All posts by Richard Harrell

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About Richard Harrell

Connecting life, art, and the power of story in ways that change my world. I am a disciple-maker and lover of Jesus living in a small town in Georgia. I am also on a spiritual journey, looking for points in life that point me to new and full life in Christ Jesus.

Acts 2:13-25 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

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Acts 2:13-28

(PRT)

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!” v. 14 Then Peter stepped up along with the Eleven and in a loud voice spoke to the people above the clamor: “Judeans and those living in Jerusalem, you know well all that has happened here. So, listen to what I’m saying!” v. 15 “For these people are not drunk as you assume! Really! It’s only nine in the morning!” vv. 16-17 “But this is what the prophet Joel has declared: ‘God says that this is what it will be like in the last days – I will pour out my Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’ v. 18 ‘Yes, in those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my bondservants, men and women, and they will prophesy.’  vv. 19-20 ‘In the last days, I will show you miraculous signs when you look up in the heavens and supernatural wonders on the earth below. Blood – Fire – Billows of smoke! The sun of the day will become dark as night and the moon will turn blood-red! All this before that great and glorious day the Lord arrives!’ v. 21 ‘Here’s how it will be: when anyone calls on the Lord’s name, they will be saved.’” v. 22 People of Israel, pay attention to what I say next: You know personally that this man, this Jesus the Nazarene was approved by God through powerful works, miraculous signs, and supernatural wonders that God did by him right where you live. v. 23 By God’s firm and deliberate plan and knowledge he was handed over by unbridled lawless power; he was violently taken away and you crucified him. v. 24 This same man, God raised up and destroyed the agonizing chains of death, as if those chains could really hold him in the grave. vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I envisioned the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, my heart celebrates and tongue rejoices and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.” v. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you have filled me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.”

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!”

This is the new wine, sweet and powerful. But, as Peter says, 9 am is too early for a wine-drenched street party. Some in the throng were chalking this experience and this declaring in different languages to tanked-up celebrants.

v. 14 Then Peter stepped up along with the Eleven and in a loud voice spoke to the people above the clamor: “Judeans and those living in Jerusalem, you know well all that has happened here. So, listen to what I’m saying!”

He is addressing those who live here among the larger throng because they live here and saw who Jesus is and what He does right in their back yard. He is calling on their affirmative testimony to show the crowd in the presence of many witnesses, Jesus is the Messiah.

The word for “saying to you” is the same as “gift” that they were given just before. His intent is to give them a gift in this proclamation just like the Father gave them the gift.

v. 15 “For these people are not drunk as you assume! Really! It’s only nine in the morning!”

See notes above. And Peter in a reasoned short rebuttal shuts down the scoffers.

vv. 16-17 “But this is what the prophet Joel has declared: ‘God says that this is what it will be like in the last days – I will pour out my Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.’

Note how Peter’s mind has a greater grasp of the Movement and how the prophets (like Joel) declare the Good News of the Kingdom. This passage fits the day when God’s people celebrate His goodness for today and worship Him for what He will do in the future. It’s an annual focus with a last days meaning.

Pour out alludes to the rain from heaven that pours out on all.  This passage asserts that God will pour His Spirit out on all people.

God has acted throughout history up till this moment through the work of His Spirit among His people. Now, He acts through the work of His Spirit within His people

v. 18 ‘Yes, in those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my bondservants, men and women, and they will prophesy.’

Here, Luke uses a double word that means something like “and even more.” If you think God is generous with His gifts with your sons and daughters and you who are young and you who are older, He will be generous to the lowest among you, the bondservants, the slaves. At least, this is how it can be interpreted. Later, in Paul’s theology, a bondservant could be anyone who swore allegiance to follow Jesus. Here, this wasn’t a common image to use, and Peter’s intent is to communicate at their level.

vv. 19-20 ‘In the last days, I will show you miraculous signs when you look up in the heavens and supernatural wonders on the earth below. Blood – Fire – Billows of smoke! The sun of the day will become dark as night and the moon will turn blood-red! All this before that great and glorious day the Lord arrives!’

Joel says “great and terrible day of the Lord.” Terrible as in fearful. Blood, fire, billowing smoke, the sun covered over with darkness, all these images suggest the conflicts of the last days. This separates these verses, though. How are these miraculous signs and supernatural wonders?

v. 21 ‘Here’s how it will be: when anyone calls on the Lord’s name, they will be saved.’”

Mark 4:35-36 “Look the fields are white and ready to harvest.” The first-fruits are here in this passage and this is the invitation to say yes to Jesus. And he explains what Jesus requires in this yes in the coming verses.

v. 22 People of Israel, pay attention to what I say next: You know personally that this man, this Jesus the Nazarene was approved by God through powerful works, miraculous signs, and supernatural wonders that God did by him right where you live.

