Acts 12:1-17
12:1 It was about this time that King Herod [Herod Agrippa I (grandson of Herod the Great); ruled AD 37–34; first Roman authority to persecute Christians; Acts 12:20-23 re: his death] arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.

12:2 He had James [the first of the twelve to be martyred; a “pillar” of the Jerusalem church (cf. Gal. 2:9)], the brother of John, put to death with the sword [possibly beheaded or run through with the sword].

Note: What is the difference between the persecution of believers and discrimination against believers?

12:3 When he saw that this pleased [suggests politically motivated persecution] the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread [two holy-days celebrated in sequence: Passover (one-day annual celebration of deliverance from Egypt) and Feast of Unleavened Bread (week-long event)].

12:4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each [total of 16 soldiers working in shifts]. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

12:5 So Peter was kept in prison [within Fortress of Antonia near the temple area; Peter’s third arrest/imprisonment (Acts 4,5); against Jewish law to have a trial or execution during the Feast of Unleavened Bread], but [conjunction marks a turning point] the church [cf. Matt. 18:19; “God works when churches pray, and Satan still trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees” (Wiersbe)] was earnestly [“to stretch out, to extend”: could refer either to extension in time (unceasingly) or to extension in intensity (earnestly); cf. Lk. 22:44] praying [fighting a battle with the weapon of prayer; cf. 2 Cor. 10:4; Jas. 5:16] to God [appealed to throne of heaven rather than throne of Herod; pray according to what God can do] for him [specific prayer is most effective].

Note: “If we put so little heart into our prayers, we cannot expect God to put much heart into answering them.”
(R.A. Torrey)

“God works when churches pray, and Satan still trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees” (Wiersbe)

12:6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping [cf. Ps. 3:5; 4:8] between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.

12:7 Suddenly [at just the right moment] an angel of the Lord appeared [at the darkest hour] and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side [poked him in the ribs] and woke him up. “Quick, get up [words convey urgency]!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Note: “An impossible situation can turn into an opportunity for God to show His power.” (Swindoll)

12:8 Then the angel said to him [like a parent talking to a child awakened from sound sleep], “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.

12:9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening [Peter was still groggy, not yet fully alert]; he thought [to suppose] he was seeing a vision.

12:10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

12:11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt [fully convinced] that [Peter recognized and gave God the credit for His work] the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

12:12 When this had dawned on him [having realized or having perceived what had happened to him], he went [because his life was still in danger] to the house of Mary [some believe the church met there regularly; others believe this was the location of the Last Supper and where the disciples gathered on Day of Pentecost] the mother of John, also called Mark [first mention of Mark in Acts; would later write the Gospel of Mark], where many [considerable] people had gathered and were praying [apparently had been praying all night].

12:13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance [likely a courtyard separated outer entrance from house], and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door.

12:14 When she recognized Peter’s voice [may be indication that Mary’s house was a regular meeting place for Christians], she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

Note: Why are we so often surprised when God answers our prayers?

12:15 “You’re out of your mind [mad, crazy],” they told her [failed to realize that God had answered their prayers]. When she kept insisting [vigorous and confident assertion] that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel [or his ghost].”

Note: Jews believed that each person had a guardian angel, a sort of spiritual counterpart, that often appeared immediately after the person’s death.

12:16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished [to be beside one’s self; response points to lack of faith].

12:17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet [lest their loud voices alert Herod’s soldiers to his presence] and described [to relate, narrate, report; we can encourage others by sharing how God has helped us] how the Lord [Peter emphasized what God had done] had brought him out of prison. “Tell James [became leader of the Jerusalem church; author of the Epistle of James] and the brothers [either the Jerusalem church elders, other members of the church, or the other half-brothers of Jesus] about this,” he said, and then he left for another place [went into hiding].

Note: “…God often gives us more than we expect and always more than we deserve.” (Curtis Vaughan)

11:1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

11:2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him

11:3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

11:4 Peter began and explained everything to them [“the circumcised believers” (v. 2); a group of conservative Jewish believers who expected Gentile converts to be circumcised and follow other Jewish proselyte procedure] precisely as it had happened [a step by step account]:

Several years after Peter preached his first sermon on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:14-40), he was privileged to preach in the home of Cornelius at what became the Pentecost of the Gentile world. Peter honored Cornelius’ invitation (Acts 10:33) to share the message of salvation (Acts 10:34-43) with those assembled in his home. As a result, all those who heard Peter’s sermon placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized (Acts 10:44-48).

When Peter returned to Jerusalem he was confronted and criticized by a group of Jewish believers who expected Gentile converts to follow Jewish proselyte procedure, including circumcision. Peter explained to them what had happened by giving a precise step by step account.

11:5 “I was in the city of Joppa [approximately thirty miles south of Caesarea and sixty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem; the Roman capital of Judea] praying [on the roof of a house belonging to Simon, a leatherworker (Acts 10:6,9)], and in a trance [Peter fell into a trance while a meal was being prepared for him (Acts 10:10)] I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet [perhaps like a ship’s sail or like the awning that covered some rooftops] being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.

While staying as a guest in the home of a leatherworker named Simon (Acts 10:6), Peter went up to the roof of the house to pray. As he prayed he became hungry and wanted something to eat. While a meal was being prepared, Peter fell into a trance and saw a vision. In his vision he saw something that resembled a large sheet, perhaps like a ship’s sail or like the cloth awnings that covered some rooftop porches. This sheet was being lowered from heaven by its four corners. Some interpreters suggest that the four corners represent the ends of the earth and signal that the gospel is intended for every person on the planet.

11:6 [cf. Acts 10:12] I looked into it and saw four-footed animals [included clean and unclean animals; cf. Lev. 11; generally speaking, animals which chewed the cud or which had cloven hoofs were considered clean] of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles [considered unclean], and birds of the air [considered unclean].

When Peter looked closely at the sheet, he saw that it contained a picnic spread of the four-footed animals of the earth—including clean and unclean animals (see Lev. 11). Generally speaking, animals which chewed the cud or which had cloven hoofs were considered clean. Reptiles and birds were among the unclean animals. These Jewish food laws made it difficult for Jewish Christians to reach out to Gentiles or to share a meal with them.

11:7 [cf. Acts 10:13] Then I heard a voice [from heaven; the “Lord” as per verse 8] telling me [this command must have perplexed Peter], ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat [from among the animals in the sheet].’

Peter heard a voice from heaven telling him to kill and eat from among the animals in order to satisfy his hunger. This request undoubtedly perplexed Peter. Like other Jews, he was familiar with what the law taught about clean and unclean foods. These food laws set Israel apart from the rest of the nations (see Lev. 20:24-26). They were woven into an entire fabric of laws designed to set apart as holy and to accentuate the distinctiveness of God’s people.

11:8 [cf. Acts 10:14] “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth [Peter had adhered strictly to the dietary laws outlined in the Scriptures; these food laws set Israel apart from the rest of the nations (see Lev. 20:24-26)].’

Shocked, Peter protested and said, No, Lord! He bolstered his protest by appealing to his own personal history. Like other devout Jews, Peter had never allowed anything common or unclean to enter his mouth. He had adhered strictly to the dietary laws outlined in the Scriptures. He was not about to break rank with his consistent observance of those laws by consuming anything unclean or not prepared in a kosher fashion.

11:9 [cf. Acts 10:15] “The voice [God did not accept Peter’s answer] spoke from heaven a second time [God reissued the command to kill and eat], ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

The same voice that had issued the initial command answered Peter from heaven a second time. Reprimanding him, the Lord reissued the command to kill and eat from among the animals in the sheet. Although Peter did not realize it at the time, God was reeducating him to understand that there was no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Both were unclean before God and in equal need of redemption.

11:10 [cf. Acts 10:16] This happened three times [cf. Peter denied Jesus three times (Jn. 18:17, 25-27) and Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times (Jn. 21:15-17)], and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

The Lord repeated the command to kill and eat three times and each time Peter protested. Teachers throughout the centuries have used repetition to help their students grasp a new concept or to help them retain important information. The repetition of the command to Peter emphasizes the seriousness of what the Lord was trying to teach him about accepting an “unclean” people group. After the third time the sheet was drawn up again into heaven, leaving Peter to contemplate the meaning of the vision (Acts 10:17).

Perhaps Peter reflected on what he had heard Jesus say—“Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can defile him…” (Mark 7:14)”—and was beginning to understand that “Jesus made all foods clean” (Mark 7:19).

If we are open to learning new truths about the gospel and will listen to God, He will lead us to them. Bible study is one obvious way to listen for God’s message today and Sunday School is a readily available opportunity for Bible study.

11:11 [cf. Acts 10:17] “Right then three men [sent by Cornelius (Acts 10:5-8); sent by God (Acts 10:20)] who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.

An angel had instructed Cornelius in a vision to send men to a specific house in Joppa to find Peter. Cornelius recruited three members of his household staff (Acts 10:7) to journey from Caesarea to Joppa. These men approached Simon the tanner’s house about the time Peter was praying on the housetop. Their arrival coincided with the end of Peter’s vision.

11:12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them [cf. Acts 10:20]. These six [these six men would serve as witnesses (Jewish law required two witnesses)] brothers [circumcised believers as per Acts 10:45] also went [to Caesarea] with me [cf. Acts 10:23], and we entered the man’s house [cf. Acts 10:24-25].

The men from Caesarea explained to Peter why they had come and who had sent them (Acts 10:22). After listening to their story, Peter invited the three men to spend the night (Acts 10:23). As Peter considered their invitation, the Spirit told him to have no hesitation about returning to Caesarea with them. The following day Peter set out for Cornelius’ home. He invited six circumcised believers (Acts 10:45) to accompany him. These men would serve as witnesses of what they would see and experience in Caesarea.

11:13 [cf. Acts 10:1-7; 30-32] He told us how he had seen an angel [this fact was important to Peter’s Jewish audience] appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.

When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius, he found a large audience already gathered there. Cornelius had called together his relatives and close friends because he wanted them to hear the message of salvation. Peter asked Cornelius why he had sent for him. Cornelius then told Peter the details of his vision. God had paved the way for the gospel to reach many through the obedience and invitation of Cornelius.

While on a short-term mission trip to Bangladesh, a friend and I went in search of a man of peace (Luke 10:5-6). A man of peace is an individual who is receptive to the gospel and who opens the door for others to hear the message. Such a man invited us to his home. Like Cornelius, he had gathered family and friends to hear what we had to say. Eight of the men present placed their faith in Christ for salvation. We rejoiced at this wonderful harvest. However, when we returned the following year we learned of more than four hundred believers in that village. Those eight men had faithfully shared the gospel with others.

11:14 [this detail is not included in Acts 10] He [Peter] will bring you a message [cf. 2 Cor. 5:19 re: the message of reconciliation] through which you and all your household will be saved.’

