Month: March 2017

So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Acts 28:23

Our text today highlights a second major theme that we have found throughout the early church. Last time, we saw their care for one another. This time, we see their passion for declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ. The book begins with that emphasis as Christ tells them that the effect of the Spirit of God being given to them was, “you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Act 1:8) There are many things today that people may claim prove that their church is Spirit-filled, but Christ made it clear that the greatest evidence was a faithful declaration of the word of God.

When the Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost, the church was empowered by the Holy Ghost to speak in other languages, but what was the focus of their speech. Per Act 2:11, they were declaring “the wonderful works of God”! That emphasis on preaching the word did not diminish. It got even stronger. In Act 4:18, the Jewish leaders had imprisoned Peter and John. They couldn’t deny the miracle God had performed through the apostles, so they were forced to let them go; however, they “commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” It was the first instance of persecution in Acts, but the response by the early church was amazing. They “raised their voice to God with one accord” (in other words, they were unified in this desire), and with no mention of requesting that God keep them from oppression and imprisonment, they prayed “Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word”! (4:24-29) They simply wanted the courage to complete their primary mission–to preach the gospel!!

In the next chapter, the apostles were imprisoned again and this time physically injured for their testimony. “…and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.” (Act 5:40) But, were they disciples deterred? Nope, those crazy Christians “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (5:41-42) This example of faith and endurance in constantly witnessing of Christ regardless of the consequences never ceased in Acts. Stephen is martyred for confessing Him in Act 7, and when Saul (who we now know as Paul) was called to the ministry in Act 9, at the very outset of his labor we find the following: “Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.” (v. 22-23) It was the beginning of a journeying of suffering that would eventually cost Paul his life, but through it all, in one thing he was consistent–he preached Jesus Christ!

This mission of the church has not changed today and never will. A people filled with the Spirit of God will always be driven above all to share the gospel of Christ because that’s the Spirit’s emphasis. Jesus said that in Joh 15:26: “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” So, it begs the question: Is that the emphasis of my church? I’m concerned that churches today are busy about many things, but does the gospel have the preeminence in our gatherings? Is that our focus as we leave the church walls? It MUST be if we are truly His disciples. May we be so in love with our Lord and so thankful for what He has done for us that we can’t help but confess Him always, regardless of the consequences. God grant us boldness to speak Your word!

Jamie

From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Act 28:13-15

Back in June of 2012 (that’s right, it’s been nearly 5 years!), we began our study of the book of Acts. I can hardly believe that it’s been that long ago. Last week, we reflected over some of the practices of the early Christian church that have been repeatedly highlighted in our study. Our text above mentions one of those themes, namely the constant care for one another found in the early church. Paul was a prisoner, accused of crimes worthy of death by his Jewish brethren, yet when he reached Puteoli, the church embraced him with open arms and cared for him during his stay. When he made it to Appii Forum and Three Inns, the brethren sought him out that they might encourage him in the Lord. The result was that Paul thanked God for them, being strengthened in his spirit by their love and care.

This text reminds us of how we are instructed to give particular attention to the needs of those whom God has called to deliver His word to us. These faithful men labor without material reward as their goal, and yet the church should feel an obligation to see that they are sustained. Twice in Paul’s letters he quotes the Old Testament commandment to not muzzle the ox that treads the corn. (Deu 25:4) As he points out in 1Co 9:6-14, this OT rule was not for the benefit of oxen but rather to teach us that we ought to care for those who labor to give us the spiritual food of God’s word. As he puts it bluntly in v. 14, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” Paul quotes the verse concerning oxen again in 1Ti 5:17-18 to teach us how we ought to especially value those “who labor in the word and doctrine,” reminding us that “the laborer is worthy of his wages.”

This pattern of care is shown over and over in the book of Acts, but not only towards the apostles and pastors. There was a sincere care for the church as a whole. They clearly lived Gal 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We saw that from the very outset of the formation of the Christian church, there was a spirit of sharing and unity as they diligently sought to make sure that no one lacked anything within the assembly. Acts 4:32-37 reveals they were “of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common… Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Act 4:32-35)

Certainly, the church over the ages has been burned. In spite of the severe judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira in Act 5, many have followed their sinful example over the years and have taken advantage of God’s people. But such sinful acts should never prompt believers to be hesitant in caring for one another as we are called to do. What God expects from his church hasn’t changed. May we be obedient to His command, “that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1Co 12:24-26) Remember, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Joh 13:35)

Jamie