it.

10a) Christ causes men to stumble because they disobey the message.  It’s why we all stumble. When you trust Jesus, he’s your cornerstone, your foundation that holds everything up and is precious.

b) They don’t want to commit either way. This is impossible because failing to commit to Jesus is the same as rejecting him.

11) Chosen people, royal priesthood, a holy nation, belonging to God, called into his light, people of God, received mercy.  They are all important, but I like holy nation because being holy allows me to be with God, righteously.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 4: 1 Peter 2:4-10

The cornerstone is a fitting analogy for Jesus, who after all, is our foundation.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 4: 1 Peter 2:4-10

We live because we are connected to Jesus. He’s the living stone first; then us. Our temple is spiritual, not physical like the temple in Old Testament times.

God builds; we offer sacrifices to please Him.

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Psalm 118, the stumbling stone of Isaiah 8, the foundation stone of Isaiah 28, the supernatural stone of Daniel 2, and the rock that miraculously gave Israel water in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4).

Those who reject the Cornerstone and refuse to build on Him instead stumble over Him.

Jesus quoted this passage from Psalm 118 in regard to Himself (Matthew 21:42). A chief cornerstone is the starting point of a building; everything is laid out according to its position. It is the starting place for two walls:

1. Jews
2. Gentiles

This in itself was a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense for the Jews, who thought that Gentiles should not have equal share with the Jews into God’s great house.

Therefore these great titles of 1 Peter 2:9-10 now apply to all believers, Jew and Gentile alike; whereas before they only applied to the Jewish people as God’s covenant people.

When Jesus spoke of Himself as the stone of Psalm 118, He spoke of what those who rejected Him are appointed to: “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew 21:44)

God’s People Are:

• A royal priesthood. The offices of royalty and priesthood were jealously separated in Israel. But Jesus, who is our King and Priest, has brought them together for His people.
• Special. We are special because we belong to God. (These same titles were applied to Israel (Exodus 19:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:20, Deuteronomy 7:6, and Isaiah 43:20-21).
• People of God.
• Receivers of mercy.

Summary of 1 Peter 2:11-25:

We are aliens and strangers in this world.  Abstain from sinful desires and live such good lives that the pagans will glorify God.

Peter says to submit ourselves to every authority instituted among men who are sent by him (God) to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right.  And doing good will silence the ignorant.  Live as servants of God and do not use freedom as an excuse to do wrongs.  Respect everyone; love believers; fear God; honor authority.

Slaves submit yourselves to your masters whether good or bad.  It is commendable if you endure under unjust suffering because you are conscious of God to which you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving the example.  Christ never retaliated or made threats.  Instead, he trusted God.  He died so that we may die to sin and live for righteousness.  By his wounds we have been healed.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 5: 1 Peter 2:11-25

12) Part Personal Question. My answer:  If you are walking in Christ’s footsteps, you are living every day as an alien and stranger in this world for our home is in heaven, not on earth (see discussion HERE). We are God’s chosen people, separate from unbelievers, set aside for eternity. The Holy Spirit lives within us; therefore, we are different and our lives should reflect that. We live according to God, not others.  Thus, we should live in every way as an alien and a stranger. The challenge for us is to be holy in a non-holy world.

13) The same it looked years ago. Under unjust suffering, you do what Christ did: love his persecutors, forgive them, and suffer since you’re reward is in heaven and not here. Doing so, you will show the light of Christ to others.

14) Today I see little to no respect for authority or the government (and definitely nothing close to submission).  Everything government related we grumble and complain. There is a vile undercurrent that pervades our attitude to government authority in today’s society that is sickening to watch and has made me give up all reading of the news. There is no respect for cops and elected officials. It’s sad.

15) Personal Question. My answer: Jesus did not retaliate or offer threats.  He entrusted himself to God and set the example that when we suffer, we do so for God. Submission is something we should do as the Bible says. My view is largely unchanged.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 5: 1 Peter 2:11-25

This whole lesson can be summarized as: do what Jesus would do.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 9, Day 5: 1 Peter 2:11-25

Sinful desires attack the soul.

Christians were falsely accused of great crimes in the early church. Pagans said that at communion Christians ate the flesh and drank the blood of a baby in a cannibalistic ritual. They said that Christian “agape feasts” were wild orgies. They said that Christians were antisocial because they did not participate in society’s immoral entertainment. They said that Christians were atheists because they did not worship idols.

But over time, it was clear that Christians were not immoral people – and it was shown by their lives. The Gentiles might be persuaded to become Christians by seeing the lives of other Christians, and that they would glorify God when they meet Him instead of cowering before His holy judgment.

Submitting to Authority

As Christians we should be good citizens, submitting to government. This was very different from those zealous Jews in Peter’s day who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one except God.

Peter wrote this in the days of the Roman Empire, which was not a democracy and no special friend to Christians. Yet he still recognized the legitimate authority of the Roman government.

“The meaning of St. Peter appears to be this: the Jews thought it unlawful to obey any ruler that was not of their own stock; the apostle tells them that they should obey their civil magistrate, let him be of what stock he may, whether Jew or Gentile, and let him exercise the government in whatsoever form.” (Clarke)

God uses governing authorities as a check upon man’s sinful desires and tendencies. Governments are a useful tool in resisting the effects of man’s fallen nature. Based also on what Paul wrote in Romans 13, we can say that the greatest offense government can make is to fail to punish evildoers, or to reward evildoers through corruption.

Peter knew that our conduct is a way to defend the gospel. He knew that those who never read the Bible will read our lives, so it is by doing good that we put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Unjust Suffering

Jesus is our example as someone who endured punishment unjustly. When He was reviled Jesus did not revile in return, but in His sufferings He committed Himself to the Father.

Peter clearly meant the cross of Jesus when he mentioned the tree (literally wood). Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the wood of the cross.

“He who bore my sins in his own body on the tree, took all my debts and paid them for me, and now I am dead to those debts; they have no power over me. I am dead to my sins; Christ suffered instead of me. I have nothing to do with them. They are gone as much as if they had never been committed.” (Spurgeon)

Peter quotes Isaiah 53:5, which primarily refers to spiritual healing but also includes physical healing. The provision for our healing (both physically and spiritually) is made by the sufferings (stripes) of Jesus. The physical aspect of our healing is received in part now, but completely with our resurrection.