The angel that had instructed Cornelius to send for Peter also told him that Peter would bring an important message. This would be no ordinary message, but one that would lead Cornelius and his household to salvation. As ambassadors for Christ, God “has committed the message of reconciliation to us” (2 Cor. 5:19).

Like Peter, we are responsible for speaking the words that can help others understand how to be reconciled to God. Several years ago while on a short-term mission trip to Ukraine, an elderly woman asked one of our team members how long she had known the story of Jesus. “Most of us have known about Jesus since childhood,” my friend replied. “Then why did it take you so long to bring this message to me?” the woman asked.

11:15 [cf. Acts 10:44-46] “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them [Gentile believers] as he had come on us [Jewish believers] at the beginning [refers to Pentecost (Acts 2)].

Peter spoke to those assembled in Cornelius’ house about Jesus and the forgiveness that is available to everyone who believes in Him (Acts 10:34-43). While he was speaking the Holy Spirit interrupted his sermon and “came down on all those who heard the message” (Acts 10:44). The Holy Spirit had come upon the Gentile believers just as He had come upon the Jewish believers at the beginning—or at Pentecost (Acts 2). This was an indication that the gospel is for all peoples and that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11).

11:16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said [just prior to His ascension; Acts 1:5]: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit [Mark 1:4-8; Luke 3:15-17].’

The coming of the Spirit upon the Gentile believers prompted Peter to remember the word of the Lord. Incidentally, it is always good for believers to remember what the Lord has said. Just prior to His ascension, Jesus told His followers that John had baptized with water, but, in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:5). The apostles experienced the fulfillment of Jesus’ words at Pentecost. However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was not reserved exclusively for Jewish believers. God intended this baptism for all who place their faith in Christ for salvation.

11:17 So if God gave them [Gentile believers] the same gift [the Holy Spirit] as he gave us [Jewish believers], who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”

Peter and the six circumcised brothers from Joppa witnessed something new in Cornelius’ home. God had bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentile believers just as He had on them when they believed on the Lord Jesus. God had chosen to deal with the Gentiles the same way He dealt with the Jews. Peter realized that opposition to the Gentiles’ baptism with the Holy Spirit would be tantamount to opposition to God. Rather than stand in God’s way, Peter chose to accept what God was doing among the Gentiles.

11:18 When they [those who stressed circumcision (Acts 11:4)] heard this, they had no further objections and praised God [a mature and appropriate response], saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life [this issue would surface again and be addressed in he Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15)].”

When “those who stressed circumcision” (Acts 11:4) heard Peter’s explanation they became silent and offered no further objections. The evidence was compelling. Peter and the six brothers who accompanied him stood as seven witnesses to the fact that God had granted repentance resulting in life to even the Gentiles! The church in Jerusalem accepted that Gentiles became Christians by believing in the Lord Jesus—period! Although the issue of Gentile conversion would be challenged again (Acts 15), for the time being all those present glorified God.

11:19 [cf. Acts 8:4] Now those [Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jewish Christians] who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen [as a result of his martyrdom] traveled as far as Phoenicia [a seacoast area that included the cities of Ptolemais, Tyre, Sidon, Zarephath], Cyprus [island located about 100 miles off Syrian coast; Barnabas’ birthplace (Acts 4:36)] and Antioch [located 300 miles north of Jerusalem; third largest city in Roman Empire (pop. 500k to 800k) after Rome and Alexandria; capital of province of Syria; much pagan worship that promoted sexual immorality; also called Antioch of Syria to distinguish it Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14) and other cities with the same name], telling the message only to Jews [followed same pattern as Paul (Acts 9:20)].

This verse continues the narrative that began in Acts 8:4. The Greek-speaking Jewish Christians in Jerusalem left their homes and possessions to escape the persecution that followed Stephen’s violent death.

Escaping with only their faith, these believers blazed new trails for the gospel in predominantly Gentile areas. Some made their way north along the Phoenician coastline and settled in cities like Tyre and Sidon. Others boarded ships and sailed to the island of Cyprus, the birthplace of Barnabas. Still others made their way three hundred miles to the north of Jerusalem and settled in Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire.

Unaware of Peter’s experience with Cornelius and that the gospel was also meant for Gentiles, these scattered believers followed Paul’s pattern (Acts 9:20) and preached the message to no one except Jews.

11:20 Some of them, however, men [who had come to Jerusalem and were there at the time of Stephen’s death] from Cyprus [island located about 100 miles off Syrian coast; cf. Acts 4:36; 21:16] and Cyrene [city in northern Africa; Simon, who carried Jesus’ cross, was from Cyrene (Lk. 23:26); Cyrenians were present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10)], went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks [perhaps proselytes to Judaism or unconverted Gentiles] also [these men had a passion to do more than speak to their fellow Jews in Antioch], telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus [the content and substance of their preaching].

Some of those present in Jerusalem at the time of Stephen’s death were men from Cyprus and Cyrene. Cyprus is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea and Cyrene was a city in northern Africa in what is Libya today. The man named Simon who carried Jesus’ cross was from Cyrene (Luke 23:26).

Cyrenians were also present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10). These men expressed a concern that extended beyond the synagogues and their fellow Jews. Because they had been raised in a Gentile environment, these men had a more global perspective than their Palestinian brothers. They boldly began speaking to the Hellenists, or Greeks, about the Lord Jesus.

11:21 The Lord’s hand [His power and Spirit] was with them [the Cypriot and Cyrenian men who shared with the Hellenists], and [as a result] a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

God honored the initiative of these unnamed individuals who dared to proclaim the good news to Gentiles in Antioch. And, because the Lord’s hand was with them, many of the Gentiles who heard the gospel turned to the Lord.

Cornelius had previously taken the initiative to send for Peter. At times believers are approached by those who are seeking the way of salvation. And, like Peter, we should be ready to respond. This verse shows us that the Cypriot and Cyrenian believers did not wait for the lost to come to them. Instead they took the initiative to seek the lost. Like these believers, we too should take the initiative to share the gospel with others—from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

11:22 News of this [Gentiles being added to the church in Antioch] reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas [a Levite and native of the island of Cyprus; being from Cyprus made Barnabas a good choice because some of the men who had started the movement in Antioch were from Cyprus (cf. 11:20); name means Son of Encouragement; cf. Acts 4:36] to Antioch [major commercial center; third largest city in Roman Empire; the church in Antioch was growing (cf. 11:19-21)].

The exciting news about what God was doing among the Gentiles could not be contained in Antioch. Reports about the large numbers of Gentile conversions traveled south all the way to the ears of the church in Jerusalem. At this time, the church in Jerusalem was the “mother church” of the Christian movement. The church therefore had an interest in all that God was doing through the many believers dispersed after Stephen’s death.

The church sent Barnabas, a man with a big heart, to travel to Antioch to help these new Christians. Barnabas was the right choice because of his reputation as an encourager. New believers need encouragers to come alongside to help them take their first steps.

11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged [from Gr. parekalei which carries idea of encouragement, comfort, help, strong urging, counsel] them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

When Barnabas finally arrived in Antioch, he saw evidence that God was at work there. As he spent time with these new believers and listened to their personal stories of how they came to faith in Christ, Barnabas was glad and affirmed them and the work of God in their lives. And, living up to his name, he encouraged them all—the new Christians and those who had started the church.

Barnabas likely encouraged them in practical ways by offering comfort, help, counsel, and advice on living as followers of Christ. He strongly urged these new believers to remain true to the Lord in the midst of a culture whose strong currents could easily sweep them into godless and immoral behavior. Like Barnabas, we can encourage other Christians by affirming them and the work of God in their lives.

11:24 [great summary of Barnabas’ character…] He was [1] a good [he had a benevolent disposition] man, [2] full of the Holy Spirit [thus making him effective in ministry] and [3] faith, and [note that the spread of the gospel was thriving in Antioch…] a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Barnabas was effective in his ministry to the new believers in Antioch for several reasons. First, he was a good man. This is the only time in Acts that Luke uses the word good to describe an individual. Churches today need people with kind and benevolent dispositions like Barnabas. Second, Barnabas depended on the Holy Spirit to live as a Christian and serve others. Third, Barnabas was a man full of faith and thus willing to go beyond his fears in order to encourage others. It is not surprising that his arrival in Antioch stimulated the work and many more people were added to the Lord.

11:25 Then [realizing he needed help with the work at Antioch] Barnabas went to Tarsus [Saul had returned to Tarsus when some in Jerusalem were trying to kill him (Acts 9:26-30)] to look [Gr. anazēteō = to seek out; implies Barnabas put forth effort in order to locate Saul] for Saul [had been commissioned to reach out to Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 22:21; 26:17)],

Barnabas did not return to Jerusalem but instead stayed in Antioch to assist the church. Because of the rapid growth of the church, Barnabas realized he could not handle the work alone. He therefore went to Tarsus to search for Saul. Saul had returned to Tarsus when the Hellenistic Jews in Jerusalem plotted to kill him (Acts 9:26-30). He was the perfect choice of someone to help with the work in Antioch because God had commissioned him to minister to Gentiles (see Acts 9:15; 22:21; 26:17).

By enlisting Saul, Barnabas helped strengthen the church at Antioch while affirming Saul and his particular calling to reach out to Gentiles. We can encourage Christians by helping them recognize they have spiritual gifts and helping them find how they can use their gifts to serve God.

11:26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught [they nurtured and taught the great number of people who came to the Lord (Acts 11:24)] great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians [Gr. word Christos plus Latin ending ianus which means “belonging to” or “identified by”; Christ’s ones; those belonging to Christ; term appears only three times in NT (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16)] first at Antioch.

Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch to assist him with the work of ministry there. Their top priority was to nurture the large numbers (see Acts 11:24) of people who had been brought to the Lord. Barnabas and Saul devoted a whole year to teaching these new believers how to live distinctive and holy lives in the midst of a culture characterized by widespread immorality.

It was against this dark backdrop that the non-Christian culture of Antioch first called believers Christians—a term that means “Christ followers” or “people of Christ’s party.” This new designation reminds us that the world is watching how we, as believers, live our lives and that we are “letters recognized and read by everyone” (2 Cor. 3:3). We should ask ourselves the question, “If I were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?”

11:27 During this time some prophets [persons who spoke for God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; fore-tellers and forth-tellers] came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

During the time Barnabas and Saul were in Antioch, some prophets arrived from Jerusalem. Like their Old Testament counterparts, these itinerant prophets were both fore-tellers and forth-tellers. Quoting Joel 2:28-32 in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter said that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days and that people would prophesy (see Acts 2:17-18).

Paul ranked prophets after apostles in his list of those gifted by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:28). Speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 11:28; 21:10-11), these prophets sometimes foretold the future but more often offered practical instruction, guidance, and encouragement to God’s people (1 Cor. 14:31).

