Category Archives: Acts

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

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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?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

(PRT) Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

Acts 11:15-18 (PRT)

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started. v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way? v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory. v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather. V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started.

“in the beginning,” or when this first started, as in when the Holy Spirit came at the first of the birth of the church, when God started it all by pouring out His promised gift at Pentecost.

“fell” could mean “embraced” – that makes an interesting parallel to the Father’s love for us.

And here it begins – the nations are invited in.

v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

“in, with, by” – but in the case of being immerse, it means in. He baptizes us in the full and present Spirit of God.

There are two words for immerse – bapto, and baptidzo – though Luke uses the the second word in both places. Baptidzo is a repeated action. We are immersed and we keep being immersed in the Holy Spirit. Imagine each day we choose to step into the vast ocean of God’s presence for another day of baptism.

Jesus expands Peter’s and now the apostles’ horizon. They heard Jesus say “water and Holy Spirit” and thought, God’s chosen people, the Jews; now they hear and see that God’s chosen people are from among both Jews and the nations around the globe.

v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?

When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given His Spirit. Shouldn’t we ask for the Spirit to come in the same power and demonstration as they experienced?

The Spirit is the gift, the promise of the Father. With Him comes His gifts to build up the body, to reach the lost, and to fellowship with Him.

We believe and receive God’s gift of the Spirit. They believe and receive the gift, too.

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” where did Peter hear this before? When they were close to being condemned and Gamaliel spoke up and said the same. Peter was there.

v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

This is such a key verse since it encapsulates what those who first became Jesus-followers saw when the world was invited to the same experience in Jesus. At the first, they were critical and questioning. How dare Peter taint his life by fellowshipping with other nations? But after the account, after hearing that the Spirit fell and embraced the Gentiles, they were silent. They stopped their protests and replaced it with praise and glory.  “Apa” means therefore or so then with the meaning of a conclusion awaited, “it’s finally happened.” God’s Holy Spirit within reminded them that His plan all along was to win a world, to dethrone the usurper not just in Jerusalem but throughout the globe. If the offer is given, those who take it experience the life that comes through turning from sin and self-centeredness and turning to Jesus.

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory.

Accept or receive with the goal of opening one’s life up to the other. There is a transparency factor to this word “accept.” Jesus demonstrated this when he accepted us, even while we were sinners and knowing that we would forever need his “embrace” of forgiveness.

We are embraced for and to God’s glory and praise and honor. Our willingness to forgive and embrace those who miss the mark should reflect Christ accepting us while we were yet sinners. And this is to point to God’s glory. This is radical in relationships.

v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather.

Paul is speaking truth to help the church understand why Jesus did what He did. He came as a Jew, circumcised, and a part of the nation specifically to make certain what the Father promised in the Old Testament was true. They are invited in to the holy nation, the royal priesthood, the chosen people in Jesus. Let no one say God lies. He is fully truth and his promises are yes.

These promises are the message, the announcement, to the founders of Judaism. And because He chose this way, he fulfilled the law’s requirements for us, too.

V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

Because Jesus came and lived among the Jews to fulfill all the promises, we get in on the mercies of God so we can worship Him. Those who were without mercy and apart from the covenant relationship are now invited in.