THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 9,

The Conversion of Saul, Paul Preaches Christ, Peter’s Ministry

 If you should encounter circumstances that seem to spell a calamitous or catastrophic end to your current way of life, consider that God may be putting the old ways to death and is birthing something new and purposeful, perhaps even magnificent, in His service.

The Conversion of Saul

Acts 9:1, Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, verse 2, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem. Verse 3. Now as he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; verse 4, and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Verse 5. And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, verse 6, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.”

(Commentary Break): The contrast of Saul’s attitude and behavior in verses one and two compared to verse five is stunning. Imagine in your mind’s eye, see Saul exhibit his power over others while “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord”. Then he is suddenly and instantly subdued. He is knocked to the ground by a sudden flash of light from heaven and cries out “Who are You, Lord?” Not knowing to Whom he is speaking, Saul calls Him “Lord”, (‘kurios’, from the Greek language, meaning supremacy or authority, denoting someone who possesses authority, control and power). Saul immediately recognizes that he is overpowered and rendered helpless by an ‘Ultimate Authority’. “Who are You, Lord”, indeed. Oh, that each of us could recognize the Authority of Jesus before we, too, must be subdued. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Verse 8. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. Verse 9. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

(Commentary Break): The scriptures find it necessary to point out that Saul was blind and neither ate nor drank for three days. Numbers in Biblical times often held symbolic significance. The number three is frequently associated with completeness and divine perfection. In this case, it would appear that Saul was isolated in the dark, fasting food and water, alone with the thoughts of this experience. God was at work in the heart and mind of Saul.

How often do we find ourselves “alone in the dark” due to the life circumstances that overwhelm and subdue us. Our emotions so shaken that we resist eating or drinking for days? How often, when found in life’s worst circumstances, do we complain, worry and doubt rather than considering that the Hand of God is working to complete His divine perfection in our life? (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Verse 11. And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, verse 12, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”

(Commentary Break): “A street called Straight”? I have often wondered about the ‘coincidence’ of this so-called ‘Straight street’ and the need to ‘straighten Saul out’. But that is an incorrect view and the name of this street is no coincidence.

This name, ‘Straight’, is used here in the New Testament Greek to convey a sense of immediacy or urgency. It often describes actions that occur without delay, emphasizing promptness and directness. This term is frequently used in the Gospel of Mark, highlighting the swift and decisive actions of Jesus and His disciples.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of immediacy was often associated with efficiency and decisiveness, qualities valued in leaders and individuals of authority. The use of this word in the New Testament reflects the urgency and importance of Jesus’ mission and the response it demands from His followers. The term underscores the dynamic and active nature of Jesus’ ministry, contrasting with the often slow and deliberate processes of religious and societal norms.

In other words, God is always working, and in this case, He is doing an urgent work of great importance, laying the groundwork to reach the entire world with the Good News of Jesus, through Paul. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 13. But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem; verse 14. and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” Verse 15. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; verse 16, for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.” Verse 17. So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Verse 18. And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; verse 19, and he took food and was strengthened.

Saul Begins to Preach Christ

Now for several days he was with the disciples who were in Damascus, verse 20, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” Verse 21. All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” Verse 22. But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Verse 23. When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, verse 24, but their plot became known to Saul. They were also closely watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; verse 25, but his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.

Verse 26. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried repeatedly to associate with the disciples; and yet they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was a disciple. Verse 27. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus at Damascus. Verse 28. And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. Verse 29. And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. Verse 30. Now when the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

Verse 31. So the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace, as it was being built up; and as it continued in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it kept increasing.

Peter’s Ministry

Verse 32. Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he also came down to the saints who lived at Lydda. Verse 33. There he found a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. Verse 34. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your own bed.” Immediately he got up. Verse 35. And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Verse 36. Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually. Verse 37. But it happened at that time that she became sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upstairs room. Verse 38. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Do not delay in coming to us.” Verse 39. So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the room upstairs; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. Verse 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. Verse 41. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Verse 42. It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Verse 43. And Peter stayed in Joppa many days with a tanner named Simon.