11:28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)

Among the prophets who arrived from Jerusalem was a man named Agabus. We have no evidence that he or any of the other prophets had been sent by the Jerusalem church. Prophets at this time were itinerant and were not generally associated with any single church.

Speaking under the direction of the Spirit, Agabus predicted the coming of a severe famine throughout the Roman world. Luke noted that this famine indeed took place during the reign of Claudius, the Roman Emperor from AD 41–54. His reign was marked by crop failures in various parts of the empire, including Judea. Years later, Agabus would predict that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem (see Acts 21:10-11).

11:29 The disciples, each according to his ability [cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7], decided to provide help [cf. Acts 2:45; 4:32-34 re: giving in the early church] for the brothers [possibly some of these had been impoverished because of persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1)] living in Judea [this help was sent to the church at Jerusalem (cf. Acts 12:25)].

One mark of spiritual growth is concern for the welfare of others. Agabus’ message of a coming famine throughout the Roman world moved the disciples in Antioch to take action. Although the Jerusalem church did not ask for help, the believers in Antioch took the initiative to collect an offering for the brothers who lived in Judea. Most likely many of the believers in Judea had been impoverished because of the persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom. A famine would make life even more difficult for these already struggling believers. Each of the believers in Antioch participated in the offering and sacrificially gave according to his ability. The significance of this initiative is accentuated by the fact that these believers were only a few years old in the Lord.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, believers, like those in Antioch, from all over America sent assistance to the churches of Louisiana and Mississippi. In addition, many churches around the country served as shelters for evacuees. Our church served as a shelter for several weeks and helped evacuees find new housing, provided transportation, and offered legal assistance to those who had lost all of their possessions and documents. We can be a source of encouragement to Christians and non-Christians alike by showing we are concerned about them and will help them in their difficulties.

11:30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders [first mention of elders in NT; these individuals and not the apostles received the gift] by Barnabas [had ties to the Jerusalem church] and Saul [Barnabas and Saul had good reputations and were men of integrity].

The church at Antioch selected Barnabas and Saul to personally deliver their gift to the church at Jerusalem (see Acts 12:25). These men were regarded as having the highest integrity and later would be commissioned to go out as the first missionary team from Antioch (Acts 13:1-3).

Barnabas and Saul traveled south to Jerusalem and delivered the financial gift to the elders of the Jerusalem church. This is the first mention of elders in the New Testament whose responsibilities apparently included managing the church’s financial affairs. This special offering sent from the Gentile-Christian church at Antioch to the Jewish-Christian church at Jerusalem highlights the positive impact the gospel had in the lives of the Gentile believers in Antioch.

Note: Here are a few things to keep in mind that can help you to become an encourager like Barnabas.
B = Be a good finder.
A = Affirm the best in others.
R = Rejoice with those who rejoice.
N = Notice the little things.
A = Assist others in need.
B = Build others up.
A = Acknowledge the contributions of others.
S = Show love in practical ways.

10:1 At Caesarea [capital of the Roman province of Judea; first city to have Gentile Christians and non-Jewish church] there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion [commander of one hundred soldiers] in what was known as the Italian Regiment [included up to six hundred soldiers, under the command of a tribune].


10:2 He and all his family were [1] devout and [2] God-fearing [a seeker, one sincerely desiring to follow God; Gentile who attended synagogue, followed Jewish laws, but was not circumcised]; he [3] gave generously to those in need [Cornelius put his faith into action] and [4] prayed to God regularly [possibly for guidance about the way of salvation (cf. Acts 11:14)].



10:3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

10:5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.

10:6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.

10:8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

10:9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

10:10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

10:11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.

10:12 [cf. Acts 11:6] It contained all kinds of four-footed animals [included clean and unclean animals; cf. Lev. 11; generally speaking, animals which chewed the cud or which had cloven hoofs were considered clean], as well as reptiles [considered unclean] of the earth and birds of the air [considered unclean].

10:13 [cf. Acts 11:7] Then a voice [from heaven; the “Lord” as per verse 14] told him [this command must have perplexed Peter], “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat [from among the animals in the sheet].”

10:14 [cf. Acts 11:8] “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean [Peter had adhered strictly to the dietary laws outlined in the Scriptures; these food laws set Israel apart from the rest of the nations (see Lev. 20:24-26)].”

10:15 [cf. Acts 11:9] The voice [God did not accept Peter’s answer] spoke to him a second time [God reissued the command to kill and eat], “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

10:16 [cf. Acts 11:10] This happened three times [cf. Peter denied Jesus three times (Jn. 18:17, 25-27) and Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times (Jn. 21:15-17)], and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

10:17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius [cf. Acts 10:5-7] found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.

10:18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

10:19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you.

10:20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

10:21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

10:22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”

10:23 Then Peter [a Jew] invited the men [Gentiles; men sent by Cornelius (10:5)] into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers [six believers (Acts 11:12); would serve as witnesses to what God was about to do in Caesarea] from Joppa went along.

10:24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting [indicates he was confident Peter would come] them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

10:25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.

10:26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

10:27 Talking with him, Peter went inside [suggests that Peter and Cornelius initially talked outside the house; Peter had to overcome prejudice in order to enter home of a Gentile] and found a large gathering of people.

10:28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law [taboo] for a Jew to associate [in such a way as to become ceremonially unclean] with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me [through the vision of the sheet from heaven (Acts 10:9-16)] that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

10:29 So when I was sent for [Acts 10:17-23], I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

10:30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes [an angel as per v. 3] stood before me

10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.

10:32 Send to Joppa [a thirty-mile journey] for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’

10:33 So I [Cornelius] sent for you [Peter] immediately [Cornelius wasted no time], and it was good of you to come. Now we [Cornelius had gathered family and friends to hear the gospel] are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded [Cornelius was a military man and here used a military term] you to tell us.”

Note: Cornelius was eager to hear from God. What about you? Do you thirst for God? Are you eager to hear from God and to do His will?

10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize [to perceive; to grasp with the mind] how true it is that God does not show favoritism [literally “acceptor of faces, or persons;” God does not discriminate on the basis of race, rank, or riches]

Note: Ten years after Peter preached his first sermon on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:14-40), he was privileged to preach in the home of Cornelius at what became the Pentecost of the Gentile world. Peter honored Cornelius’ invitation (Acts 10:33) to share the message of salvation (Acts 10:34-43) with those assembled in his home. As a result, all those who heard Peter’s sermon placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized (Acts 10:44-48).

10:35 but accepts men from every nation [men from every nation can be saved even though they are not Jews] who fear him and do what is right.

10:36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

10:37 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—

10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

10:39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree,

10:40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.

10:41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.

10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit [original Pentecost recorded in Acts 2; “Samaritan Pentecost” recorded in Acts 8; this event can be called the “Gentile Pentecost”] came on all who heard the message.

10:45 The circumcised believers [Jewish Christians] who had come with Peter were astonished [beside themselves] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

10:46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,

10:47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Note: See also Acts 22 and 26 for other accounts of Saul’s conversion.

9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was still [cf. Acts 8:1] breathing out murderous threats [a consuming obsession (cf. Acts 26:11)] against the Lord’s disciples. He went [Saul took the initiative] to the high priest [either Caiaphas or Theophilus (a son of Annas)]

What did Saul look like?
According to “The Acts of Paul and Thecla,” a second-century writing, Paul is described as “a man little of stature, thin-haired upon the head, crooked in the legs, of good state of body, with eyebrows joining, a nose somewhat hooked, full of grace: for sometimes he appeared like a man, and sometimes he had the face of an angel.”

9:2 and asked him for letters [letters of introduction to Jewish leaders in Damascus; letters demanding extradition of Christians] to the synagogues in Damascus [150+ miles northeast of Jerusalem in Roman province of Syria; one of the ten cities known as the Decapolis (cf. Mk. 5:20; 7:31); Saul’s determination to go to Damascus reveals his intense hatred of Christianity], so that if he found any there [Christianity continued its spread beyond Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria and regions beyond; Saul trying to prevent spread of Christianity to other cities] who belonged to the Way [see also Acts 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22], whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners [cf. Phil. 3:6] to Jerusalem.

Note: Why would God use a person like Saul? Do you know anyone who is openly rebellious to the gospel? Do you ever think, “God surely cannot use a person like that?” or “I don’t think that person could ever be a Christian?”

9:3 As he neared [the time was “about noon” (cf. Acts 22:6; 26:13)] Damascus [Jesus “took hold of” Saul on the road to Damascus (cf. Phil. 3:12)] on his journey, suddenly [unexpectedly; cf. Lk. 2:13] a light [“brighter than the sun” (cf. Acts 26:13)] from heaven flashed around him.

9:4 He [and his companions (cf. Acts 26:14)] fell [perhaps in fright or worship and submission] to the ground and heard a voice say [in Aramaic (cf. 26:14), a Hebrew dialect and the language of the marketplace] to him, “Saul, Saul [this is one of five double expressions in the NT], why do you persecute me [to persecute Jesus’ followers is to persecute Him; cf. Matt. 25:40,45]?”

9:5 “Who are you, Lord [or “sir”]?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied [according to Acts 22:10, Saul asked a second question: “What shall I do, Lord?” (a question that indicates submission to God’s will)].

9:6 “Now get up and go into the city [Damascus], and you will be told what you must do.”

9:7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound [“but did not understand the voice” as per Acts 22:9] but did not see anyone.

9:8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they [those traveling with Saul] led [powerful Saul was now blind and helpless] him by the hand into Damascus.

9:9 For three days he was blind [Saul’s physical eyes closed but spiritual eyes opened], and did not eat or drink anything.

9:10 In Damascus [a city located northeast of Israel in the country of Syria] there was a disciple [follower of Christ] named Ananias [a Jew who had become a believer in Jesus; see Acts 22:12 re: Paul’s description of Ananias]. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes Lord,” he answered.

9:11 The Lord told him [specific instructions], “Go to the house of Judas [a common Jewish name] on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying [see 1 Tim. 1:12-17 regarding Paul’s gratitude for what God had done in his life].

9:12 In a vision he [Saul] has seen [Saul’s vision created an expectation] a man named Ananias come and place his hands [a personal touch] on him to restore his sight [Saul was blind for 3 days; Acts 9:9].”

9:13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard [perhaps he had heard firsthand accounts from those who had escaped the persecution in Jerusalem] many [numerous] reports about this man [Saul’s reputation] and all the harm he has done to your saints [the first reference to believers as saints in the book of Acts] in Jerusalem [see Acts 8:3].

Saul or Paul?
• The name Saul used during time he spent among the Jews (Acts 9:1,17,19; 12:25).
• The name Paul used when he turned his attention to the Gentiles (Acts 13:9,13,16).