If a master treats us unjustly, we should not fear whatever harm he causes. We can be healed and restored by Jesus’ suffering for us.

Summary of 1 Peter 3:1-7:

Peter tells wives to submit to husbands in the same manner Christ submitted to God’s will so that the husband may be converted by her behavior and how she leads her life.  Women’s beauty should not come from outward adornment but from within, which never fades and is of greater worth in God’s eyes.  Sarah submitted and was beautiful as she put her hope in God.  Do what is right and never fear.

Husbands be considerate and treat them with respect as your wives are weaker and heirs to God’s gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 2: 1 Peter 3:1-7

3) Part personal question. My answer: Here, the Bible tells us for women to submit to husbands so that they can be won over by our behavior if they are not believers. The definition of submission is “the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force to the will or authority of another person.” Webster’s says, “the act of submitting to the authority or control of another.” Submit is “to yield oneself to the authority or will of another.” That is my understanding of submitting. You follow, while someone else yields.

4) Be considerate and treat them with respect and as heirs to God’s eternal kingdom and life.

5) Personal Question. My answer: God likes it when we honor each other in marriage. It doesn’t influence my view. My view has always been the biblical view of wives submitting to husbands.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 2: 1 Peter 3:1-7

In BSF’s 2012 study of this passage, the questions were much different. They focused on what this passage meant with regards to historical times (see End Notes for full explanation), as well as the “weaker partner.” Clearly, BSF is trying to water down submission here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 2: 1 Peter 3:1-7

This passage was aimed at the first century wive who had come to Jesus before her husband. At that time, women never had a different religion than the religion of their husband. Peter is thus instructing wives on what to do if they were Christians and their husbands were not.

This passage follows directly from (1 Peter 2:21-25), which was about submitting to your government and employers like you would God or Jesus. We are to submit not just by word and deed but also in the heart.

The ancient Greek word translated submission was used outside the New Testament to describe the submission and obedience of soldiers in an army to those of superior rank. It literally means, “to order under.”

Yet submission to authority can be totally consistent with equality in importance, dignity, and honor. Jesus was subject to both His parents and to God the Father but was not lower than either of them. “Thus the command to wives to be subject to their husbands should never be taken to imply inferior personhood or spirituality, or lesser importance.” (Grudem)

Thus, submission in marriage follows the same principles as submission in other spheres. We submit to God appointed authority as our obligation before God, unless that authority directs us to sin. In that case it is right to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19-20).

Peter carefully observed that wives are called to submit to their husbands and not to all men in general. Male headship is God’s commanded principle for the home and the church, not for society in general.

Submission in the Bible

• Jesus submitted to His parents (Luke 2:51).
• Demons submitted to the disciples (Luke 10:17).
• Citizens should submit to government authority (Romans 13:1 and 5, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13).
• The universe will submit to Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:27 and Ephesians 1:22).
• Unseen spiritual beings submit to Jesus (1 Peter 3:22).
• Christians should submit to their church leaders (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 and 1 Peter 5:5).
• Wives should submit to husbands (Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:5, and Ephesians 5:22-24).
• The church should submit to Jesus (Ephesians 5:24).
• Servants should submit to masters (Titus 2:9, 1 Peter 2:18).
• Christians should submit to God (Hebrews 12:9, James 4:7).

A Wife’s Submission to Her Husband

A wife’s submission is a powerful expression of her trust in God. This kind of faith and obedience can accomplish great things, even without a word.

Wives may want to shape their husbands, either guiding them to Jesus or guiding them in Jesus through their words or efforts. Peter reminds them that God’s plan is that wives impact their husbands not through persuasive lectures, but through godly submission, chaste conduct, and the fear of God. God will then act upon the husband’s heart.

According to William Barclay, in the world Peter lived women often arranged and dyed their hair. They also wore wigs, especially blonde wigs made with hair imported from Germany.

Peter described the character of true beauty – a gentle and quiet spirit. These character traits are not promoted for women by our culture; yet they are very precious in the sight of God.

Sarah’s Submission to Abraham:

1. Sarah obeyed Abraham even when it was difficult and even when he was wrong (as in Genesis 12:10-20).
2. Sarah honored Abraham by calling him lord. It is possible to obey someone without showing them the honor that is part of submission. True submission knows the place of both obedience and honor.

Husbands Are Called To Do:

• A godly husband doesn’t merely share a house, but he truly lives with her. He recognizes the great point of Paul’s teaching on marriage in Ephesians 5: that “husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28). The godly husband understands the essential unity or oneness God has established between husband and wife.
• A godly husband undertakes the important job of understanding his wife. By knowing her well, he is able to demonstrate his love for her far more effectively.
• A godly husband makes his wife feel honored. Though she submits to him, he takes care that she does not feel like she is an employee or under a tyrant.
• A godly husband realizes that his spouse is not only his wife, but also his sister in Jesus. Part of their inheritance in the Lord is only realized in their oneness as husband and wife.

In giving honor to the wife, the word in the ancient Greek language for the wife is a rare word, meaning more literally “the feminine one.” It suggests that the woman’s feminine nature should prompt the husband to honor her.

This was a radical teaching in the world Peter lived in. In that ancient culture a husband had absolute rights over his wife and the wife had virtually no rights in the marriage. In the Roman world, if a man caught his wife in an act of adultery he could kill her on the spot. But if a wife caught her husband, she could do nothing against him. All the duties and obligations in marriage were put on the wife. Peter’s radical teaching is that the husband has God-ordained duties and obligations toward his wife.

Weaker Women Means:

In this context weaker speaks of the woman’s physical weakness in comparison to men. Men aren’t necessarily stronger spiritually than women, but they are generally stronger physically.

Therefore, a godly husband recognizes whatever limitations his wife has physically and he does not expect more from her than is appropriate and kind.

Wives are still equal to husbands in spiritual privilege and eternal importance.

