Acts 11:19-26

This is the last day of 2019. 

Last night we were sitting with my sister and her husband from NC and thinking back to 2000 and how all of us were concerned about the computer systems going down. How have 20 years gone by so quickly? 

The ways of the catholic christians so correlates to  the original jewish followers of christ that reading these scriptures of the bible reminds me of my upbringing.

My prayer for the new year is for the Kingship of our Lord and Savior to be established in love in expectation of His coming.

The mission of the early church extends into the region of Phoenicia—in modern-day Lebanon, north of Israel along the Mediterranean coast—beyond Caesarea and to areas besides Damascus. Cyprus was a large Mediterranean island that figures prominently in Acts. Antioch was the Roman military and administrative capital of its region in southern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Cyrene was a city in northern Africa (modern-day Libya) settled by Greeks, which in the first century had a large Jewish population.

The Greek term used here, christianos, which may be literally rendered “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ,” refers to “Christ followers.” The community began to be known as a distinct movement from Judaism that was loyal to Jesus as Messiah (or Christ) and Lord. Faithlife Bible.

This persecution began when Stephen was murdered for his faith. God often uses tough times to accomplish His will. Jesus said, “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”. God allowed persecution to be the impetus for spreading Christ’s witness throughout the land. Those who face such persecution will receive “great reward” in heaven. At this time it was primarily the Jewish believers who were being persecuted. Consequently, the Jewish Christians were the ones who were moving out and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in various regions. They shared the gospel with the Jews because they still met in the local synagogues and held on to many of the Jewish customs. 

Seleucus I founded the city of Antioch, naming it after his father. The city was cosmopolitan, attracting people of various cultures and ethnic backgrounds—including people from Persia, India, and even China. The gospel proclaimed in Antioch would have had tremendous potential for reaching other areas of the world. Moreover, because the city was culturally diverse, it was not controlled by one religious group, making the people there more open to hearing the truth of the gospel message. Barnabas, nicknamed “Son of Encouragement” by the apostles), was sent to discern what God was doing in the lives of the new converts. When Barnabas saw the grace of God in these converts, he was true to his name and encouraged them in their new faith. Purpose of heart describes a resolve of the will to make up one’s mind about one thing. The resolve here was to remain with the Lord.

 Because Barnabas was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, God was able to bring Saul of Tarsus to his mind again. The disciples in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul and refused to believe that he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, had defended Saul before the apostles

The believers were called Christians because they worshiped Christ, the Messiah. The historian Josephus called them “that tribe of Christians.” Tacitus, the Roman historian, referred to them as “Christians, a name derived from Christ.” Originally, the church called themselves “The Way.” But later they began to refer to themselves as Christians, despite the fact that the name most likely was originally used to ridicule the believers. NKJ Bible.

Acts 11:19-26

19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Luke 1:66 | And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Acts 2:47 | praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 4:36 | And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 5:14 | And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

The purpose of the Book of Matthew

Each writing in Scripture is  for proving and supporting the salvation of Jesus Christ. Before the beginning of time He was!

Purposes • Matthew’s Gospel serves several purposes beyond presenting a mere biography of Jesus. One purpose is to prove to Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah and promised King. The genealogy in chapter 1 points to Christ as the One who inherited God’s promises to David of an eternal dynasty. Jesus’ use of a familiar messianic psalm in Matthew 22:41–44 would have clearly implied to any Jew that He was the heir of the Davidic throne. Even though many Jews of Jesus’ time were blind to Jesus’ identity, Gentiles (such as the wise men) identified Him as Israel’s promised King when He was a baby. Finally, the charge that hung above Jesus’ head on the Cross clearly highlights His royalty: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS (27:37). But most important, the Book of Matthew proves Jesus’ legitimate authority by highlighting His wise teaching and righteous life (7:28, 29).

