The
Book of Acts 1-14

Acts outlines the history of the Apostolic age. The
Early church fathers wrote that Luke was a physician in Antioch and
an adherent of the Apostle Paul. It is said to be that the author of
the Gospel of Luke is the same as the author of the Acts of the
Apostles. Tradition holds that the text was written by Luke the
companion of Paul, and this traditional view of Luke's authorship is
widely held as the view which most satisfactorily explains all the
data. The title "Acts of the Apostles" was not part of the original
text. It was first used by Irenaeus late in the second century. Some
have suggested that the title "Acts" be interpreted as
"The Acts of
the Holy Spirit," or even "The Acts of Jesus," since
(Acts 1:1) gives
the impression that these acts were set forth as an account of what
Jesus continued to do and teach, Jesus himself being the
principal actor.
Acts 1
1The
former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began
both to do and teach. Luke explaining to
Theophilus that he wrote in his first book everything Jesus began to
do and teach.
2Until
the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy
Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.
After Jesus being taken up to Heaven, through
the Holy Spirit, He gave His chosen apostles further instructions.
3To
whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of
the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. During the 40
days (40 meaning probation), after His crucifixion, Christ appeared to the
apostles from time to time to prove to them He was alive. He talked
to them about the Kingdom of God.
4And,
being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should
not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
which, saith he, ye have heard of me. While
eating with the apostles, Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem
until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit that He had promised
them from His Father. (Luke 24:49). "Jesus wanted them to be well
prepared."
5For
John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the
Holy Ghost not many days hence. John baptized
with water, but soon you will be baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit.
6When
they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord,
wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
The apostles kept asking Jesus if it was time for Him
to free Israel and restore their Kingdom.
7And
he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the
seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Only the Heavenly Father can set those dates and
times, but it is not for you to know. This was for the later
generation. (The generation of the fig tree).
8But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
You will all receive power when the Holy
Spirit comes to you and you will teach my Word throughout the world.
This is for us today as Christians; we need the Holy Spirit to help
us bring the truth to those who need it.
9And
when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;
and a cloud received him out of their sight. After saying this, Christ was taken up in a cloud to Heaven and they
could no longer see Him.
10And
while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold,
two men stood by them in white apparel. Two
angels of God were standing beside the apostles as a witness to the
Son of God.
11Which
also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so
come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Why do you stare into the sky you men of Galilee the
two angels said. Jesus was taken from you, but He will return
someday in the same way that you seen Him go. He will return to the
mount of Olives as it is written. (Zechariah 14:4).
12Then
returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is
from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. About
a half mile distance of travel from Olivet to Jerusalem.
13And
when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode
both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas,
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon
Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. This is where they
would meet in fellowship and prayer.
14These
all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the
women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
They met together united in prayer along with Mary
the mother of Jesus as well as other women, and the brothers of
Jesus. (You could say it was the first church meeting, or bible study
gathering of Christians).
15And
in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and
twenty). About 120 Christians that established
the first church and Peter stood to address them.
16Men
and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which
the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas,
which was guide to them that took Jesus. It is
necessary for the scripture to come true concerning Judas, who
betrayed Christ by delivering Him to the mob to be killed. Spoken by
the "Holy Spirit" through King David. (Psalm 41:9).
17For
he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Judas was chosen to be an Apostle, just as we
were. (Judas was in charge of the money).
18Now
this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling
headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed
out. Judas bought a field with the money he
received for the betrayal. Judas did not hang himself like many
believe; he was killed by the kenites to cover up the betrayal.
(Zechariah 11:9-17). Read our study topic titled "Sons of Cain"
if you are not familiar with the kenites.
19And
it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that
field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say,
The field of blood. The news spread quickly
about his death throughout Jerusalem and they named this place, the
field of blood.
20For
it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate,
and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
King David said it long before in the book of
Psalms. Let his home become desolate, and let his work be given to
someone else. (Psalm 69:25, 109:8).
21Wherefore
of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord
Jesus went in and out among us. We need to
pick a new eye witness to join us about the resurrection of Jesus.
22Beginning
from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up
from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his
resurrection. Lets pick someone who has been
with us from the beginning when Jesus was baptized, till He was
taken from us into Heaven.
23And
they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus,
and Matthias. Matthias, or Matthew (Gift of God).
24And
they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all
men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.
Show us Lord who you have chosen as an Apostle to
replace Judas, for you know every heart. (God knows your heart).
25That
he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas
by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Judas will get what God decides on judgment day.
26And
they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he
was numbered with the eleven apostles. They
drew straws and Matthias would become the Apostle to replace Judas.
(Now we have all twelve apostles).
Acts 2
1And
when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place. Seven weeks had passed
since the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost is 50 days
after the annual celebration of Passover. (Leviticus 23:16). Christ became our
"Passover" as the sacrificial lamb slain. (1
Corinthians 5:7, Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:19. Revelation
5:6).
2And
suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
As the believers met together that day, there was a
sound like a roaring wind that filled the house where they were
meeting. "The Holy Spirit."
3And
there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. Then what looked like
flames of fire from many directions appeared and settled on their
heads.
4And
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And everyone present was filled with the "Holy
Spirit" and began to speak in languages they did not know.
(Literally, in languages they did not know). The "Holy Spirit" gave
them the ability to understand in every language spoken.
5And
there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every
nation under heaven. This word "nations" is
"ethnos." Jews and gentiles alike were present.
6Now
when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own
language. When they heard the roaring in the
sky above, crowds came running to see what was going on. They were
all stunned to "hear their own languages being spoken" by the
disciples. Spoken to understand in their very own dialect where they
were born. (Not an unknown tongue). "This was the miracle of the
Holy Spirit." (When the Holy Spirit speaks, everyone can understand
what is being said).
7And
they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans? How
can this be they said. These men are Galilaeans. (The Galileans were
the most religious Jews in the world during Jesus' time. They
revered and knew the Scriptures well. They were passionately
committed to living out their faith and passing their faith,
knowledge, and lifestyle to their children).
8And
how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Yet we hear them speak all the native
languages where we were born.
9Parthians,
and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in
Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia.
10Phrygia,
and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and
strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes. This
word "proselytes" is Jewish converts.
11Cretes
and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful
works of God. They heard all the tribes
speaking in their own languages (in cloven tongue so everyone
understood) about the mighty miracles of God. Again, the miracle was the
"wonderful works of God,"
through the "Holy Spirit."
12And
they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What
meaneth this? What can this mean they asked
each other? They never witnessed anything like this before.
13Others
mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Many said these
men were drunk. (The problem with
saying they were all drunk is that this was early in morning and it
was illegal to drink in the morning).
14But
Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said
unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be
this known unto you, and hearken to my words. Peter yells
out... Listen carefully to what I say.
15For
these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third
hour of the day. You say these men are drunk,
but it is way to early for that. People didn't get drunk by 9:00 a.m.
in these times. (Maybe now days, but not back then).
16But
this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
What you see is what Joel the prophet predicted
centuries ago.
17And
it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out
of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men
shall dream dreams. The "Holy Spirit" will
speak through men and women in the last days.
(Joel 2:28-32). Christ would speak of this same thing Himself. He
tells us what will happen to those who
are delivered up before the antichrist in the end times. (Mark 13:9-11, Luke 12:10-12).
It will be just as the Pentecostal tongue.
18And
on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days
of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. The
"Holy Spirit" will come upon my servants and they will prophesy.
19And
I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. I will
cause strange events in the heavens and on earth; blood, fire, and
clouds of smoke. (Judgment is coming)!
20The
sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before
the great and notable day of the Lord come. The second advent of Christ.
(There are many heresies being taught
today about the end of the world).
21And
it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the
Lord shall be saved. Call on the name of the
Lord; for only Christ has the power to do the saving.
22Ye
men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved
of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by
him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.
God endorsed "Jesus of Nazareth" through the
tremendous miracles performed by Christ.
23Him,
being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.
By the plan of God, He let you use the Roman
government to nail Him to the cross and crucify Him. (Written 1,000
years ago in Psalms 22).
24Whom
God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was
not possible that he should be holden of it. God has raised Him up and brought Him back to life again defeating
death.
25For
David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my
face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.
King David knew that the Heavenly Father would always be with
the coming Messiah to help and support him.
(Psalms 16:8).
26Therefore
did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh
shall rest in hope. King David knew all would
be well with Christ in death, and his heart was filled with joy and
praises for the Lord. (Psalms 16:9). We
can have that same hope as King David, even in these sinful flesh bodies.
27Because
thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption. God would not
leave His soul in hell, or let the body of Christ decay, because
Christ defeated death and the grave.
(Psalms 16:10).
28Thou
hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of
joy with thy countenance. David knew that God
would give the coming Messiah back His life after the crucifixion.
(Psalms 16:11).
29Men
and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David,
that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto
this day. Peter speaking with greatness saying
that David wasn't referring to himself when he spoke these words.
David died and was buried, and his tomb is still among us.
30Therefore
being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him,
that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would
raise up Christ to sit on his throne. David was a prophet,
and he knew that God would raise up one of David's own descendants,
(the Messiah) to sit on David's throne. (2 Samuel
7:12-13). "The promise was made, and God always keeps His promises."
31He
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his
soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
David was predicting far into the future about
the Messiah's resurrection, that the Messiah's soul would not be
left in hell, and His body would not decay. "Christ was transfigured."
(Psalm 16:10).
32This
Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Peter explained that King David was speaking of
Jesus, and we all are witnesses that Jesus rose from the dead.
33Therefore
being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the
Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which
ye now see and hear. Christ sitting on the
throne at the right hand of God. Just as promised, the Father gave
Him the authority to send the "Holy Spirit" in which we are seeing, hearing,
and feeling today.