Peter appeals to what they already know. Jesus is approved by the Father. He has the mark of the Father throughout his ministry.

v. 23 By God’s firm and deliberate plan and knowledge he was handed over by unbridled lawless power; he was violently taken away and you crucified him.

This could also be he was handed up violently by lawless men or men of power who disregarded the law of Moses. The unbridled lawless power was the collusion of a greedy servant (Judas) who was influenced by Satan with a bunch of Pharisees with the money and influence to make it happen.

v. 24 This same man, God raised up and destroyed the agonizing chains of death, as if those chains could really hold him in the grave.

The word agony applies more often to the laboring mother as she is in agony. The work for destroy applies to cords and shackles that bind and are loosened or destroyed.

vv. 25-27 Even David said this about him: “I envisioned the Lord before me continually; because he is always right beside me, I will not be shaken. Because of this, my heart celebrates and tongue rejoices and I will always live in hope. For you will not leave my soul helpless in the grave or let your holy one experience decay and decomposition.”

Psalm 16. This was and is even now moreso a Messianic psalm. Live on hope means to set up the tent but also that the foundation of the tent site is hope. Live on hope, not a sustenance but as foundation.

v. 28 “For you have shown me the way of full life; you have filled me to overflowing with joy in your Presence.”

The path toward real life, as opposed to the death that held him for three days.

Small Group Questions:

Acts 2:13-28

  1. What word describes how you feel about speaking in front of people? Have you ever been nudged by God’s Spirit to speak up in front of others? What happened?
  2. In these verses, Peter reminds everyone of what they have seen. What does he say they have seen in relation to Jesus?
  3. Have you ever “seen” evidence of God’s working visibly? What happened and how did it impact you?
  4. Peter uses a passage from the prophet Joel. Read these verses again out loud. Where in these different kinds of people on whom the Spirit is poured out are you?
  5. How important is v. 21 to the rest of this passage?
  6. How can we pray for you today?

Acts 2:1-13 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT)

v. 1 And when the Day of Pentecost arrived, everyone was together in the same place.

v. 2 Then suddenly the roar of a rushing, forceful wind came from heaven and it filled the whole house where they were staying.

v. 3 And tongues of fire appeared and spread among them and stayed on every person there.

v. 4 Then everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak with different tongues as the Spirit empowered them to speak.

v. 5 Now there were godly Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.

v. 6 And with this noisy happening, the throngs merged together and they were bewildered because each person heard them speaking in their own language.

vv. 7-8 They were beside themselves and stood in awe and said: “Look at this! All these who are speaking are Galileans! And we hear what they say in our own native language!”

vv. 9-10 Parthians, Medes, Elamites and those living in Mesopotamia; Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, both Phrygia and Pamphylia; Egypt and  areas of Libya around Cyrene; also those visiting from Rome;

v. 11 These were both Jews and newcomers to the Jewish faith, along with Cretans and Arabians, and they said: “We hear them declaring the  mighty works God has done, but in our own language!”

v. 12 They were beside themselves totally at a loss for explanation, saying to each other: “What does it mean?”

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!”

Study Notes:

v. 1 And when the Day of Pentecost arrived, everyone was together in the same place.

This is fifty days after the Passover Sabbath. This is the First Fruits harvest feast and one of the three Great Feasts. One celebration element is two loaves baked from the first wheat harvested (perhaps thanks for the Law and the Mercy?) and was a thanks for provision in the past and expectation for the future. This was the party feast and attracted a wide range of international Jews and God-fearers. If they were in the upper story of Mark’s home beside the Temple mount, their street would have already been busy with pilgrims.

v. 2 Then suddenly the roar of a rushing, forceful wind came from heaven and it filled the whole house where they were staying.

It’s the sound that drowns out all others for those who have been in a hurricane. This “sound” or roar is used in other places when the Father speaks from heaven. It was the sound coming from heaven’s wind. The sound of the Spirit moving in power. No one could escape this sound inside this home. And that was the main sound that those in the streets were drawn to – a ready-made congregation for the first Spirit-filled message to the church.

The word for wind here is not the usual one that could be either wind or spirit. This is the wind that comes forcefully like a hurricane.

v. 3 And tongues of fire appeared and spread among them and stayed on every person there.

If the tongues of fire separated (spread), then a fire came and then separated. The Holy Spirit physically appeared and spread through the room to everyone. Not just apostles. Not just those “voted in.” Not just leaders. Not just men. Everyone. This is one of the big declarations at the first that God has not discarded or limited anyone from His gift and His calling because of race, gender, class, or heritage. All of these were the grid by which relationships happened. No more. The Spirit has come and all were filled.  And He stayed or rested on each person.

