Acts 13-14. What is most urgent?
Robert Moffat (1795–1883) was a Scottish missionary to Southern Africa who spent most of his adult life in Southern Africa teaching about Jesus and serving the needs of the native peoples. He translated the Bible into the Sechuana language. He was also the father-in-law of the famous explorer and missionary David Livingstone and inspired many others to work for the Kingdom of God. When he returned to England he continued to inspire many into mission work. He famously said:
“We'll have all eternity to celebrate our victories, but only one short hour before sunset to win them.”
This was obviously the thinking of the early church. There was an urgency to teach people about Jesus, who he is and what he had done for us. Paul and Barnabus are good examples of ordinary people who were clear about what really matters.
Cyprus
On their first missionary journey they first went to Cyprus, where Barnabus had property.
“When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.” Acts 13:5
They travelled the length of Cyprus until they came to Paphos in the west. The Proconsul, Sergius Paulus lived in that area and heard what Paul and Barb’s were doing:
“The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.” Acts 13:7
It was this teaching that most affected the Proconsul. When he saw temporary blindness afflict Elymas, an opponent of the gospel he became a Christian:
“When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.” Acts 13:12
Paul’s message was all about who Jesus is and what he came to achieve.
Pisidian Antioch
This small band of Jews then travelled to what is now Asia Minor, modern Turkey, and arrived in Pisidian Antioch. As usual they went to the synagogue and were there invited to encourage those present. They taught them from the Scriptures. Paul first build a bridge with his hearers by reiterating an overview of the Bible’s message, emphasising where it teaches that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. He then tells them about Jesus:
“From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Saviour Jesus, as he promised.” Acts 13:23
He then described Jesus’ ministry, execution and his resurrection which was witnessed by many of his followers:
“They are now his witnesses to our people.” Acts 13:31
He went on to show them many passages in the Scriptures that support this claim that Jesus is God’s longed for Messiah:
“We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’
God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said,
‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’
So it is also stated elsewhere:
‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’
Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.” Acts 13:32-37
Paul built a bridge with his hearers, then told them about Jesus, emphasising the facts of his death and resurrection and then showed how all this was prophesied in Scripture. This was to become the ‘modus operandi’ for all his life’s ministry. He was convinced that the message about Jesus was true and everyone needed to hear it as we all need to have our sins forgiven if we are to have an eternal future and not an awful fate:
““Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” Acts 13:38-41
Our reaction to Jesus seals our eternal fate. We can know that this is God’s message to all humanity because of the evidence about Jesus and his resurrection and the many prophecies about him in Scripture.. There is also the subjective evidence that none of us live as we know we should have done. We are all guilty before God and we know it.
“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Acts 13:44
They were told the facts about Jesus and how he is able to forgive our sins and put us right with God. As so often happened the Jewish authorities ‘were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying’. The Christians did not accept this attack quietly:
“Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:46-47
This message is much more than an option, it is both true and much needed. The response to the message amongst the non-Jews was remarkable:
“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.” Acts 13:48-49
The lesson is clear, those who accepted the Lordship of Jesus were those who had been appointed for eternal life. Those who rejected Jesus were not! This is the same teaching as that of John who wrote:
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36
The Jewish authorities again incited persecution so Paul and Barnabus were ‘expelled from their region’.
Iconium
When Paul and Barnabus arrived in Iconium they again went to the synagogue where they spoke about Jesus and why people must accept him:
“They spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.” Acts 14:1
However there was the usual reaction from the religious Jews who stirred up trouble for the Christians. However instead of intimidating the missionaries they invigorated them:
“So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord . . .” Acts 14:3
Tensions increased but when a murder plot was discovered they again fled to there cities of Lystra and Derby. There are no prizes for guessing what they did there:
“They continued to preach the good news.” Acts 14:7
In Lystra they met a man who was paralysed from birth, perhaps he had a spina bifida deformity. He listened intently to what Paul was saying about Jesus. Paul felt led to ask the man to stand up and walk, something he had never done. When the man walked the crowd thought that Paul and Barnabus were the gods Zeus and Hermes. Paul reaction was to again explain who they were and why they had come:
“We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. . . Yet he has not left himself without testimony . . .” Acts 14:15-17
He then tells them what the evidence is. He starts by reminding them of the nature that God had made:
“He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food . . .” Acts 14:17
The next piece of evidence is one we often forget:
“ . . . and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17
What a wonderful gift joy is. These Christians wanted to point the crowds to the Lord Jesus and away from themselves
However the opposition from the religious Jews increased and they turned the crowd who then stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking wrongly that he was dead. Again they felt it was right to move on to the city of Derby. Guess what they did there!