34For
David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The
Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand.
David was speaking of one of his offspring calling
Him Lord. (Psalms 110:1-7). "Thou art a priest forever after the
order of Melchizedek." (Christ was Melchizedek). (Melchi =
King, Zedek = the just), together we have "King of the just."
35Until
I make thy foes thy footstool. He will bring
the enemy into complete subjection. (We have nothing to fear in
the end times with Christ on our side).
36Therefore
let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the
same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Let me assure you that this same Jesus that you have
crucified, God has made Him to be the Lord and the Messiah.
37Now
when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what
shall we do? These words of Peter hit them
deep in their hearts. What have we done? (Just as so many today will
say). What should we do they asked Peter and the other apostles? (They
were all a
bunch of hypocrites).
38Then
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter said
to them; "each one of you must turn from sin," repent and be
baptized in the name of Jesus, and you will receive the "Holy
Spirit." This is a promise from God to whom ever will. (Baptism is
to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).
39For
the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are
afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Christ promised the "Holy Spirit" to everyone who has
been "called" by the Lord, to your children, and to those in distant
lands.
40And
with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save
yourselves from this untoward generation. Peter with a long sermon warns his listeners to save themselves from
the evils of their generation. The same is meant for the evils of
today's generation. Don't be deceived and remain in bondage to this
world. "Follow Christ and be free."
41Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Those who believed Peter were baptized, and in the
same day about 3,000 were added to the 120. (The group that established the
first Christian church).
42And
they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. They
continued to fellowship with the apostles in communion, prayer
meetings, and learning their doctrine. Keep in mind that it was not
the apostles doctrine, or traditions of men that they were teaching.
It was Christ's doctrine... "The Word!"
43And
fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles. A deep sense of awe came upon
them and the apostles performed many miracles. (The true presence of the
Holy Spirit).
44And
all that believed were together, and had all things common.
The believers met regularly and shared everything
with each other.
45And
sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as
every man had need. The more wealthy sold
their possessions and divided it among those in need. (Don't see to
much of that today, even if they are Christians).
46And
they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart. They worshipped regularly
at the temple, met in small groups in homes for communion, and
shared their meals with joy and thankfulness. (Another act we do not
see to much of today).
47Praising
God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to
the church daily such as should be saved. Praising God... All having the same beliefs of truth in common, and
"God" added to them daily all who would be saved.
God brings them in; God does the saving.
Acts 3
1Now
Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of
prayer, being the ninth hour. The 3:00 daily
prayer meeting.
2And
a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they
laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to
ask alms of them that entered into the temple.
He laid daily at the east gate which is also known as
the beautiful gate.
3Who
seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
As Peter and John passed him, he asked them
for money.
4And
Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Look here Peter replied.
5And
he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
The lame man looked at them expecting a gift.
6Then
Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I
thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
We don't have any money for you Peter said; but I'll give
you something else. And in the name of Jesus, Peter demanded the
lame man to walk. (Do it the way God commanded; in "Jesus name"
was the way the apostles did it). Christ is the one who gives the healing.
7And
he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately
his feet and ankle bones received strength. Peter took the man by the hand pulling him up and the man was
healed.
8And
he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the
temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Then the man went into the temple with them walking,
leaping, and praising God.
9And
all the people saw him walking and praising God.
They saw that the hand of God touched this man as he
was praising God.
10And
they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of
the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that
which had happened unto him. When they
realized he was the lame beggar who was often at the gate, they were
surprised and amazed.
11And
as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people
ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's,
greatly wondering. All who were present rushed
out to the porch (Solomon's Hall), where he was holding
onto Peter and John. They were all amazed at the wonderful thing
that happened. (They stopped at the porch, because that is all the further a Gentile
could go).
12And
when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel,
why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though
by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Men of Israel Peter said to the crowd. Why are you so
surprised at what just happened? You don't think it was us through
our own power that made this man walk? (They just witnessed the
power of the Holy Spirit).
13The
God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,
hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him
in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
It is the God of all our ancestors who has
brought the glory to Jesus by doing this. It was Jesus whom you
rejected before Pilate when he wanted to release Him.
14But
ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be
granted unto you. You had the choice of Jesus
or Barnabas to be released, and you chose Barnabas, a murderer over
the Holy righteous one. (Peter putting the blame partly on them).
15And
killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead;
whereof we are witnesses. You killed the
prince of life; but God raised Him from the dead. John and I
witnessed it first hand.
16And
his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom
ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this
perfect soundness in the presence of you all. In Jesus name
the Holy Sprit has healed this man. It was His faith in Jesus as well
as ours that did the healing.
17And
now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also
your rulers. I realize that what you did to
Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said for your
leaders. (The Kenites were their leaders). Through ignorance: God had put the
spirit of slumber upon them. (Romans 11:8). Eyes that do not
see, and ears that do not hear the truth.
18But
those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his
prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah
must suffer all these things. Speaking of Psalms 22, which Jesus was
quoting as He hung on the cross to be crucified. (God did not
forsake Christ). It was this Psalm that Christ would quote, written
1,000 years before the crucifixion.
19Repent
ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the
Lord. Repent, and change your attitude towards
God, turning to Him to cleanse your sins. Then wonderful times and
blessings will come from the Lord.
20And
he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.
Speaking of the second advent when He returns.
21Whom
the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets
since the world began. Christ must remain in
heaven until the restoration of all things from sin, since the
beginning of time. (Romans 8:28-30).
22For
Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God
raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear
in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Moses said it long ago that the Lord shall raise up a
prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Isaiah 7:14).
23And
it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that
prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Anyone that does not listen to Him shall be
destroyed. "All the unbelievers; Unless they repent."
24Yea,
and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as
many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
Samuel and the other prophets have all spoken about this. (2 Samuel 7).
25Ye
are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made
with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed. You are the
children of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with
Abraham. God shall bless the entire world as He promised
Abraham. (Genesis 12:2-3, Galatians 3:8).
26Unto
you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless
you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
God sent His Son to you first; men of Israel, to turn
you away from sin.
Acts 4
1And
as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them. The
head priest, captain of the temple police, and some of the Sadducees
came over to them as they were talking to the people. (The Sadducees did not believe in life after death). Might be a
little conflict of interest here.
2Being
grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the
resurrection from the dead. They were
disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people about the
resurrection of the dead through Christ. This was contrary to their
teachings.
3And
they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was now eventide. They arrested them and
put them in jail for teaching God's Word. (A lot of this takes place
today around the world). Thank God in this country that we have the
freedom to believe and teach what we want.
4Howbeit
many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the
men was about five thousand. But, many of the
people believed their message, and the number of believers grew to
around 5,000 people. (When you teach the truth, the lost will
follow).
5And
it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes. The next day the council of all their
Jewish officials was in session.
6And
Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered
together at Jerusalem. It was like a family
affair of the high priests.
7And
when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or
by what name, have ye done this? Here we have
the high priest asking; by what power and authority have you done
this?
8Then
Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel. Peter stood
right up and addressed them with the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Sometimes you need to take a stand when the so called higher ups
try to dress you down).
9If
we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man,
by what means he is made whole. If you mean
the good deed done to the cripple man and how he was healed.
10Be
it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised
from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you
whole. Let me set you straight on this matter.
This healing was done in the name and power of Jesus Christ, the man
you crucified. "God raised Him back to life." It is by His
authority (not ours), that this man stands here healed.
11This
is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner. Jesus the
messiah is the one referred to in scriptures as a stone discarded by
the builders, which became the head cornerstone. (Psalms 118:22).
12Neither
is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under
heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
There is no salvation through anyone else accept through Jesus
Christ.
13Now
when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. They
seen the boldness and confidence in these men as they taught the
Word. Knowing that these men were uneducated and not professionals,
but they were amazed at what Jesus had done for them. (The
majority of Jesus disciples were just common folk).
14And
beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it. They could not
discredit them, because the man they had just healed stood beside
them.
15But
when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves. They commanded
them to leave the council chamber so they could confer among
themselves.
16Saying,
What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle
hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. They did not
know what to do with these men because they could not deny what had
just happened. Everybody in Jerusalem knew about it.
17But
that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten
them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
They wanted to stop them from spreading any more
propaganda so they were going to threaten them.
18And
they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus. They called Peter and
John in and told them that they did not want them to teach about
Jesus anymore. Yea right!
19But
Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Peter and John replied; you decide whether God wants us to
obey you instead of Him.
20For
we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
"We can't stop telling about the wonderful things we
saw Jesus do and heard Him say."
21So
when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all
men glorified God for that which was done. They threatened them more, but finally let them go because they
could not punish them with all the people present without starting a
riot. (A public hearing can be to your advantage when your telling
the truth).
22For
the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed. Here we had a lame person for over
40 years and he was healed.
23And
being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that
the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John went to
the other disciples and reported to them what the council had said.
24And
when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one
accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and all that in them is. After they heard this, all the disciples united together in prayer.
25Who
by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen
rage, and the people imagine vain things? Why
do the heathen rage against the Lord, and the people plan their
little plots against the Lord? This word people here is "nations."
Why do the nations rage against the Lord? (Psalms 2). Look at what
is going on with the nations around the world because every day they
come more against God, this nation included.
26The
kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together
against the Lord, and against his Christ. The
kings of the earth gather together to fight against the anointed
one. It is going down today in the end times.
27For
of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of
Israel, were gathered together. That's what 's
happening here in the city. The king, the governor, the Romans, and
the people of Israel are united against Jesus, the anointed one.
28For
to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be
done. They won't stop at what you let them do.
29And
now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word.
Hear their threats against you and grant to your
servants "boldness" in their preaching.
30By
stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Send your healing power, and may miracles and wonders be done in the
"Name of Jesus."
