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John Phillips · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Phillips wrote, “Ananias had no need to worry about Saul’s making the saints to suffer. From now on Saul would do the suffering. He would take upon himself the care of all the churches and repay a thousand times in his own suffering all the pain and woe he had inflicted on the people of God. And to his dying day he could carry in his breast a great remorse for all he had done to the infant Jewish church.” Saul would have been able to testify with the 3rd stanza of “Amazing Grace” which goes, “Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. Jack Arnold on suffer for My name's sake - As a new Christian, Paul had to learn that he was called to suffer for the name of Christ. As he took the Gospel out into a hostile world, he would encounter opposition which would cause him great physical and psychological suffering. To be associated with a rejected Messiah, would bring Paul much affliction and heartache. Being a Christian involves suffering for Christ. “For to you it has been granted (ED: THIS VERB IS CHARIZOMAI FROM CHARIS = GRACE - HERE IS THE POINT OF THIS PASSAGE - SALVATION IN JESUS AND SUFFERING FOR JESUS ARE BOTH GIFTS OF GRACE FROM GOD!) for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29+). Satan hates it when Christians move out and challenge men to come to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul said, “What will you have me to do, Lord?” he meant it. All bridges were burned; all personal desires were thrown overboard. Cost what it may, he would be Christ’s true and loyal disciple. The sufferings were great but the blessings were far greater. (Sermon) As Luke writes later in Acts 14:22 “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Faith in Christ brings great blessings but often great suffering. God calls us to commitment, not to comfort. He promises to be with us through suffering and hardship, not to spare us from them. - Life Application Study Bible. NET Note on for My name's sake - Or “because of (huper) My Name.” BDAG lists Acts 9:16 as an example of huper used to indicate “the moving cause or reason, because of, for the sake of, for.” (ED: In other words the "cause" or "reason" for our suffering for the sake of His Name is because of our identification with Him. So we might translate it "I will show him how much he must suffer because of My Name.") Bob Utley on suffering of the disciples of Jesus - Suffering is not the exception, but the norm for Christians in a fallen world (cf. Mt. 5:10–12; Jn 15:18–21; 16:1–2; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Ro 5:3–4; 8:17–18; 2 Cor 4:7–12; 6:3–10; 11:24–33; Phil. 1:29; 1 Th 3:3; 2 Ti 3:12; James 1:2–4; 1 Pe 4:12–16). There is a theological relationship between the sufferings of Christ and the sufferings of His followers in this fallen realm. The book of First Peter shows this parallel. Jesus’ suffering 1 Peter 1:11 1 Peter 2:21, 23 1 Peter 3:18 1 Peter 4:1, 13 1 Peter 5:1 His followers’ 1 Peter 1:6-7 1 Peter 2:19 1 Peter 3:13-17 1 Peter 4:1, 12-19 1 Peter 5:9-10 William Larkin amplifies the words of Jack Arnold noting that "Every convert then and now needs to know “it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Phil 1:29+). This verse was used to charge inquirers in Russian churches in the days of active persecution under atheistic communism. New Christians must know that discipleship is purposeful and costly." (Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry Acts 9:1-31) Steven
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Phillips - Tarsus in Cilicia, part of the territory ruled by the Roman legate in Syria. Tarsus was a thousand years old. It had a checkered history under the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, who had constituted it a free city in 64 B.C. It was a university town, along with Athens and Alexandria one of the three great centers of learning in the Roman world. We can have little doubt that Saul of Tarsus threw himself into the evangelization of his hometown with his typical zeal as soon as he had the Holy Spirit's permission to do so. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Ger adds this note on Tarsus - it was the strategic gateway whether by land or by sea between the eastern and western segments of the Roman Empire. There had been a substantial Jewish population in Tarsus since 171 B.C.. Related Resources: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Tarsus - lengthy article 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Tarsus Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Tarsus Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Tarsus Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. (NASB: Lockman) KJV 9:31 Then 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 Acts 8:1; Dt 12:10; Josh 21:44; Judges 3:30; 1 Chr 22:9,18; Ps 94:13; Pr 16:7; Isa 11:10; Zech 9:1; Hebrews 4:9 being built up Ro 14:19; 1 Cor 3:9-15; 14:4,5,12,26; 2 Cor 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Eph 4:12,16,29; 1 Th 5:11; 1 Ti 1:4; Jude 1:20 going on in the fear of the Lord Neh 5:9,15; Job 28:28; Ps 86:11; 111:10; Pr 1:7; 8:13; 14:26,27; 16:6; Pr 23:17; Isa 11:2,3; 33:6; 2 Cor 7:1; Eph 5:21; Col 1:10 in the comfort of the Holy Spirit John 14:16-18; Ro 5:5; 14:17; 15:13; Gal 5:22,23; Eph 1:13,14; Eph 6:18,19; Php 2:1; 2 Th 2:16,17 it continued to increase Acts 6:7; 12:24; Esther 8:16,17; Zech 8:20-23 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF THE STATE OF THE CHURCH So (Then, therefore) (oun) "This verse is another summary text in Acts (cf. Acts 2:41–47; 4:32–37; 5:12–16; 6:7). (NET) With this summary statement, Luke will now transition to the ministry of the apostle Peter and in Acts 9:32-12:25 we see the Jewish Church embraces Gentiles. Saul now disappears from the record until Acts 11:25. In the interim, Paul had some experiences that are not recorded in Acts but are referred to in 2 Corinthians 11. This verse might be subtitled "A Church Growth Seminar" or "How to Grow your Church." Swindoll comments on the "so" - The word rendered “so” by the NASB is a Greek conjunction (oun 3767) that has different functions depending upon the context. When used in a narrative, it simply resumes the story after an interruption. In this case, we might insert the word “meanwhile.” Luke’s narrative took a brief detour to present the major events surrounding Paul’s conversion; meanwhile, the church had continued its own spiritual journey. Peter’s ministry would carry him, as well as the congregation he led, into uncharted waters. The church (ekklesia) throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria - Luke uses the word "church" in the singular so is speaking in general, of the church universal. Things were going well for the Body of Christ in the land of Palestine. Alexander
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Phillips - Baptism publicly proclaimed him a member of the new and noble family of twice-born children of the living God. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Was baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid; stain or dip as with dye) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. The literal meaning is to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. Saul received the outward sign that symbolized the inward change. In other words, Saul publicly identified himself with the Lord Jesus and visually (in the act of baptism) testified that he had died to self, had been buried with Christ, and had been raised to walk in the newness of life. (Ro. 6:3-6+) In short, baptism is a symbol of a believer's permanent union with and identification with Christ in the New Covenant. Bob