(Commentary Break): Why, over time, has this power of God dissipated from the life of the Church? I have heard many people, (pastors, Bible teachers, and the like), say that these gifts were meant only for the Apostles and these gifts ceased with the passing of the Apostolic age. The Bible never says such a thing, and is never silent on matters as significant as these. Such statements are just excuses from the imagination of religious men and women. So, again I ask, why, over time, has this power of God dissipated from the life of the Church?

 Two things: One, God is not mocked. If anyone of us thinks he or she is something special (if God grants him His special gifts and authorities) when in fact he is nothing special except in his own eyes, he deceives himself. But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior, and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear with patience his own burden of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible.

So, do not be deceived, God is not mocked. He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside (nor have His gifts misused for personal gain); for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh, (his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses such as pride or ego) will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (see Galatians 6:3-8).

Secondly: Why would anyone think God would trust such authority to just anyone? These gifts were given to the disciples only after they had been tried and tested by the fires of tribulation and persecution, and proven to be faithful with these Gifts granted by God.

 The same is true today. Just believing or wishing for these abilities is never enough. Then, when the temptations of the self- preservation, pride, come, (see Matthew 4:1-11), you will be found out and will know whether you can withstand the temptations of the devil and be found faithful. In this, one must be tried so that when you have done the will of God, you may be found able receive what was promised (see Hebrews 10:36). (End Commentary Break).

Dear saints of God, please consider what you have read in this chapter, the ways and means of the disciples and the resultant exponential growth of the early Church. Ask yourself, are we creating disciples in the likeness of Jesus and the Apostles? Or are we creating religious adherents and “church goers? Let’s pray that we are like the former and not the latter.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 8, Chapter 8, Saul Persecutes the Church, Philip in Samaria, An Ethiopian Receives Christ.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 10, Cornelius’ Vision, Peter in Caesarea, Gentiles Hear The Good News.

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 8

Saul Persecutes the Church, Philip in Samaria, An Ethiopian Receives Christ

Acts 8:1, Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

(Commentary Break): Verse 1 says, “And on that day a great persecution began against the Church”. This is a key verse when determining the breaking of the Fifth Tribulation Seal as described by Jesus (see Matthew 24:7-13), when He says “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains (of the tribulation).

 “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.  And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another.  And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people.  And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved”.

And again in Revelation 6:9-11, John says, “And when He (Jesus) had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled”.

From this we can know that the signs of the tribulation period known as the Birth Pains of the tribulation, began at the time of Jesus ministry on earth. (We have seen seals one through five opened, overlapping and intensifying to this day. This would mean that we are now on the verge of the 6^th Tribulation Seal which marks the beginning of the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 2. Some devout men buried Stephen, and mourned loudly for him. Verse 3. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and he would drag away men and women and put them in prison.

(Commentary Break): It may be hard for us, in America, to fully appreciate the severity of the persecution of the worldwide Church. The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) says 900,000 Christians have been ‘martyred’ in the last decade, equating to 90,000 a year and one every six minutes.

This may be the most dangerous time in history to be Christian

At least 327 million Christians face persecution, according to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which released its biannual report on Religious Freedom in the World in November 2018. That is 7 percent of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians, estimated by Pew Research Center in 2015.

245 million Christians in the top 50 countries on Open Doors USA’s 2019 World Watch List experience high levels of persecution (i.e.: torture, rape, sex-slavery, for conversion to Christianity, murder and genocide), an increase of 14 percent from 2018. Sixty percent of those enduring persecution are children; women and girls are most violated. Release International, a UK-based human rights watchdog in operation for the past 50 years who partner with U.S.-based “Voice of the Martyrs” said they expect global anti-Christian persecution is set to rise ‘sharply’ in 2019. – (Read the report here). (End Commentary Break).

Philip in Samaria

Verse 4. Therefore, those who had been scattered went through places preaching the word. Verse 5. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them. Verse 6. The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. Verse 7. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed or limped on crutches were healed. Verse 8. So there was much rejoicing in that city.