The tongues of fire distributed itself (just like the Holy Spirit is given and distributed.) John the Baptist reminded us of this – that Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

These are the proofs of the giving of the promise of the Father. The wind, the fire, the words of the Good News in every language.

v. 4 Then everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak with different tongues as the Spirit empowered them to speak.

Mark calls this “new tongues.” The word can mean different or other. Note that the Spirit enabled them or empowered them to speak in different tongues or languages; he did not “disable” their intellect like what happened to Saul and the prophets in their wild ecstatic experience in the OT. He did not “disable” their awareness around them or their ability to reason. He enabled them spiritually to speak in other tongues.

v. 5 Now there were godly Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.

The word can mean both staying and living. It would be common that many Jews from all over would want to live in this city. But additionally, there were many here and staying for the festival. These who live and these who were staying would be out in the streets for this festival. And they heard the noise (demonstration) and then the message (proclamation). That they were devout and godly meant they were looking for the Kingdom expression that the prophecies declared.

v. 6 And with this noisy happening, the throngs merged together and they were bewildered because each person heard them speaking in their own language.

Anyone who has visited ancient cities know that the streets are often narrow and crowded but typically spill out into a plaza or square that serves as a sort of “round-about” for all the traffic, foot and otherwise. These different streets were jammed. And they spilled out to the place the noise happened. And when they got there, the Jesus-followers (remember, it was 120 just a week and a half ago) were out in the square speaking in new languages. Each drew a crowd who understood the language they spoke. I can imagine that Philip attracted a crowd of Arabs because he was speaking Arabic. Or perhaps Mary was speaking Latin and the Romans were surrounding her.

vv. 7-8 They were beside themselves and stood in awe and said: “Look at this! All these who are speaking are Galileans! And we hear what they say in our own native language!”

Two words that mean perplexed, astounded, awe-struck are used here. They heard their own native languages in a redneck Galilean backwater accent. They understood that they “weren’t from around here.”

This passage would affirm that the miracle was in the speaking and not the hearing. The pouring out of the Spirit was on those who spoke, not yet on those who were in the audience.

vv. 9-10 Parthians, Medes, Elamites and those living in Mesopotamia; Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, both Phrygia and Pamphylia; Egypt and  areas of Libya around Cyrene; also those visiting from Rome;

Each of these cities and regions had larger populations of Jews and God-fearers. In addition, many of these areas had people who for the past three-plus years visited Judea and Galilee and heard Jesus and experienced His miracles. Some perhaps (like the Cyrenean who helped Jesus carry his cross) even saw the crucifixion and heard the stories of the resurrection.

v. 11 These were both Jews and newcomers to the Jewish faith, along with Cretans and Arabians, and they said: “We hear them declaring the  mighty works God has done, but in our own language!”

This list is not exhaustive but an indication of the wide sweep of people and languages God had called together this day through the Feast of Pentecost. It was virtually the full Mediterranean and beyond. The Parthians, for instance, stretched all the way to India. Many were hungry for the things of God and were eagerly awaiting news of the Messiah’s coming.  And the powerful works of Jesus pointed them to faith in Him.

v. 12 They were beside themselves totally at a loss for explanation, saying to each other: “What could this possibly be? And what does it mean?”

Yes, they saw and heard what was happening but couldn’t connect the dots until Peter declared the Good News of the Kingdom. It’s like that today. Our lives, our peace, our generosity, our kindness, and the miracles of answered prayers all need the words of the Gospel to connect people to eternity. That’s the answer to “What could this possibly be?”

v. 13 Others, though, mocked in derision: “They are drunk on new, sweet wine!”

New wine was sweet and powerfully intoxicating, like the Holy Spirit. The scoffers didn’t miss it by much.

Small Group Questions – Acts 2:1-4

  1. How are you at waiting? What is something that you had to wait a long time (or at least it seemed like a long time?
  2. What do you think it would be like to be one of the Acts Jesus-followers in v. 1 after waiting ten days for the Promise of the Father?
  3. How does “wind” represent God?
  4. How does “fire” represent God?
  5. Read vv. 4-5. When the Spirit filled everyone and not just the leaders, what do you think God was indicating?
  6. Is different tongues in this passage different from what you expected? How does this point to God’s plan in Acts 1:8
  7. How can we pray for you tonight?