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Phillips quips "What a tremendous experience it must have been for this former predator of the wolf tribe of Benjamin to sit down with the sheep! And what an experience for them!" (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Jack Arnold - Paul learned his need for Christian fellowship right here, for Christ would minister to him through fellow believers. Paul got into a group of Christians and spent time with them. Being in close association with other Christians is one of the most important things a new Christian can do, spending time with them, fellowshipping with them, being taught by them and learning from them. A primary need of a new Christian is small group fellowship. (Sermon) ILLUSTRATION - Two skeptics, Gilbert West and George Lyttleton, attended England’s Oxford University in the eighteenth century. George Lyttleton became a Lawyer in the eighteenth century and a staunch skeptic and unbeliever. Both West and Lyttleton planned to disprove Christianity. West wanted to refute the resurrection of Christ. Lyttleton attempted to discredit Paul’s conversion. Their studies convinced them that the Bible was the Word of God and they were both saved by grace. West went on to write a book Observations on the history and evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1747) defending the resurrection as a fact. Lyttleton produced a case for Christianity by showing the reality of Paul’s conversion. In his book on the resurrection, West (who actually became a Christian apologist!) included this quotation in his preface, “Blame not before thou hast examined the truth.” Lyttleton wrote "the conversion and apostleship of St. Paul alone…was itself a demonstration sufficient to prove Christianity to be a divine revelation.” Christians cannot force people to believe in Jesus. But believers must challenge those they meet to honestly consider the evidence for the claims of Christ. (See longer version below) R A Torrey's "Two Lawyers Convinced." IN the great triumph of Deism in England, two of the most brilliant men in the denial of the supernatural were the eminent legal authorities, Gilbert West and Lord Lyttleton. The two men were put forward to crush the defenders of the supernatural in the Bible. They had a conference together and one of them said to the other that it would be difficult to maintain their position unless they disposed of two of the alleged bulwarks of Christianity, namely the alleged resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and the alleged conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Lyttleton undertook to write a book to show that Saul of Tarsus was never converted, as is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, but that his alleged conversion was a myth, if Gilbert West would write another book to show that the alleged resurrection of Christ from the dead was a myth. West said to Lyttleton, “I shall have to depend upon you for my facts, for I am somewhat rusty on the Bible.” To which Lyttleton replied that he was counting upon West, for he too was somewhat rusty on the Bible. One of them said to the other, “If we are to be honest in the matter, we ought at least to study the evidence,” and this they undertook to do. They had numerous conferences together while they were preparing their works. In one of these conferences West said to Lyttleton that there had been something on his mind for some time that he thought he ought to speak to him about, that as he had been studying the evidence, he was beginning to feel that there was something in it. Lyttleton replied that he was glad to hear him say so, for he himself had been somewhat shaken as he had studied the evidence of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Finally, when the books were finished, the two men met. West said to Lyttleton, “Have you written your book?” He replied that he had, but he said, “West, as I have been studying the evidence and weighing it according to the recognized laws of legal evidence, I have become satisfied that Saul of Tarsus was converted as is stated in the Acts of the Apostles, and that Christianity is true and I have written my book on that side.” The book can be found to-day in any first-class library. “Have you written your book?” said Lyttleton. “Yes, but as I have studied the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and have weighed it according to the acknowledged laws of evidence, I have become satisfied that Jesus really rose from the dead as recorded in the gospels, and have written my book on that side.” This book can also be found in our libraries to-day. Let any man of legal mind, any man that is accustomed to and competent to weigh evidence—yes, any man with fair reasoning powers, and above all with perfect candour, sit down to the study of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and he will become satisfied that beyond a peradventure that Jesus really rose from the dead as is recorded in the four gospels. Acts 9:20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." (NASB: Lockman) KJV Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ (THIS IS NOT CORRECT - THE CORRECT READING = JESUS) in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. And immediately he began to proclaim Jesus Acts 27,28; Gal 1:23,24 saying, "He is the Son of God Acts 8:37; Ps 2:7,12; Mt 26:63-66; 27:43,54; John 1:49; 19:7; 20:28,31; Ro 1:4; Gal 2:20; 1 John 4:14,15; Rev 2:18 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL TRANSFORMED FROM PERSECUTOR TO PREACHER And immediately (KJV = straightway) - This is the Greek word eutheos which means at once (cf scales fell - Acts 9:18), and is one of Mark's favorite words (40 of the 78 NT uses). So after several days...with the disciples, Saul without delay or hesitation began to preach Jesus. Why? Because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit's role to to exalt the Person of Jesus. The impact of the Gospel on the heart and mind and lips of Saul was seen immediately. I recall when I was first saved 34 years ago, how I could not stop telling my relatives about Jesus. Even when I was rebuffed, I was not discouraged. There was a joy within my heart that I knew I MUST tell others about. Saul had the joy, joy, joy, down in his heart, and it came out of his mouth to all he met. O to have such a blessed compulsion persist all the days of our brief lives on earth! R.C. Sproul said, “Just minutes before his conversion, all that Paul could think of was what he could do to Christ, but immediately after, all he could think of is what he could do for Christ, which reveals the essence of his radical conversion.” (Acts Commentary) Have you had a radical conversion? As Jack Andrews says of Saul "God had saved his soul and changed his life. All he wanted to do was talk about Jesus! Before all he wanted to do was talk against Jesus! Saul had a new tongue and a new testimony! Vance Havner said, “I still believe we ought to talk about Jesus. The old country doctor of my boyhood days always began his examination by saying, "Let me see your tongue." That is a good way to check a Christian, the tongue test and what he is talking about." (Expository Sermons) THOUGHT - I'm a medical doctor, so let me ask to "see your tongue" (so to speak, pun intended!) and also to check your heart, for out of your mouth comes that which fills your heart (Mt 12:34, see Pr 16:23), so if Jesus fills your heart as He did Saul's heart, out of your mouth will come praise and proclamation about Jesus and the precious gift of salvation found only in Him! When was the last time you talked about your Lord Jesus Christ to some soul dead in their trespasses and sins, a soul otherwise destined for eternal punishment where they will experience endless weeping and gnashing of their teeth? Ask (beg) God for opportunities today