“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.” Acts 14:22
I spite of all the difficulties they had had, they then returned to the cities they had founded churches:
“ . . . strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” Acts 14:23
How are people encouraged? It is surely by teaching them about Jesus from the Word of God and all that he went through for each of us. Another part of their message was very realistic, both for then and for us today:
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
It has always been true that churches only grow when Christians speak up and tell others about Jesus. We must do this as graciously as possible but still be willing to face any opposition. The reason we must all be praying how best to pass on the good news about Jesus is because the story about Jesus is true, really true. He really is the Messiah foretold in the Jewish Scriptures, he really lived and was crucified to pay for our sin and he did rise again to prove his claim. We all have instincts that confirm the truth of what Jesus said. We have turned our backs on our creator and behaved in ways that are wrong. For anybody to refuse to accept him as our Saviour and Lord is a perilous situation to be in. The Scriptures are clear:
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36
The word Christ isn’t just Jesus’ last name; it means Messiah or “anointed one.” As Christians (literally “little Christs”) we are called to continue Jesus work to persuade people to become members of God’s kingdom. Jesus called people out on their sin. He spoke uncomfortable and at times shocking truths about His Father’s kingdom. He also showed unusual compassion and mercy to sinners.
Paul was just a person that Jesus called to join his kingdom so he could be effective for him. This was what he determined to do because he was so aware of the life he had led before Christ called him. We are also called to be witnesses to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
BVP
What is Christian Ministry?
In my daily Bible reading the following verse jumped out at me. It concerns the role of the priests in Israel:
“For the LORD your god has chosen them to and their descendants out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the LORD’s name always.” Deuteronomy 18:5
The obvious question is what does this mean. What is the role of God’s special representatives?
Later in the same book the answer becomes clear:
“So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests . . . you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people – men women and children, and the aliens living in your towns – so that they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God . . .” Deuteronomy 31:9-13
Someone may say, ‘Yes, but that teaching was just once in seven years – the rest of their life was ritual!’ This is not true. Everything the priest did involved teaching, even the rituals had a vital meaning that they had to explain. This is made clear when Moses blesses the tribe of Levi and describes their role,
“About Levi he said: . . . but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant. He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel.” Deuteronomy 33:9-10
A prophet is someone who passes on what God has to say. The problem of so many is that they do not want to hear what god says even though its truth resonates in their hearts. Moses told the Children of Israel,
“The LORD you God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:5
Moses continues to explain what God had told him,
“I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I have commanded him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.” Deuteronomy 18:18-19
The LORD then goes on to say that there will be false teachers but what they say will not happen.
Ezra
The prophet Ezra, a priest, recognised that teaching God’s word was the need of the people. We read,
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” Ezra 7:10
No-one can teach the Scriptures well if they have not studied them diligently. Even King Artaxerxes, the great king of Assyria recognised this when he ordered:
“ . . . all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven may ask of you.” Ezra 7:21
What a tragedy it is when church ministers do not see it as their priority to teach people what God. The Bible teaches us what God has to say about our relationship with him. It teaches how this was and is broken and how it can be restored. There is nothing more important. People learn the truths of God by being taught the Scriptures.
Paul
When Paul wrote to Timothy who was continue his work, he reminded him that the character and integrity of his teachers matters as that substantiates the message of Scripture that they taught. The key message is how we sinful people can become right with God, can be saved.
“Continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Paul them emphasises the authority of Scripture and what its role is,
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16
The purpose of Scripture is made clear here. The authors wrote with the cultural and scientific understanding of their day but what they teach about God is timeless. Galileo’s was condemned by the church authorities for suggesting that their understanding of science was wrong. Cardinal Baronius, a friend of Galileo, said,
“The intention of the Holy Ghost is to teach us how one goes to heaven, not how heaven goes.”