9:14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests [in Jerusalem] to arrest all [scattered by the persecution following the stoning of Stephen; see Acts 8:1] who call on your name [who call on Jesus as Lord].”

9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go [emphatic imperative]! This man is my chosen [see Gal. 1:15] instrument [God had a special plan for Saul] to carry my name before the Gentiles [first reference in Acts to the Gospel going to the Gentiles; cf. Acts 22:21; 26:17] and their kings and [in addition] before the people of Israel.

Blinded as a result of his encounter with Jesus, Saul’s traveling companions led him to the house of a man named Judas in Damascus. While there, the blind and broken Pharisee had a vision of a man named Ananias placing his hands on him in order to regain his sight. When Ananias, a Jewish believer, had a corresponding vision telling him to go to Saul, he expressed reluctance because of Saul’s reputation. However, the Lord told Ananias about the significant role Saul would play in taking the gospel to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. This verse summarizes Paul’s life and ministry and signaled that the church’s evangelism strategy must include Gentiles. The gospel is for all peoples, not just for people like us!

Note: Ananias saw what Saul was (v. 13). The Lord saw what Saul had the potential to become (v. 15).

9:16 I will show him how much he must suffer [fulfillment began in Acts 9:23-25; see also 2 Cor. 11:16-33] for my name.”

The Lord also revealed to Ananias that Saul, who had already caused many to suffer (Acts 8:3; 9:1-1), would himself suffer for the name of Christ (see 2 Cor. 11:16-33). I met the late Calvin Fox several years ago in India. A missionary, Calvin served among the Kui people in the Khond Hills of northeast India. Calvin told me that the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” originated among the Kui people. Kui believers often face social alienation, persecution, and sometimes death. They understand that suffering will be a part of the equation of following Christ. And yet, when they embrace Christ they are able to sing, “no turning back, no turning back.”

9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul [a caring touch], he said, “Brother Saul [a caring word and affirmation that he was now accepted as a member of God’s family], the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again [physical sight; see v. 18] and be filled with the Holy Spirit [spiritual sight and power].”

God called on Ananias to do a difficult task. It is often difficult to demonstrate love and acceptance to those whom we fear. However Ananias overcame his fears and went to Judas’ house where Saul was staying. Entering the house, Ananias placed his hands on the blind and vulnerable Saul and addressed the feared persecutor as brother—an endearing term that affirmed that Saul was now accepted as a member of God’s family. Ananias explained to Saul that the Lord had sent him so that he could regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. God’s purpose for Saul, and for us, included the filling with the Holy Spirit that he might be able to do all that the Lord had called him to do.

Note: Who was the first person to call you “Brother” after your conversion? Who was your first friend after your conversion? How has that person’s influence made a difference in your life?

9:18 Immediately, something like scales [flakes] fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized [presumably by Ananias], and

When Ananias placed his hands on Saul something like scales or flakes fell from his eyes. As a result, Saul’s physical sight was restored and his spiritual eyes were opened. He saw Ananias standing before him, not as an enemy but as a brother. Saul then got up and was baptized, presumably by Ananias. Saul submitted to baptism, publicly confessing his commitment to Jesus Christ and accepting the task that God gave him and that Ananias conveyed. He now joined the growing ranks of believers in Jerusalem, Samaria, Damascus, Ethiopia, and other places where persecuted believers and new converts had taken the gospel.

9:19 after taking some food [cf. Acts 9:9], he regained his strength [nothing more is known about Ananias after this encounter]. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus [and probably received oral instruction from them].

Saul had fasted for three days (Acts 9:9). As a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5), he was no stranger to fasting. Fasting was a way for Saul to prayerfully express to God his earnest desire to properly understand the significance of the events that had resulted in his blindness. When Saul regained his sight and heard what Ananias had to say, he ended his fast, took some food, and regained his strength.

The first days following conversion are important in the lives of new believers. Saul spent the days following his conversion with the disciples in Damascus. These few days likely included instruction and study of what the Scriptures say concerning the Messiah. Saul’s years of study of the Old Testament were not wasted. God gave him fresh new insight on familiar old passages.

9:20 At once [indicates he was soon ready; cf. Gal. 1:17] he began to preach [before he went away to Arabia or after he returned to Damascus] in the synagogues [in Damascus] that Jesus [the content of his message] is the Son of God [not merely a man or an imposter or dead as he had once thought; only time this title is used in Acts].

Saul wasted little time before he began to preach. His zeal as a new follower of Christ seemed greater than his zeal as a persecutor. After spending a few days with the disciples in Damascus, Saul began proclaiming Jesus—a pattern that would hold true throughout the remainder of his ministry (see 1 Cor. 2:2). He began his ministry in the synagogues, the places where he had previously hoped to arrest followers of Jesus. Prior to his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul had thought that Jesus was merely a man, an imposter who was no longer alive. He now understood that Jesus is the living Son of God and long-awaited Messiah of Israel.

9:21 All those who heard him were astonished [because of Saul’s message and transformed life] and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name [Saul was a changed man]? And [the believers in Damascus had expected trouble from Saul] hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests [in Jerusalem (Acts 9:2)]?”

Those who heard Saul speak about Jesus were astounded. News of Saul’s rage toward Christians had already spread from Jerusalem to Damascus. The believers in Damascus expected the full force of Saul’s rage to reach within the walls of their own city. They had likely discussed the possibility that Saul would drag some of them back to Jerusalem as prisoners.

However, the man from whom they had expected the worst now stood before them preaching the Christian message. As the transformed life of this former persecutor became slowly but surely more evident, his preaching and teaching became more and more powerful. His transformed life convinced his audiences that his conversion was sincere and genuine.

9:22 Yet Saul grew more and [continually] more powerful [mature in his faith and understanding of the gospel] and baffled [confounded] the Jews living in Damascus by proving [“to join together” bits of evidence from the Scripture (e.g., prophecies) to make his case; Paul effectively interpreted the Scriptures] that Jesus [historical person] is the Christ [God’s Messiah].

Saul grew more capable or continued to mature in his faith and understanding of the Christian message. As a disciplined student of the Scriptures, he used Old Testament texts to prove or make his case that the historical person of Jesus was actually God’s Messiah. As a result, the Damascene Jews who heard him speak were baffled and unable to respond to him.

We cannot expect to master the Bible by occasionally reading a verse or two. We must intentionally set aside time daily for quiet reading and careful study of God’s Word. We will not impact our culture if we are unable to intelligently articulate what we believe and why we believe it. We grow in our commitment to Jesus Christ by deepening our understanding of Scripture and developing our ability to talk to others about who Jesus is.

9:23 After many days had gone by [see Gal. 1:17-18; then Saul returned to Damascus and], the Jews conspired to kill him,

9:24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch [cf. 2 Cor. 11:32] on the city gates in order to kill him.

9:25 But his followers [unnamed] took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall [cf. 2 Cor. 11:33].

Note: Paul’s followers took him at night, put him in a basket, and lowered him to safety through a window. As a result, Paul was able to escape from Damascus and continue his travels to tell others about Jesus. But, do not overlook the fact that someone had to hold the ropes for Paul. Those who held the ropes for Paul were…

• not selfish: they risked their lives to help him.
• not named: we do not know their identity.
• not rewarded: they received no recognition or honors

• they cooperated: the task could not be done by one individual
• they coordinated efforts: they worked in harmony with one another
• they combined strength: they shared the responsibility

9:26 When he came [3 years after his conversion as per Gal. 1:18] to Jerusalem [his first visit to Jerusalem since his conversion], he tried to join [associate with] the disciples, but they were afraid of him [see Acts 9:13-14], not believing that he really was a disciple [perhaps fearing that this was a ploy to infiltrate their ranks and then expose and punish them].

Sometime after his conversion and before his arrival in Jerusalem, Saul spent a period of three years in Arabia (see Gal. 1:17-18), the desert region southeast of Damascus. Although no one had heard from Saul during this time, his reputation as a persecutor was still fresh in the minds of believers, especially those in Jerusalem.

When Saul returned to Jerusalem for the first time since his conversion, he tried to associate with the disciples. However, the disciples spurned him. They were suspicious of Saul and probably thought that he was only pretending to be a disciple so that he could infiltrate their fellowship and have them arrested.

9:27 But [the conjunction that introduces a difference] Barnabas [Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36); a bridge builder who facilitated Saul’s assimilation into the church; see Acts 4:36 re: Barnabas] took him [perhaps by the arm as suggested by the Greek word epilabomenos] and brought him to the apostles [Peter and James, the half-brother of Jesus (Gal. 1:17-19); these men were leaders of the Jerusalem church]. He [Barnabas probably took the time to get to know Saul] told them [Barnabas had credibility in the Jerusalem church] how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Everything changed for Saul when Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36), arrived on the scene. Barnabas was a bridge builder. Unlike others, Barnabas did not treat Saul with suspicion nor did he hold his past against him. Instead, in characteristic fashion, Barnabas came alongside Saul and took him by the arm to meet Peter and James, the Lord’s half-brother (see Gal. 1:18-19).

These men were two of the key leaders of the Jerusalem church. Barnabas spoke to them about Saul’s conversion and how God had already used him to speak boldly in the name of Jesus. The church still needs people like Barnabas—individuals who can look beyond the actualities to behold the possibilities in others.

Note: Consider the investment of Barnabas in Saul’s life:
• helped him gain acceptance among the disciples in Jerusalem
• invited Saul to assist him in teaching the new church at Antioch (Acts 11:25-26)
• helped deliver an offering to the needy at Jerusalem (Acts 11:30)
• Barnabas and Saul commissioned to go on first missionary journey by church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)

9:28 So [as a result] Saul stayed with them [was fully accepted into their circle; literally “going in and out among them”; Saul stayed for 15 days as per Gal. 1:18] and moved about freely in Jerusalem, [continually] speaking boldly in the name of the Lord [which caused conflict among the Jews and resulted in Saul leaving Jerusalem and returning to his native Tarsus; see Acts 9:29-30].

As a result of Barnabas’ character reference, Saul was fully accepted by the apostles into their fellowship. New believers with bad reputations need mature believers to come alongside to encourage and disciple them and to help them find acceptance among other believers. Peter demonstrated his acceptance of the former persecutor by extending Christian hospitality to him. Saul stayed with Peter for a period of 15 days. During that time Saul engaged other Jews in dialogue about Jesus. For the remainder of his life Saul would be deeply burdened for the spiritual welfare of his own people (see Rom. 9:1-5).

9:29 He talked and debated with the Grecian [Hellenistic or Greek speaking] Jews [the same audience that had stoned Stephen (Acts 6:9-15); Saul’s former friends], but they tried to kill him [the likely saw Saul as a traitor].

During his short stay in Jerusalem, Saul actively conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews. These Hellenistic or Greek speaking Jews were from the same group of people (see Acts 6:9) and perhaps the very ones who false accusations led to Stephen’s death. Saul may have debated with them in the same synagogue where he had once listened to Stephen speak.