Verse 9. Now a man named Simon had previously been practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; verse 10, and all the people, from small to great, were paying attention to him, saying, “This man is the Power of God that is called Great.” Verse 11. And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic arts. Verse 12. But when they believed Philip as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. Verse 13. Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.

Verse 14. Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, verse 15, who came down and prayed for them that they would receive the Holy Spirit. Verse 16. (For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Verse 17. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

(Commentary Break): “For He (The Holy Spirit) had not fallen upon those in Samaria, but they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus”. It is with great reluctance that I ask if these verses 14 through 17 are saying that there is a baptism by water which is a confession and a personal identifying with Jesus in His death burial and resurrection, (an outward sign of an ‘inward’ decision), but a separate event from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? And is “the laying on of hands” some sort of smind, soul and spirit transference” or is this just a ritual?

Do I dare suggest that the evidence of the indwelling and embodiment of the Holy Spirit is commensurate with the deep seated faith and resultant commitment to “doing the works of Jesus and even Greater Works, because He has gone to the Father”, or was this and these works granted only to the Apostles?

The name “Apostle” was first used in about A.D. 49 by the Apostle Paul. The word is defined as a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way, especially a man sent out by Jesus Christ Himself to preach the Gospel; an apostle.

The cultural and historical background in the Greco-Roman world for the term apostle (Apostolos in the Greek language), was used to describe a messenger or envoy sent with authority to represent someone else. In the context of the New Testament, apostles were seen as authoritative representatives of Jesus Christ, entrusted with spreading His teachings and establishing His Church. The role of an apostle was foundational in the early Church, as they were responsible for teaching, guiding, and maintaining the doctrinal purity of the Christian faith.

Jesus commissioned His original disciples (minus Judas Iscariot) to “Go and make disciples”. If this commandment had been exclusive only to those original eleven, then the commissioning and command to make and send disciples would have ended with those eleven men. The evangelization of the world would have also ended there. But that is not the case.

 PLEASE NOTE: These words of Jesus were spoken specifically in the Aorist tense. The Aorist tense represents the concept in which a verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time. It is a continuous action. The past, present and future are considered as one-and-the-same. In other words, “what was, what is, and what forevermore shall be” , until Jesus consummates this age.

 So, at risk of ‘flying in the face of tradition’ the definition, the meaning, and the historical Biblical use of this word Apostle, tells us that Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples, whom, by the very definition are also to be considered as messengers or envoys sent with authority to represent Jesus.

Additionally, Jesus has clearly said that He has “prepared (these) good works ahead of time so that we would walk in them”. And there is ample scriptural evidence that Jesus meant for every believer or disciple to “do the works that He has done, and even greater works for He has gone to the Father”.

So, even though some false teachers or false prophets have claimed and misused that name, it is no excuse for the true disciple of Jesus to shy from the word, the function, the duties or the responsibilities of the name of Apostle – a messenger or an envoy sent with authority to represent someone else –  and in this case, to represent Jesus.

To wit: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (End Commentary Break).

Verse 18. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, verse 19, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Verse 20. But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the gift of God with money! Verse 21. You have no part or share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Verse 22. Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart will be forgiven you. Verse 23. For I see that you are provoked by bitterness and in the bondage of sin.” Verse 24. But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

(Commentary Break): Little more needs to be said in comparing this man, Simon, to the modern-day so-called evangelists and “miracle workers” who do their magic and ask their audience for money? Cannot they and should they not be compared to the Simon the magician, in the same way Peter dealt with Simon?

Secondly, the word “authority” appears here, once again. Simon asks the Apostles for the authority to perform miracles, but clearly the authority granted to an Apostle was not for just the authority to perform miracles, but was for making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that Jesus commanded.

Dear fellow Christians, please, be diligent. Be discerning. Be wise. (End Commentary Break).

An Ethiopian Receives Christ

Verse 25. So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Verse 26. But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) Verse 27. So he got ready and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, verse 28, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading Isaiah the prophet. Verse 29. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Verse 30. Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Verse 31. And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Verse 32. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

“HE WAS LED LIKE A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;

AND LIKE A LAMB THAT IS SILENT BEFORE ITS SHEARER,

SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.