The urgent need for Scripture to be taught is then made clear in the injunction Paul gives to Timothy,
“I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5
A vicar once said in a sermon, ‘Doctrine is divisive!’ Of course it is, it divides those desire is to follow what God says from those who do not.
If we have any form of Christian leadership, whether in a church, home group or children’s group we must keep reminding ourselves that this, our prime responsibility, has never changed, ‘
‘Teach the Word’
Teach it well, make it interesting, ensure people understand it and can apply it to today’s issues, but still,
‘Teach the Word’
BVP
The Urgency of Mission
After the young Hudson Taylor had returned on health grounds from his first tour in China, he studied medicine at the London hospital in Whitechapel. During this time he established the China Inland Mission (now known as OMF) and helped to translate the Bible into Chinese.
In September 1865, he attended at large Christian conference in Perth, Scotland and it was only with great difficulty that he had persuaded the organisers to give him a few minutes to speak on the dire spiritual needs of China.
“My dear sir,” the Convenor had exclaimed when speaking with this unknown Hudson Taylor, “surely you mistake the character of the Conference! These meetings are for spiritual edification.”
The missionary knew that the only key to spiritual edification lies in obedience to the Lord’s commands which include, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . .” He knew that obedience is the evidence of a genuine love for Jesus (John 14:15, 21, 23). To Hudson Taylor obedience lies at the root of all true blessing.
The nervous young man stood before the vast audience and began with a simple prayer to his heavenly Father that revealed the intimacy he already had with his heavenly Father. He then began his talk by describing a journey he had made on a native junk from Shanghai to Ningpo. During the journey he had become friendly with a Chinese man, named Peter, who had spent some years in England. They got on well. Although Peter understood something of the Christian message he clearly knew nothing about its power to save.
On Friday October 10th 1856, they were approaching the city of Sung-kiang where Mr Taylor had planned to go ashore to preach and distribute some tracts. As he sat in his cabin he heard a splash and the cry ‘Man overboard!’ He rushed up to the deck and quickly discovered that it was Peter who was missing. He jumped into the water but could not find his new friend. He then noticed some local fishermen who had a drag-net and called on then to come and help,
“A man is drowning here.”
“It is not convenient,” came the reply.
“Don’t talk of convenience. Come quickly or it will be too late.”
“We are busy fishing.”
“Never mind your fishing, only come at once. I will pay you well!”
“How much will you give us?”
“Five dollars only don’t stand there talking. Save life without delay.”
“Too little!” they retorted, “We will not come for less that thirty dollars.”
“I haven’t got so much with me! I will give you all I’ve got”
“How much is that?”
“Oh I don’t know, about 14 dollars.”
The fishermen then came across with their drag net and on the first pass they brought up the missing man. However in spite of all their efforts to resuscitate him, life did not return. Those on board felt angry at the callous indifference and selfish behaviour of the fishermen who might easily have helped. It was felt that the fishermen were guilty of the man’s death because they could have saved him but did not do so.
As Hudson recounted this story he applied it to his listeners,
“Is the body then of so much more value than the soul. We say they were guilty of the man’s death because they could easily have saved him and did not do it.. but what of the millions whom we leave to perish, and that eternally. What of the plain command, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . .”
Mr Taylor then shared with his audience Proverbs 24:11-12,
“Rescue those who are being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing of this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?”
The talk continued,
“While people are busy about other things, quite profitably occupied it may be, people are living and dying without God and without hope – a million a month in that one land, passing beyond our reach. . . Do you believe that each unit of these millions has an immortal soul and that, ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)’ If so, think of the condition of these unsaved souls and examine yourself in the light of God to see whether you are doing your utmost to make him known.”
Mr Taylor then told of a conversation he had had with a Christian convert who had previously been a Buddhist leader. The convert asked him,
“How long have you known this good news in your country?”
“We have known it a long time, hundreds of years.”
“Hundreds of years, and you never came to tell us! My father sought the Truth, sought it long, and died without finding it. Oh why did you not come sooner?”
Surely sin should not be thought of as wrongdoing but, as James reminds us, it is a failure to do what is good (James 4:17). This is an old story but its message is very relevant to Christians in the west today.
BVP
Adapted from ‘Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission – The Growth of a Work of God’ by Dr and Mrs Howard Taylor.