to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and then keep your spiritual eyes open so that when the opportunity knocks, you can open the door! Beloved, about one hour after I wrote this comment, I received a text "out of the blue" from a man named Steven with whom I have shared Christ in the past. Through the text (as described belwo) God opened a door to share the Good News with Steven again. What was the door God opened? Steven sent me a text video of his 4 yo son talking about Jesus' protection from the flood and then he linked it with the flood in Noah's day! When I asked Steven where he learned this Biblical truth, he said he had been reading a book of Bible stories to his son Liam at bedtime and that Liam had "memorized most of the stories!" (A direct quote!) Steven does not yet believe in Jesus nor does he take his family to church but look at what God is doing in answer to prayer! I have been praying for open doors of opportunity with Steven for about 2 years. So beloved, pray, pray, pray and then wait upon the Lord's timing and His way (like a text video of a 4 yo talking about Jesus!) and stay alert so that you do not miss the opportunity! All for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! He began to proclaim Jesus (Iesous) in the synagogues - Saul goes to the synagogues (plural indicates more than one synagogue in Damascus and some say there were 30 or more) where the Jews congregated, thus even though Jesus had told him he would go to the Gentiles, here he goes first to the Jews (the "sons of Israel" were included in Jesus' commission to Saul in Acts 9:15+ ; cf Ro 1:16+). And keep in mind, in light of the fact that the church was still in its infancy, the synagogues would have been a mixture of non-believing and believing Jews, the latter not yet having separated from their Jewish roots. Proclaim is in the imperfect tense signifying that Saul been proclaiming in one synagogue and then another and another, preaching about Jesus over and over. As an aside, since the early church was all Jewish and even associated with the synagogues as discussed above, it is not surprising that the thorny issue arose over whether Gentile believers had to obey Jewish laws before they could be "Christians." This issue would be addressed by the church in Acts 15:5-6ff+. Toussaint - Preaching to Jews in their synagogues was also his strategy on his missionary journeys (the first journey—Acts 13:5, 14; 14:1; the second journey—Acts 17:2, 10, 17; 18:4; the third journey—Acts 18:19; 19:8). (BKC) Bob
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Phillips on increasing - The word is endunamoō, at the core of which is dunamis, the mighty, irresistible power, the inherent power that Jesus demonstrated in His life on earth. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Bob
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Phillips quips that "Saul burst upon the Jewish community in Damascus like a one-man Pentecost! It was to be a typical Pauline encounter with the unbelieving world." Sugcheo is used only by Luke in Acts - Acts 2:6 = bewildered; Acts 9:22 = confounding; Acts 19:32 = confusion; Acts 21:27 = stir up; Acts 21:31 = confusion. Recall that by some estimates there were from 20-30 Jewish synagogues in Damascus at this time and it is very likely that Saul made rounds to many or even all of them. Wherever Saul spoke about Messiah, he was repeatedly confusing or perplexing, bewildering and amazing the Jews. The idea of confound is to cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by not according with their expectations. Not only would the Jews be surprised at Saul's conversion from persecutor of Jesus to proclaimer of Jesus, but also surprised that he was proving Jesus was the Messiah by using THEIR OWN Scriptures. Could you speak to a Jewish person about why Jesus is their Messiah using only the Old Testament? If not, you should equip yourself so that you are "ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."(1 Peter 3:15+) You can equip yourself by studying the Messianic prophecies and at the very least becoming very familiar with the greatest OT prophecy of the Messiah, Isaiah 53 (see commentary). Sugcheo is found 5x in the NT all in Acts - Acts 2:6; Acts 9:22; Acts 19:32; Acts 21:27; Acts 21:31 - bewildered(1), confounding(1), confusion(2), stir(1). By proving that this Jesus is the Christ - In Acts 9:20 Saul's focus was Jesus is the Son of God and now he adds Jesus is the Chrit. Note the definite article which means "THE Christ," which was a way of referring to the Messiah. Remember that while Saul had not been to an earthly seminary, he had God's "seminary" with him, for in addition to knowing the Old Testament very well, he had the Author of those Scriptures within him, enabling him to reason with clarity and conviction. Undoubtedly Saul was using the more that 300 specific Messianic passages in the OT to prove that the Man Jesus is their Messiah, God's anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. As noted above the titles the Christ (Messiah) and Son of God are used together (cf. Mt 16:16; 26:63; Lk 4:41; Jn 11:27; 20:31). Bob
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Phillips applies the reaction to Saul's preaching to present day preaching -- When we preach, what happens? Little or nothing, all too often. What does the city know of our coming or going? Nothing! What difference does it make to the tavern keepers, to the dens of vice, to places where vileness parades itself brazenly and unashamed? What difference does it make to corruption and graft in City Hall? What difference does it make to the propagators of false religion? What stir do we cause in the halls of learning where godless humanism is taught with arrogance and pride? Too often it makes no difference. But when Paul went into the city he could not be ignored. The whole town knew he was there. Riots broke out, Jews and pagans were infuriated, and he was an immediate storm center. Paul shook whole communities. Here at Damascus we have the first intimation of the stormy, but wonderfully successful, life of the great apostle. The thing that caused the stir at Damascus was the fact that Saul was "proving that this was the Christ." The mantle of Stephen had fallen on Saul. No one was able to refute his arguments. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Related Resources: How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? I am Jewish, can I become a Christian? Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? Is Zechariah 12:10 a Messianic prophecy? Is Hosea 11:1 a Messianic prophecy? Is Micah 5:2 a Messianic prophecy? What is the meaning of the term ‘Shiloh’? Is it a Messianic prophecy? Is 'virgin' or 'young woman' the correct translation of Isaiah 7:14? What are the seventy weeks of Daniel? What prophecy is Matthew 2:23 referring to regarding Jesus being a Nazarene? Acts 9:23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, (NASB: Lockman) KJV Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: Wuest And when a considerable number of days had elapsed, the Jews consulted together with a view to putting him out of the way. The Jews Acts 9:16; 13:50; 14:2,19; 22:21-23; Josh 10:1-6; Mt 10:16-23; 2 Cor 11:26; 1 Th 2:15,16 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEWS HATCH PLOT TO KILL SAUL When many days had elapsed - The time phrase many days is not specific and Luke does not tell us how many days Saul spent in Damascus. THOUGHT - The Greek word for "many" is hikanos which literally means sufficient or adequate and which Friberg explains is derived "from a root hik- and related to hikneomai (reach, attain); used of implied measurement that reaches to a certain stage." And according to BDAG the word hikanos in a number of contexts "pertains