Another purpose of the book is to outline the characteristics of the kingdom of God, both for Israel and the church. Orthodox Jews would typically scoff at any assertion that Jesus is their Messiah, let alone their King. They would retort, “If Jesus is King, where is the promised restoration of the kingdom of Israel?” Many Jews of Jesus’ day rejected Him as Messiah, even though both Jesus and John the Baptist continually preached that the kingdom was “at hand” (3:2; 4:17; 10:7). This rejection of Jesus by the Jews is a dominant theme of Matthew (11:12–24; 12:28–45; 21:33–22:14). Because of this rejection, God postponed the fulfillment of His promises to Israel and subsequently extended His blessings to both Jew and Gentile in the church.

Matthew is the only Gospel writer who speaks directly of the church (16:18; 18:17). He points to the Gentile composition of this church by including several stories of the Gentiles’ faith in Jesus: the wise men, the centurion, and the Canaanite woman. He records Jesus’ prediction that the gospel will be preached to all nations (24:14), and the commission to the disciples to “make disciples of all the nations” (28:19). Jesus’ teaching pointed to the blessings of the kingdom being extended to Gentiles. But one day, Israel will be restored to its place of blessing.

A final purpose of Matthew is to instruct the church. An obvious clue to this is in the Great Commission: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (28:20). The discipling process involves instruction in the words of Christ, and the Gospel of Matthew revolves around five of Jesus’ discourses (5:1–7:28; 10:5–11:1; 13:3–53; 18:2–19:1; 24:4–26:1). Instead of emphasizing a narrative of Jesus’ life as Mark does, Matthew uses the narrative elements in his Gospel as a setting for Jesus’ sermons.

Matthew 22:41-44

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord,“Sit at My right hand,Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’?

Matthew 27:37-29

37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:

THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS

Matthew 7:28

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew 3:2

2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Matthew 4:17

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 10:7

7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 11:12-15

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 12:28-37

28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 21:33-42

33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. 35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. 37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

41 They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the chief cornerstone.

This was the Lord’s doing,

And it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Matthew 16:18

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 18:17

17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Matthew 24:14

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 28:19

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

Matthew 28:20

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 7:28-29

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew 10:5-7

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 11:1

Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.

Romans 10:14-17

Just believe! Both Jews and Gentiles are under God’s judgment because of sin, yet both are eligible for righteousness through faith in Christ. Once the Holy Spirit resides in you he will reveal and explain the things of Jesus to you.

Spread the Good News…Jesus Christ saves.

This series of questions suggests that Israel had opportunity to hear the gospel message, yet rejected it.  Paul quotes Isa 52:7 to emphasize the importance of spreading the gospel. Righteousness comes by faith, and faith comes by hearing the gospel message. At the same time for Paul, faith demands obedience to the gospel. Faithlife Bible.

Not all Jews have obeyed the command to believe in Christ. NKJ Bible.

Romans 10:8-13

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:14-17

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 

15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Isaiah 52:7 | How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news,Who proclaims peace,Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation,Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 53:1 | Who has believed our report?And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Nahum 1:15 | Behold, on the mountainsThe feet of him who brings good tidings,Who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts,Perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you;He is utterly cut off.

John 12:38 | that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:“Lord, who has believed our report?And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”

The Feast of Dedication

God is the ultimate gentleman. He will not go where He is not invited. The Holy Spirit knocks at your door but YOU must invite Him in. Invite Him  in!

The free gift of salvation is offered to all of mankind but we have to accept this gift that cost God everything in order to offer salvation to us. We need to dedicate or rededicate our lives to the Lord of lords and King of  kings. 

May the year 2020 be a  time for rebuilding and uplifting the Bride of Christ as tarnished as she may seem.

The Feast of Dedication refers to the feast of Hanukkah, celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the temple. Faithlife Bible.

The Feast of Dedication was celebrated for eight days in December; thus there was a period of about two months. In 167 b.c., Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the temple in Jerusalem, as prophesied in Daniel 11:31. The Maccabeans restored and purified the temple. In commemoration of the restoration, the Feast of Dedication was instituted. Today it is also known as the Feast of Lights or Hanukkah. John notes that the events occurred in winter to explain why the Lord chose a sheltered spot in which to teach. 