Small Group Questions – Acts 2:5-13

  1. What is the noisiest party or celebration you’ve ever been in? Was it inside or outside? Was it scary or did it draw you in?
  2. The noisy of the wind and the noise of the worship in different tongues at Pentecost drew people in and they asked questions. What do you think the Father says when so many different nations were involved in this “street party?”
  3. When you became a Christ-follower how did your identity change? What became different? (If you are still searching, what about your identity do you value that God is involved in?)
  4. If you were there in the streets of Jerusalem, in the shadows of the Temple Mount, would you be one of the 120 or one of the throng? How would you answer the question in v. 12? How would you answer the comment in v. 13?
  5. What would you like to ask the Father for today?

Acts 1:12-26 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

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Pastor Rick’s Translation:

(PRT)

v.12 Then they left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem which is only a half mile, or what was allowed for a Sabbath’s Day walk. v. 13 And when they arrived at the home, they went up to the upper story where they were staying; not only Peter and John, but also James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James (Alpheus’ son) and Simon (who was a Zealot), and Judas (James’ son). v. 14 All of them were steadfastly devoted to one another, attuned in life and united in prayer. They were there together with the women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother, and his brothers. v. 15 Then, during these days, Peter took the floor in front of the brothers and sisters, whose names numbered together by this time 120. v. 16 Men, and brothers and sisters, it had to happen so that the Scriptures the Holy Spirit said through David would be fulfilled regarding Judas, the one guilty of guiding those who arrested Jesus. v. 17 For he was counted with us, he threw in his lot, and he had a share in this ministry. v. 18 Now, of course, this man, with the payment collected from Judas’ unrighteousness, bought a field;  then having become bloated and distended Judas fell in, ruptured in the middle, and his insides gushed out. v. 19 It became notorious to those who lived in Jerusalem and they called that field Akeldama in their own Aramaic, but translated, it is “the field of blood.” v. 20 The Psalms say: “Let his dwelling be desolate and barren and let no one live there” and “let another take up his position.”  vv. 21-22 Therefore, we must choose a man who has traveled with us all this time that the Lord Jesus came and went out among us, from the baptism of John until he was taken up, and he will be a witness along with us to his Resurrection. v. 23 And they submitted two names: Joseph who was called Barsabbas but nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. vv. 24-25 Then they prayed and said: “You, Lord, know all our hearts. Show us which one out of these two you choose to take the place of serving and being sent out that Judas turned away from and departed to place he deserves. v. 26 And they drew lots between them and the lot landed on Matthias; and he was counted along with the eleven Apostles.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

v.12 Then they left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem which is only a half mile, or what was allowed for a Sabbath’s Day walk.

This helps fill in the first 11 verses. They met Jesus earlier on the Olive Mt and that’s where they watched him ascend into heaven. It was a short enough walk that they wouldn’t get in trouble with the religious lawyers as they were allowed 1000 double steps on the Sabbath.

v. 13 And when they arrived at the home, they went up to the upper story where they were staying; not only Peter and John, but also James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James (Alpheus’ son) and Simon (who was a Zealot), and Judas (James’ son).

This is the inner circle of called out and sent out ones. Some names may confuse: Bartholomew is the same as Nathaniel in John’s Gospel; Matthew was also called Levi; Jude, James son is also known as Thaddeus. Not uncommon to have multiple names and nicknames (e.g. Simon could never shake the nickname, Zealot, even though he left this life of an assassin behind).

v. 14 All of them were steadfastly devoted to one another, attuned in life and united in prayer. They were there together with the women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother, and his brothers.

How many times can this verse identify the Jesus-followers as in community. The word for attuned in life is a  musical term that means to “rush along in harmony and note.” What a beautiful picture of the Kingdom working here on earth. Note that, by this time, Jesus’ brothers (at least two of them) had come to believe their brother, Jesus, is Messiah. Mary never swayed from this.

“in one accord” or united in prayer is the same word Jesus uses in Matthew 18, when two of you agree. This whole passage points back to verse 1 – “all that Jesus began to do and teach” – the operative word, “began,” means we continue it.

This is what they spend the next 10 days doing in preparation for the “promise of the Father.”

Jesus ascended, ten days of preparation in prayer, worship, the word and relationships, then the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus descends.

Luke 24:57 helps clarify what they did: they prayed, the worship (in the Temple), they made relationships work, and the depended on the Word of God.

v. 15 Then, during these days, Peter took the floor in front of the brothers and sisters, whose names numbered together by this time 120.

Peter stood up in the midst of 120 who were the chosen, the called out. The word “brothers” is used here; but clearly from the earlier verses, the disciples number several women in this “rush along in harmony and note.”

v. 16 Men, and brothers and sisters, it had to happen so that the Scriptures the Holy Spirit said through David would be fulfilled regarding Judas, the one guilty of guiding those who arrested Jesus.