31And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they
spake the word of God with boldness. After the
prayer, the building shook and they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit, and boldly preached God's message.
32And
the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he
possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
All the believers were of one heart and mind and
everyone was sharing. (In Christianity, it is important that a
family, or a congregation be of one heart and mind when it comes to
teaching and receiving God's Word). Today it is hard to get
your family to all believe the same way. (Satan loves to tear
families apart).
33And
with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
The apostles preached powerful sermons about the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. "Grace was upon them all."
34Neither
was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors
of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things
that were sold. There was no poverty among
them because all who owned land, or houses, sold them and shared
with others. (Not to many
Christians doing that today).
35And
laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto
every man according as he had need. They
brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.
36And
Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being
interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country
of Cyprus. For example, there was Joseph, one
of the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (Barney the preacher they called
him), from the tribe of Levi.
37Having
land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles'
feet. One of the one's who sold a field that
he owned and brought the money to the apostles to share among those
in need.
Acts 5
1But
a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession. Ananias and his wife sold some
property.
2And
kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and
brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
They only brought part of the money from the sale to
the apostles, saying this was all of it. (Didn't want to give up
the money).
3But
Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the
Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Peter said to Ananias, why did you let Satan fill
your heart so that you lie to the Holy Spirit? You kept part of the
money for the land you sold. (Never lie to God).
4Whiles
it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not
in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine
heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
The property was yours to sell and the money was
yours to give. You did not lie to us, but to God.
5And
Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and
great fear came on all them that heard these things.
As soon as Ananias heard these words he fell to the
floor dead! Another lesson learned like in the book of (Luke 12:10).
Don't deny the Holy Spirit.
6And
the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried
him. The younger men covered him up and took
him out to be buried.
7And
it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not
knowing what was done, came in. About three
hours later his wife came in to see what happened.
8And
Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so
much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Did you
sell your land for a certain price Peter asked? Yes she answered.
(Lying about the price they sold it for).
9Then
Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt
the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried
thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
How could you and your husband do such a thing like
this? Conspiring against the Holy Spirit. Your husband was just
carried out dead, and they will carry you out also.
10Then
fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and
the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth,
buried her by her husband. Instantly she fell
to the floor and was dead! The young men came and carried her out
also and buried her next to her husband. (A good lesson learned
here, not to lie to the Holy Spirit).
11And
great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these
things. Terror came upon the entire church and
all who heard what had happened.
12And
by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's
porch. This should read by the "hand of God"
through the apostles, many remarkable miracles were performed among
the people.
13And
of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people
magnified them. The other believers did not
join them, but all had the highest regard for them.
14And
believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men
and women. And more believers were added to
the Lord, crowds of both men and women.
15Insomuch
that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on
beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by
might overshadow some of them. The sick were
brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that the shadow of
Peter passing by would fall across some of them. (A shadow of
healing by the Holy Spirit, not Peters shadow). Never forget that it
is God that does the healing.
16There
came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem,
bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed every one. Crowds came in
from the suburbs with their sick, and those possessed by evil
spirits, and they were all healed. (Again, all healed by the Holy
Spirit).
17Then
the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is
the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation.
Then the high priest of the Sadducees with his
relatives and friends stood up and reacted with violent jealously.
(Just as many churches do today when someone teaches truth against
them). No truth in them because they just
play church. "A bunch of hypocrites." (Remember that the Sadducees did
not believe in the resurrection or life after death). This was
totally against their beliefs and teachings.
18And
laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
The high priest and Sadducees
arrested the apostles and put them in jail.
19But
the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought
them forth, and said. The angel of the Lord
opened the prison doors. You see... The apostles could not do it on their
own. (It was by the hand of God).
20Go,
stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life. Go right to the temple and teach about
the words of this life. "Teach the truth of the resurrection." (Christianity is about the life of Christ).
21And
when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the
morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were
with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the
children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
They went to the temple early in the morning
and began teaching the truth. But, later that morning the high
priest and all that were with him came to the temple and called the
Jewish council together. They sent for the apostles that were in
prison to have them brought to trial.
22But
when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they
returned and told. They were not there. (Probably one of
the first prison breaks).
23Saying,
The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers
standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found
no man within. We locked them up and had guards on the door,
but when we opened the door they were not there. (God delivers His
own when in trouble anytime He wants).
24Now
when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief
priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this
would grow. Where will this all end the chief
priest and the police captain wondered?
25Then
came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in
prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
Someone came forward and told them that those you put
in prison are in the temple teaching.
26Then
went the captain with the officers, and brought them without
violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been
stoned. The police captain and his officers
arrested them without violence, because they feared the people would
kill them if they hurt the apostles.
27And
when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and
the high priest asked them. Delivered up
before the council. Just as many will be delivered up before
the antichrist in the end times. (Luke 12:11).
28Saying,
Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this
name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
intend to bring this man's blood upon us. The
high priest speaking; Didn't we tell you not to teach about Jesus?
But you filled the streets of Jerusalem with your teaching, and are
trying to blame us for the death of this man Jesus. (Which they did have
their part in it).
29Then
Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God
rather than men. They replied, we need to obey God rather
than man. (Always obey God, over man).
30The
God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree. The God of our ancestors brought Jesus
back to life after you crucified Him on a cross.
31Him
hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
God exalted Jesus Christ to be a Prince and a Savior
so that the people Israel would have an opportunity for repentance
and forgiveness of sin. (Open to whom so-ever will).
32And
we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost,
whom God hath given to them that obey him. The
Holy Spirit given to all who obey Him. (We can all have the Holy
Spirit if we believe in Jesus Christ). Don't believe or obey;
"no Holy Spirit."
33When
they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to
slay them. When the council heard this they grew even more
furious, and wanted to kill them all.
34Then
stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a
doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and
commanded to put the apostles forth a little space.
This Pharisee wanted to take then off to the side and
discuss this matter in private. (Remember that the Pharisees
believed in life after death). "Gamaliel was quite the scholar,
and probably knew more about the scriptures than all the Sadducees."
35And
said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye
intend to do as touching these men. He
addressed the council and told them, be careful what you are
planning to do to these men.
36For
before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody;
to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who
was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and
brought to nought. Long ago there was a man
named Theudas, who thought he was so great. He was a
Jewish rebel who really boasted about himself. He led around 400
followers in a short lived revolt and he was killed. The others were
scattered about.
37After
this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and
drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as
many as obeyed him, were dispersed. Then there
was Judas who drew some people as disciples, but he died also and
his followers scattered.
38And
now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for
if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought.
My advice is to leave these men alone; if what
they teach and do is on their own it will also fail. (If it is not
of God and only men, it will always fail in time).
39But
if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even
to fight against God. If what they teach and
do is of God, you cannot stop them, or you will be fighting against
God. (This Pharisee Gamaliel was a wise man and knew God was with
them).
40And
to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name
of Jesus, and let them go. The council
accepted his advice, called in the apostles, had them beaten, and
set them free. (Not before telling them not to teach of Jesus
anymore). Will they listen? What about you? They are taking God out
of everything today. Are you going to listen to them? (Never let
them take God out of your life).
41And
they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they
were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They left the council (the Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were worthy
to suffer a little for Jesus name. God set them free! (Will you
suffer a little for Christ)? If you do, there is no need to
worry. "God takes care of His own."
42And
daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach
and preach Jesus Christ. Every day in the
temple and in their home bible studies they continued to teach that
Jesus is the Messiah. "The truth goes marching on!"
Acts 6
1And
in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
The Grecians complained that their widows were
discriminated against and not given as much food in the daily
distribution as the widows that spoke Hebrew.
(We are not talking of just food here, but also meat of the
Word). You had those who only spoke Greek (Hellenic), and they
studied from the Septuagint. (The Greek manuscript). The
others spoke Hebrew and studied from the Tanakh. (Hebrew
manuscripts). The problem was that they needed translators and more
teachers).
2Then
the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and
said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and
serve tables. They needed some helpers so they
could spend their time teaching, not serving out food.
3Wherefore,
brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of
the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Pick those who are well thought of by the
people and are full of the Holy Spirit to handle these matters.
(Deacons perhaps).
4But
we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of
the word. We can spend more of our time teaching.
5And
the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus,
and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of
Antioch. The whole assembly agreed and they
elected their disciples. (Those with the Holy Spirit).
6Whom
they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them. These seven deacons were
brought before the apostles and prayed for.
7And
the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith. God's Word spread
and was preached as the disciples increased in Jerusalem. Many of
the Jewish priest (even scholars), were also converted. Why?
Because they did it according to God's will. When God is behind
the calling, anyone can be saved.
8And
Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people. Stephen was an awesome
believer, full of faith and power, who did spectacular miracles
among the people. (Stephen knew about God's plan as a true
believer). He will give us a summary of God's word and teachings in
the following verses and chapter.
9Then
there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue
of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. One day some of the men from the synagogue of
"The Freedmen" started
an argument with Stephen.
10And
they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he
spake. They could not stand against him
because of the "Holy Spirit" by which he spoke to them.
You cannot
stand, or argue against the Holy Spirit. (God will always come
out on top).
11Then
they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses, and against God. They
brought men in to lie about him and what he was teaching. They said
he spoke against Moses and against God; but Stephen was talking about a
Savior coming instead of Moses law.
12And
they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and
came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council.
These false accusations stirred up the crowds
against Stephen and they brought him to the head leaders.
13And
set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.
The lying witnesses testified against Stephen saying
he spoke against the temple and the law of Moses.
14For
we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
Remember Stephen's main message was teaching
life after death, and the Sadducees did not believe in this.
15And
all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face
as it had been the face of an angel. Everyone in the council
seen Stephen's face become as radiant as an angel's. (It was the presence of the Holy Spirit).
