Pause for thought

This Herod is Herod Agrippa, there are a number of different Herod’s mentioned in the New Testament, and all were members of the same family. From Herod the Great who was in power when Jesus was born, and received the wise men, to Herod Agrippa 2nd who examine Paul Acts 25 and 26. This Herod Agrippa who had Peter imprisoned was an evil ruler like everyone of his relatives.

Herod’s persecuted the church to please the Jewish leaders, he was a men pleaser who loved the praise of people! Why was James martyred and Peter spared? No matter how hard we try to answer this question I don’t think we are meant to know the answer. But we do know that God will use every situation we face to bring glory to Himself and strengthen our faith in His Son, my favourite verse is Romans 8: 28. What a mighty God we serve!

The church prayed diligently for Peter, and all at once their prayers were answered when the Lords Angel woke Peter from his sleep! How could Peter sleep bound to two soldiers facing the certainty of execution as soon as the feast days were at an end? He was probably exhausted and tired, however I think it was because he remembered what the Lord had promised, that he would not die young, but old John 21:18. This is yet another reminder that the Holy Spirit will bring to our memory all the things Jesus has said John 14:26. These words attributed to Thomas a’ Kempis are very apt “when Jesus is present, all is well, and nothing seems difficult.”

Herod’s terrible end was because “he did not give God the glory” when the people of Tyre and Sidon said he was a god and not a man. Herod’s pride had ended in the wrath of God 12:23.

A verse to remember

But God’s Good News was spreading rapidly, and there were many new believers. Acts 12:24. N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

News of the gospel being preached and accepted by Greeks, came to the notice of the Church in Jerusalem so Barnabas was sent to investigate. The leaders had a responsibility to find out what was happening at Antioch, and by sending Barnabas they were sending a man they could trust to give a truthful report, a man who would know if what was happening was of the Holy Spirit or otherwise? It must of been the grace of God that they chose Barnabas, rather than someone who was ridged or narrow minded. Barnabas was known for his love and generosity to the needy Acts 4:36-37. Also his support for Paul when other Christians suspected him Acts 9:27.

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch he recognised the grace of God at work, and was glad at the number of people being added to the Church. He realised that these new converts needed leaders who were Spirit filled and able to teach. Who else but Paul was there who fitted the bill? Barnabas already had a good relationship with Paul as recorded in Acts 9:27-28 this was no coincidence it shows how seemingly unconnected incidents can be part of Gods plans 11:25.

Antioch in Syria became an important missionary Church. It was Paul’s home base during his missionary journeys following his ordination by the church leaders, and being sent out by the Holy Spirit 13:4. It was at Antioch that the believers were nicknamed little Christ’s or Christian’s, not meant to be complementary but it has stuck! 11:26.

Agabus was a five fold ministry prophet Ephesians 4:11. Paul encourages all to prophecy Corinthians 14:1. There is a difference between the gift of prophecy and the office, of the prophet.

The disciples were eager to give to the Judean relief fund, but notice they gave according to what they had, not according to what they did not have! God never exploits His people or approves of those who do.

A verse to remember

Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea. Acts 11:29 N.K.J.V.

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Pause for thought

Peters travels were a walk of faith. How the Holy Spirit directed Peter we are not told, but we can see how God put Peter in the right place at the right time 9:32.

The healing of Aeneas did not only bless Aeneas, but was a sign and wonder of the Lords power. This drew the inhabitants of the villages of Lydda and Sharon and many came to believe in Jesus 9:35.

Tabitha or in Greek “Dorcas” was a disciple of Jesus who made an impact in Joppa by her kindness to the poor. .She died while Peter was healing Aeneas and sharing the Gospel in Lydda. Peter was sent for and raised Tabitha to life! It is striking how similar this was to the raising of the daughter of Jairus by Jesus as recorded in Mark 5:41. Again the raising of Tabitha was a sign and wonder that drew a crowd and many believed in the Lord Jesus 9:42

Peter stays a “long time” in Joppa with Simon a leather worker waiting for his next assignment. Peter was a channel of Gods power. We can think to much of what we can’t do and too little of what Jesus Christ can do through us 9.43.

A verse to remember

The news raced through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:42 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

God broke into Saul’s life in a spectacular way, very rarely will two Christian’s have the same conversion experience. The important thing is that we respond by faith to Jesus however God brings it about. 9: 3-6.

True conversion comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, we are “born again” from above. We are brought from death into Life! Jesus described what happens when a sinner gets born again! Please read John 3:5-8.

Saul had been converted for three days before he was filled with the Spirit and commissioned, this was likely Saul’s baptism with the Holy Spirit 9: 17.

Saul’s conversion may be different from ours, but we must not limit God He can do anything in us if like Paul we are Spirit baptised and readily available to the Lord 9:20.

A verse to remember

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “ Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you Sir?” Saul asked. And the voice replied . “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:4-6 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

God used the persecution that had arisen following the stoning of Stephen to drive the church out of Jerusalem, They were scattered everywhere preaching ( gossiping the gospel) 8:4 see Acts 1:8.

Philip was a deacon not an apostle, he was a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith 6:5 He had left Jerusalem because of the persecution and found himself in the city of Samaria. As he preached the gospel and did many miracles, this caused his hearers to listen intently to his message about the Kingdom of God and the person of Jesus. Many believed and were baptised in water 8:12

These Samaritan believers were born again believers they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Now through the laying on of hands by the Apostles Peter and John they received a new experience of empowerment as the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”. The Holy Spirit was now not only in them, but also on them, this was their baptism “in” or “with” the Spirit 8:15

There was a great move of the Spirit in Samaria, great joy! with many believers being added to the church. Where there is revival and Holy Spirit power, sins not repented of often come to light, as with Ananias and Sapphira see 5:1-11 so Simon the sorcerer’s sin was revealed when he offered money for the gift of God. Peter saw that Simons heart had been poisoned by bitterness and was bound by iniquity. Please note Peter gave Simon the opportunity to repent 8:22-24.

A verse to remember

And the Multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did 8:6. N.K.J.

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