The failure to live as a godly husband has spiritual consequences. It can — and it will — hinder prayer.

Summary of 1 Peter 4:

Peter tells us that Christ suffered in this body so we should be prepared to suffer as well since it means we will be done with sin, resulting in living for the will of God and not for this earthly life. You spent time doing pagan things and now they abuse you.  But they will be judged in the end.

Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.  Love each other deeply.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Use your gifts to serve others.  If you speak, speak the words of God. Serve through God’s strength so that He may be praised.

Rejoice in your suffering since you are participating in the sufferings of Christ.  If you are insulted because of Christ, you are blessed.  Praise God that you bear His name in your suffering.  Commit yourselves to God and do good.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 4: 1 Peter 4

9) It is a part of the Christian path. Our attitude should be sacrificial in the battle against sin (Matthew 5:29-30).

10) Because they think life should be perfect with Jesus.

11) Personal Question. My answer: We are to rejoice in our suffering since it brings us closer to Jesus and more like Christ every day. We are to continue to do good in this world. Patience. I have an injury that is just not healing, so I’m being patient and praying God will heal it sooner rather than later.

12) Personal Question. My answer: Everything has a purpose under the sun.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 4: 1 Peter 4

I would have liked to dive into verses 7-11 more.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 10, Day 4: 1 Peter 4

Jesus told us to anyone take up his cross and follow (Matthew 16:24). Taking up the cross meant that you were absolutely committed and not looking back.

“I beg you to remember that there is no getting quit of sin – there is no escaping from its power – except by contact and union with the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Spurgeon)

Christians should no longer live in sin, and we need to consider how we spend the rest of our time here on earth, for which each of us must answer to Him.

It is interesting to note that the list of sins here is the same list of sins we still battle. Human nature has not changed in 2,000 years.

When we don’t participate in the sin around us, we convict those who practice their sin, and they don’t like that – so they speak evil of us. This is why so many of us lose our non-Christian friends when we become Christians.

Preaching to the Dead

The righteous dead know and live on in constant awareness of the reality of eternity – and are rewarded by this understanding as they live according to God in the spirit.

Peter has already told us that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, preaching a message of judgment (1 Peter 3:19). Apparently during this same time Jesus also preached a message of salvation to the faithful dead in Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16:22) who anticipated the work of the Messiah for them. This preaching to those who are dead was not the offer of a second chance, but the completion of the salvation of those who had been faithful to God under their first chance.

In doing this, Jesus fulfilled the promised that He would lead captivity captive (Psalm 68:18 and Ephesians 4:8,) and He would “proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18).

It may also be that Peter here had in mind those in the Christian community who had already died, perhaps even dying as martyrs. If this is the case, then Peter used their heroic example as a way to encourage his suffering readers to also be faithful.

If these are the last days, then it is important for us to love those we are going to spend eternity with.

Christians should often open their homes to others and doing it all without grumbling. “The Greek term denotes a muttering or low speaking as a sign of displeasure. It depicts a spirit that is the opposite of cheerfulness.”

In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul makes it clear that he was what he was only by God’s grace. But at the same time, “His grace toward me was not in vain” because Paul put his own God-inspired efforts to work with God’s grace. The idea is that if we are bad stewards of the manifold grace of God, it is as if that grace was given to us in vain. That grace is wasted, because it only comes to us and doesn’t move through us.

Attitude Towards Suffering

If we partake of Jesus’s sufferings, we will also partake of His glory and joy.

Peter once told Jesus to avoid the suffering of the cross (Mark 8:32-33). “Once it seemed strange to the Apostle Peter that his Master should think of suffering. Now he thinks it strange that He could have imagined anything else.” (Meyer)

We can only partake of Jesus’ sufferings because He partook of our humanity and sufferings. He became a man and suffered so that our suffering wouldn’t be meaningless. It is good to share anything with Jesus, even His suffering.

We should never deny the place of suffering in building godliness in the Christian life. Though there is much needless pain we bear through lack of knowledge or faith, there is also necessary suffering. If suffering was a suitable tool to teach Jesus (Hebrews 5:8), it is a suitable tool to teach His servants.

Suffering for the name of Christ is a blessing, because it shows that we really are following Jesus, and that we suffer because we are identified with Him.  Peter recognized that not all suffering that Christians experience is suffering in the name of Jesus.

But we do glorify Him in suffering, and we glorify Him for what He will accomplish in us and through us with the suffering.

Three Places in the New Testament Where Followers of Jesus are Called “Christians”

Christians were first known as “disciples,” “believers,” “the Lord’s disciples,” or “those who belonged to the Way” before they were known as Christians, first at Acts 11:26. This is the first of three places in the New Testament where the followers of Jesus are named Christians.

1. In Acts 11:26 it tells us the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
2. In Acts 26:28 Agrippa told Paul, You almost persuade me to become a Christian. This shows that between Acts 11:26 and 26:28 Christian had become a popularized name for the followers of Jesus.
3. In 1 Peter 4:16 the idea is that some are suffering because they are identified as Christians. This shows that the name had become very widely used, so much so that one could be persecuted for being numbered as a Christian.

Suffering As Purification

God uses suffering as a judgment in a positive, purifying sense for Christians (the house of God).

The fire we endure now purifies us; the fire the ungodly will endure will punish them. There is never any punishment from God for us in our sufferings, only purification.

Real discipleship and genuine following after Jesus Christ is a hard thing, so we understand why Peter quoted the passage from Proverbs 11:31, “the righteous one is scarcely saved.”

Not all suffering is the will of God.

The ancient Greek word translated “commit” is a technical one, used for leaving money on deposit with a trusted friend. Such a trust was regarded as one of the most sacred things in life, and the friend was bound by honor to return the money intact. It is the very word Jesus used when He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).

When Christians commit their souls to Him, they leave their souls in a safe place. God is a faithful Creator, and we can give ourselves to Him as pliable clay in His hands.

Much of the agony we put ourselves through in times of trial and suffering has to do with our disregard of God’s faithfulness or of His place as Creator. He is our sovereign Creator, with the right to do with us as He pleases. Yet He is faithful and will only do what is ultimately best for us.