Saul showed the intensity of his commitment by debating with these Jews about Jesus’ identity, even at great personal risk. We show the intensity of our commitment by convincing others—even Christians who have every reason to be skeptical—of our faith, by talking about Jesus at every opportunity, and by witnessing even to unlikely prospects.

9:30 When the brothers [fellow believers] learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus [Saul’s hometown; located in Cilicia; Saul does not appear again until Acts 11:26 when Barnabas found him and took him to Antioch; cf. Gal. 1:21-24].

The Hellenistic Jews responded to Saul the in the same way they had responded to Stephen—they tried to silence him by killing him. When the believers in Jerusalem found out about the attempts on Saul’s life, they escorted him to Caesarea on the coast and then sent him off to his hometown of Tarsus in Asia Minor.

Saul claimed that Jesus appeared to him in a vision in Jerusalem, urging him to leave quickly and to reach out to the Gentiles (see Acts 22:17-21). Saul returned to his hometown of Tarsus and remained there for the next seven years. He presumably continued his witness for Christ during these years.

9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

9:32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda.

9:33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years.

9:34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.

9:35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.

9:37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.

9:38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

9:39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

9:41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.

9:42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

9:43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

8:2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.

8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

8:4 [cf. Acts 11:19] Those [lay people (apostles stayed in Jerusalem as per 8:1)] who had been scattered [Gr. “diaspeiro” means “to scatter seed” (cf. Matt. 13:37-38)] preached [to announce to others the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ] the word wherever [the persecution that followed Stephen’s death scattered the believers beyond Jerusalem; Judea and Samaria as per Acts 8:1] they went.

Stephen’s death marked the start of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. This persecution was the key event which ignited the expansion of the church. The believers who fled Jerusalem carried the good news with them throughout Judea and Samaria. These ordinary believers were the first to take the gospel beyond Jerusalem—a reminder that each of us, not just missionaries, are responsible for taking the good news to unreached peoples.

8:5 Philip [not the apostle of Jn. 1:43-44; one of the seven Greek-speaking Jews chosen to distribute food to widows (Acts 6:5); later known as Philip the evangelist per Acts 21:8; had four daughters per Acts 21:9] went down to a [unnamed] city [perhaps to the ancient capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel or to Sychar, the city located near Jacob’s well where Jesus talked with the woman (Jn. 4:4-7)] in Samaria [a place most Jewish believers never thought they would enter (cf. Jn. 4:9)] and proclaimed the Christ [the focus of Philip’s preaching] there.

Philip, later known as Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8), serves as an example of what the scattered Christians did. He ventured to an unnamed city in Samaria, a place where most Jewish believers never thought they would go, and unwittingly became the first missionary in Acts. The Jews considered the Samaritans half-breeds and religious apostates and did not associate with them (see John 4:9).

Believers today must venture to places they never thought they would go in order to connect with those in need of the gospel. Though he was in new circumstances as a result of the persecution after Stephen’s death, Philip continued to spread the good news about Jesus. He made Jesus the Messiah the focal point of his preaching. We too are to spread the gospel even when we find ourselves in new circumstances that we did not choose.

8:6 When the crowds heard Philip [the first missionary in Acts] and saw the miraculous signs [the apostles (2:43; 5:12) and Stephen (6:8) had also performed signs and wonders; signs point beyond themselves to something else] he did, they all paid close attention to what he said [the signs and wonders made people receptive to the Word].

Like the apostles (2:43) and Stephen (6:8), Philip performed signs and wonders. These signs pointed beyond themselves to the reality and power of Jesus whom Philip preached. They also served to authenticate Philip and his message. The crowds were attentive and receptive to what Philip had to say because of what they had seen him do. However, ultimately it was not the signs but Philip’s message that led people to faith in Christ.

8:7 [an example of the signs Philip was performing…] With shrieks [perhaps angry that they had been cast out of their human hosts], evil spirits [although under the control of Satan they must submit to the authority of Christ] came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.

8:8 So [as a result of the exorcisms and physical healings] there was great joy [a recurring theme of Acts; where Christ is there is real joy] in that city.

Exorcism and physical healing are two examples of the signs performed by Philip. Many were delivered from the unclean spirits that had possessed and tormented their lives. Although demons are under the control of Satan, they must submit to the authority of Christ. These exorcised spirits shrieked with a loud voice as they were cast out of their human hosts. God also used Philip to bring physical healing to many who were paralyzed and lame. As a result, the people of the community experienced great joy they had never known before.

8:9 Now for some time a man named Simon [a charlatan who used his magic to line his pockets] had practiced sorcery [utilized Satanic/demonic power to do so (cf. Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9)] in the city and amazed [thus they believed the things Simon said] all the people of Samaria. He boasted [Simon had a big ego] that he was someone great [Philip proclaimed Christ and Simon promoted himself; cf. Theudas in Acts 5:36],

Philip’s ministry caught the attention of a man named Simon, a sorcerer who utilized Satanic and demonic powers to work his magic. He was a well-known and popular figure who had swept the Samaritans off their feet with his magic. As with any charlatan, Simon had a big ego and was quite impressed with himself. He claimed to be somebody great. In contrast to Philip who proclaimed Christ, Simon shamelessly promoted himself.

8:10 and all the people, both high and low [Simon had swept people from all segments of society off their feet], gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power [Simon’s power did not come from God (cf. Acts 8:18-19)] known as the Great Power [Simon certainly encouraged people to think about him in this way as per v. 9; extrabiblical second-century sources refer to a Simon who was revered as a high god among the Samaritans].”

Like popular magicians of our day who command large television audiences, Simon had developed a following of people from all segments of society. People from the least to the greatest hung on Simon’s every word and lapped up his manipulative and egotistical rhetoric. He had cleverly deceived others in order to magnify himself. The people were so impressed by this sorcerer that they called him the Great Power of God. Simon had certainly encouraged people to think about him in this way and undoubtedly wore the title proudly.

8:11 They followed him because he had amazed [bewitched; astounded] them for a long time with his magic [probably included healings, exorcisms, astrology, magic tricks].

People were attentive to Simon because of the amazing things they had seen him do. Simon likely had performed healings, practiced astrology, and dazzled people with a variety of magic tricks. However, these sorceries did not point people to anyone or anything beyond Simon. His agenda was to promote himself and not to point people to God. Simon had managed to keep people in darkness for a long time.

Today, many people groups are kept in darkness by hostile cultures, governments, and religions and have been waiting a long time for someone to tell them the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

8:12 But when they [the Samaritans; those who followed Simon the magician] believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God [the rule of God in the hearts of people; the coming reign of Christ on earth] and the name of Jesus Christ [cf. Acts 4:12], they were baptized [baptism is by immersion and is a visible testimony to God’s inner work of salvation; baptism follows salvation as an act of obedience to Jesus Christ’s command], both men and women.

Philip’s arrival in Samaria changed things for the people who had blindly followed Simon. He did not allow Simon’s popularity to intimidate or deter him from spreading the gospel. In the absence of any other message, what Simon said made sense to the people. Nobody questioned Simon or his message. However, everything changed when Philip arrived. Those who had previously followed Simon embraced Philip’s message about the kingdom and about Jesus Christ. Many men and women responded by placing their faith in Christ for salvation and were baptized.

Today, many unreached people groups are still waiting for someone to come to their village to proclaim the good news about God’s kingdom. Things will not change for these people until someone comes to explain the good news to them.

8:13 Simon himself believed [no object is given for Simon’s believing; no indication that he repented of his sins] and was baptized [many people who are not genuinely converted through religious motions]. And he followed [the man with a large following now followed Philip] Philip everywhere [Simon likely followed Philip because he wanted to “learn new tricks”], astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw [Simon’s primary interest appears to be professional rather than spiritual].

Simon was caught up in the excitement generated by Philip’s ministry. As a result he believed and later was baptized. However, verses 18-24 indicate that Simon’s belief was not genuine saving faith. Although Simon followed Philip everywhere, his primary interest seems to have been professional rather than spiritual. He was astounded by the signs and great miracles that Philip performed and likely wanted to learn some new tricks.

Like Simon, many people today who have never experienced a genuine conversion go through all sorts of religious exercises for the wrong reasons. For some, joining the church is often more cultural than it is a testimony of conversion or real faith.

8:14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.

8:15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

8:16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

8:17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money

8:19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

8:20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

8:21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

8:22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.

8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

8:24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

8:25 When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Note: “Acts 8:26-40 illustrates how God’s search for sinners and seekers’ searching for God converge … God led Philip to be at the right place at the right time to guide the Ethiopian to faith in Jesus Christ.” ( Hobbs)

8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said [either by vision or by inward suggestion] to Philip, “Go [out of your way] south to the road — the desert road [camel track] — that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza [an important trade route in earlier times].”

Philip
• one of the seven chosen to wait on tables (Acts 6:1-6).
• forced to leave Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1-4).
• preached good news in Samaria (Acts 8:5-13).
• had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9).

8:27 So he started out [Philip was sensitive to God’s call and available for God’s use], and on his way he met an Ethiopian [in biblical times, Ethiopia refered to the area south of Egypt] eunuch [eunuchs often employed to fill high government posts; according to the early church historian Eusebius, the name of the Ethiopian was “Indich”], an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace [a dynastic title (like Pharaoh) rather than a proper name], queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship [either a proselyte to Judaism or (more likely) a Gentile who respected the faith of the Jews (because eunuchs were excluded from full participation in Israel’s worship as per Deut. 23:1)],

8:28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading [probably a Greek translation] the book [scroll] of Isaiah the prophet [God was preparing the Ethiopian eunuch for Philip’s visit].

8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go [take the initiative] to that [specific] chariot and stay near [walk beside] it.”

An angel of the Lord commanded Philip to leave Samaria and go south to a desert road which runs from Jerusalem to the Phoenician city of Gaza. On that road, Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who was on his way home from Jerusalem. This man had traveled a long distance from his home to worship God in Jerusalem. The Ethiopian was sitting in his chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah when the Holy Spirit told Philip to take the initiative to go and walk beside the chariot.

We should be sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings to take the initiative in sharing our faith. When we do we will find open doors for sharing the gospel that we otherwise would have missed.

8:30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man [Philip listened first] reading [aloud] Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip [tactfully and respectfully] asked.

When Philip approached the chariot he heard the Ethiopian reading the prophet Isaiah. Philip was familiar with the text and recognized it as coming from Isaiah. Listening enabled Philip to discover where the Ethiopian was in his understanding.

We often miss opportunities to share the gospel with others when we fail to listen first. Listening can help us determine what questions to ask that may further open an individual’s heart to a gospel witness. Philip took advantage of the opportunity to tactfully ask the man if he understood what he was reading.