Acts 7
1Then
said the high priest, Are these things so? The
high priest asked Stephen if these accusations were true.
2And
he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory
appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before
he dwelt in Charran. Stephen's reply was; The
Glory of God appeared to Abraham (in Iraq), before he moved to
Syria. (Abraham, father of many nations).
3And
said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred,
and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
God told Abraham to leave his native land, and he
obeyed God.
4Then
came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and
from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this
land, wherein ye now dwell. Abraham left the
land of the Chaldeans and moved to Haran (in Syria), until his
father died. Then God brought him to the land of Israel.
5And
he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his
foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a
possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
God did not give Abraham any property of his
own, but promised him that eventually the whole country would belong
to him and his descendants. (Even though he had no children). Keep
in mind Abraham was around 100 years old and his wife Sarah was
around 90 years old at the time.
6And
God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange
land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them
evil four hundred years. God also told Abraham
that these descendants of his would leave the land and become slaves
in Egypt for 400 years serving Pharaoh.
7And
the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God:
and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
But God told Abraham that he will punish the
nation that enslaves them, and that his people would return to the
land of Israel and worship Him. (Exodus 3:12).
8And
he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat
Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob;
and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. God
gave Abraham the ceremony of circumcision as evidence of the
covenant between God and the people of Abraham. Isaac the son of
Abraham, and Jacob the son of Isaac. Jacob was the father of the
twelve patriarchs of the Jewish nation. (The twelve tribes that make
up the tribe of Israel).
9And
the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was
with him. These men were jealous of Joseph and
sold him to be a slave in Egypt. (But Joseph was chosen by God and
was with him).
10And
delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and
wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him
governor over Egypt and all his house. God
seen to it that Joseph was liked by Pharaoh, and was made governor
over Egypt, and put him in charge of all his affairs. (God is in
control)!
11Now
there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and
great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
There came a famine over the land of Egypt and
Canaan, and the food of our ancestors was gone.
12But
when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our
fathers first. Jacob heard that there was
still some grain in Egypt so he sent his sons.
13And
at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and
Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
The second trip when they went to Egypt, Joseph revealed himself to
his brothers, and introduced them to Pharaoh.
14Then
sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his
kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. Joseph
sent for his father Jacob and all his brothers families to come to
Egypt. (Around 75 people in all).
15So
Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers.
Jacob came to Egypt and died.
16And
were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that
Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of
Sychem. Buried in a tomb purchased by Abraham.
17But
when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to
Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.
The time drew near when God would fulfill His promise
to Abraham to free his descendants from slavery. (The Jewish people
greatly multiplied in Egypt at this time).
18Till
another king arose, which knew not Joseph. But, another king was crowned who had no respect for Joseph and knew
nothing about him.
19The
same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our
fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they
might not live. This same king plotted against
the Jewish race, forcing parents to abandon their children in the
fields. (Exodus 1).
20In
which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up
in his father's house three months. At this
time Moses was born and his parents hid him at home for three
months.
21And
when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished
him for her own son. When they could no longer
keep him hidden, they had to abandon him, and Pharaoh's daughter
found him and adopted him. (Exodus 2).
22And
Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty
in words and in deeds. Taught him all the wisdom of the
Egyptians and he became a mighty prince. (Moses meaning drawn
from the water).
23And
when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit
his brethren the children of Israel. One day
when he was around 40 years old decided to visit his brothers, the
people of Israel. (Moses knew who he really was).
24And
seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him
that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. When Moses seen one of his people being mistreated by an Egyptian,
he killed the Egyptian. (He would be the savior of those people).
25For
he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his
hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
Moses thought his brothers would realize that God had
sent him to help them, but they didn't. (Moses knew he would save
his people).
26And
the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would
have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye
wrong one to another? Moses came upon two men
of Israel fighting and tried to be a peacemaker between the two.
27But
he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made
thee a ruler and a judge over us? They pretty
much told Moses to mind his own business.
28Wilt
thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
Will you kill me like the Egyptian you killed
yesterday? (The word really spreads fast).
29Then
fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian,
where he begat two sons. Moses fled the
country to the land of Midian where he had two sons. This is where
Abraham married his wife Keturah. (Genesis 25).
30And
when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the
wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in
a bush. Forty years later, an angel of the
Lord appeared to Moses in the flaming bush.
The very presence of the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 3).
31When
Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to
behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him.
Moses wondered what it was and ran towards it.
32Saying,
I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not
behold. The Lord spoke to Moses and Moses
shook with terror and would not look. (What would you do if a bush
started talking to you)?
33Then
said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place
where thou standest is holy ground. Holy
ground because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
34I
have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in
Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
God has seen the affliction of His children. It is
God that has come down to free His people, not Moses. But, he
will use Moses to deliver his people.
35This
Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge?
the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of
the angel which appeared to him in the bush. Moses was sent to be their ruler and savior by the hand of the angel
of the Lord. (The Holy Spirit).
36He
brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the
land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty
years. By the means of many miracles He led
them out of Egypt and through the red sea, and in the wilderness for
40 years. (A probation period of 40 years).
37This
is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like
unto me; him shall ye hear. Moses told the
people of Israel, "God will raise up a Prophet from among your
brothers." (Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 7:14).
38This
is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which
spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received
the lively oracles to give unto us. Moses was
the mediator between the people of Israel and the Angel of the Lord
who gave them the law of God, "the living Word," on mount Sinai.
(The Ten Commands written in stone by the finger of God).
39To
whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in
their hearts turned back again into Egypt. They rejected Moses and wanted to return to Egypt, even after all
the miracles they had witnessed.
40Saying
unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses,
which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become
of him. They told Aaron they wanted to make
godly idols to lead them back because Moses was gone four days and
they did not think he was coming back. (The people gave up on
Moses pretty quick). Not what God had in mind. (God like
people with patients who will stand for what is right).
41And
they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol,
and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Made a calf-idol and sacrificed to it, rejoicing in what they had
made. (Never make anything an idol before God, or you will be in
trouble).
42Then
God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is
written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye
offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty
years in the wilderness? God turned away from
them and let them serve their false idols. They chose a golden calf
to worship instead of God. What a bunch of ignorant idiots. (Take a
good look today and see what people worship instead of God).
43Yea,
ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god
Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you
away beyond Babylon. Their real interest was
in heathen gods and gods of the stars. They worshipped things God
had made instead of God Himself. "Because of this, God would send
them into captivity far away beyond Babylon."
44Our
fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had
appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to
the fashion that he had seen. The ancestors
carried with them a portable Tabernacle through the wilderness. In
it was the Ten Commandments written in stone. (The Arc of the
Covenant).
45Which
also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the
possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of
our fathers, unto the days of David. It was
Joshua that led the battles against the gentile nations. This
tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. (It was used
till the time of King David).
46Who
found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the
God of Jacob. God loved David and blessed him.
David asked God for the privilege to build a permanent temple for
the God of Jacob.
47But
Solomon built him an house. But, it was
Solomon who would actually built it.
48Howbeit
the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the
prophet. However, God does not live in temples
made by human hands. (It is not a fancy building that impresses our
Heavenly Father, it is what is being taught).
49Heaven
is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build
me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Heaven is God's house! The earth is just His
footstool. What kind of house can you build God? (Isaiah 66:1-4).
50Hath
not my hand made all these things? After all;
God made the Heaven and the earth didn't He?
51Ye
stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist
the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Stephen lays it right on the line and calls them a
bunch of stiff-necked heathens. Always resisting the Holy Spirit
just as your fathers did.
52Which
of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have
slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of
whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.
Guilty of persecuting and killing the prophets who
predicted the coming of Messiah, and you also betrayed and killed
Him. Speaking of the kenites; the generation of vipers, offspring of
the serpent. (Matthew 23:29-39).
53Who
have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not
kept it. You received the law by the hand of
God's angels and you even destroyed that. (Would not listen to the
Word of God just as so many today).
54When
they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth. When the
leaders (Jewish leaders), heard these accusations by Stephen, they were
outraged. (Stephen told it like it was).
55But
he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven,
and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of
God. Stephen, full of the "Holy Spirit," looked
up into heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at God's
right hand. (Just God letting Stephen know that He was with him).
56And
said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing
on the right hand of God. Behold. I see Christ
standing at the right hand of God! (This really got them angry).
57Then
they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran
upon him with one accord. They drowned him out
shouting (with hands over their ears), and mobbed Stephen.
58And
cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid
down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
They drug Stephen out of the city and stoned
him. The executioners took of their coats and gave them to Saul to
hold. This man Saul would later become Paul the apostle. (How he
must of felt later knowing he had a part in the stoning of Stephen).
59And
they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit. As they stoned Stephen, he
prayed to the Lord Jesus to receive his spirit.
60And
he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin
to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen fell to his knees shouting, "Lord don't
charge them with this sin." Then he died! (What an awesome summary
of the Word by Stephen). He gave his life and stood till the end
for the truth in the word.
Acts 8
1And
Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and
they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and
Samaria, except the apostles. Saul (Paul), was
in agreement when they stoned Stephen. Great persecution of the
believers started that day all through Jerusalem. Everyone but the
apostles fled to Judea and Samaria.
2And
devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation
over him. But, many who loved Stephen came and
buried him.
3As
for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,
and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Saul (Paul), went nuts on the church, dragging men
and women right out of their homes to arrest them. Remember that
Saul was a Roman soldier and he thought what he was doing
was right. (God would deal with him later). "Lets not judge Paul."
(Paul would go on to write most of the new testament).
4Therefore
they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
The believers that fled to Jerusalem and
Samaria went out and spread the Good News about Jesus.