Every list of the disciples names Peter first. He has a big heart and unlimited enthusiasm. He was eager, impulsive, self-confident, and daring. Yet, he had his rough edges and swung wildly like a pendulum, bold and courageous one moment, and the next cowardly, fickle and weak.

Peter’s 1st and 2nd letters in the Bible are starkly contrasted from his gospels earlier in his life. Peter has changed, mellowed out, and is now feeding Jesus’s sheep. This letter is written in the 50s or early 60s to Christians in Asia Minor who were undergoing persecution. Peter hoped to encourage holy conduct in the face of suffering by assuring the Christians of their coming reward in heaven.

Peter disappears from the New Testament after Acts 15:6-11. Paul records a rebuke from Peter in Galatians 2:11-21 and John mentions him in John 21:18-19. There are his two letters, but that’s it.

Peter is the apostle of hope, showing us how God does not give up on people. Peter was thought to have died by being crucified upside down — a request he made, deeming himself unworthy to die like Jesus. Now that’s hope.

Summary of Acts 13:1-14a:

Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul were teaching in Antioch. Then the Holy Spirit told Barnabas and Paul to leave on a journey. So they went to Salamis and Cyprus with John Mark (Barnabas’ cousin) as a helper. At Paphos in Cyprus, they met a false prophet named Bar-Jesus who worked for Sergius Paulus. Sergius wanted to hear what Barnabas and Saul had to say, but Bar-Jesus (otherwise known as Elymas) opposed them.

Saul cursed Elymas, saying he was a child of the devil and temporarily blinded him. Naturally, Sergius believed in Jesus after witnessing this.

From here, Paul sailed to Perga in Pamphylia where John left. Then they went on to Pisidian Antioch.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 2: Acts 13:1-14a

3a) The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul to leave on a journey from Antioch. So they went to Salamis and Cyprus with John Mark (Barnabas’ cousin) as a helper, proclaiming the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. At Paphos in Cyprus, they met a false prophet named Bar-Jesus who worked for Sergius Paulus. Sergius wanted to hear what Barnabas and Saul had to say, but Bar-Jesus (otherwise known as Elymas) opposed them.

b) The proconsul believed when he heard the word and saw the blinding of the sorcerer, Elymas. Elymas continued to grope about, not repenting or asking God for help.

4a) Personal Question. My answer: Follow God. He knows the way.

b) Personal Question. My answer: It’s hard to say. I do not know. I hope make some kind of impact through my work and my kids and family.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 2: Acts 13:1-14a

We see Paul off to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, and how resistance will be a theme he’ll have to face every step of the way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 2: Acts 13:1-14a

Paul’s First Missonary Journey

In Acts 12:25, we learn Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark were all at the church in Antioch, having returned from delivering a gift of support to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30).

Since Niger means black, he was presumably a black African among the congregation at Antioch, and possibly the same Simeon who carried Jesus’ cross (Luke 23:26).

Manaen mentioned here grew up with Herod the tetrarch. This was the same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist and presided over one of Jesus’ trials (Luke 23:7-12).

Ministering to the Lord means doing what pleases Him and honors Him – worship, praise, prayer, listening to, honoring God and offering their bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

“The word translated worshipping [ministered, NKJV] is that usually employed in the LXX for the service of priests and Levites in the temple.” (Williams)

If we assume they fasted and prayed about the need of the world for Jesus, we can see how God answered their prayer – by using them. This is often how God moves, by sending the people who have it on their hearts to pray.

God’s Work

• It is significant that the two men called to missionary service were – as far as we know – the two most gifted and able men in the congregation.
• God had a specific work He had appointed to Barnabas and Saul to do. Paul would later write in Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
• The calling God had for the life of Paul had already been stated in Acts 9:15-16: He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.

Notice that the church in Antioch sent Barnabas and Saul out. They were supported and sent by a specific congregation. As far as we know, this had never happened before in the history of the church. Many went out as “accidental missionaries” (as in Acts 8:4 and 11:19), but there was never a concerted and organized effort to win people to Jesus like this.

Being intentionally sent by the church in Antioch, many regard this as the first real known missionary effort of the church. “The word ‘missionary’ has to do with sending. The Latin word mitto, mittere, means ‘to send’; ‘mission’ and ‘missionary’ come from the forms missi and missum.” (Boice)

We are not told why they went to Cyprus first, but we do know Barnabas grew up on that island (Acts 4:36).

The custom of the open synagogue gave Barnabas and Saul many opportunities to preach. This tradition invited any learned man to speak to the people of the synagogue at the Sabbath meeting.

Mark with Paul in the Bible

John Mark was mentioned previously in Acts 12:25. He traveled with Barnabas and Saul on this trip and was the same Mark who later wrote the Gospel that bears his name. Mark was a valuable companion for Barnabas and Saul. He grew up in Jerusalem and was an eyewitness of many of the events in the life of Jesus and could relate them with special power to Barnabas and Saul, and to others whom they preached to.

Paphos was a city on the west coast of Cyprus known for its immorality.

A Roman proconsul was responsible for an entire province and answered to the Roman Senate.

“All Roman provinces were divided into two classes, those that required troops and those that did not. The latter were administered by the Senate and ruled by proconsuls; the former were under the administration of the emperor.” (Williams)

Frustrated by Elymas & Elymas’s Punishment

Paul was opposed by a man named Elymas. His real name was Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6) which means “son of Jesus,” and Luke couldn’t bear to call him that. Elymas (who was some kind of advisor to the proconsul) attempted to frustrate the missionary efforts of Barnabas and Saul.

It was common for people in that day to have names that were similar yet different according to the language or culture they were in. Certainly, Saul’s given name was Saul, a Jewish name after the first king of Israel. But his Roman name was Paul – which meant “Little” and sounded similar to “Saul.”

“Saul’s father gave the child a Roman and a Latin name because he was a Roman citizen with all the rights in the Roman Empire this implied. The child had both names from infancy. When his father called him he shouted, ‘Saul, Saul!’ but when the Greek boys with whom he played called him they shouted, ‘Paul, Paul!’” (Lenski)

Paul, using spiritual discernment and operating in the gift of faith, rebuked and pronounced the judgment of God upon Elymas (you shall be blind).