8:31 “How can I [understand],” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him [see Rom. 10:14].

Frustrated at being unable to understand the passage he was reading, the Ethiopian told Philip that he needed for someone to guide him. He then invited Philip to sit with him in the chariot. There is, perhaps, no greater invitation than this that a follower of Jesus can receive from someone seeking after the truth.

More than once on my travels I have received such an invitation to sit and explain the Scriptures to someone holding their first copy of the Bible. On such occasions I never cease to wonder at how God’s Word can bring people of different backgrounds and nationalities together, and closer to God’s great gift of salvation.

8:32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture [Isaiah 53:7-8]: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth [see Matt. 27:14].

8:33 In his humiliation [see Matt. 27:28-29] he was deprived of justice [see Matt. 26:60]. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth [see Matt. 27:50].“

8:34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”

8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage [became the starting point of Philip’s gospel presentation: “Like Philip, we have to meet (people) on whatever road they’re on and from there lead them to Calvary.” (Swindoll)] of Scripture [in which Isaiah foretold the suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth] and told [with precision] him the good news about Jesus.

The Ethiopian was reading from Isaiah 53—a passage in which Isaiah foretold the suffering and death of the Messiah. Jesus had quoted portions of Isaiah 53 to speak of His own suffering and death (see Matt. 8:17; Luke 22:37; John 12:38). Philip had likely learned the significance of this Old Testament passage from the teaching of the apostles. So, when the Ethiopian asked Philip to explain whether Isaiah was writing of himself or someone else, Philip was ready to answer him (see 1 Pet. 3:15). He could not have had a better starting point for sharing the good news about Jesus. Like Philip, we have to meet people where they are and then use the Scriptures to point them to Jesus.

8:36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water [perhaps a spring or stream or a pool of water] and the eunuch [eager to obey what he had been taught] said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized [Philip likely mentioned that baptism was the next step of obedience after trusting Christ]?”

Philip may have concluded his explanation of the gospel in the same way that he had heard Peter do earlier (Acts 2:38)—by explaining that baptism was the next step of obedience after trusting Christ. As Philip and the eunuch traveled down the road, they came to some water, perhaps a spring or a stream. Eager to obey what he had been taught, the eunuch took the initiative and asked to be baptized.

New believers all over the world today are taking the same step as the Ethiopian—being baptized as a testimony of their faith in Christ. For many of these baptism is a bold step that often invites persecution. God however, is using such boldness to encourage others to consider the life-changing claims of Christ.

8:37 [this verse not included in the earliest manuscripts of the Book of Acts] Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may [emphasizes that baptism was and is for believers].” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Although this verse is not included in the earliest manuscripts of the book of Acts, it serves to reinforce an important truth—one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God prior to baptism. Baptism was and is for believers. The early church did not baptize converts unless they first testified that they believed that Jesus is the Son of God. In the case of the Ethiopian, those traveling with him would have heard this clear and simple testimony of his newfound faith in Jesus Christ.

8:38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip [convinced that the eunuch had genuinely committed his life to Christ (verse 37 added later to clarify that the Ethiopian had indeed believed in Christ before his baptism)] baptized [by immersion] him.

Eager to obey the command of Christ to be baptized (Matt. 28:19), the Ethiopian and Philip went down into the water and then “came up out of the water” (Acts 8:39). This language reinforces the fact that baptism, from the Greek word “baptizo” meaning to dip or submerge, was always by total immersion.

Baptism was and is a powerful testimony to others about one’s identification with Christ. However, the focus on this verse is not baptism, but the conversion of an Ethiopian official to Christ. Philip took advantage of a special opportunity to spread the gospel by doing as God directed in meeting and conversing with an Ethiopian eunuch and leading him to faith in Christ. We too are to spread the gospel in special God-given situations.

8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took [snatched up and transported] Philip away [to another place], and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way [and likely became the first preacher of the gospel in Ethiopia, a fulfillment of Psalm 68:31] rejoicing.

8:40 Philip, however, appeared [was found: idiomatic for “he came”] at Azotus [a town on the coast; known as Ashdod, a Philistine city, in the OT] and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

7:1 Then the high priest asked him, “Are these charges true?”

7:2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.

7:3 ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’

7:4 “So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living.

7:5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child.

7:6 God spoke to him in this way: ‘Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

7:7 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.’

7:8 Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

7:9 “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him

7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

7:11 “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food.

7:12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

7:13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family.

7:14 After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.

7:15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died.

7:16 Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.

7:17 “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased.

7:18 Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt.

7:19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.

7:20 “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father’s house.

7:21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.

7:22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

7:23 “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites.

7:24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian.

7:25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.

7:26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’

7:27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?

7:28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

7:29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

7:30 “After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.

7:31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord’s voice:

7:32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

7:33 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground.

7:34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

7:35 “This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

7:36 He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert.

7:37 “This is that Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.’

7:38 He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.

7:39 “But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

7:40 They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’

7:41 That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made.

7:42 But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: ” ‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?

7:43 You have lifted up the shrine of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile’ beyond Babylon.

7:44 “Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.

7:45 Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David,

7:46 who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

7:47 But it was Solomon who built the house for him.

7:48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says:

7:49 ” ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?

7:50 Has not my hand made all these things?’

7:51 “You stiff-necked [cf. Ex. 33:3; stubborn] people, with uncircumcised hearts [evidenced by religious activity but no real relationship with God] and ears! You are just like your fathers [disobedient and rebellious]: You always resist [through disobedience or rebellion] the Holy Spirit!

After his accusers rested their case, the high priest asked Stephen: “Is this true?” Using drab colors from the pallet of Jewish history, Stephen painted a troubling portrait. Beginning with Abraham, he sketched a panoramic view of Jewish history that accentuated their unbelief, disobedience, and rebellion. Using the language of the prophets, he concluded by accusing his accusers of having ears that did not hear the truth, hearts that were unreceptive to the truth, and stiff necks that refused to bow to the truth. They were guilty of resisting the Holy Spirit, just like their forefathers.

7:52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed [cf. Jesus’ words in Matt. 23:37; Lk. 11:47-48 and 20:9-19; see also Heb. 11:35-38] those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One [the Messiah, Jesus Christ; term used by Peter in his temple sermon (3:14)]. And now you have betrayed and murdered him [Jesus; Peter also accused his audience of having murdered the Righteous One (3:14-15)]—

7:53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”

Their own history attested to the truth of Stephen’s words. Their fathers had persecuted and killed the prophets. They had constantly rejected God’s messengers and had even killed those who announced the coming of the Messiah, the Righteous One.

Like their fathers, they too failed to see what God was doing in their midst. Their treatment of Jesus was proof they had not learned from their fathers’ mistakes. And just as Peter had done (Acts 3:14-15), Stephen charged his audience with having betrayed and murdered Jesus, the Righteous One. They were the ones who had received yet failed to obey the law.

Stephen exhibited boldness in his defense by intelligently anchoring his case in Jewish history. We exhibit boldness and wisdom when we anchor our Christian beliefs and values in both history and experience as a way of defending ourselves in the face of false accusations.

7:54 When they heard this, they [the seventy members of the Sanhedrin] were furious [enraged; cf. Acts 5:33] and gnashed their teeth at him [a sign of anger; cf. Ps. 35:16].

Although Stephen’s defense was brilliant, he offered it to men who were afraid of the light. Rather than considering Stephen’s words, the seventy members of the council became enraged in their hearts. They had listened to Stephen’s defense with clenched teeth and were absolutely furious that he had placed them on trial. With their faces distorted with rage, the council became a lynch mob. Stephen’s fate was sealed.

One of my seminary professors once remarked that he would rather be a sinner in the hands of an angry God than a sinner in the hands of an angry sinner. Stephen would find neither mercy nor grace at the hands of these religious leaders.

7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit [the source of Stephen’s strength], looked up [where we should fix our gaze when things “look down”] to heaven and saw the glory of God, and [first mention of the appearance of the resurrected Christ since his ascension] Jesus standing [cf. Mk. 14:62; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3,13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2 re: Jesus “seated” upon completion of His work] at the right hand [the place of honor] of God.

In contrast to the enraged religious leaders, Stephen was filled by the Holy Spirit, the source of his strength and courage. As the situation became worse, Stephen gazed into heaven where he saw God’s glory and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.

This is the first mention of the appearance of Jesus since His ascension. Others passages of Scripture speak of Jesus being seated at God’s right hand, the place of honor, upon completion of His work. However, Stephen saw Jesus standing. Perhaps Jesus was standing to welcome the first Christian martyr into heaven.

7:56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open [cf. Lk. 3:21-22 re: baptism of Jesus] and the Son of Man [only time in NT this messianic title (Dan. 7:13-14) used by anyone other than Jesus] standing [perhaps to honor and welcome the first Christian martyr into heaven] at the right hand [the place of honor] of God.”

Stephen described his vision just before his death. He said that he saw the heavens opened, just as they had opened on the day that Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:21-22). Stephen also saw the Son of Man or Jesus. This is the only time in the New Testament that this messianic title is used by anyone other than Jesus and the last time it is used in the Bible.

Stephen saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Stephen had faithfully acknowledged Jesus before men. And now, Jesus stood and acknowledged Stephen “before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8).

7:57 At this [Stephen’s testimony of his vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand] they covered their ears [to keep the truth out] and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all [like one man] rushed at him,

Upon hearing Stephen speak of seeing Jesus standing at God’s right hand, the religious leaders did three things. First, they screamed at the top of their voices in an attempt to drown out Stephen’s voice. Second, they stopped or covered their ears to keep from hearing more of what they considered to be blasphemous words. Finally, the enraged religious leaders took on the demeanor of a violent lynch mob and rushed together against Stephen with the intent of doing him harm.

7:58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone [process: criminal thrown down from a height and then stoned by witnesses] him. Meanwhile, the witnesses [according to Mosaic law, the witnesses were required to cast the first stone; cf. Deut. 17:7; Lev. 24:14; Jn. 8:7] laid their clothes at the feet of a young man [Gr. neanias; probably between ages of 24 and 40] named Saul [likely later related the details of this event to Luke; Saul (Heb. name) later changed to Paul (Gr. equivalent) when he began ministry to Gentiles].

The enraged mob dragged Stephen out of the city where they began to stone him. The Sanhedrin did not have the authority to execute Stephen without permission from Roman authorities and made no attempt to stop this illegal action against him. The usual process of stoning was to throw the criminal down from a height. If the fall did not kill the victim, then, according to the Mosaic law (see Deut. 17:7), the witnesses were required to cast the first stone (see John 8:7).

In Stephen’s case, the angry mob laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul and then pelted Stephen with stones. Saul, whose name would later be changed to Paul, was in agreement with putting Stephen to death (Acts 8:1).