Verse 33. “IN HUMILIATION HIS JUSTICE WAS TAKEN AWAY;

WHO WILL DESCRIBE HIS GENERATION?

FOR HIS LIFE IS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE EARTH.” Verse 34. The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of someone else?” Verse 35. Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. Verse 36. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” Verse 38. And he ordered that the chariot stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. Verse 39. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. Verse 40. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea. (End Chapter 8 text).

Please read these scriptures from Jesus’ perspective and through His eyes. Stand there in your mind’s eye, watch and hear these events as if you are present and first hand. Meditate on them. Learn from them. Pray fervently about them. Then go and do the Acts of the Apostles.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PREVIOUSLY: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 7, Stephen’s Defense, Stephen’s Death.

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 9, The Conversion of Saul, Paul Preaches Christ, Peter’s Ministry.

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THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 7,

Stephen’s Defense, Stephen’s Death

 Remember, these are the acts of the Apostles. Please also remember that this series is not intended to be a traditional commentary books of the Bible. Nor is it intended to be a narrative about the books of the Bible. It is intended to be “a look behind the scenes”, so to speak. This is about God’s coming to know, understand and to follow God’s primary plan and purpose for His creation and His created ones. This is intended to help us find application of His Grand Plan and Purpose, #1, for our individual lives, #2, for our corporate lives as His Church, and #3, to find and apply His wisdom, His authority and the power that emanates from the Holy Spirit and flows into our lives as we move and exist in His presence.

In the previous chapter, Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. The Synagogue of the Freedmen, argued with Stephen, unable to cope with his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking, they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking against this holy place and the Law.

(Commentary Break): In the following verses, Stephen presents a “history lesson” of Israel and how they rejected the Chief Cornerstone, the Messiah, and murdered Him out of their arrogance. He rightly accuses them saying their priests demand others keep their Law, but they fail to keep their Law for themselves.

I believe God has provided us with this account so we, like Stephen, would vigorously defend the Gospel Message, and when necessary, holding those calling themselves “leaders in the Church” to account,  even to our own peril. Otherwise, this chapter in the Book of Acts is little more than just a ‘bible story’ . (End Commentary Break).

Stephen’s Defense

Acts 7:1, Now the high priest said, “Are these things so?” Verse 2. And Stephen said, “Listen to me, brothers and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, verse 3, and He said to him, ‘GO FROM YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME TO THE LAND WHICH I WILL SHOW YOU.’ Verse 4. Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And from there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living. Verse 5. But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, He promised that He would give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. Verse 6. But God spoke to this effect, that his DESCENDANTS WOULD BE STRANGERS IN A LAND THAT WAS NOT THEIRS, AND THEY WOULD ENSLAVE AND MISTREAT THEM FOR FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. Verse 7. ‘AND WHATEVER NATION TO WHICH THEY ARE ENSLAVED I MYSELF WILL JUDGE,’ said God, ‘AND AFTER THAT THEY WILL COME OUT AND SERVE ME IN THIS PLACE.’ Verse 8. And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham fathered Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs.

Verse 9. “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, verse 10, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and his entire household.

Verse 11. “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. Verse 12. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. Verse 13. And on the second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was revealed to Pharaoh. Verse 14. Then Joseph sent word and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five people in all. Verse 15And Jacob went down to Egypt, and he and our fathers died there. Verse 16. And they were brought back from there to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

Verse 17. “But as the time of the promise which God had assured to Abraham was approaching, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, verse 18, until ANOTHER KING AROSE OVER EGYPT WHO DID NOT KNOW JOSEPH. Verse 19. It was he who shrewdly took advantage of our nation and mistreated our fathers in order that they would abandon their infants in the Nile, so that they would not survive. Verse 20. At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful to God. He was nurtured for three months in his father’s home. Verse 21. And after he had been put outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and nurtured him as her own son. Verse 22. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was proficient in speaking and action. Verse 23. But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his countrymen, the sons of Israel. Verse 24. And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended and took vengeance for the oppressed man by fatally striking the Egyptian. Verse 25. And he thought that his brothers understood that God was granting them deliverance through him; but they did not understand. Verse 26. And on the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting each other, and he tried to reconcile them to peace, by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers, why are you injuring each other?’ Verse 27. But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US? Verse 28. YOU DO NOT INTEND TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN YESTERDAY, DO YOU?’ Verse 29. At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME A STRANGER IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he fathered two sons.