As Elymas was struck with blindness, we can’t help but think Paul would remember his own experience with God. Paul was struck blind at his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Certainly, those who resist God are blind spiritually, so God just gave Elymas a physical blindness that matched his spiritual blindness. Sadly, we never hear of Elymas repenting, as Paul did.

Paul was harsh in his confrontation against Elymas because the eternal destiny of the proconsul was at stake.

If one wants to commit spiritual suicide, that’s one thing. But it is never right to bring others down also. If you want to give up on the things of God and grow bitter in your heart against Him, that’s your choice. But it is a heavy sin to draw anyone else away with you, either with your words or your example.

Paul and His Party

The missionary group is now described as “Paul and his party.” Previously – as recently as Acts 13:7 – the group was described as Barnabas and Saul. From this point on, Paul’s leadership and prominence will be evident.

We don’t know exactly why John Mark went home to Jerusalem. Perhaps he was homesick. Perhaps he was afraid of the tough and dangerous travel through the mountains ahead of them. Perhaps he resented that the team of his cousin Barnabas and Saul (Acts 12:25) had now become Paul and his party. Perhaps he lost confidence because Paul suffered poor health (according to Galatians 4:13).

As will be clear from Acts 15:36-41, Paul didn’t appreciate the departure of John Mark here, and to some degree he seems to have lost confidence in him as a missionary companion, a member of the team. This reminds us that as great and godly as these men were, and as great as the work was that they did, they still had problems.

Perga was a costal, harbor city, where the ship from Paphos came to the mainland. Antioch in Pisidia was about 135 miles (220 kilometers) inland, to the north. This general region was known as Galatia, and later Paul wrote a letter to these churches that is included in our New Testament library.

Summary of Acts 13:14b-41:

Barnabas and Saul are in Pisidian Antioch at the synogogue. Paul is invited to speak.  He tells the people God has prospered them in Egypt, led them out of Egypt and gave them Canaan to live on, and sent them judges.  He sent King Saul and King David.  From David God sent Jesus who preached repentance and baptism.

The prophecies of the Old Testament were fulfilled:  no one recognized Jesus as the Savior, they executed him with no evidence of a crime, and God raised him from the dead and traveled amongst them for many days.  God has fulfilled His promise to His people through Jesus.

Through Jesus we (the people) are forgiven and justified.  And be warned if you do not accept Jesus, you shall perish as the prophets have predicted.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 3: Acts 13:14b-41

5) God’s choice of Israel & His goodness to them: Paul basically recounts the history of Israel and how God has chosen leaders throughout time to help His people, from Egypt, the judges, Saul, David and then Jesus.

God chose men of Israel and the Gentiles who worshipped God.  He prospered His people in Egypt and led them out of that country.  He cared for them for 40 years in the desert and overthrew 7 nations in Canaan so He could establish His people there.  He gave them judges and when the people asked for a king God gave them Saul and then David. (verses 17-22)

God endured their conduct while in the desert (verse 18). The people asked for a king (verse 21).

God chose David so Jesus could come from his line.  John the Baptist tried to prepare the people for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptism. (verse 23-4)

The promised Messiah: John the Baptist tried to prepare the people for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptism. (verse 23-4). God promised to bring the Messiah (verse 23) to bring the message of salvation to all (verse 26).

6)  Jesus has been sent to all of us (verse 26) for salvation. Forgiveness of our sins (verse 38) through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses (basically saying OT is nulled and void and now NT–Jesus–rids us of the OT ways and ushers in new ways).  Verse 39

7) Part personal Question. My answer: The warning is you have to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior or you are a scoffer who will perish eternally. The promise is that if you believe, you will be forgiven and be justified. I am grateful.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 3: Acts 13:14b-41

I believe this is the first time the thought and idea of justification is expressed since Jesus’ death.

When Jesus died, he absolved all of man from sin.  If man believes in Jesus through faith then man is declared righteous in God’s eyes.  Being righteous means we have a right relationship with God (basically we can once again stand in His presence because sin had always separated us from the perfectness of God.  Here sin is washed away, we are righteous, we are right in God’s eyes, so we can be with Him again).

Paul’s last words are trying to convey the key point:  if you don’t have faith, you won’t be justified nor saved and you will perish.  One must have faith to have justification.  The sinner (us) must accept the work of Christ and his death on the cross.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 3: Acts 13:14b-41

A first-century synagogue service followed a general order. Opening prayers were offered, and then there was a reading from the Law (the first five books of the Old Testament). Then, a reading from the Prophets. Then, if there was an educated person present, they were invited to speak on subjects related to the readings.

Paul addressed both groups at the synagogue on a typical Sabbath; both Jews and “near Jews,” those Gentiles who admired the Jewish religion but did not make a full commitment to Judaism.

Israel’s History

• In this survey of Israel’s history, Paul noted important events – the choosing of the patriarchs, the deliverance from Egypt, the time in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the time of the Judges, the creation of a monarchy – but it all led up to Jesus.
• Israel’s history demonstrates that God has a plan for history, and we are connected to that plan. Jesus is the goal of history, and as we are in Jesus, we are God’s great plan of redemption.

John the Baptist

• John the Baptist responded to Jesus the right way. He prepared the hearts of others for Jesus, and he saw Jesus as who He really was. John knew Jesus was the One greater than all others. He knew Jesus was more than a teacher; He was the Lord God we must all answer to.
• John knew Jesus was high above him since he refused to loosen Jesus’ sandals. In that day, it was not uncommon for a great teacher to have disciples follow him, and it was expected that the disciples would serve the teacher in various ways. This arrangement came to be abused, so the leading rabbis established certain things that were too demeaning for a teacher to expect of his disciple. It was decided that for a teacher to expect his disciple to undo the strap of his sandal was too much; it was too demeaning. Here, John insisted he wasn’t even worthy to do this for Jesus.