7:59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus [this must have further offended his opponents and Saul], receive my spirit [Jewish children taught to pray this prayer (based on Ps. 31:5) at bedtime; cf. Lk. 23:46].”

Stephen’s final moments of life were marked by behavior that was different than that of his opponents. His final words echoed those spoken by Jesus just before He died on the cross (Luke 23:46). As Stephen felt the painful impact of each stone, he prayed a prayer based on Psalm 31:5 which Jewish children were taught to pray at bedtime: “Into your hands I entrust my spirit.” However, Stephen directed his words to the Lord Jesus, which must have further offended his opponents and Saul.

7:60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them [cf. Lk. 23:34-36].” When he had said this, he fell asleep [a euphemism for death; cf. 1 Cor. 11:30; 15:6,18,20; 1 Thess. 4:13-15; from Gr. word “ekoimethe” from which we get our Eng. word “cemetery”].

Seconds from death, Stephen fell on his knees and cried out with his last breath, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” Instead of cursing those who were mistreating him, Stephen prayed for them as Jesus had taught (Luke 6:27-28). The Holy Spirit enabled Stephen to forgive and to intercede on behalf of those who stoned him.

One final stone was hurled at Stephen and ended his life. He fell asleep, a euphemism for death, with a vision of the Lord Jesus. Stephen demonstrated boldness to the end by referring to Jesus’ place in heaven and by seeking forgiveness for those stoning him. Saul, who likely related these events to Luke, heard and remembered Stephen’s last words.

6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews [Jews from other lands who spoke Greek and had converted to Christianity at Pentecost] among them complained [tension] against the Hebraic Jews [native Jewish Christians who spoke Hebrew (language of religion) and Aramaic (Hebrew dialect; spoken in marketplace)] because their [Greek-speaking Jewish converts; suggests tension because other widows (Hebraic Jews) not being overlooked] widows [vulnerable members of society; cf. 1 Tim. 5:3-16 re: widows] were being overlooked [to look beyond, to neglect; possibly intentional; possibly fueled by cultural prejudices; problem may have persisted for some time] in the daily distribution of food [Gr. diakonia].

6:2 So [intentional effort to address problem rather than place blame] the Twelve [the original apostles (except Judas Iscariot) including Matthias (cf. Acts 1:13,26)] gathered all [entire church; indicates problem was serious] the disciples [the rest of the believers] together and said, “It would not be right [fit or pleasing] for us to neglect [to abandon] the ministry of the word of God [spiritual food] in order to [distribution of spiritual and physical food were important but apostles understood what they had been called to do] wait [serve tables] on tables [distribution of physical food].

Note: Leaders must set their priorities and enlist others to assist with legitimate needs. Had “the Twelve” abandoned the preaching and teaching of God’s Word to administer the care of the widows, they would have solved one problem but created another.

6:3 [the solution to the problem; note the five requirements for the candidates] Brothers, choose [select carefully; note that they did not ask for volunteers] seven [1] men [2] from among you [i.e., believers] who [3] are known to be [have good reputations; give evidence that the Spirit was working in them] [4] full of the Spirit and [5] wisdom [able to apply God’s truth to life situations]. We [“The twelve were to give their approval to the congregation’s selection of the seven.” (FF Bruce)] will turn [delegate] this responsibility over to them [cf. Eph. 4:12]

Note: According to Acts 6:5, all seven men chosen for this work had Greek names.

6:4 and will give our [the apostles kept their priorities straight] attention to [“to be intently engaged in”] prayer and the ministry of the word [proclaiming the gospel].”

6:5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

6:6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

6:8 Now Stephen [one of seven selected to serve tables (4:5)], a man full of God’s grace and power [these are the things the church recognized in his character], did great wonders and miraculous signs [the first non-apostle to whom miracles are ascribed; his ministry was not confined to serving tables] among the people [some of whom opposed him (4:9-15)].

We are introduced to Stephen in verse 5 where he is listed first among those chosen to distribute food to widows. He is described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” The early church chose the godliest men they could find to assist with ministry tasks. Stephen was also full of grace and power.

John had described Jesus as being “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Grace gives us the capacity to be kind and gentle toward others and often opens the door for others to be receptive to the truth of the gospel.

Stephen’s ministry was not confined to serving tables. He is the first New Testament character, apart from Jesus and the apostles, who is described as one who performed great wonders and signs among the people.

6:9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen [former slaves or the children of former slaves who had been freed by Rome and had formed their own synagogue in Jerusalem] (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene [located in northern Africa] and Alexandria [located in Egypt] as well as the provinces of Cilicia [Paul’s home province; perhaps Paul heard Stephen speak] and Asia. These men [Hellenistic Jews] began to argue with Stephen,

Stephen’s message and miracles caught the attention of those who belonged to the Freedmen’s Synagogue—a group of former slaves or the children of former slaves who had been freed by Rome. These Hellenistic Jews had come to Jerusalem from various regions and had formed their own synagogue there. Some, like Saul, had come to Jerusalem from Cilicia. Saul likely was among those who came forward to argue with Stephen.

6:10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom [Stephen knew what he believed and why and could intelligently articulate his beliefs; cf. Matt. 22:37 re: loving God “with all your mind”] or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

The members of the synagogue soon learned that Stephen was not a second-rate debater. He intelligently spoke about what he believed and why he believed it. Stephen reminds us that it is not enough to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “with all your soul.” You must also love Him “with all your mind” (see Matt. 22:37).

We must cultivate strong minds for God that will prepare us to intelligently contend for the faith. That takes discipline and hard work, but it will pay off. Stephen boldly discussed the gospel with members of the Freedman’s Synagogue and was enabled to refute all the arguments they used.

6:11 Then they [Hellenist Jews] secretly persuaded [or induced; to put someone up to something] some men to say [the false witnesses were coached in what to say (and perhaps paid to say it)], “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”

Unable to stand up against Stephen’s godly wisdom, the members of the synagogue resorted to underhanded tactics. They induced or secretly persuaded some men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and against God. More than likely they bribed these false witnesses and coached them in exactly what to say. The Sadducees, the group that controlled the Sanhedrin, accepted and believed only the writings of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy). They considered blasphemy against Moses and against God a punishable crime.

6:12 So they stirred up the people [general population] and the elders [representing the Sadducees] and the teachers of the law [representing the Pharisees]. They seized [they rushed at him and dragged him off] Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

As in the case of Jesus, Stephen’s opponents stirred up the general population and the religious leaders. Since their charges were vague and difficult to prove, they stirred up more than enough dust to obscure the truth. They used inflammatory rhetoric to recruit others to join their cause against Stephen. And, for the first time, the masses were hostile toward a follower of Jesus. They rushed at Stephen, seized him, and dragged him off to the Sanhedrin, the same Council that had tried to silence Peter and John.

6:13 They produced false witnesses, who testified [cf. Matt. 26:59-61 re: same accusation brought against Jesus by religious leaders], “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place [considered an attack against God] and against the law [considered an attack against Moses].

The Freedmen vigilante group produced false witnesses who resorted to exaggerated claims: This man does not stop speaking. They made it sound as though Stephen incessantly spoke against the holy place and the law. The Jews believed that the temple was God’s dwelling place and the only valid place where He could be truly worshiped. So, to speak against this holy place was tantamount to speaking against God. They also considered any attack against the law as an attack against Moses, the recipient of the law.

6:14 For we have heard him say [Stephen apparently quoted John 2:19] that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place [the temple was precious to the Jews] and change the customs [Jews believed the Law could never be changed] Moses handed down to us.”

The false witnesses bolstered their exaggerated claims with misinformation. Stephen had apparently quoted Jesus’ words in John 2:19, “Destroy this sanctuary, and I will raise it up in three days.” This was not a threat to destroy the temple, as the false witnesses charged, but rather a prophecy about Jesus’ own death and resurrection.

Additionally, the false witnesses said that Jesus had no regard for the customs that Moses handed down to them. The law was precious to the Jews and they believed that it could never be changed. Jesus however, did not nullify Moses’ Law, but rather completely fulfilled it. Nevertheless, Stephen’s opponents managed to accuse him of nothing less than heresy and sedition.

6:15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel [cf. Moses’ face when descending from Sinai (Ex. 34:29-35) and Jesus on mount of transfiguration (Lk. 9:29)].

When Stephen’s accusers finally stopped their tirade, all eyes turned to Stephen to see how he would respond. They may have expected an angry, bitter, or even fearful response. Stephen however, modeled peace under pressure. Those who had falsely accused him saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Ironically, the face of the man accused of opposing Moses shone like the face of Moses when he descended from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29-35). With the glow of Moses on his face, the words of Moses in his head, and the courage of Moses in his heart, Stephen answered his accusers. We exhibit boldness when we continue to stand by our Christian beliefs even though others are hostile to us.

5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with [emphasizes joint responsibility] his wife Sapphira, also [cf. Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37] sold a piece of property [it is possible they knew about Barnabas’ act; they were motivated to seek praise or recognition for themselves].

5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but [unlike Barnabas] brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet [they wanted people to think they were as generous as Barnabas].

5:3 Then Peter said [Peter was more concerned with the heart of the giver than the money], “Ananias, how is it that Satan [the father of lies and deception (Jn. 8:44)] has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit [this was Ananias’ greater sin] and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold [members of the church had a right to own personal property; they were not obligated to sell their property]? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal [Ananias did not have to give any of the money to the church; he and his wife could have kept all the proceeds]? What made you think of doing such a thing [they gave some of the money while claiming to have given all of the money; they were trying to appear more generous than they really were]? You have not lied to men but to God [their sin was deceit; this act of deception threatened the unity of the church and was a poor witness to the community].”

Note: Can you recall a time when you gave with an attitude of duplicity? How can we guard against duplicity in our giving and in our lives in general?

5:5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died [Luke does not record cause of death, only that he died under the judgment of God.] And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

5:6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

5:7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

5:8 Peter asked her [gave her an opportunity to tell the truth], “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

5:9 Peter said to her [Sapphira could have told the truth but confirmed her guilt by continuing the deception], “How could you agree to test [to see how much they could get away with] the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

5:10 At that moment she fell down at his feet [in contrast to those who laid their gifts at the apostles’ feet (cf. Acts 4:35,37)] and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

5:11 [after this display of God’s judgment] Great fear [a deeper reverence for the Lord] seized the whole church [first use of the term “church” (Gr. ekklesia) in Acts] and all who heard about these events.

Note: What would happen if events like these took place in the lives of believers and churches today? How would you respond if such an event happened in your church?

5:12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.

5:13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

5:14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

5:15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

5:16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

5:18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

5:21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

5:22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,

5:23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

5:24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

5:25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”

5:26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

5:27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.

5:28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!

5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.

5:31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

5:33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.

5:35 Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.