to meeting a standard," and thus conveys the meaning of "competent, qualified or able." The context for use of hikanos in Acts 9:23 is primarily related to time and literally could be rendered a "sufficient number of days." This raises the question "sufficient for what?" When one considers the other meanings of hikanos one thought is that these "days" speak of the length of time that was sufficient for Saul to become competent to preach Christ from the Scriptures. Just a thought to ponder! Elapsed (4137)(pleroo) means to fill or fulfill and here in the imperfect tense gives the sense "as time went on" indicating that the Jews felt the situation was daily becoming more intolerable. Paul describes his Arabian "seminary" sojourn in Galatians - But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. (Gal 1:15-18+) Comment: Note verse 16 "to reveal His Son in me" - The verb reveal is apokalupto indicating God uncovered the truth about Jesus to Saul. Jack Arnold says "Paul needed more training; he needed right knowledge about Christianity to be more effective for Christ. So, taking the Scriptures under his arm, he went away into the desert of Arabia. He was probably there about three years. What was happening in Arabia? Paul was having Christ revealed to him. “to reveal His Son in me” (Gal 1:16). Paul during this time poured through the Scriptures page by page learning about Christ in the Old Testament." Notice Galatians 1:17 says he went away to Arabia but it does not say how long until he returned to Damascus. The phrase three years later is placed in the sentence in such a way that it is difficult to identify what events were associated with the 3 years. As shown below in Swindoll's "Option 1" Saul stayed in Damascus "many days" and then departed for Arabia (no length of time given) after which he returned and ministered in Damascus for 3 years until a plot to kill him forced him to escape and go to Jerusalem. Click here for Swindoll's "Option 2" which I would say most commentators seen to favor (at least some variation of this time scheme). Kenneth
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Phillips comments that "Throughout the rest of the book of Acts that was to be the case. Blindness fell upon the whole Jewish people with the exception of a small minority of believers." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary)
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Phillips - Thus ended Saul's first effort to evangelize his own people. Jack Arnold has an interesting comment on this episode - This was one of the most meaningful experiences in Paul's life. Why? He was learning humility and dependence upon Christ for success. He was learning that heritage, education, background, position and even zeal did not make one a success for Christ. He was learning that God did not need his abilities as much as his availability. Without this humiliating experience Paul would have never learned how much he needed Christ to carry out His ministry through Paul. Paul also had to learn that when he preached primarily to the Jews, he caused trouble, for God was slowly teaching this young man that his preaching ministry was to the Gentiles primarily. (Sermon) Anderson - His suffering commenced in the first place where he ever preached the gospel. From the human point of view, his being let down the wall of Damascus was the first of many narrow escapes; here, the plot was due to the Jews. But when he recalled the event in 2 Cor 11:32-33, the plot was due to "the governor under Aretas the king" being desirous to take Saul, so it appears that this was a joint military-religious plot against God's new servant. But when Saul escaped from the town by night in a basket, it is obvious that the early disciples and preachers did not presume on divine protection, however bad the circumstances. If He chose to deliver them, Amen; but they did not take unnecessary risks....After many experiences, the apostle Paul could later write, "who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us" (2 Cor 1:10), (What the Bible teaches) Jack Andrews - From 1907 through the 1910’s, Harry Houdini performed with great success in the United States. He would free himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, ropes, and straitjackets, often while hanging from a rope in plain sight of street audiences. Because of imitators and a dwindling audience, on January 25, 1908, Houdini put his ‘handcuff act’ behind him and began escaping from a locked, water filled milk can. The possibility of failure and death thrilled his audiences. Houdini also expanded his challenge escape act—in which he invited the public to devise contraptions to hold him. Some of the contraptions that Houdini escaped from included nailed packing crates which was sometimes lowered into the water, riveted boilers, wet-sheets, mailbags, and even the belly of a whale that washed ashore in Boston. In 1912, Houdini introduced perhaps his most famous act, the Chinese Water Torture Cell, in which he was suspended upside-down in a locked glass-and-steel cabinet full to overflowing with water. The act required that Houdini hold his breath for more than three minutes. Houdini performed the escape for the rest of his career. Despite two Hollywood movies depicting Houdini dying in the Tortures Cell, the escape had nothing to do with his death. Houdini was indeed a great escape artist. He would escape from trouble that he got himself into on purpose. We are reminded of Saul’s great escape from trouble that he got himself into for preaching. (Expository Sermons) Acts 9:26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (NASB: Lockman) KJV Acts 9:26 And 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. NLT Acts 9:26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! when Acts 22:17; 26:20; Gal 1:17-19 he was trying to associate with the disciples Acts 9:19; 4:23 but they were all afraid of him Mt 10:17-19; 24:10; Gal 2:4 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry A LESS THAN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION Kistemaker points out that Acts 9:19b-30 "displays a remarkable similarity to the parallel preceding section (Acts 9:19b–25): Paul’s introduction to the churches, his preaching in the local synagogues; the threat to his life, and the escape to other places." (BNTC-Acts) When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples (mathetes) but they were all afraid of him- Think about the fact that it was 3 years after his conversion and the name "Saul" still evoked fear in the disciples! If Saul's arrival was not greeted with enthusiasm by the Church, one can only imagine the reaction of the Sanhedrin when they learned of his arrival! Trying (peirazo) is in the imperfect tense, indicating Saul was being rebuffed again and again! The KJV uses the more common meaning of the verb peirazo translating it "he assayed to join himself." This is actually not a bad translation as one of the meanings of the verb assay in English is "to make an effort or attempt (to do something)." Luke uses peirazo two other times in Acts to describe "put the Spirit of the Lord to the test" (Acts 5:9) and to "put God to the test" (Acts 15:10) To associate (present tense - continually) (2853)(kollao) means to join closely together (even to glue together) and so unite or join himself with the other believers. In Acts 5:13 Luke records that after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira "none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem." In Acts 17:34 while Paul was presenting the truth of the resurrection, some sneered at him, so he left their midst "but some men joined him and believed." (Acts 17:34) Peter uses kollao as the Gospel spreads to the Gentiles declaring "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean." (Acts 