It seems here that Peter is address that inner circle of the Apostles and broadened the address to the brothers and sisters. This is the 10 days between Jesus ascending and the Holy Spirit descending. They are waiting in Jerusalem and they are seeking to act wisely and in unity to prepare for what God has in store.

v. 17 For he was counted with us, he threw in his lot, and he had a share in this ministry.

He was numbered among us. Peter is using the same terminology that he would use to determine Judas’ replacement. Judas cast the dice to join and he won a share in the ministry.

This helps us understand v. 24 when they cast dice.

v. 18 Now, of course, this man, with the payment collected from Judas’ unrighteousness, bought a field;  then having become bloated and distended Judas fell in, ruptured in the middle, and his insides gushed out.

That’s quite the graphic scene Peter explains. When he begins, he takes the liberty of saying ‘now,  you already know this, but for the record…” One question that might come up is how to reconcile the account in Matthew 27 where Judas throws the 30 silver pieces at the priests and they buy a field. Judas then commits suicide by hanging. Nothing gets by them, and the priests would know where the suicide took place and sent a man to purchase the craggy land for others to be buried in. The irony is that, his body would have been the first to go over to cliffs into the field below. Judas, after hanging himself and swinging in the hot sun, would have bloated out and directly fell down into the cliffs of the land. His was not a good end.

v. 19 It became notorious to those who lived in Jerusalem and they called that field Akeldama in their own Aramaic, but translated, it is “the field of blood.”

This “field of blood” reconciles the two stories. Judas hung himself, bloated out; the priests sent a man to buy the cliff, the tree, and the field below. Either he cut Judas down and he fell in and burst, or he fell from his rope on his own. Other convicts and unnamed ones were tossed in after him.

v. 20 The Psalms say: “Let his dwelling be desolate and barren and let no one live there” and “let another take up his position.”

Notice the importance of the same two tools, the same life-giving disciplines we run to: the Word and Prayer. I would add to this a unity and in-tuned-ness which often takes even more work.

vv. 21-22 Therefore, we must choose a man who has traveled with us all this time that the Lord Jesus came and went out among us, from the baptism of John until he was taken up, and he will be a witness along with us to his Resurrection.

This tells us two things: 1) there were others who had been there from the start all the way to the Ascension, 2)  they were taking Jesus’ command seriously, to be witnesses of what had happened.

v. 23 And they submitted two names: Joseph who was called Barsabbas but nicknamed Justus, and Matthias.

These three verses are important according to Wright because they saw their role as continuing the work of the Kingdom that Jesus declared and demonstrated, then passed on to them. They needed someone who had gone through it with them. We are the continuation of the work.

vv. 24-25 Then they prayed and said: “You, Lord, know all our hearts. Show us which one out of these two you choose to take the place of serving and being sent out that Judas turned away from and departed to place he deserves.

It says “after they prayed” but they are clearly still praying. The word is really a name: heart-knower.”  The place of ministry and apostleship that Judas veered from and went to his own place.

v. 26 And they drew lots between them and the lot landed on Matthias; and he was counted along with the eleven Apostles.

This was an accepted way to choose. Not gambling, but a unique way of trusting. Now that we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, we don’t need to toss dice or draw straws.  Matthias is not mentioned again, meaning that he played his part as one of the Twelve that Jesus rose from the dead, but likely a smaller role. Wright reminds us here that there are no “big parts” and no “insignificant parts” in the Kingdom work; we all are a part and Jesus is the orchestrator.

Small Group Study Questions:

Acts 1:12-26

  1. What is your most personal memory of God’s nearness?
  2. Read Acts 1:12-26. What did the followers of Jesus do after seeing Jesus ascend into heaven?
  3. What did his followers do to get ready to receive the Promise of the Father? (What exactly is the Promise of the Father?)
  4. In what ways do you intentionally “get ready” to walk with God and serve Him?
  5. How can we pray for you this week?

Acts 1:1-11 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

Acts, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Small Group Study Questions, , , , , , , ,

Pastor Rick’s Translation:

(PRT) Acts 1:1-10

vv. 1-2 Theophilus, the first account I wrote concerned the whole story from the beginning with what Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated up to the very day after giving instructions by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen, he was taken up. vv. 3-4 To these very apostles, he showed up for them alive with many irrefutable proofs during the forty days they saw him after his suffering; and he spoke to them about the things of the Kingdom of God. And when he had them all together he gave them these instructions: “Don’t leave Jerusalem; instead wait there for the Promise of the Father that you heard me talk about.” v. 5 John baptized you with water, but now you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in only a few days.” v. 6 Then they got together and asked him: “Lord, is this the time? Are you restoring the Kingdom to Israel?” v. 7 But he replied: “The Father is in charge of this; and he has set the opportune timing and how long or short this will be isn’t up to you. v. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses not just in Jerusalem but in all Judea and Samaria and to the farthest reaches of the earth. v. 9 And after Jesus said all this to them, before their very eyes, he was lifted up; and he was carry away in a cloud from their sight. vv. 10-11 Then, while they were watching intently into the heavens as he left, two men appeared in dazzling white clothes and stood by them: “Galileans, why do you stand here staring into the skies? This Jesus who has been taken up from you and into heaven will come back in the very same way you saw him go into heaven.”