Jesus reminded the Jewish leaders of His words and works. Jesus was the Messiah and said so. He told the woman at the well that He was the Messiah, as well as the man born blind. His works include all the miracles He performed as signs pointing to His messiahship.

At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus had told the leaders that they were not among His sheep.

Jesus described three characteristics of His sheep: (1) They hear His voice. He knows them. (2) They follow Him. The following of the sheep is a metaphor for faith.. (3) They shall never perish; their eternal life can never be taken away. The Father’s hand is more powerful than that of any enemy.

 The Jewish opponents understood that Jesus was claiming to be God.

John 10:22-30

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

John 17:24 | “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Acts 3:11 | Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed.

Acts 5:12 | And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.

Catholic Bibles contain 46 books in the Old Testament, including seven (Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch) which were part of an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. These books were better known among Greek speaking Jews in the Mediterranean world around the time of Jesus. Today these seven books are variously referred to as the “apocryphal” or “deuterocanonical” books and are usually placed between the Old and New Testaments. At the time of the Protestant Reformation, Protestant leaders decided not to include these seven Greek books in the Old Testament (because they weren’t written in Hebrew like the rest of the Old Testament) while Catholic leaders decided to retain them since they were important to our Jewish ancestors.

First Sunday After Christmas, December 29, 2019; 1 Maccabees 4:52-59

1 Maccabees 4:52-59 (NRSV)

52 Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-eighth year,[a] 53 they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering that they had built. 54 At the very season and on the very day that the Gentiles had profaned it, it was dedicated with songs and harps and lutes and cymbals. 55 All the people fell on their faces and worshiped and blessed Heaven, who had prospered them. 56 So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and joyfully offered burnt offerings; they offered a sacrifice of well-being and a thanksgiving offering. 57 They decorated the front of the temple with golden crowns and small shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests, and fitted them with doors. 58 There was very great joy among the people, and the disgrace brought by the Gentiles was removed.

59 Then Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev.

Commentary:

This text reminds me of life in the Congo during Advent and the days leading up to the New Year. The days were filled with joy and celebration as everyone took part in preparations to welcome the baby Jesus and the New Year.  It was a time to clean the church, make repairs, get rid of useless items, and other activities that would last for days at a time. It was not just about cleaning the church building but cleaning the Church that had been disrespected and destroyed throughout the year by hurtful words, unfaithfulness, lack of forgiveness and anything that affected the church as a community. As in Maccabees, it was a time to celebrate the extinguished light that was restored to brightness. 

In the Congolese context, there is a strong belief that we must respect the physical Church as a sign of God’s presence among us, but more importantly that we respect the community that binds us together as a people of God rather than as individuals. The church building is not just a place where we gather, but it is the house of God where we focus our attention on the Lord, as broken as we are. Yes, we are all guilty of tearing down the church but we must be committed to rebuilding it with love, forgiveness, and obedience. 

Sandra R. Gourdet is a member and Elder at Central Christian Church. She lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for 18 years.

Isaiah 9:6-7

This afternoon I will go to my Mama’s memory care facility to celebrate Christmas with a meal. What a fitting scripture to begin my day! Soon all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more dementia. 

Thank you Jesus that you provided a way for us to share eternity with you.

Israel’s pride in their own success and confidence that they will recover under their own power will be their downfall. Under threat of oppression and destruction, they exude naïve confidence in themselves instead of humble faith in God. Faithlife Bible.

Born speaks of the Child’s humanity and given of His deity. 

Mighty God indicates that the Lord is a powerful Warrior. Everlasting Father describes a King and Father who provides for and protects His people forever. Thus the word Father is used here of the Savior’s role as an ideal king. Prince of Peace is the climactic title. The Child is the true Prince—the one who has the right to reign and who will usher in peace. The four double names combine aspects of Jesus’ deity and His humanity. Together, these four double names assert the dual nature of the Savior: He is God become man.

The risen Lord Jesus brings His rule of peace to the believer’s heart in the present age. Moreover, He will establish the kingdom of God which will be His reign of peace. The fact that this coming Child will occupy the throne of David forever fulfills God’s promise to David. NKJ Bible.

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Judges 13:18

And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?”