Those who didn’t know the Scriptures rejected Jesus, and delivered Him to Pilate to be executed. This was true even though they lived in Jerusalem and were rulers among the Jews. Therefore Jesus was executed and laid in a tomb.

In calling the cross a tree, Paul drew on the idea from Deuteronomy 21:22-23. In that passage, it says that God curses a person who is hanged from a tree. Paul wanted to communicate the idea that Jesus was cursed so that we could be blessed (Galatians 3:13).

Man did his best to fight against God – even to kill Him – but God was greater than man’s sin and rebellion, and Jesus rose from the grave, winning over sin and death.

“Christianity is not just a philosophy or a set of ethics, though it involves these things. Essentially Christianity is a proclamation of facts that concern what God has done.” (Boice)

Jesus’ resurrection means that Jesus truly is the unique Son of God (Psalm 2:7), and it proves that He was utterly holy even in His work on the cross (Psalm 16:10).

The Promise

The promise is that, because of who Jesus is and what He did for us, forgiveness is offered to us freely in Jesus. We may be justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

• We can never justify ourselves before God. To think so gives us the glory for our own salvation instead of simply saying, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Jesus does not only forgive us, but we are also justified by Him. Forgiveness takes care of the debt of sin, but justification puts a positive credit on our account before God.

Some refuse to embrace the salvation of Jesus in the secret place of their heart because they want a salvation of their own making. They want to be saved the old-fashioned way – they want to earn it.

Only a few months after this Paul, wrote a letter to these churches in Galatia, dealing with these same themes of being justified by God’s grace, and not by keeping the law.

The Warning

The warning is that if we do not embrace the person and work of Jesus with our whole lives, we are despisers who will perish. In this warning, Paul quoted a passage from Habakkuk regarding the judgment that came upon Jerusalem. If God judged them, He will also judge those who refuse and reject His offer of forgiveness through the work of Jesus.

“Although ours is an age of great grace, God is nevertheless also a God of great judgment, and sin must be judged if it is not atoned for by the work of Christ.” (Boice)

Some commentators complain that Paul here preached too much like Peter did on Pentecost. It is a strange complaint. This shows us that Peter and Paul preached the same gospel, and the same gospel was preached some fifteen years after Pentecost as was preached on that first day.

Others note similarities between Paul’s sermon here and the sermon of Stephen in Acts 7. That was a sermon that Paul heard when he still hated the name of Jesus. Perhaps the sermon of the first martyr of the church still rang in the ears of the man who presided over his execution.

Fun Fact: This is Paul’s longest recorded sermon in the Bible.

Summary of Acts 13:42-52:

Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak the next Sunday at the synagogue. The people followed them and talked to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the entire city showed up to hear the word of the Lord. The Jews were jealous that so many showed up to hear Paul speak and spoke against them.  Paul and Barnabas answered them, saying that they spoke the word of God to you (the Jews) first, but since you rejected it, they turned to the Gentiles as commanded by God.

Many believed, and the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. But the Jews continued to come against them, persecuting them and expelling them from their region.  So, Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium filled with the Holy Spirit.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 4: Acts 13:42-52

8 ) Sadly, other Jews who were jealous of them. They continued on with their mission of bringing God’s word to all who would listen.

9) Personal Question. My answer: That there is highs and lows when serving God.

10) Personal Question. My answer: Constant fight against not enough time to do all He has for me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 4: Acts 13:42-52

Love the fact that Paul stays above the fracas of the Jews and moves on to the Gentiles, who respond enthusiastically. We should also not be so sensitive to rejection, knowing God has got it and is doing it, not us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 4: Acts 13:42-52

Both Jews and Gentiles at the synagogue responded positively, yet Luke noted an even greater response from the Gentiles present.

Many believed for two reasons:

1. Many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas. There was a continuing interest in their message.
2. Paul and Barnabas persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. This means they had already started to trust in the grace of God.

Continuing in grace is as important as beginning in grace; we must never leave it as the basic principle of our relationship with God. Far too many only think of grace as the introduction to the Christian life, but God wants grace to remain as the foundation for our life with Him.

Everyone Shows Up

“In our day, people are overwhelmed with information. We have radio, television, newspapers, magazines. People did not have any of this in that day. So when somebody came through from another city, the person was a source of precious information and people naturally thronged about him. The missionaries were proclaiming something new.” (Boice)

The power of the word of God was the primary power that attracted people, and Luke emphasized it in his account.

• The whole city came together to hear the word of God (Acts 13:44).
• Paul and Barnabas spoke the word of God to them first (Acts 13:46).
• The Gentiles responded to the word of the Lord (Acts 13:48).
• The word of the Lord spread through the region (Acts 13:49).

The dramatic response made the leaders of the synagogue envious. This is inevitable for those who are more concerned about being popular than serving God. When someone else is more popular, they become filled with envy. We can’t all be popular to the same degree, but we can all serve and please God to the same degree in Jesus Christ.

Suddenly, Paul’s preaching was opposed as if he were conducting a debate, with his opponents contradicting him and blaspheming God.

It seems strange that these religious people who waited so long for their Messiah would now reject Him when Jesus was presented to them. They wanted to keep the division between Jew and Gentile, and if Jesus was to be the Messiah of all men, they wanted no part of Him.

Paul rebuked those who rejected Jesus, letting the Jews know that it was a privilege that this message should come to them first, a privilege they were now rejecting.

• When you want to tell others about Jesus, begin with your own group. But if they don’t receive it, or when they start to reject it, don’t stop telling others about Jesus. Just find others to tell, others who will listen.

The Gentiles Respond

Paul and Barnabas also responded with more evangelism to open hearts, now directing their efforts to the Gentiles, in obedience to God’s command (Romans 1:16) and in fulfillment of prophecy (the quotation from Isaiah 49:6).

The Gentiles responded to Paul’s invitation with enthusiastic belief, learning with joy that God does not hate Gentiles, but offered them salvation in Jesus.

Paul showed wisdom in not spending all his time trying to persuade hardened hearts. We know that even after he made Gentiles the focus of his evangelistic efforts, he still prayed earnestly for the salvation of Israel (Romans 10:1), but he spent his missionary time ministering to more open hearts.