10:28). All the uses of kollao in the NT - Matt. 19:5 = "be joined (GLUED!) to his wife"; Lk. 10:11; Lk. 15:15; Acts 5:13; Acts 8:29; Acts 9:26; Acts 10:28; Acts 17:34; Ro12:9; 1 Co 6:16; 1 Co. 6:17; Rev. 18:5 They were afraid (imperfect tense)(5399)(phobeo) means they were in an state of heightened apprehension, and became frightened, scared, terrified. Notice that Luke says ALL, which presumably would include the apostles! Luke alludes to a similar reaction to Saul in Damascus, Ananias declaring "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13) A T Robertson on they were afraid - They were fearing him. Imperfect middle picturing the state of mind of the disciples who had vivid recollections of his conduct when last here. What memories Saul had on this return journey to Jerusalem after three years. He had left a conquering hero of Pharisaism. He returns distrusted by the disciples and regarded by the Pharisees as a renegade and a turncoat. He made no effort to get in touch with the Sanhedrin who had sent him to Damascus. He had escaped the plots of the Jews in Damascus only to find himself the object of suspicion by the disciples in Jerusalem who had no proof of his sincerity in his alleged conversion. (Acts 9 Commentary) Phillips comments that Saul's "new sympathy for the saints was extremely suspect. One and all the believers shunned him, naturally thinking he had come to spy on them. What happened to Peter's spirit of discernment? Why did not John befriend him, take him home, introduce him to Mary, the Lord's mother? Where was Andrew? Of all the apostles, Andrew was the one always reaching out to bring outsiders to Jesus. What happened to Nathaniel, that "Israelite indeed, in whom [was] no guile"? (John 1:47). How disappointing that none of the apostles were willing to so much as investigate the testimony of Saul. Surely a few minutes' conversation with him would have enabled the Spirit of God in Saul to bear witness with the Spirit of God in them. "They were all afraid," the Holy Spirit says. They "believed not." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) John
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Phillips says "Nothing in this world can be more frustrating than to be an object of universal suspicion and mistrust, to be eyed by everyone, to be kept at arm's length. Saul was a social leper to everyone in Jerusalem. But Barnabas believed him....To the end of his days Paul never forgot what he owed to Barnabas, the first man to trust him in Jerusalem. May we not seek to play the part of a Barnabas to some new believer? " (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Banabas (921) (barnabas) is transliterated (the following origin is suggested but is not absolutely certain) from the Aramaic bar (denoting "son") and nebiy (denoting prophet) so strictly speaking his name meant "son of prophet." The Jews used the phrase "son of..." to denote a person's basic character or characteristics. E.g., James and John were called "sons of Thunder" (Mk 3:17 - referring to their impulsive and impetuous character as see in Mk 9:38, 10:35-45, Lk 9:54), Judas is a "son of perdition" (Jn 17:12), in Judges 19:22KJV we read of the "sons of Belial" men characterized by evil or worthlessness. Barnabas by contrast was a "son" characterized by his encouraging spirit. Every body needs a few of these "Barnabas types" of men in their midst! Are you one? Let's get even more practical -- Is there anyone that this very moment the Holy Spirit is urging you to encourage today by a visit, a call, a text, a hand-written (old-fashioned) note? Then follow through in obedience and be a Barnabas to that person today! You will experience the joy of being one of God's sons (daughters) of encouragement! "Barnabas is seen in Acts on four other occasions. (1) Acts 11:22–24; (2) Acts 11:30; Acts 12:25; (3) Acts 13:1–2, 50; 14:12; (4) Acts 15:2, 12, 22, 25, 37." (Toussaint) Barnabas - 28x in 27v - One can form a good sense of this man's great character by studying the following passages. Acts 4:36; Acts 9:27; Acts 11:22; Acts 11:30; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:1; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:7; Acts 13:43; Acts 13:46; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:12; Acts 14:14; Acts 14:20; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:12; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:25; Acts 15:35; Acts 15:36; Acts 15:37; Acts 15:39; 1 Co. 9:6; Gal. 2:1; Gal. 2:9; Gal. 2:13; Col. 4:10 Related Resources: What can we learn from the life of Barnabas? Barnabas - Whyte's Dictionary of Bible Characters - nice discussion Barnabas - Fausset Bible Dictionary Barnabas - Bob Utley Took hold (1949)(epilambano from epi = upon + lambano = take hold of) means to lay hold of, get a good grip on, take possession of. All NT uses are in the middle voice (pictures one taking to oneself). The verb in some context can mean to seize. In this context Barnabas got a firm grip on Saul in order to help him. The added nuances are that Barnabas was concerned and took an interest in Saul. Epilambano occurs in the papyri in the sense of “taking a care or concern upon oneself." A T
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Phillips - The healing of the sick man was not an end in itself, but a means to another end— the salvation of many. Had healing been intended to be an end in itself, Peter would have healed all the sick people in town. That he did not do so shows that the healing was selective and of far wider purpose than the mere relief of physical suffering. And certainly the healing was not for the purpose of promoting Peter and enriching his coffers. The primary purpose of the healing was to open a door for the gospel, to lead to the salvation of souls, and to spread abroad the name of the Lord Jesus. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Turned to implies they turned away from something else and to the Lord. This is a picture of repentance (metanoia). We see the idea of repentance clearly in Paul's description of the new believers in Thessalonica using the same verb epistrepho which Peter uses in this verse... For they themselves (those in Macedonia and Achaia, etc) report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to (epistrepho) God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 (NOTE THE CHANGE IN THEIR MINDSET FROM EARTHLY TO SUPERNATURAL THINGS! = THIS IS A PERFECT PICTURE OF THE FRUIT OF REPENTANCE) and to wait (anameno - expectantly waiting in present tense = this was their habitual mindset! HOW ABOUT YOU BELOVED?) for His Son from heaven,Whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, Who rescues us from the wrath to come.