5Then
Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them. Philip went to Samaria and taught about Jesus Christ.
6And
the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip
spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
The people listened to Philip teaching the Word
because of the miracles he performed with the help of the Holy
Spirit.
7For
unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were
possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were
lame, were healed. Philip cast out many evil
spirits and healed the paralyzed and lame. But again, he knew that
it was the Holy Spirit that did the healing.
8And
there was great joy in that city. The joy from
the very presence of Christ.
9But
there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out
that himself was some great one. Simon,
formerly a sorcerer, thought he was a great healer. (Using
potions and
familiar spirits for his healings).
10To
whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God. He had the
people thinking he was a great healer, but he was a fraud.
11And
to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched
them with sorceries. He had been tricking the
people for a long time with his sorceries. And as usual, many
believed and followed him. (Some people fall for deception real easy).
12But
when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women. But it was Philips message
of the messiah, and the Kingdom of God they believed now, and they
were all baptized.
13Then
Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued
with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which
were done. Then Simon himself believed Philips message and
was baptized. He followed Phillip and was amazed at the miracles he
did. (Simon wanted this himself, but could not get it his
way).
14Now
when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the message
of God was received, they sent Peter and John to help.
15Who,
when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost. When Peter and John arrived,
they prayed for the new Christians that they might receive the Holy
Spirit. (That same Holy Spirit that was present on Pentecost day).
16For
as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit
came upon none of them, but they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus. (In the name of Jesus which is necessary when being
baptized). Why didn't they receive the Holy Spirit? Maybe they did
not totally believe, or their hearts were not right with God.
17Then
laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
When Peter and John laid their hands upon
them, they received the Holy Spirit. (It was not by the power of
Peter and John, but by the power of the Holy Spirit when they prayed
for them and touched them).
18And
when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. Simon offered them money for this power to receive the
Holy Spirit.
(Simony is a term used for one who tries to buy their way to
heaven). You can't buy the Holy Spirit, or your way to heaven.
19Saying,
Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may
receive the Holy Ghost. Simon wanted this
power to lay hands on the people so they would receive the Holy
Spirit. But, this is something you cannot buy. You must receive it
on your own. (This is between you and the Lord Jesus Christ).
Don't think that some man today is going to lay hands on you and you
will receive the Holy Spirit. (There not one of the Apostles)! It
would be the same as if Simon laid hands on you, and Simon was a
fraud. (Be careful of someone wanting to lay hands on you for a
healing, or something similar).
20But
Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
It is a bad thing to try and buy the gifts of God.
21Thou
hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right
in the sight of God. Simons heart was not
right with God, so he could have no part in this. The same goes for
anyone today. "If you are not right with God, you will never have
the Holy Spirit to help you."
22Repent
therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Turn from your wickedness and repent and maybe God will forgive you.
(Trying to buy something from God is a terrible sin). You can't buy
you way to heaven.
23For
I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond
of iniquity. There is still jealously and sin
in your heart Peter told him.
24Then
answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of
these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Simon asked Peter to pray to God for him. Couldn't
even pray to God for himself.
25And
they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of
the Samaritans. When Peter and John finished
testifying in Samaria, they moved on to many villages on their way
back to Jerusalem, preaching the Good News on the way.
26And
the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto
Gaza, which is desert. But, the angel of the
Lord told Philip to go over to the road that runs from Jerusalem
through the Gaza desert.
27And
he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the
charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to
worship. Philip obeyed the angel of the Lord
and went. Coming down the road was a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch
(gentile), of
great authority under Candace the queen. He was going to worship in
the temple.
28Was
returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
When the man from Ethiopia was returning in
his chariot, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah the
prophet.
29Then
the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot. "The Holy Spirit told Phillip to go
and walk along beside the chariot."
30And
Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Philip asked the man; do you understand what you are
reading?
31And
he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Of course not the man replied. How can I understand
if I have no one to guide me? Then he asked Philip to come and join
him.
32The
place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep
to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth. The scripture he was reading
was from the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:7).
33In
his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
(Isaiah 53:8).
34And
the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
The eunuch asked Philip. Was Isaiah speaking of
himself, or someone else?
35Then
Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus. Philip continued the
scripture where the eunuch left off. (Isaiah 53:9-12). He preached to
him about Jesus Christ. (The Messiah).
36And
as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
They came to a small body of water and the
eunuch asked Philip; why can't I be baptized?
37And
Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. You can Philip replied. "If you believe
with all your heart." The eunuch replied. "I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God." (That is what is necessary for baptism).
38And
he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Philip and the eunuch went down to the water
and Philip baptized him. (An example that anyone can be baptized who
believes).
39And
when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on
his way rejoicing. When they came out of the
water, Philip was taken by the Holy Spirit, and the eunuch never saw
him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (Was Philip taken by the
Spirit like Elijah, or did they just depart ways)?
40But
Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Philip
found himself in Azotus (Ashdod today), and he preached the Good
News all up and down the Gaza strip as he traveled to Caesarea.
Acts 9
1And
Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest.
Saul (Paul), with every breath threatened the church
to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem.
2And
desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he
found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might
bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Saul
requested a letter from the High Priest addressed to the synagogues
in Damascus. He wanted their cooperation in the persecution of any
believers so he could bring them to Jerusalem in chains. (Paul
wanted to hunt them down).
3And
as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined
round about him a light from heaven. On his
way to Damascus, a brilliant light from heaven shined upon him.
(Time for God's intervention).
4And
he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me? And Saul fell to the
ground when he heard the voice of the Lord. "Why are you persecuting
me?"
5And
he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Who is speaking to me Saul asked? I am the Lord
Jesus, the one you are persecuting. "You are only hurting yourself when
you persecute the church." (Saul didn't realize that he would be
a part of the bigger plan).
6And
he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it
shall be told thee what thou must do. Get up
and go to the city and you will receive further instructions. (When
God has a plan for you, you better listen).
7And
the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice,
but seeing no man. Those with Saul heard the
voice, but did not see anyone and did not understand.
8And
Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no
man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
When Saul (Paul), got up from the ground, he
found that he was blind and could not see. He had to be led to
Damascus by the others. (Sometimes the truth will blind you
temporally).
9And
he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
There in Damascus for three days blind, and
with no food or water. (Blinded by the very light and voice of God
speaking to him).
10And
there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him
said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here,
Lord. The Lord speaking to Ananias in a
vision.
11And
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called
Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. Go
over to Straight street and find the house of a man named Judas and
ask for Saul of Tarsus.
12And
hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his
hand on him, that he might receive his sight. I have shown him a vision of you, Ananias, going to him and laying
hands on him that he may see again. (Not only to see by sight, but
to also see the light of spiritual truth).
13Then
Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. This man persecutes the believers, why would you want me to heal
him?
14And
here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call
on thy name. He has permission from the High
Priest to arrest all the believers in Damascus.
15But
the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children
of Israel. "Do what I say the Lord replied to
Ananias." Saul is my chosen vessel (instrument), to take my message
to the nations, kings, and people of Israel. (This was God's will
for Saul, even though Saul's will was to persecute Christians). God
does work in mysterious ways.
16For
I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
I will show him how much he must suffer for
me.
17And
Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared
unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou
mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
So Ananias went to Paul and laid hands on him
so that he would receive his sight back, and receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit.
18And
immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Paul's sight was back and he was baptized in the name of Jesus.
19And
when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Then he ate and was strengthened and stayed with the
disciples for a few days. Don't overlook the phrase "received meat,"
for Paul was also strengthened in the Word. (Remember, he now has
the gift of the Holy Spirit).
20And
straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son
of God. Paul then went forward to the
synagogues to tell everyone the Good News about Jesus Christ. (Paul
was familiar with Isaiah 7:14, that a virgin shall conceive, and
bear a Son, and they shall call Him Immanuel). Now he knew it for
sure.
21But
all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that
destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came
hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the
chief priests? Those who heard Saul (Paul),
were amazed. Isn't this the man who persecuted the believers in
Jerusalem? And didn't he come here to arrest them and bring them in
chains to the chief priest?
22But
Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which
dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
The Damascus Jews couldn't withstand Paul's proof
that Jesus was the messiah, the very Christ! These Damascus Jews are
"Iodus" those who are residents of Judea only.
(Not born Jewish).
23And
after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill
him. After a while the Jewish leaders wanted
to kill him. (The Kenites were there)! They were part of the
"Iodus."
(Jeremiah 35:11).
24But
their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day
and night to kill him. Paul was wise to their
plan to kill him through experience. Remember, Paul persecuted
Christians also, so he knew what they were up to.
25Then
the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket. Some of Paul's converts help him
escape the city.
26And
when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he
was a disciple. Most of the disciples were afraid of
Paul and thought he was trying to trick them so he could kill them.
27But
Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had
spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the
name of Jesus. Barnabas brought Paul to the
apostles and stood up for him because he had seen that the Lord had
spoke to him, converting him, and the proof was in his preaching in
the name of Jesus Christ.
28And
he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
They accepted him and after that he was constantly
with the believers. Remember that Saul (Paul), was a great scholar
of the old testament. (There was no new testament at this time).
However, Paul would write most of the new testament when it came
about.
29And
he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against
the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Paul preached boldly in the name of Jesus. (He didn't
hold anything back). He spoke against the Grecians and they plotted
to kill him.
30Which
when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent
him forth to Tarsus. When the other brethren
became aware of this murder plot against Paul, they sent him to
Tarsus. (His home town).
31Then
had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria,
and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. The church had peace throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria. It grew
in strength and numbers and the believers revered the Lord and
walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32And
it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came
down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Peter in his travels came to Lydda to visit the believers.
33And
there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed
eight years, and was sick of the palsy. Peter
met a man who had been paralyzed for eight years.