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

vv. 1-2 Theophilus, the first account I wrote concerned the whole story from the beginning with what Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated up to the very day after giving instructions by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen, he was taken up.

It could be the apostles were chosen by the Holy Spirit or the instructions were given by agency of the Holy Spirit.  His point: as you begin reading this account, keep in mind that it follow that first account composed and delivered to his friend, Theophilus.

Wright: Luke writes on several levels. 1) It’s the story of the early church, 2) It’s also the story of the continuing work of Jesus, but now through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, 3) It’s a story in which we are also participants as the continuing work, continues. Acts is all about what Jesus continues to do in the world. There are two dynamics integral to Acts: Jesus rose again and the Holy Spirit has come in power. The renewal the disciples expected and perhaps wanted more than ever was an immediate regime change; but the regime change is inside the hearts of Jesus’ followers. There is a new reality believers live in; the Kingdom is come in the ministry and presence of Jesus.

Wagner: Jesus fills in the gaps during these seven weeks. All that they were taught and saw, now makes sense. The framework of Acts is the Kingdom. Luke is the only Gentile writer in the Bible.

vv. 3-4 To these very apostles, he showed up for them alive with many irrefutable proofs during the forty days they saw him after his suffering; and he spoke to them about the things of the Kingdom of God. And when he had them all together he gave them these instructions: “Don’t leave Jerusalem; instead wait there for the Promise of the Father that you heard me talk about.”

Jesus presented himself to them; he showed up for them. He had three goals in this time. Teach them about the Kingdom of God. Encourage them with his words and actions. Instruct them about their next steps.

v. 5 John baptized you with water, but now you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in only a few days.”

The timing is important to Luke. Remember when John had water to baptize you with; but now that the Promise of the Father is here, you’ll be inundated in the Holy Spirit.

v. 6 Then they got together and asked him: “Lord, is this the time? Are you restoring the Kingdom to Israel?”

They still didn’t want him to leave and hoped for the Kingdom to start with him even now physically. I can see them huddling together and nudging Peter forward (probably) to ask the question. The tone is “Jesus, we all want to know? Is it now?” Jesus gives them the big picture and invites them to play the long game.

Wright: The disciples were not heading to the top spots in an earthly kingdom; they we were in on a new kind of kingdom. And the King is present for the people of God. The “still-future” remains but His rule breaks in our lives and our world. So, to answer their question: “Is it time?” He says wait for the promise of the Father and then do and speak the words of the Kingdom.

v. 7 But he replied: “The Father is in charge of this; and he has set the opportune timing and how long or short this will be isn’t up to you.

At the Father’s authority the right time and the length of the season is in place; it’s set. Jesus, as human, accepted the limitations that fit the Father’s plans and didn’t even know. Of course, it would not be in our scope of understanding. That’s why they missed the point.

Wright: God has all authority and He gives us power.

v. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses not just in Jerusalem but in all Judea and Samaria and to the farthest reaches of the earth.

Two main verbs here: receive power, be witnesses. Both are evidences or the result of the Holy Spirit’s work coming onto and working in them. It’s interesting that these followers are from all over Galilee but have come to center in Judea and Jerusalem. Yet, Samaria gets a clear “go” for the work of the Kingdom of God.

v. 9 And after Jesus said all this to them, before their very eyes, he was lifted up; and he was carry away in a cloud from their sight.

The tricky word here is “carried away” which can mean lifted up further (a double lift along with the previous word) or hidden away. Either way, they watched and they watched.  If Jesus can walk on water before he was resurrected and walk through walls and doors afterward, he can lift up from the ground and move, as if through a cloud, toward the places where he takes up his new role as intercessor beside His Father.

vv. 10-11 Then, while they were watching intently into the heavens as he left, two men appeared in dazzling white clothes and stood by them: “Galileans, why do you stand here staring into the skies? This Jesus who has been taken up from you and into heaven will come back in the very same way you saw him go into heaven.”

Jesus had just told them they would be His witnesses; and now they watched intently, before their very eyes, and as they stared into the moments – Jesus, Jesus and clouds, only clouds – two angels (presumably) stamped into their minds that Jesus would come back in the same way. Clouds, dramatically, appearing, covered with glory (the clouds often symbolize this.)