Verse 30. “After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush. Verse 31. When Moses saw it, he was astonished at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came: Verse 32. ‘I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND ISAAC, AND JACOB.’ Moses shook with fear and did not dare to look closely. Verse 33. But the LORD said to him, ‘REMOVE YOUR SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. Verse 34. I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE IN EGYPT, AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANING, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM; AND NOW COME, I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.’

Verse 35. “This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush. Verse 36. This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. Verse 37. This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR COUNTRYMEN.’ Verse 38. This is the one who was in the assembly in the wilderness together with the angel who spoke to him at length on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to you. Verse 39. Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him; on the contrary they rejected him and turned back to Egypt in their hearts, verse 40, saying to Aaron, ‘MAKE US A GOD WHO WILL GO BEFORE US; FOR THIS MOSES WHO LED US OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT — WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM.’ Verse 41. At that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, an d were rejoicing in the works of their hands. Verse 42. But God turned away and gave them over to serve the heavenly lights; as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘YOU DID NOT OFFER ME VICTIMS AND SACRIFICES FOR FORTY YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS, DID YOU, HOUSE OF ISRAEL? Verse 43. YOU ALSO TOOK ALONG THE TABERNACLE OF MOLOCH AND THE STAR OF YOUR GOD ROMPHA, THE IMAGES WHICH YOU MADE TO WORSHIP. I ALSO WILL DEPORT YOU BEYOND BABYLON.’

Verse 44. “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen. Verse 45. Our fathers in turn received it, and they also brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations that God drove out from our fathers, until the time of David. Verse 46. David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. Verse 47. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. Verse 48. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:

Verse 49. ‘HEAVEN IS MY THRONE,

AND THE EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET;

WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?’ says the Lord,

‘OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REST?

Verse 50. ‘WAS IT NOT MY HAND THAT MADE ALL THESE THINGS?’

Verse 51. “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Verse 52. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, and you have now become betrayers and murderers of Him; verse 53. you who received the Law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”

(Commentary Break): I encourage you, brothers and sisters, followers of Jesus, with great caution in my soul,  to carefully study these words of Stephen, as well as the rest of the scriptures, in order to be encouraged and to be made able to preserve the truth and the sanctity of the mission and message of Jesus. Study Jesus. Pray and submit yourself to Him entirely.

Throughout history, the True Church has been the beacon of salvation, self-sacrifice and service in the Name and the Ways of Jesus, even unto death. This is our model and our calling.

But, be wary of the “wolfves in sheep’s clothing” which can appear as an angel dressed in light, but are in fact an agents of this present darkness. Avoid churches and church leaders that present the Gospel cloaked in unnecessary emotionalism and fanfare but deny the power therein.

Be part the Army of God. Join the resistance. Maintain your strength in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil, against the ruler and powers against the world forces of this darkness, against the forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Speak boldly as you ought to speak.

Now, peace be to you, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, Grace be to all of you who love our Lord Jesus with an incorruptible love!  (End Commentary Break).

Stephen Put to Death

Verse 54. Now when they heard this, they were infuriated, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. Verse 55. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; verse 56, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Verse 57. But they shouted with loud voices, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one mind. Verse 58. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. Verse 59. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Verse 60. Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. (End text for Chapter 7).

These final verses, 54 through 60, give us a clear and frightening “behind the scenes look” that which is being manifested before our eyes, that which comes from the dark spiritual realms. But we have no need to fear. He has ordained that we will overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony and that we do not love our life even when faced with death (see Revelation 12:10-11). Amen and amen!

Now, let’s do everything from a kind heart but with a resolute mind in serving our Lord and the Gospel.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

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