34And
Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise,
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. Peter told the man that Jesus Christ has healed him, and told the
man to get up and make his bed. "He was instantly healed."
(Remember it was Christ that gave the healing, not Peter).
35And
all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
When the people had seen Aeneas walking around
and heard of the healing, they all turned to the Lord.
36Now
there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by
interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works
and almsdeeds which she did. In Joppa there
was a woman named Tabitha, interpreted is Dorcas (Gazelle), who was
always doing good things for others, especially the poor. (She
was a true believer).
37And
it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom
when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
She became sick and died, and her friends prepared
her for burial and laid her in an upstairs room. (She was a very
important woman to them).
38And
forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard
that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that
he would not delay to come to them. They heard
Peter was nearby at Lydda and they sent for him to come to Joppa.
39Then
Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him
into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and
shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with
them. When Peter arrived, they took him
upstairs where they had laid out Dorcas. All the woman were weeping
and boasting of the beautiful clothing Dorcas had made for them.
(She was a very talented woman).
40But
Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning
him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and
when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter asked
them all to leave the room. Then he knelt and prayed; turning to the
body and said, "Get up" Dorcas, and she opened her eyes and sat up.
(Again, it was God who gave her life through the Holy Spirit, not
Peter). "Remember, God is the head and the power of the church."
Not any man!
41And
he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the
saints and widows, presented her alive. Peter
took her hand and presented her to the believers and the widows.
42And
it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
The news swept across town and many believed
in the Lord. (What a beautiful witness when she came back to life
by the power of God).
43And
it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a
tanner. Peter stayed in Joppa for a long time
with Simon the tanner. (Just a taste of the wonderful works our
Heavenly Father had done and will do). Are you a believe?
Acts 10
1There
was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the
band called the Italian band. Cornelius (a horn, symbolizing
power), was a
Roman captain of an Italian regiment.
2A
devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave
much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
He was a Godly man (honest and a convert), as well as
the rest of his family.
3He
saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel
of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Around 3:00 pm in the afternoon, he saw in a vision
an angel of God coming toward him.
4And
when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord?
And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a
memorial before God. Being a little shook-up,
he asked the angel what he wanted. God is aware of your prayers and
charities the angel tells him.
5And
now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter. Send some men to Joppa for a man called
Simon Peter.
6He
lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he
shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. He
is staying with one called Simon the tanner; he will tell you how to
be pleasing to God.
7And
when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called
two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that
waited on him continually. Cornelius called on
two of his house servants and his personal bodyguard.
8And
when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to
Joppa. He told them what had happened and sent
them to Joppa.
9On
the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the
city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour.
The next day when they were nearing the city,
Peter went on the rooftop to pray around 12:00 pm. (Lunch time).
10And
he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made
ready, he fell into a trance. As lunch was
being prepared, Peter fell into a trance. (Devine intervention by
God).
11And
saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it
had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the
earth. Peter saw Heaven open and a great
canvas sheet suspended from the sky settled to the ground.
12Wherein
were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts,
and creeping things, and fowls of the air. In
the sheet there were all sorts of unclean animals, snakes and birds,
that were forbidden as food for the Jews.
13And
there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Then a voice said to him, "Go kill and eat any of
them you wish." Now many will tell you that God is saying here that
you can eat anything you want and it won't hurt you. But, was He
speaking of something else?
14But
Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean. Never Lord, Peter replied.
I have never eaten such creatures that are "common or unclean," and
forbidden by Jewish law. (Leviticus 11:4). Keep in mind that Peter
is having a vision here. (It's not really about food).
15And
the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath
cleansed, that call not thou common. The voice
told Peter; Anything that God has cleansed, you do not call common.
(We are talking about gentiles here; that we should never call them
common or unfit). No one, or no one race is above another in God's
eyes.
16This
was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Three times Peter seen the vision.
17Now
while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made
enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Peter did not understand the vision, and did not know
what he was supposed to do. Then the men that Cornelius sent were
standing at the gate. In Peters mind, these men at the gate were
(gentiles), common people.
18And
called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there. Is this where Peter lives they
asked?
19While
Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three
men seek thee. As Peter was puzzled over the
vision; the Holy Spirit told him that the three men were there to
see him.
20Arise
therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing:
for I have sent them. Go with these gentiles,
God has sent them to you.
21Then
Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius;
and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore
ye are come? Peter went to meet the men and
asked them what they were here for.
22And
they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth
God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned
from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to
hear words of thee. The men told Peter that
Cornelius the Roman officer, who was a good and just man had sent
them when the angel of the Lord told him to do so. This word
"nation" used here is "Ethnos" and should be translated; among all
the nations (Ethnos), of Judea.
23Then
called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went
away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter put the men up for the night and the
next day he went with them, and some of the believers (Christian
followers), from Joppa
followed them.
24And
the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited
for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
When Peter arrived in Caesarea the next day,
Cornelius was waiting for him with all his relatives.
25And
as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his
feet, and worshipped him. Cornelius worshipped
Peter as a God, but Peter would not let him. (Never worship a man)!
"Only God is to be worshipped by man." It is a sad situation today the
way that so many people will worship a rock star, a priest, a pope, the
saints, or the all mighty dollar before God.
26But
Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Get up! I am only a man Peter said to Cornelius.
27And
as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come
together. Peter and Cornelius talked for a
while and then went in with the others. (Time for a little bible
study).
28And
he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another
nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common
or unclean. Peter explained to them that it
was against Jewish law for him to enter the house of a gentile, but
that God has shown him in a vision that he should never think of
anyone as inferior. "Again, no one, or no one race is above another
in God's eyes." (Nation used here is of different kindred).
29Therefore
came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask
therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
I came as soon as I was sent for Peter said; so what
is it that you want from me.
30And
Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at
the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before
me in bright clothing. An angel of God spoke
to me in a vision.
31And
said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in
remembrance in the sight of God. The angel
told me that God has remembered your good deeds.
32Send
therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter;
he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side:
who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. The angel told me to send for Simon
(Peter), and he will come and
speak to you.
33Immediately
therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art
come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all
things that are commanded thee of God. You
came as soon as I sent for you, and we are anxious to hear what you
have to say, because you were sent by God.
34Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is
no respecter of persons. Peter told them that
he sees very clearly that God has no favorites when it come to the
races of people. We are all children of God and He loves us all. He
may not love the things you are into, but he loves you. He is your
Heavenly Father. (When someone is a believer, never call them
common).
35But
in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is
accepted with him. In every nation, "Ethnos"
(Ethnic people); God has people who worship Him and do His works.
36The
word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) I am sure
you have heard the "Good News" for the people of Israel, that there
is peace through Jesus Christ. "WHO IS LORD OF ALL CREATIONS." All
believers, including gentiles.
37That
word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and
began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.
This "Good News" has spread all through Judea,
beginning with John the Baptist in Galilee.
38How
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of
the devil; for God was with him. Jesus of
Nazareth, anointed by the "Holy Spirit" and with power. The Heavenly
Father with Him all the time, just as He can be with you. When the
Heavenly Father is with you, you have power over the the devil and
all fears.
39And
we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the
Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree.
The apostles witnessed all Jesus had done throughout
the land of Judea, as well as His crucifixion.
40Him
God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly.
The Heavenly Father bringing Him back to life again
and showed Him to certain people. (They witnessed this).
41Not
to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us,
who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Showed Him to certain witnesses God had chosen
before. "Pre-ordained if you will." A chosen vessel to bear His name. (Acts 9:15).
42And
he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is
he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Commanded the apostles to preach the "Good
News" to the people and to be a witness that the one who was
ordained by God would be the judge of all-living and dead. He went
back to all the prisoners from the past. (1 Peter 3:18-20).
43To
him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
All the prophets have written about Him, that all who
believe in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.
(Isaiah 53:11-12). This goes for everyone who believes.
44While
Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word. Even as Peter was saying these
things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening.
"Where their is true believers, the Holy Spirit will be there."
45And
they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out
the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Jews that were
with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit fell
upon the gentiles also. (The whole house of Israel, not just the
Jews). "Yes, that includes you and I."
46For
they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter. Heard them speak in tongues. (Languages
of all that were present praising God). The same Holy Spirit as on Pentecost
day. The Pentecostal tongue; not an unknown tongue. (Acts 2:6-8).
47Can
any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Can
anyone forbid these who received the Holy Spirit just as we did to
be baptized?
48And
he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
prayed they him to tarry certain days. So
Peter baptized them in the name of Jesus. They wanted Peter to stay
with them and pray for several days, wanting more of this truth.
Once you receive the Holy Spirit, the Word of God becomes even more
clear. (You now have eyes to see and ears to hear the truth).
"God's gift of the Holy Spirit is the most awesome and amazing thing
you can receive." (Cherish this precious gift with all heart and
soul).
Acts 11
1And
the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God. It
wasn't long before the apostles and brethren in Judea heard that the
gentiles were being converted.
2And
when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him. The Jewish leaders argued
with Peter because they were only familiar with the old law.
3Saying,
Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
You fellowshipped and ate with gentiles.
4But
Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by
order unto them, saying. Peter told them the
whole story.
5I
was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A
certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from
heaven by four corners; and it came even to me.
Peter told them about the vision he had about the
sheet let down by it's four corners from the sky.
6Upon
the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping
things, and fowls of the air. Inside the sheet
were images of unclean animals according to God's health laws.
7And
I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
He heard the voice say kill and eat whatever you
wish. (We not talking of food here, but rather about those who love
the Lord).
8But
I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time
entered into my mouth. Peter would not eat
anything forbidden by the Jewish laws to keep the body healthy.
(Leviticus 1, 2).