The Word was being spread through the efforts of Paul and Barnabas, but especially through the lives of these people being brought to Jesus Christ.

It’s remarkable to think that this church was born in a little more than a week. On one Sabbath Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue and there was a wonderful response. The following Sabbath there was a mixed response, some very hostile and some very receptive. They took the receptive ones and started a church that was lasted for hundreds of years and through that church, the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region (Acts 13:49).

The Remarkable Work of God

Sometimes remarkable works of God happen quite quickly. We should be happy for such seasons of rapid progress in God’s work.

If Jewish people had to go in or through a Gentile city, when leaving the city they shook the dust off their feet. In this sense, Paul said “I don’t want to take anything with me from you Jesus-rejecting religionists.”

They carried on the work, going next to Iconium. All too often, rejection and opposition for the sake of the gospel makes us want to give up. But Paul and Barnabas responded with appropriate determination.

Being filled with joy and being filled with the Holy Spirit go together. Paul and Barnabas had joy that contradicted their circumstances.

Paul is a great example of his own command to be constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Fun Fact: This is the first time Paul is recorded as turning away from the Jews to the Gentiles in the Bible.

Summary of Acts 14:

At Iconium Paul and Barnabas spoke at the Jewish synagogue, performing miraculous signs and wonders.  A great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed.  The Jews who didn’t believe united with the Gentiles to ultimately divide the city against Paul and Barnabas.  Ultimately, a plot developed to stone the two men, resulting in Paul and Barnabas fleeing to Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia.

Paul was speaking at the synagogue in Lystra when he healed a crippled man who had faith.  The Lycaonian people thought Paul and Barnabas were Hermes and Zeus respectively, come in human form.  They brought bulls and wreaths to sacrifice to them but Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes and shouted how they were not gods, but mere humans, here to bring you the Good News of the One, True God.  Still, they had difficulty in convincing the people of this.

Some Jews Paul had angered in Antioch and Iconium followed him and stoned him to death.  But the disciples gathered around Paul (presumably praying) and Paul got right back up and went back into Lystra.

Paul and Barnabas head to Derbe next (Map HERE) where they preach and win a large number of disciples.  Then they head back home, stopping in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch again on the way back.  They strength the disciples and encourage them in their walk with Christ by saying remain true to the faith.  They appointed elders in each church to continue their work and prayed and fasted for them.

Then they went through Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, and Attalia and then finally back to Antioch, their work complete.  They reported back and told of their adventures and how God had opened the door of the faith to the Gentiles.  Here they stayed for a long time.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 5: Acts 14

11) People believe.

12) They put their faith in man, not in God. People are always tempted to worship the man because he is tangible, whereas God is not.

13) Personal Question. My answer: I live an incredibly blessed life, full of health, a warm home, kids, husband, and pets. God blesses me and others through me. But it’s all Him, always. Consequences have just been hardships in my life, from bankruptcy to dealing with financial instability. But it’s all for God’s glory.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 5: Acts 14

In 2012, Acts 14 was one whole lesson, that was coupled with other readings. Here they are if you are interested:

Acts 14:8-18; Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-32

Acts 14:19-20a & 2 Timothy 3:10-17

There was much missed here that BSF zoomed through, particularly how the Jews are so set in their ways that they continue to persecute Paul and Barnabas, stoning Paul. How easy it is to see the man and not the Creator and what a common problem this was in the first century. How Paul is stoned, but he gets right back up and continues his God-given mission, undeterred. This lesson especially should have been emphasized because we are so often knocked down, and it is so hard to get back up. We all have work from God to do in our lives, but doing it is challenging. We’re being stoned, but not physically; this day and age it is mentally, with so much information at our fingertips and distractions galore. Deciphering our path can be the most difficult part. And finally, the encouragement Paul and Barnabas give believers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 11, Day 5: Acts 14

The End of Paul’s First Missionary Journey

The success is refreshing, because they had just been kicked out of Pisidian Antioch, after much success there (Acts 13:50).

Paul was inclined to stay in a region for an extended period of time, strengthening the churches and working where evangelistic efforts had already borne fruit. Therefore, it may be best to see the persecution Paul had in Pisidian Antioch as God’s way of moving him on to Iconium and other places.

Luke made it clear that it was not all the Jews of Iconium who did this, because many believed (Acts 14:1). Yet some not only rejected the message, but stirred up others to reject the message and the messengers.

Paul and Barnabas stayed as long as they could, despite the opposition, leaving only when it was absolutely necessary. They did this because they knew that these Christians in Iconium needed all the grounding they could get to stand strong in a city with much opposition.

Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly, bearing witness to the word of His grace and touching others with the power of Jesus.

The Word of His Grace is the only Word both Jews and Gentiles could be saved on an equal basis.

When forced to, Paul and Barnabas left Iconium for Lystra (some twenty miles away) and Derbe. Their perseverance under the difficulty in Iconium didn’t mean that it was time for them to become martyrs.

Fun fact: Acts 14:4 is the first time Paul and Barnabas are called apostles in the Book of Acts. The only other time the title is used for them in Acts is at 14:14. Paul often used the title of himself in his letters.

Lystra and Derbe were together in the Roman province of Lycaonia, but only between A.D. 37 and 72, the exact period these events in Acts took place.

Paul and Barnabas did many miraculous works. Yet they did not travel as miracle workers. Their focus was always preaching the gospel.

Transition from hearing about the work of Jesus to believing it is what everyone should do.

There was something about this man’s faith that was evident, and it is likely that God gave Paul the gift of discernment, so much so that Paul knew God intended to heal the man at that moment.

Greek Mythology Come to Life — Or So the Lystrians Believed

In Greek mythology, it was common for the gods to come to earth in human form, though they did not always do so for the good of man.

The people of Lystra had a legend that once Zeus and Hermes visited their land disguised as mortals, and no one gave them any hospitality except for one older couple. In their anger at the people, Zeus and Hermes wiped out the whole population, except for the old couple. This may help explain why the Lystrians were so quick to honor Paul and Barnabas.