(1 Th 1:9-10+). Turned (1994)(epistrepho from epí = motion toward + strepho = twist, turn quite around or reverse) means to revert, to turn about, to turn around, to turn toward, to return and figuratively to convert. The idea is a definite turn to God in conduct as well as in one's mind. The meaning of epistrepho is associated with the picture of repentance, a change of heart and mind leading to a change of conduct. Here is a video of from a Jewish man who turned to the Lord - How a Jewish man met Messiah Here are Luke's other uses of epistrepho in Acts and most are in the context of spiritual conversion (regeneration, new birth)... Acts 3:19 “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 9:35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Acts 9:40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. Acts 14:15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things (IDOLS) to a living God (cf 1 Th 1:9), WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM. Acts 15:19 “Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, Acts 15:36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 16:18 She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment. Acts 26:18 (GOSPEL TO THE GENTILES) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ Jack Arnold aptly applies this passage - The unbelievers saw this man no longer helpless but delivered and free and they could not dispute what had happened. There was an amazing revival because it says “ALL” in these two cities (ED: AS NOTED ABOVE SHARON IS PROBABLY MORE OF A "DISTRICT" THAN A CITY) believed in Christ. When we carry this over into the spiritual realm, nothing has more of an impact for Jesus Christ than a changed life. Unsaved men can mock at their false image of Christ, fight the whole concept of the supernatural, argue about the rightness or wrongness of Christianity, but they cannot deny the fact that when men claim to know Christ their lives are changed. Changed lives, more than any other thing, will cause unsaved men to seek after Christ. (The Miracle Worker) THOUGHT - Arnold's cogent comment begs a vitally important question for all of us -- Did those who knew me see a distinct change in my behavior after I made a profession of Christ. Beloved, our church pews are literally filled with folks who have made a profession, but who have shown little to no change in their lifestyle. This is a deadly deception which can take a person straight to Hell. We all need to heed Paul's exhortation to "Test (present imperative - as a lifestyle) yourselves to see if you are in the faith; Examine (present imperative - as a lifestyle) yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you–unless indeed you fail the test (adokimos)?." (2 Cor 13:5+), lest we hear those fearful words from the Judge of all souls "And then I will declare to them, ‘I never (strongest negative) knew you; DEPART (aorist imperative - Do it now!) FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE (present tense - as one's lifestyle, not ever having demonstrated a true "changed life.") LAWLESSNESS.’ (Mt 7:23+ , cf Mt 7:21,22+). Clearly we know that miracles per se save no one for Jesus did many miracles in Israel and yet most of the Jews rejected Him. On the other hand the healing of Aeneas (and Dorcas below) indicate that miracles may at times play a role in salvation. As noted above, undoubtedly Peter preached the Gospel in Lydda, and the miracle would have lent credence to the legitimacy of his message. The emphasis however should always be on the message of the Gospel and not miracles, for it is only the Gospel which saves souls. In fact at times the miracles can even be misunderstood (cf Lk 11:15 and Acts 14:8-18), so again the emphasis should always be on the Christ and His Gospel. Jack Andrews - God is still in the saving business. Our God still heals, but we must realize no man has the power to heal when and how he wants to. Even the apostles did heal everyone that was sick. It is not God’s will that everyone that is physically sick to be made well. It is His will that everyone that is spiritually sick should be made whole. God is far more concerned about our eternal destiny than we are. If we have a kingdom mindset then we must have a compassion for and concern for the lost. Do you have a kingdom mindset? Are you going about in the name of Jesus serving Him in this community? Are you ashamed of the Lord Jesus or do you bring honor to His name? We need to love of Christ, the eyes of Christ, the tongue of Christ, and hands and feet of Christ, and the power of Christ to minister for His in this world. Let us be people that have a kingdom mindset. (Expository Sermons) Acts 9:36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. (NASB: Lockman) KJV 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did. Joppa Acts 10:5; 2 Chr 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3 Dorcas Pr 5:19; Song 2:9; 3:5; 8:14 was abounding with John 15:5,8; Eph 2:10; Php 1:11; Col 1:10; 1 Th 4:10; 1 Ti 2:9,10; 5:10; Titus 2:7,14; 3:8; Hebrews 13:21; James 1:27 charity which she continually did Acts 10:4,31 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DORCAS' DRESSMAKING MINISTRY IN JOPPA When a Christian lady gives herself to real work for those who are in trouble, there springs up a rare, new, unconscious beauty even in her features, which spreads over her whole life like sweet, bright sunshine. Dorcas was "full of good works," and not of good wishes alone. So her needle was as noble as Moses' rod, or David's sling, or Shamgar's ox goad; for it was her answer to the Lord's question (Exodus 4:2). All these works were done by, not the "Dorcas Society of Joppa," but by Dorcas. (C. S. Robinson) Now in Joppa (See map) - Joppa is infamous in the OT for it was here that the Prophet Jonah came to and boarded a ship heading to Tarshish to run away from the will of the Lord. Joppa is known today as Jaffa (see Wikipedia article). Most writers agree that the church plant in Joppa was the fruit of Phillip's ministry as he returned to Caesarea by the Sea after ministering to the Ethiopian eunuch. Luke records "Philip found himself at Azotus; and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities (see map showing Lydda and Joppa which would surely be among all the cities), until he came to Caesarea." (Lk 8:38+) Swindoll on Joppa - Throughout its history, Joppa became the possession of one conqueror after another until Caesar finally granted it to Herod. Unfortunately, Herod hated the people of Joppa, so he built a state-of-the-art seaport about 30 miles north and called it Caesarea Maritima. Consequently, Joppa enjoyed some sea trade, but none compared to its newer rival. Still, when people came via the sea to visit Jerusalem, they frequently used the Joppa port. (Ibid) Hastings Bible Dictionary - Joppa is a maritime town of Palestine, 33 miles S.W. of Jerusalem. Built on an eminence visible far out at sea-whence its name ‘the conspicuous’ (See picture of elevation), - it owes its existence to a ridge of low and partly sunken rocks running out in a N.W. direction from the S. side of the town, and forming a harbor which, though small and insecure, is yet the best on the whole coast of Palestine. Down to the time of the Maccabees, Joppa was a heathen town, which the Jews sometimes used but never possessed. Jonah’s ship of Joppa was manned by a heathen crew (Jonah 1:5). One of the strongest proofs of the political sagacity of the three famous Maccabaean brothers lay in their resolve to make Judaea a maritime power. Each of them attempted to capture Joppa, and Simon succeeded. On the family memorial at Modin, meant for the eyes of ‘all that sail on the sea,’ he caused carved ships to be represented (1 Maccabees 13:29). The historian, in eulogizing his career, says: ‘And amid all his glory he took Joppa for a haven, and made it an entrance for the isles of the sea’ (14:5). From that time, with but few interruptions, Joppa remained in the possession of the Jews for more than two centuries. When Pompey (66 b.c.) included Judaea in the province of Syria, Joppa was one of the cities which ‘he left in a state of freedom’ (Jos. Ant. xiv. iv. 4); and Julius Caesar decreed ‘that the city of Joppa, which the Jews had originally when they made a league of friendship with the Romans, shall belong to them as it formerly did’ (x. 6). No city was more completely judaized than this late possession. Joppa became as zealous for the Law, us patriotic, as impatient of Gentile control and culture, as Jerusalem herself. Herod the Great, who did much to hellenize Palestine, left the Pharisaic purity of Joppa untainted. Yet this stronghold of Jewish legalism was the city in which St. Peter received the vision which taught him that Jew and Gentile, as spiritually equal before God, must be impartially welcomed into the Church of Christ (Acts 10:9-16). Nowhere was the