9But
the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed,
that call not thou common. Don't call a
gentile common; if God excepts him as a believer, he is a Christian.
10And
this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
This happened three times before the sheet
went into heaven. (Opening salvation up to the gentiles).
11And,
behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house
where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. Three
men sent by God.
12And
the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these
six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house.
The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and
not to worry about them being gentiles.
13And
he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and
said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname
is Peter. The angel of the Lord sent
messengers to Joppa to find Simon Peter.
14Who
shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved. The angel of the Lord told them how
Peter would tell them how they can be saved.
15And
as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning. The same "Holy Spirit" that fell
upon them on Pentecost day. (Acts 2:6). The true Pentecostal tongue,
the "cloven tongue" (out in every direction), giving them the
ability to understand all languages spoken.
16Then
remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Baptized with the "Holy Spirit." In the name
of Jesus!
17Forasmuch
then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed
on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
It was God who gave the gentiles the same gift
of the Holy Spirit as they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. So,
who could argue? (You never want to argue against God).
18When
they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto
life. All their questions were answered when
they heard this and they held their peace. God gives all who believe
upon Him eternal life.
19Now
they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose
about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Preaching the Word unto "Israel" (Ioudaios), all
residents of Judah, not Jews only.
20And
some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were
come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
Preached the message of Jesus to the Greeks.
(Also know as Hellenes; those who speak in the Greek tongue).
21And
the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and
turned unto the Lord. The Lord was with them
and their was a large number of Gentiles who became believers.
22Then
tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far
as Antioch. When the church at Jerusalem heard
what was happening, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new
converts. Why Barnabas? (Barnabas was from Cyprus and spoke the Greek language).
He knew that tongue (as an interpreter), so the people would
understand.
23Who,
when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted
them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the
Lord. Barnabas had seen the wonderful things
God was doing with the believers and he encouraged them to stay
close to the Lord. "They now had purpose to serve the Lord."
24For
he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much
people was added unto the Lord. Barnabas was a
kind person and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Because of his
preaching "guided by the Holy Spirit," many more became believers and
were added to the Lord.
25Then
departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul.
He went to search for Saul. (This was Paul's name before his
conversion).
26And
when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to
pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church,
and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians
first in Antioch. Both Paul and Barnabas went
back to Antioch where they stayed for a full year teaching new
converts. (It was in Antioch that the believers were first called
Christians). Keep in mind that Paul spoke many languages and was a
great communicator. (Christianity was now being established).
27And
in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Even the prophets came down from Jerusalem during
this time.
28And
there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit
that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which
came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. One of these prophets named Agabus stood up and predicted by the
Spirit that a great famine was coming to the land of Israel.
(This
came to pass during the reign of Claudius around A.D. 51).
29Then
the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to
send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea.
They sent relief to the Christians in Judea.
30Which
also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul. Giving their gifts to Barnabas and
Paul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
Acts 12
1Now
about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the church. King Herod made a move
against some of the believers of the Christian church.
2And
he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
He killed the apostle James, John's brother.
3And
because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take
Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Herod seen how much this pleased the Jewish leaders
when he killed James, so he arrested Peter during the Jewish
Passover.
4And
when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him
to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter
to bring him forth to the people. Herod had
Peter put in prison under guard of sixteen soldiers to keep him.
Herod's intensions was to deliver Peter to the Jewish leaders for
execution after the "Passover" celebration. "Easter here is a
miss-translation." (It is "Pascha" in the Greek, Strong's 3957).
Passover is the high day of Christianity. Christ became our
Passover. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). He was our Passover Lamb that was
slain for our sins.
5Peter
therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of
the church unto God for him. All the time
Peter was in prison, the other believers of the church were praying
to God for him. (Prayer is talking to God, read our newsletter topic
on how to pray).
6And
when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was
sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the
keepers before the door kept the prison. The
night before Peter was to be executed, he was double bound with
chains between two guards with others at the gate. (They didn't want
Peter going anywhere).
7And,
behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in
the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up,
saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
The angel of the Lord appeared and slapped Peter on the side
to wake him. The angel told Peter to rise and the chains fell
off. (Devine intervention by God).
8And
the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And
so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and
follow me. The angel of the Lord told Peter to
get dressed, put on his shoes, and follow him.
9And
he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which
was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Peter left the cell and followed the angel of the
Lord thinking it was all a dream.
10When
they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the
iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his
own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and
forthwith the angel departed from him. They
passed the first and second cell blocks and came to the main gate to
the street, and it opened. They both walked out of the prison and
down the street and then the angel left Peter.
11And
when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,
that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the
hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the
Jews. Peter then realized that it was not a
dream and that the Lord sent an angel to free him from the hand of
Herod and people of Judea. (Herod Antipas, "anti-father," or type of
antichrist). Jesus referred to him as a "fox" in the book of Luke.
(Luke 13:31-33).
12And
when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the
mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered
together praying. After a little thought, Peter
went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where many gathered
for prayer. (Mark being the author of the book of Mark).
13And
as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken,
named Rhoda. As Peter knocked at the door, a
girl named Rhoda heard the knock.
14And
when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,
but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
She heard the voice of Peter and rather than open the
door, she was so glad that he was here that she ran in the other
room to tell the others.
15And
they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that
it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
They didn't believe her and thought she was crazy.
They prayed for Peter to be released, but didn't believe he was
free. They thought he was killed and it was his angel.
16But
Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw
him, they were astonished. Peter continued to
knock at the door, and when they finally answered, they couldn't
believe it and were astonished. Is there a little deeper meaning
here? And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Luke 11:9-10).
When God's work is involved, doors will always open for you.
17But
he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared
unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he
said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he
departed, and went into another place. Peter
told them to quiet down and told them what had happened. He told
them to tell James and the others what had happened, and left town
to a safer place.
18Now
as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers,
what was become of Peter. The jailers were a
little nervous now that they found Peter missing from the jail. What
happened to Peter? How do we explain this?
19And
when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the
keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went
down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
When Herod sent for Peter and found out that he was
missing, he had all sixteen guards arrested, court-martialed, and
sentenced to death. Herod then left Judea and went to Caesarea for a
while.
20And
Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they
came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's
chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was
nourished by the king's country. When Herod
was in Caesarea, a delegation from Tyre and Sidon came to see him.
(Tyre being the land of the Kenites). Herod didn't really care for
the people of those cities, but the delegates made friends with Blastus the king's royal secretary. The people of Tyre and Sidon
wanted peace because they were economically dependent on trade with
Herod's country. (This was a world trading place).
21And
upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne,
and made an oration unto them. Herod put on the royal robes
(looking so holy), sat on his throne and made a speech to them. A
type of anti-Christ claiming to be God! (2
Thessalonians 2:4). We have some around today thinking they have
the authority of God.
22And
the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not
of a man. They gave him a standing ovation,
shouting, "it is the voice of God." (Watch out now)!
23And
immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God
the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Instantly, Herod was truck dead with a sickness and eaten by the maggots
from within. (Just as the false Christ goes into the pit and is
turned into ashes from within). Why did this happen to Herod? Because he accepted the peoples worship instead of giving the glory
to God.
24But
the word of God grew and multiplied. God's
Good News spread and there were many new believers. (God blessed all
the people).
25And
Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled
their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch and took
that young boy John Mark with them.
Acts 13
1Now
there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius
of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the
tetrarch, and Saul. The prophets and teachers
of the church of Antioch were Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, Paul, and Manaen. (Manaen
was the foster-brother of
King Herod who was converted to Christianity). God uses whom ever He
wills.
2As
they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called
them. The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Paul on a special
mission. (A divine assignment).
3And
when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they
sent them away. The others prayed for them and
sent them on their way.
4So
they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia;
and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. Guided
by the Holy Spirit they went to Seleucia and then Cyprus. (This is
where the Hellenist, or Greek speaking people were).
5And
when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the
synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
They went to the Jewish synagogues and taught
the Word of God, and Mark John was with them as their assistant.
6And
when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a
certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Paphos,
sometimes referred to as Pafos, is a coastal city in the southwest
of Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. (It was a hot spot -
full of fire). Here they met a sorcerer (false prophet), a Jew named Barjesus. This word sorcerer used here is
("Magos" Greek Strong's
G-3097 Magian, that is, Oriental scientist; a magician).
7Which
was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;
who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of
God. He got close with the governor Sergius
Paulus who wanted to hear the Word of God from Paul and Barnabas.
8But
Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood
them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
But, the sorcerer Elymas (his name in the Greek),
told the governor Sergius Paulus not to listen to what Paul and
Barnabas had to say about trusting in the Lord.
9Then
Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his
eyes on him. But Paul, filled with the Holy
Spirit, angrily stared him down.
10And
said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the
devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to
pervert the right ways of the Lord? You son of
the devil Paul said; you use every sort of trickery and villainy and
are the enemy of all that is good. Will you never stop opposing the
Lord?
11And
now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be
blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell
on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead
him by the hand. God has laid His hand upon
you and you will be blinded awhile for your punishment. In an
instant, he was blinded and felt around for someone to lead him by
the hand. (Don't mess around with the Word of God)! False
teachings will result in serious consequences.
12Then
the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at
the doctrine of the Lord. When the governor
saw what had happen to him, he believed in the power of God's
message.
13Now
when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in
Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Paul and those with him left Paphos by ship
for Turkey, landing at the port of Perga. John left them and headed
back to Jerusalem.
14But
when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and
went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Paul and Barnabas went on to Antioch, a city in the
province of Pisidia. Here they attended a service in the synagogue
on the Sabbath day.
15And
after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the
synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have
any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
After the usual reading from the books of Moses and
the prophets, they asked Paul and Barnabas if they had anything to
add for the people to hear.