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Luke 2:11

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

John 3:16

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:25

For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

Acts 9:13-22

God chooses whom He chooses.

All things are possible when the Holy Spirit arrives!

So far in Acts, Christians have been called “disciples,” “believers,” and those belonging to “the Way”. Here the word saints is used. It means those set apart by God for use in His service. Saul was not dreaming on the road to Damascus but instead had seen the resurrected Lord. 

The people in Damascus were amazed that Saul was preaching, because Saul had come to kill Christians, not defend their faith. Saul’s fame as a persecutor of Christians was well known to the Jews in Damascus. The leaders of the synagogues were probably notified of his coming and instructed by the high priest to welcome this zealous defender of Judaism. They seem to have been unnerved at first, not only by the fact that Saul had become a Christian, but by the strength of his faith and of his argument from Scripture that Jesus was indeed the promised Savior of Israel, the Messiah. So powerful was Saul’s argument from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ that the Jews plotted to kill him. They even enlisted the cooperation of the governor of Damascus under King Aretas IV of Arabia, who reigned from 9 b.c. to a.d. 40. NKJ Bible.

Ananias is concerned; the Lord is sending him to a vicious persecutor of the church. There is irony surrounding the name of Jesus in His dialog with Ananias about Saul. Ananias objects that Saul has persecuted those who call on Jesus’ name. Jesus reveals that He has chosen and transformed Saul precisely so that he will carry that name to the Gentiles—and even suffer for it. Saul now receives the empowering of the Holy Spirit for his mission to the Gentiles. This is an anointing to fulfill a specific calling and mission placed on Saul by God. 

 Saul has been radically transformed; he now uses his extensive training and zeal to build up and defend the gospel rather than to attack it. The Jews in Damascus could not argue against Saul’s powerful preaching and reasoning from the Scriptures, so they sought to kill him. Faithllife Bible.

Acts 9:13-22

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 4:31

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 8:3

3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

Acts 8:17

Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 27: 9-11

We must listen to the Holy Spirit to guide us into the truth. God shows no partiality and cares for all of His creation and protects the rights of the marginalized of all cultures. 

Situations can be quite different than they appear to be. Our only hope is to trust in God to guide and protect us in all situations. He alone is in total control.

Paul had been at sea many times before. He had been shipwrecked at least two other times, so he had some basis for what he was saying. However, his counsel was rejected. Because Fair Havens was a little town, the sailors decided to try to reach Phoenix, the major port on the west side of Crete, some 60 miles away. It could be that the owner of the ship wanted to get his grain to a larger port so that he could sell it. Furthermore Julius, the centurion in charge, probably wanted a better place to winter his men. In other words, greed and the desire for comfort may have gotten in the way of good sense. NKJ Bible.

Acts 27:9–11 (NKJV)

⁹ Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, ¹⁰ saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” ¹¹ Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

Acts 26:12-18

Every salvation has a purpose. It may only be to share the Good News with those He placed in your sphere of relationships or it could be a mission to a place unknown. BUT God has plans for you to spread His glory and His gift of Jesus to all you come into contact with.

What an honor to be able to share this news of peace and goodwill to our world!

Like a stubborn animal attempting to fight the sticks used as prods, Paul cannot succeed in fighting against God. Faithlife Bible.

A young ox, when it was first yoked, usually resented the burden and tried kicking its way out. If the ox was yoked to a single-handed plow, the plowman would hold a long staff with a sharpened end close to the heels of the ox. Every time the ox kicked, it struck the spike. If the ox was yoked to a wagon, a studded bar with wooden spikes served the same purpose. The point was that the ox had to learn submission to the yoke the hard way. Before his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, Paul was resisting God in a similar manner. NKJ Bible.

Acts 26:12–18 (NKJV)

¹² “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, ¹³ at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. ¹⁴ And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ¹⁵ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ¹⁶ But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. ¹⁷ I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, ¹⁸ to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Luke 1:77 (NKJV)

⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people

By the remission of their sins,

Luke 1:79 (NKJV)

⁷⁹ To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,

To guide our feet into the way of peace.”