contrast between the clean and the unclean-the devoutly scrupulous observers of the Law and the jostling crowd of foreigners-more marked. St. Peter probably never realized so intensely the need of ceremonial purification before his midday meal as when he brought into the tanner’s house the defilement of contact with so many lawless and profane people. To his Jewish instincts such contamination was intolerable. But he experienced a swift and mysterious reaction, which was probably the result of much past brooding as well as of present prayer. While he lingered upon the housetop (Acts 10), waiting the call to eat, he became unconscious of the sights and sounds of the harbor beneath, and fell into a trance, in which he learned how different are God’s thoughts of religious purity from man’s. He became convinced that all manner of meats-and, inferentially, all manner of men-that were commonly counted unclean, were clean in God’s sight. It is as the birthplace of this revolutionary principle, which virtually gave the deathblow to Judaism, that the old town of Joppa has a place in the history of human thought. St. Peter, always impulsive and uncalculating, went straight to pagan Caesarea, and delivered a speech which opened the gates of Christ’s Church to ‘every nation’ (Acts 10:35). Joppa has also a place in the history of Christian beneficence. It is remembered as the home of a gentlewoman who was believed to have been raised from death to life, and whose example has in all ages been an incentive to ‘good works and almsdeeds’ (Acts 9:36-42). (Reference) Joppa in the Bible - Jos. 19:46; 2 Chr. 2:16; Ezr. 3:7; Jon. 1:3; Acts 9:36; Acts 9:38; Acts 9:42; Acts 9:43; Acts 10:5; Acts 10:8; Acts 10:23; Acts 10:32; Acts 11:5; Acts 11:13 Related Resources: Easton's Bible Dictionary Joppa Fausset Bible Dictionary Joppa Holman Bible Dictionary Joppa Hitchcock Bible Names Joppa Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Joppa 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Joppa International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Joppa Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Joppa The Jewish Encyclopedia Joppa There was a disciple - KJV = "a certain disciple." Disciple was Luke's the most common designation for believers (Acts 5:14, 10:45, 16:1) in the book of Acts. Disciple in this verse is not the more common word mathetes but is the noun mathetria (feminine form of mathetes) and means a a female disciple (used only in this verse) and equivalent to a Christian woman. The TDNT makes the point that "This feminine form is rare, for women are outside organized education, both in Greece and among the rabbis." In other words disciple was in common use in Israel and one could be a "disciple" of a rabbi, of John, etc. Even Jesus had "disciples" who were only disciples in name, but not in heart, as recorded in John 6:66 which says "as a result (OF JESUS' TEACHING THAT HE WAS THE BREAD OF LIFE - SEE Jn 6:53-58) many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore." They were false disciples, looking for material bread, not the Bread of Life! Are you a genuine disciple of Jesus or only a disciple in name? (cf Jesus' "definition" of a disciple as one who continues in His word or continue to follow His teaching - Jn 8:31-32) Brian Bill notes that Tabitha is "the only woman in the New Testament explicitly identified as a disciple. That’s pretty amazing when you think that this title was not given to Mary or Martha or Priscilla or any other woman. She stood out as a very faithful follower of Christ. She was so devoted that only the disciple description is used to define her. A disciple was a learner, a follower and one who was determined to be like his or her teacher. Luke 6:40: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” One of the highest compliments someone could pay you is to say, “You act just like Jesus.” That could be said of Tabitha." Doer of deeds. The needs of people not only moved her; she moved in response to the needs she saw. She served and people knew it was because of her Savior. That’s her identity. She was saved to serve. In fact, a devoted disciple is a doer of good deeds. She was not lazy by any means but was quick to respond when someone needed help. When she saw a need she jumped to meet it! Miss Gazelle was a devoted disciple who used her gifts and abilities to further the kingdom. (Sermon) Disciple (3101)(mathetes from manthano = to learn) describes a person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal. Discipleship includes the idea of one who intentionally learns by inquiry and observation (cf inductive Bible study) and thus mathetes is more than a mere pupil. John Calvin makes the astute observation that the name disciple "warns us that Christianity does not exist without teaching." THOUGHT - Calvin's warning begs the question if you call yourself a disciple of Jesus, are you truly continuing in His Word, are you involved in serious study of His Word, or are you just listening to a sermon once a week and thinking that is enough "learning?" Jesus made it very clear that a disciple needs to be in the Word (Jn 8:31) and the Word in Him declaring "It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” (Mt 4:4, Luke 4:4+) Peter echoed Jesus' words when he exhorted his readers "like newborn babies (GENUINE BELIEVERS), long for (YEARN FOR, PANT FOR) the pure milk of the word (NOT CHRISTIAN NOVELS, NOT EVEN DEVOTIONALS, BUT THE LIVING AND ACTIVE WORD OF GOD - Heb 4:12-13+), so that (PURPOSE STATEMENT) by it you may grow in respect to salvation," (1 Pe 2:2+) The upshot is "not intake" = "no growth!" In fact, if one claims to be a disciple of Jesus and has no intake of the Living Word, then either they are (1) malnourished spiritually and will not grow in Christ-likeness (2 Pe 3:18+, 2 Cor 3:18+) or (2) they are false disciples (Mt 7:21-23+), who have no hunger for the Word, because they have never really genuinely believed in the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. Dear reader, if you are not seeking truth in Bible, the Word of God, then you need to seriously examine yourself so you are not deceived and take your last breath and step off into a Christless eternity! (cf 2 Cor 13:5+). You may think this is a harsh statement, but ultimately it motivated by the love of Christ and His love for you (Ro 5:8+, Jn 3:16). Ralph Earle - As followers of Jesus we are to be, first of all, learners. We are to learn from Him by listening to Him, learn the truth that will set us free (John 8:32) and keep us from error. But we are also to learn from Him by looking at Him‑ learn how to live a life of beauty and blessing. (Word Meanings in the New Testament) William