Hermes was the messenger of the Greek gods, so it made sense to the Lystrians that Paul was Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Barnabas apparently had an air of authority about him, so they regarded him as Zeus.

“The crowd’s use of Lycaonian explains why Paul and Barnabas did not grasp what was afoot until the preparations to pay them divine homage were well advanced.” (Bruce)

When Paul and Barnabas saw the priest of Zeus, with oxen and garlands… intending to sacrifice, they knew things had gone too far. This was far more than honoring guests to the city.

For Paul and Barnabas, it wasn’t just inconvenient that they were called gods; it was blasphemy.

The things Paul mentions in Acts 14:17 (He did good… gave us rain from heaven… and fruitful seasons… filling our hearts with food and gladness) were just the kind of things these people would think that Zeus gave them. Paul told them these blessings come from the true God who lives in heaven, not from Zeus.

Note that Paul did not preach to these pagan worshippers the same way he preached to Jews or those acquainted with Judaism. He did not quote the Old Testament to them, but instead appealed to natural revelation, to the things that even a pagan could understand by looking at the world around them. We must speak to those we wish to convert in their language as well.

Stoning of Paul

These Jews from Antioch and Iconium were not content to kick Paul out of their own region (Acts 14:5-6); they followed him more than 100 miles and brought their persecution with them.

They incited the people of Lystra against Paul and Barnabas, and instigated the stoning of Paul. This was obviously an attempt to execute Paul and Barnabas – with the rocks being thrown by the same people who wanted to worship them shortly before.

• This is a dramatic demonstration of how fickle a crowd can be. Their admiration of the miracle and desire to honor Paul and Barnabas as gods did not last long.
• Paul was miraculously preserved here. Some think that he was even actually killed and raised to life again, because stoning was usually reliable form of execution.

When Paul later wrote, I bear in my body the marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17), he may have had in mind the scars from this incident. He certainly later referred to this stoning in 2 Corinthians 11:25.

It has been suggested that the heavenly vision described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 took place at this attack. This is possible, but only conjecture.

It’s reasonable to think that Paul remembered Stephen when he was being stoned, and how he had been a part of Stephen’s execution (Acts 7:58-8:1).

When Paul was revived, he did not flee the city that stoned him. Instead he immediately went back into it. He had been driven out of Antioch and Iconium by this traveling mob, and he was determined to leave Lystra on his own terms.

In Acts 16:1, we learn of a young Christian in Lystra and his mother – Timothy. Perhaps Timothy saw all this and was inspired to the high call of the gospel by noticing Paul’s courage and power in ministry.

The Return Home

As Paul and Barnabas decided to head back home to Antioch, they passed through the cities they had visited before, to strengthen and encourage the Christians in those cities. Paul and Barnabas wanted to do far more than gain conversions; they had a passion to make disciples.

• Many Christians need strengthening in their souls. Many need exhorting to continue in the faith. It is no small thing to walk with the Lord, year after year, trial after trial. It takes a strong soul and an encouraged faith.

Paul and Barnabas were committed to not just making new Christians, but in establishing new churches, places where these new Christians could grow and be established in the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas knew that these churches must have proper administration, so they appointed elders in every city where there were Christians.

But in the end, they can only trust in God’s ability to keep these churches healthy, having commended them to the Lord.

On the continent, they returned pretty much the same way they came. They did not stop on the island of Cyprus, but sailed to Antioch, returning to their home congregation.

“In saying that the missionaries reported these things, Luke has used the verb in the imperfect. This may mean that the report was repeated as the two met with different groups scattered throughout the city. But the word church is in the singular. There may have been a number of groups meeting separately, but there was only one church.” (Williams)

Doing God’s Work Faithfully

The trip was a great success, though not without great obstacles: The difficulty of travel itself, the confrontation with Elymas on Cyprus, the quitting of John Mark, being driven out of the cities of Antioch and Iconium, the temptation to receive adoration, and being stoned in Lystra. Yet Paul and Barnabas would not be deterred from the work God had them to do.

• It can and should be asked of each follower of Jesus, “What will it take for you to back down from doing God’s will? What kind of temptation or obstacle or opposition will do it?” Nothing stopped Jesus from doing God’s will on our behalf; as we look to Him, we won’t be stopped either.

Paul later expressed this drive in a letter to a congregation: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Back at their home church in Syrian Antioch, we can assume that Paul and Barnabas took a long break and found plenty of ministry to do back there.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey took place from about 47-48 AD so about 14 years after Christ’ death.

Why did Paul and Barnabas not take the land route through Tarsus either on the way there or the way back?  Why did they choose Cyprus to visit and the other places?  I’m assuming because the terrain was too rugged or sailing was safer?  I’m wondering if geography played a key role in determining where Paul and Barnabas went as well as the technology in the means of transportation back in the first century AD.  Fascinating stuff.

To be named in the Bible is significant. To be noted in the Bible is even more significant.

Barnabas has appeared many times in the book of Acts. His real name is Joseph, but Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” and Barnabas definitely lived up to this name.

Born as a Jew on Cyprus, he reputedly was martyred in 61 AD at Salamis in Cyprus. We first meet him in Acts 4:37 where he sold his field and gave the proceeds to the poor in Jerusalem. Barnabas has played such a significant role in Paul’s life.

• Barnabas led Paul to the apostles after he converted (Acts 9:26-27).
• Barnabas is “a good man and full of the Holy Spirt and faith” (Acts 11:24)
• Barnabas thought of Paul’s role in the church (Acts 11:25-26)
• Both Paul and Barnabas carried back alms to Jerusalem to help with famine (Acts 11:27-30)
• Barnabas helped Paul realize his calling to the Gentiles
• Barnabas was handpicked to go with Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3)
• Barnabas helped in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:2)
• Both Paul and Barnabas carried the decrees of the Council to the churches in Syria and Asia Minor (Acts 15:22-35)
• Barnabas left Paul to go with his cousin, Mark, during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-41)

Paul writes about Barnabas in his epistles (1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1, 9, 13; Colossians 9:10), showing how Barnabas helped him in his journey in life. Who is helping you on yours?