Small Group Study Questions:

Acts 1:1-11

  1. Read vv. 3-4 How did Jesus show up for the disciples the 40 days after His resurrection?
  2. The disciples didn’t want Jesus to leave. Why was this important to His disciples?
  3. How did your faith tradition teach you about baptism? The Holy Spirit?
  4. What does it look like to receive God’s power for the first time? What does it look like for you to live in His power?
  5. How does v. 8 matter to you or to our church today? Do you have someone in your Jerusalem you need to share God’s love and message with?
  6. Can we pray for those in our Jerusalem and Judea who need our love and the Good News?
  7. What way has God showed up for you in your personal life this month?

3 John 1:1-14 Pastor Rick’s Study Notes and Small Group Questions

3 John, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Small Group Study Questions, , , , , , ,

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

3 John 1:1-14

(PRT)

v. 1 The elder writes to the beloved Gaius, whom I genuinely love, too. v. 2 Beloved, I pray that you’ll prosper in everything you do and stay healthy, just as you prosper in your soul. v. 3 For I am incredibly glad to hear from those brothers and sisters who travel and declare the Truth that you continue to walk in the Truth. v. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children are living in the Truth. vv. 5-6 Beloved, you are faithful in working and serving those brothers and sisters who are traveling and they tell the story of your love in action in the presence of the church gathered. You will have done a beautiful work that is in line with God’s character as you send them on. v. 7 For in fact, they travel all about  to make known the Name and take nothing from those among the Gentiles when they do. v. 8 That means we, then, should hold up our end for brothers and sisters like this; in doing so, we work together for the Truth. vv. 9-10 I have written of this to the church, but Diotrephes, the one who longs to be first among all, does not even recognize us. Because of this, in the event that I come, I will remind the church of what he is doing. He says hurtful words. He accuses us. Additionally, he is not satisfied with just these things; he doesn’t welcome the brothers and sisters and stands in the way of those who want to do so and drives them away from of the church. v. 11 Beloved, don’t mimic what is evil and hurtful; instead imitate what is good. The one doing good is aligned with God; the one doing evil has missed God completely. v. 12 A good testimony about Demetrius has been reported by everyone as well as by the Truth; and we also can testify, and you know we can vouch for him and our witness is true. vv. 13-14 I had more things to write you but I don’t want to say it with ink and pen. Instead, I hope to see you soon. Then we can speak person-to-person! Peace to you and greetings from your friends. Say hello to our friends by name.

Study Notes:

v. 1 The elder writes to the beloved Gaius, whom I genuinely love, too.

Gaius (at least as a name) has a marvelous history with the church and has gained much respect. There are four Gaius’s in the New Testament. This one may be one of the three from Corinth, Macedonia, or Derbe. Here, John acknowledges this status of beloved and affirms his own love for this man, too.  The phrase “in truth” is a part of this verse; truthfully, genuinely.

v. 2 Beloved, I pray that you’ll prosper in everything you do and stay healthy, just as you prosper in your soul.

That the journey of your life will be characterized by success and good health, and beyond to a prosperous soul in the spiritual journey, too.

While Paul commits to “pray” in  his letters all the time, this is John’s only time in his three letters. John clearly considers Gaius the best of friends.

The word for prosper means to have a good journey, a prosperous journey. He covers it all here: health physically, relationships in the journey, spiritually. John is trusting that Gaius’s soul is in good hands.

John prays for this “above all things.” Prosper means to succeed.

v. 3 For I am incredibly glad to hear from those brothers and sisters who travel and declare the Truth that you continue to walk in the Truth.

The “adelphie” – the brothers (and sisters) who love one another, and they are traveling preachers and teachers who “martureo” – give witness – to the Truth. By now, late in the first century, the Good News of the Kingdom was also called the Truth. Gaius steadfastly walks in this Truth. John is a keen wordsmith. These brothers and sisters travel and witness to the Good News; and they bear witness to Gaius’s goodness.

This Truth is John’s word for the overarching word from God that gives Kingdom wholeness to a person.

v. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children are living in the Truth.

John’s joy is knowing that those whom He was given the privilege of leading to the Truth are still in the Truth. Children – teknon – reminds me of John’s earlier letter (1 John 2 – “beloved children, who have been forgiven and who know the Father.”) Living the truth is literally “walking around” in Truth.

Gaius may be one of John’s converts and most certainly one he has poured his life into in discipleship.

vv. 5-6 Beloved, you are faithful in working and serving those brothers and sisters who are traveling and they tell the story of your love in action in the presence of the church gathered. You will have done a beautiful work that is in line with God’s character as you send them on.