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Phillips - There is a tendency in evangelical circles to be suspicious of good works. We have reacted against the social gospel of good works so forcefully that we have sometimes gone to the other extreme. Good works are an essential part of Christianity. They do not earn salvation, but they evidence salvation. Jesus "went about doing good" (10:38). A truly saved person ought to have compassion for the sick, the poor, the oppressed, the weak. (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Jack Andrews applies Dorcas' legacy to us at our death - When you die will others be able to testify of your good works? Will friends and family members be able to say that you were a Christian and that you were prepared to die? Could they say, “He was faithful to the Lord Jesus and His church!”? Could they say that he lived his life for others? He did many good works! What kind of memories will you leave in the lives of others? In his book called, “The Conspiracy of Kindness,” Steve Sjogren states that while less than 10% of Christians have the spiritual gift of evangelism, 90% have the gift of serving. His church in Cincinnati is involved in what they call “servant evangelism,” where they have washed cars, cleaned toilets, shined shoes and grilled hot dogs in parks – all for free with no strings attached. During these explosions of kindness, they have seen many people so moved that they eventually come to church and get saved. People naturally thought James Fraser was headed for fame and success. An extremely gifted musician, it was no surprise that he decided to pursue music, although he graduated from London University in engineering. Yet Fraser eventually felt called to bring the gospel to the wild border region between China and Burma. “What a waste of talent and training!” exclaimed many. Little did people know that the Lisu language is one of the world's most tonal, using about 20 different tones. Only someone with Fraser's background could ever have succeeded in learning Lisu well enough both to share the gospel and to devise a Lisu writing system. It's easy to think that highly gifted people should have high profile ministries, but today's passage records a gifted woman whose ministry was devoted to unnamed, needy individuals. We also see Peter engaged in the “hands-on” pastoral work of “visiting the Lord's people,” giving us a glimpse into his day-to-day ministry. A CHRISTIAN businessman picked up a young man who was hitchhiking in lightweight clothing on a very cold day. This small kindness eventually led to the salvation of the young man, his family, and some of his friends. A twelve-year-old boy named Cliff Miller went daily to the fence surrounding the athletic field at Georgia State Penitentiary to talk with and witness to inmate Harold Morris. These contacts played a large part in Harold's eventual conversion. Since receiving a pardon, Harold has spoken to thousands of young people around the country about Jesus Christ. We sometimes think that if we can't do something big for Christ we might as well do nothing. But even a smile can make someone's day go better. In the name of Jesus we can say an encouraging word, run an errand, mow a lawn, take a meal, care for a baby, or do a variety of other small favors. They will make an impact. Even if they do not produce immediate and spectacular results, God takes note of them. ONE day while driving down a country road, a woman named Ruth passed a small, wooden house with a sign outside that read "Quilts for Sale." She stopped, knocked on the door, and was greeted by a little old woman in a faded gingham dress. "Hello, my name is Ruth. I'm here to see your quilts," the visitor said. The woman smiled and answered, "You and I both have Bible names. Mine is Martha." Martha led Ruth to a large cupboard and showed her beautiful quilts of every color and pattern imaginable. Pinned on each one was a blue ribbon. "I make quilts, too," Ruth said, "but I've never been able to win a blue ribbon." Martha replied, "My child, maybe your quilts don't have heart. Do you only want the blue ribbon? Every one of mine was made with someone special in mind." We live in a day of shallow superlatives. Entertainers and athletes perform feats hailed "the greatest" by the world. But truly great human endeavors are those done for Jesus with some needy person in mind. And they bear the mark of eternal excellence. Such was the labor of Dorcas of Joppa. Her loving, charitable heart was seen in the clothes she had made for the poor (Acts 9:39). Heartprints Read: Acts 9:36-43 Dorcas . . . was full of good works and charitable deeds. —Acts 9:36 We leave fingerprints on doorknobs, on books, on walls, on keyboards. Each person’s fingerprints are unique, so we leave our identity on everything we touch. Some supermarkets are even testing a technology that allows customers to pay by fingerprint. Each customer’s unique print and bank account number are kept on file so that the only thing needed to pay a bill is a scan of their finger. A woman in the early church left another kind of print—a “heartprint.” Dorcas touched many people’s lives through her unique gift of sewing and giving away garments. She’s described as “full of good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). We too are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). We each have a unique heartprint that can touch another. An unknown author wrote this prayer about encouraging others: “O God, wherever I go today, help me leave heartprints! Heartprints of compassion, understanding, and love. Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern. May my heart touch a lonely neighbor or runaway daughter or anxious mother or even an aged grandfather. Send me out today to leave heartprints. And if someone should say, ‘I felt your touch,’ may that one sense Your love touching through me.” Will you make this your prayer today? Just what do Christians look like? What sets their lives apart? They’re ordinary people Who love God from the heart. —D. De Haan People with a heart for God have a heart for people. Acts 9:37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. (NASB: Lockman) KJV 9:37 And 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 fell sick and died John 11:3,4,36,37 in an upper room Acts 1:13; 20:8; Mark 14:15 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUDDEN DEATH OF DORCAS IN JOPPA And it happened at that time - While on earth events seem to just happen, nothing happens outside of the providence of God. This event just happened to happened while Peter was only about a half days journey (see below) away from Joppa. As an aside this introductory phrase it happened (in the Greek egeneto = "it happened that") is frequently used by Luke (69x in his Gospel and 54x in Acts). That she fell sick and died - The timing of her death coincides with Peter's presence in a nearby town performing a miracle on a lame man. Once again we see the incredible providence of God at work, weaving variegated events in different live to achieve His will on earth as it is in Heaven. Dorcas: the Lessons of Her Life and Death Fell sick (770)(astheneo from asthenes = without strength, powerless) means to be feeble (in any sense), to be diseased, impotent, sick, to lack strength, to be infirm, to be weak. Literally to be sick, ill or diseased. Used also in Acts 9:37; Acts 19:12 Die (death) (599)(apothnesko from apo = marker of dissociation implying a rupture from a former association + thnesko = die) literally means to die off, that is, to die and thus be away from this earthly realm. Arnold applies her physical death to spiritual death - Dorcas is a picture of the hopelessness of spiritual death. The Bible says that all men before conversion are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Unsaved men are not just sick but dead; not just weak but dead, totally separated from God with no ability or desire to come to Christ. (The Miracle Worker) Sister, thou wast mild and lovely, Gentle as the summer breeze, Pleasant as the air of morning When it floats among the trees. And when they had washed her body they laid it in an upper room - "The washing of the body was typical of the Jewish preparation for burial. In Jerusalem a body had to be buried the same day one died, but outside of Jerusalem, burial could be delayed for three days." (Utley) "When a Hebrew died the deceased’s body was laid out – either on bare ground, or on sand or salt. The first duty was to close and secure the eyes and mouth of the corpse, after it was absolutely certain death had occurred. The body then was washed with warm water (cf. Acts 9:37). This custom, called the “Purification of the dead,” still prevails among the Jews. The nails and hair were trimmed, and the body was anointed with ointment in preparation for burial (cf. Mt. 26:12; Lk. 23:56; Jn. 19:39)." (Christian Courier)