16Then
Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and
ye that fear God, give audience. Paul stood up
and gave a greeting and said. Men of Israel, and all who reverence
God; let me start with a little history.
17The
God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the
people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with
an high arm brought he them out of it. The God
of the nation Israel chose our ancestors and honored them in Egypt
by leading them out of slavery. (The same message as Stephen's in Acts
chapter 7).
18And
about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the
wilderness. He took care of them during 40
years in the wilderness.
19And
when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he
divided their land to them by lot. Gave Israel
their land as an inheritance.
20And
after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred
and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. Judges ruled for about 450 years, and were followed by Samuel the
prophet.
21And
afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son
of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
They wanted a king, so God gave them Saul (son
of Kish), from the tribe of Benjamin, and he reigned for 40 years.
22And
when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their
king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found
David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall
fulfil all my will. God removed him and gave
them David (son of Jesse), to be their king. (A man after God's own
heart).
23Of
this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel
a Saviour, Jesus. A descendant of King David,
God raised up Jesus, the savior of Israel!
24When
John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel. Before Christ,
there was John the Baptist, who preached "repent and turn away from
sin."
25And
as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am
not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his
feet I am not worthy to loose. John was not
the Messiah like they thought, but told them of the coming Messiah
(Jesus), whose shoes on His feet, he was not worthy to wear.
26Men
and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among
you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
This salvation is for the son's of Abraham as well as
the gentiles. "Whosoever will."
27For
they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew
him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every
sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
Jerusalem and their leaders crucified Him because
they did not know Him, or realize that He was the one that the
prophets had written about. (Written by the prophets 1,000 years
before His crucifixion in Psalms 22). They didn't study enough!
28And
though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate
that he should be slain. They found no just
reason to kill Him, but asked Pilate to have Him killed anyway. (The
voice of the Kenites cried out; Crucify Him)! If you are not
familiar with the kenites, read our study topic titled: "Sons of
Cain."
29And
when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him
down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
When it was fulfilled by the prophecies concerning
Hid death, He was taken from the cross and placed in a tomb.
30But
God raised him from the dead. God brought Him
back to life again. (Psalm 23, the resurrection).
31And
he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to
Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
Seen many times by the ones who accompanied Him to
Jerusalem. (Christ was with them 40 days after His resurrection). 10
days later (on Pentecost), He sent them the Holy Spirit.
32And
we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was
made unto the fathers. The promise to the
ancestors has come true. (God always keeps His word).
33God
hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
God brought Jesus back to life again just as
promised, and was written in Psalm 2.
34And
as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to
return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure
mercies of David. Brought Him back to life
never to die again. Giving us the same promise as He gave to King
David. (Isaiah 55:3).
35Wherefore
he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One
to see corruption. God said in another Psalm,
He would not let His holy ones see corruption. (Psalms 16:10, 49:9).
Christ would not go into the grave. (He was transfigured).
36For
David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,
fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption.
David died, was buried, and his body decayed.
37But
he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. God brought those back to life and their bodies were not touched by
the ravages of death. (They saw no corruption)! Like on the mount of
transfiguration with "Elijah the prophet, Mosses the law, and Christ
the Savior." (They will be back in the end times to set things
straight).
38Be
it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man
is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. In
this man Jesus, there is forgiveness for your sins. Christ was sent
to fulfill the law; And upon repentance, your sins are forgiven.
39And
by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye
could not be justified by the law of Moses. Everyone who trusts in Him is free from all guilt and declared
righteous. The old Jewish law could never do this. Why? Because man
cannot obey the law.
40Beware
therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the
prophets. Don't let the prophets words apply
to you.
41Behold,
ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your
days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare
it unto you. Look and perish, you despisers of
the truth. I am going to do something in your day that you won't
believe when you hear it. (Habakkuk 1:5-10). It's coming to this
world today, so get ready.
42And
when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought
that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
As the people left the synagogue that day, they asked
Paul to return the following week and speak again. "They wanted more
truth
of the Word."
43Now
when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious
proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them,
persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
The Jews and gentiles alike followed Paul and
Barnabas down the street as they urged them to accept the mercies
God was offering.
44And
the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the
word of God. The whole city came to hear the
Word of God. (Not a bunch of babble from some man or woman).
45But
when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and
spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting
and blaspheming. The Jews saw the crowds that
Paul's teachings drew (with the help of the Holy Spirit), and they
were angry and jealous. (Denominations and organizations get angry
when you step on their doctrines of men and teach truth).
46Then
Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the
word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put
it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo,
we turn to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas
told the Jews straight up. If you don't want the Good News from God
and reject it; you show yourselves not worthy of eternal life. We
will offer the Good News to the gentiles! (The Word of God is
offered to all who will believe).
47For
so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light
of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends
of the earth. This is as the Lord commanded. I
have made you a light to the gentiles, to lead them from the
farthest corners of the earth to my salvation. Paul quoting from the
old testament. (Isaiah 49:5-8).
48And
when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word
of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
The gentiles rejoiced and glorified Paul's
message as they believed in the Word of the Lord.
49And
the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
The Word of the Lord spread all through the region. (The truth
opened up to all who would believe).
50But
the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief
men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them out of their coasts. Then
the leaders stirred up the women and residents of Judea and ran Paul
and Barnabas out of town. (Stir up the women and they will turn
against you).
51But
they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto
Iconium. They shook of the dust and went on
their way. (When they do not listen and do not want the truth, don't
waste your time on them spiritually).
52And
the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
All the converts were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Those who
accept the truth will be led by the Holy Spirit).
Acts 14
1And
it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the
synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of
the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. When
Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, they went to the synagogue and
preached with power, and many of the Jews and Gentiles were
converted. (With power of the Holy Spirit).
2But
the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds
evil affected against the brethren. Who are
the unbelieving Jews stirring up all the trouble?
3Long
time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave
testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders
to be done by their hands. Paul and Barnabas
stayed for a long time preaching boldly in the area anyway. Proving
their message was from God by performing great miracles. (Power
of the Holy Spirit at work).
4But
the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,
and part with the apostles. Half of the people
agreed with the Jewish leaders and the others backed the apostles.
"A divided people." That could never happen in this country, could
it?
5And
when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the
Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them.
Paul and Barnabas discovered a plot among both the Jews and
Gentiles to stone them. (Now Paul was on the chopping block). The
same thing that happened to Peter, as Paul (named Saul then), stood by and
watched him being stoned to death.
6They
were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia,
and unto the region that lieth round about. After they discovered the plot to kill them, they fled for their
lives and went to Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and surrounding areas.
(Keep in mind that Lycaonia is known as the wolf land).
7And
there they preached the gospel. They still
continued to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.
8And
there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a
cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.
A man that was paralyzed from birth.
9The
same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving
that he had faith to be healed. The man
listened to Paul speak and Paul could tell that this man had the
faith to be healed. (A true believer).
10Said
with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and
walked. Paul looked at the man and said; Stand
up! The man leaped to his feet and started walking. (Healed by the
Holy Spirit).
11And
when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices,
saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in
the likeness of men. The people seen what just
took place and thought that Paul and Barnabas were god's. (They
actually thought it was Paul who did the healing and left out the
Holy Spirit). "Don't believe that any man can heal you."
(Its not the man, but God who does the healing through the Holy
Spirit).
12And
they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was
the chief speaker. They thought that Paul was
the god of Mercury and Barnabas the god of Jupiter. (Big mistake)!
13Then
the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and
garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the
people. They were going to sacrifice to Paul
and Barnabas as if they were god's. (A bigger mistake)!
14Which
when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their
clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out.
When Paul and Barnabas saw what was happening, they
ripped off their clothes and ran out among the people. (No... they
were not streakers; they just wanted the people to see that they
were human).
15And
saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like
passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from
these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth,
and the sea, and all things that are therein. What are you doing Paul replied. We are just men like you, not gods!
We have come to bring you the Good News and invite you to turn from
these foolish things. Pray to the living God who made the heavens,
earth and sea, and all things in it.
16Who
in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
In the past, He permitted the nations (ethnos), to go their own
ways.
17Nevertheless
he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave
us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with
food and gladness. God never left Himself
without a witness to these kind things that He did, such as sending
rain, good crops, and filling your hearts with gladness. (God always
takes care of His children).
18And
with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had
not done sacrifice unto them. But, they still
could not keep the people from worshipping them, when they should be
worshipping the living God.
19And
there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who
persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the
city, supposing he had been dead. Just a few
days later some certain Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and
stirred up the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the
town leaving him for dead.
20Howbeit,
as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into
the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
As the believers stood around Paul, he got up
and went back into the city. The next day he left town with Barnabas
for Derbe. (When your on a mission from God, He will take care of
you).
21And
when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many,
they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch.
After preaching The God News to that city, making
many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.
22Confirming
the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the
faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God. They helped the believers to grow in their
love for God and each other. Encouraging them to continue in the
faith, even during persecution. This is how you enter the Kingdom of
God.
23And
when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they
believed. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders
in every church and prayed for them.
24And
after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
Traveled back through Pisidia (north of
Lycia), to Pamphylia, (modern day Turkey).
25And
when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into
Attalia. Preached The Good News in Perga, then
went to Attalia. (City on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern
Turkey).
26And
thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to
the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
Then they returned by ship to Antioch where they
began from, "on their mission from God."
27And
when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they
rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the
door of faith unto the Gentiles. When they
arrived, they called all the believers together and reported to them
how God had opened the door of faith to the gentiles too. (They gave
God all the credit).
28And
there they abode long time with the disciples.
Stayed with the believers in Antioch for quite a long
time. (Building the faith of the believers with the Good News).
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