These two verses are difficult to translate word-for-word. John commend Gaius for both working with and serving those who are traveling and this story has made it to the church. It’s a beautiful work, a worthy work, worthy of God’s praise and reflecting His character. He loved people; Gaius loves people.

The work is worthily of God.

v. 7 For in fact, they travel all about  to make known the Name and take nothing from those among the Gentiles when they do.

They go out and come in on behalf of the Name and get no payment from the Gentiles. That makes it a good thing, a beautiful work, when Gaius hosts them and sends them off with food and help. Until now, the world was divided into two groups from the Jewish mindset: Jews and Gentiles.  Is there a shifting here in defining people groups? The Gentiles who don’t know Christ yet are not asked to support these who travel and preach; but the Gentiles who do know Christ are commended, as are the Jews who know Christ as encouraged in their giving. A new family around the globe forms around the Name.

The Name of Jesus is worth giving one’s journey to.

v. 8 That means we, then, should hold up our end for brothers and sisters like this; in doing so, we work together for the Truth.

Hold up our end could be receive this charge or obligation. We should and they did. By doing so they became co-laborers in taking the Truth. It’s a fair thing to say that, when we help by giving, surrendering our time or resources, hosting, or praying for those who go in and out with the Truth proclaimed, we co-labor. It is our work together.

vv. 9-10 I have written of this to the church, but Diotrephes, the one who longs to be first among all, does not even recognize us. Because of this, in the event that I come, I will remind the church of what he is doing. He says hurtful words. He accuses us. Additionally, he is not satisfied with just these things; he doesn’t welcome the brothers and sisters and stands in the way of those who want to do so and drives them away from of the church.

John has commended this practice of hospitality to those who are traveling preachers, but the commendation has been diverted by a person in the church who is either jealous or power hungry. He doesn’t even receive the efforts to promote this practice. This person, Diotrephes, has a trust issue with John and has rejected his thoughts. That someone would stand in the way of the last living original Apostle is unthinkable.  Even more so, he has rejected and drive off from church those who want to give space and help to the traveling ministers. John’s concern isn’t his feelings, even though this man threw shade on him; he is concerned that people are not being helped, others are leaving the church.

Don’t miss the point that John wrote about this earlier; that means he sent a First John, a Second John, and a Second John 2.0, before this Third John. The leaders had letters going back and forth in greater evidence than just what we have preserved by the Holy Spirit for the Bible. So, in this case, John wrote to the church Diotrephes was a leader in and to Gaius also about this person’s intentional flaw.

v. 11 Beloved, don’t mimic what is evil and hurtful; instead imitate what is good. The one doing good is aligned with God; the one doing evil has missed God completely.

This juxtaposition of good and evil is strong in Scripture. Here John is clear: if you continue to oppose the good that God is doing, you will have taken your eyes from God and you don’t see Him anymore. John is using what he wrote earlier in his first letter: obedience shows that we know God; evil doing demonstrates we have not even seen God.

v. 12 A good testimony about Demetrius has been reported by everyone as well as by the Truth; and we also can testify, and you know we can vouch for him and our witness is true.

We don’t know if this is the same Demetrius that used to make idols to Artemis in Ephesus. Possibly? It would make sense that someone with authority might “vouch” for a Jesus-follower who may have had a “previous life.” Don’t we need that! Remember that Paul needed Barnabas, Ananias, and others to open the door for  acceptance.

In this case, Demetrius has a good reputation by those who know him and by John’s record. But perhaps more important, his life is measured by “the Truth” – what does this mean? My take is this is that characteristic of a life devoted to the Good News that the Spirit testified to others that, when we see that person’s bearing, it is a good life one is looking on.

vv. 13-14 I had more things to write you but I don’t want to say it with ink and pen. Instead, I hope to see you soon. Then we can speak person-to-person! Peace to you and greetings from your friends. Say hello to our friends by name.

John had a lot more on his mind, but he expected to see Gaius sooner than soon. Person-to-person is really mouth-to-mouth, but that means something entirely in English.

Small Group Study Questions:

3 John 1:1-14

  1. Letter-writing is a lost art. Do you still write letters (the one’s with stamps)? Can you remember receiving a letter from someone you loved who had been away for a while? How did it make you feel to open it and read it?
  2. Read vv. 1-4. What can you tell about John’s relationship with Gaius, the recipient of this letter?
  3. Read vv. 5-8.  What main quality does John the Apostle commend that Gaius shows? Who does he show this hospitality to according to these verses?  When we show hospitality and give to others who serve God, what does John say we are doing?
  4. Read vv. 9-12. John uses two different people as illustrations. Who is Diotrephes? What is John’s opinion of him? Who is Demetrius? What does John think of him?
  5. What one thing from these verses can you learn from and adopt into your own life?
  6. How can we pray for you?