5:36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

5:37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

5:38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

5:40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

4:1 The priests [mostly Sadducees] and the captain of the temple guard [a high-ranking Sadducee; kept order in and around the temple] and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people [at Solomon’s Colonnade (cf. Acts 3:11)].

4:2 They [especially the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead] were greatly disturbed [irritated; annoyed] because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead [this teaching contradicted beliefs of the Sadducees].

4:3 They seized [arrested] Peter and John, and because it was evening [too late to hold an official inquiry], they put them in jail until the next day.

4:4 But many who heard the message [religious leaders arrested the messengers but could not stop the message] believed, and the number of men [not counting women and children] grew to about five thousand.

4:5 The next day the rulers [perhaps Sadducees], elders [heads of families] and teachers [scribes; professional interpreters of the law] of the law [these made up the Sanhedrin; same council that had condemned Jesus to death (cf. Lk. 22:66); consisted of seventy regular members plus the high priest] met in Jerusalem.

Within hours of Peter’s and John’s arrest, the same council of men that had condemned Jesus to death (Luke 22:66) assembled in Jerusalem. Charged with the responsibility of protecting the Jewish faith, the powerful members of the Sanhedrin (see Acts 4:15) met to assess this latest threat to the faith. The seventy-member council served as the supreme court of the land with the current high priest serving as the presiding officer. Although the members of this elite intellectual group knew the Scriptures, they had failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

4:6 Annas [a former high priest and father-in-law to Caiaphas] the high priest [high priests retained title for life] was there, and so were Caiaphas [the ruling priest; cf. Jn. 18:24], John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family.

Annas was among the dignitaries present that day. Although deposed from the priesthood by the Romans, he retained the title high priest for life. He was perhaps the most powerful political figure among the Jews and functioned in something of a “godfather” role. Caiaphas, the current high priest, and his father-in-law Annas were instrumental in the conviction of Jesus a few months earlier. These men now met to consider what to do about Jesus’ troublesome followers.

4:7 They had Peter and John [and the healed man as per 4:14] brought before [or “in the middle” of] them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this [the message and the miracle of healing of the lame man]?”

After spending a night in jail, Peter and John were summoned before the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas, the presiding officer, most likely started the interrogation. He asked by what kind of power or what name they had used to heal the lame beggar—suggesting they might have used a magic formula such as those used by exorcists.

4:8 Then [in response to their question] Peter, filled with [empowered by] the Holy Spirit, said [under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 10:18-20)] to them [note that Peter was respectful…]: “Rulers and elders [members of the Sanhedrin] of the people!

Jesus had promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them the words (Luke 12:11-12) and wisdom (Luke 21:14-15) to defend themselves when they encountered opposition (Matt. 10:18-20). Peter experienced the fulfillment of that promise as he stood before the Sanhedrin. Filled or empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter stood his ground and spoke the truth courageously yet courteously.

4:9 If [or “since”] we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple [one who was weak, helpless, powerless, and dependent on others] and are asked how he was healed [made whole; this word is translated “to be saved” in verse 12],

Ironically, Peter and John were called to account for performing an act of kindness. The religious leaders could not deny that the lame man had been healed because he stood before them as Exhibit A (see Acts 4:14). They knew the man and had likely walked past him every time they entered the temple complex (see Acts 3:2). Perhaps some of them had even given him alms or prayed for him. Yet Peter and John did for this man what no one else had been able to do—they healed him in the name of Jesus.

While God may not use us to heal someone, we can meet others’ physical needs in many ways, such as giving clothes to people who need them, providing food for hungry people, and building homes for the homeless. Such acts of kindness often open doors that allow us to share the gospel with others.

4:10 then know this, you [rulers and elders] and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth [Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah], [Peter the accused became Peter the accuser…] whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Peter addressed his reply to the Sanhedrin as well as to all the people of Israel. As he stood before an assembly of the most important religious leaders in Jerusalem, Peter the accused became the accuser. Without hesitation he attributed the healing to Jesus the Christ—a term that clearly identified Jesus as God’s promised Messiah. The religious leaders and the people had crucified Him but God raised Jesus from the dead, thus affirming that He is indeed the Messiah and God’s own Son (see Rom. 1:4).

4:11 He [Jesus Christ] is [cf. Ps. 118:22] “‘the stone you builders rejected [implies contempt or scorn], which has become the capstone [or cornerstone; the reference point for aligning the other stones in the building].’

4:12 [cf. 1 Tim. 2:5] Salvation is found in no one else [cf. Jn. 14:6], for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Without concern for any negative consequences, Peter proclaimed that salvation comes only through Jesus.  Other religions may have prophets or charismatic leaders, but only Christianity offers the world a Savior who is uniquely qualified to save people from their sins.

In an age that celebrates tolerance and pluralism, we must be ready to face the heat of political incorrectness and possibly the charge of ‘hate crime’ as we witness to Christ’s exclusive claims. Salvation is not available from any political, religious, or ideological leader. Salvation is found in no other name under heaven but the name of Jesus.

4:13 When they [the members of the Sanhedrin] saw the courage [boldness] of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled [did not have rabbinical training], ordinary men [laymen], they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The members of the Sanhedrin were amazed at the boldness of Peter and John. Peter spoke with confidence and articulated his defense with an eloquence that puzzled the influential Jewish scholars. They recognized that these ordinary fishermen had no formal rabbinical training nor did they have any religious credentials.

Perhaps some of those present had heard Jesus teach in the temple complex and wondered, “How does He know the Scriptures, since He hasn’t been trained?” (John 7:15). And now, the uneducated and untrained followers of Jesus displayed a similar ability to speak and gave evidence that they had been with Jesus.

4:14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say [the evidence left them speechless].

4:15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.

4:16 [perhaps Gamaliel (cf. Acts 5:34; 22:3) was the source re: what was said in this meeting] “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked [the Jewish Council members were obviously concerned and in a quandary]. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.

4:17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further [they wanted to maintain the status quo; damage control] among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name [Jesus’ name].”

4:18 Then they called them in again and commanded [probably used intimidating tone] them not to speak or teach at all [to completely or entirely stop] in the name of Jesus.

The members of the Sanhedrin found themselves in an awkward predicament. Peter and John had not broken any laws and had the support of the people. In order to save face and to try to contain the situation, the council decided to scare Peter and John into silence. They called them back into the room and ordered them to completely stop preaching or teaching in the name of Jesus. This warning would serve as the foundation for taking additional punitive action against them should they disobey the order (see Acts 5:28,40).

Satan’s agenda remains the same today—to silence and discredit God’s people. Sadly, too many in the church have become entangled in that agenda.

4:19 But Peter and John replied [they boldly rejected the ban on speaking in Jesus’ name], “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God [the will of the Council was at odds with the will of God; cf. Acts 5:29].

The Sanhedrin had asked Peter and John to do the one thing they could not do—to remain silent about Jesus. Peter and John were not interested in doing what was popular, expedient, or safe. They were interested in doing what was right in the sight of God! Therefore, because the order of the Council was at odds with Jesus’ command to witness (Acts 1:8) they rejected the ban on speaking about Jesus. In so doing they joined the ranks of the Jewish midwives (Ex. 1), Moses’ parents (Heb. 11:23), Daniel, (Dan. 1 and 6), and Daniel’s three friends (Dan. 3)—all conscientious objectors who disobeyed authorities in order to serve God.

4:20 For we cannot help speaking [because they were utterly convinced of the truth of the gospel] about what we have seen and heard.”

Peter and John could not remain silent, regardless of the consequences. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ entire ministry. They knew that He was resurrected from the dead and were utterly convinced of the truth of the gospel. Like Paul, they felt obligated to those without Christ (see Rom. 1:14) and would not keep the good news about Jesus to themselves.

4:21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God [this should have made the religious leaders happy] for what had happened.

4:22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old [accentuates the significance of the miracle and why the people were thrilled that he had been healed].

4:23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people [other believers] and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

4:24 When they heard this [the account of Peter and John’s He arrest/persecution] they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord [from Gr. “despota” (used also in Lk. 2:29; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 1:4; Rev. 6:10); reminder that God is powerful and in control],” they said, [cf. Ps. 146:6; Isa. 37:16] “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.

4:25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David [cf. Ps. 2:1-2]: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

4:26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ‘

4:27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.

4:28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen [reminder that God is sovereign].

4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness [notice that they did not ask God to remove threats or danger of persecution but to enable them to continue speaking with boldness].

4:30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders [these would confirm their message] through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken [an indication of that God had heard their prayer]. And they were all filled [the purpose of the filling was to empower them to witness] with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

After further threats, the Sanhedrin released Peter and John who went and reported to their own fellowship what had happened. After listening to their report, the believers entered into a time of prayer. They did not pray for relief from persecution but for complete boldness to continue speaking His message.

After praying, the place where they were assembled was shaken—an indication that God had heard their prayer. And, the Holy Spirit filled or empowered those present to speak God’s message with boldness. Boldness follows filling. The Holy Spirit still empowers believers today to speak God’s message with complete boldness.

4:32 All the believers were one [unity] in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own [unselfish spirit], but they shared [they did so voluntarily, lovingly, and spontaneously; an expression of unity] everything they had.

These final verses are a window into the early church and its inner workings. While persecution can have a demoralizing impact upon believers, the arrest of Peter and John drew the early church together. The believers in Jerusalem were of one heart and soul. One of the evidences of this unity was their unselfish and giving spirit. The believers lovingly and voluntarily shared everything they had with those in need.

Sharing financial resources is a way to meet others’ physical needs and also expresses Christian love and promotes unity in the church. The world recently took notice of Christians who responded with outpourings of love, time, and resources in the wake of tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. This is to be a continual lifestyle for followers of Jesus.

4:33 With great power [provided by the Holy Spirit] the apostles continued to testify [apostles maintained focus on proclaiming the gospel; the church did not just focus on the needs of the saints] to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace [enabled these believers to share goods and proclaim Christ] was upon them all.

The apostles maintained their focus on proclaiming the gospel. Ignoring the threats of the Sanhedrin, they continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with the power provided by the Holy Spirit. Their message was validated by the generosity and kindness of the believers to those in need. This unselfish sharing made it obvious that Christ had made a difference in their lives and gave evidence that great grace, or God’s favor and blessing, was on all of them.

4:34 There were no needy persons among them [cf. Acts 4:32b; a testimony to the mutual love among believers; cf. Deut. 15:1-11]. For from time to time [when a genuine need arose] those who owned lands or houses sold [voluntary, spontaneous act of sacrificial love] them, brought the money from the sales

Note: What are some situations that usually cause you to feel more inclined to give sacrificially to help another in need?

4:35 and put it at the apostles’ feet [a gesture of submission to Christ whom the apostles represented; indicates they trusted the apostles completely; implies a giving up of rights to the property/proceeds], and it was distributed to anyone as he had need [Gr. “chreia” can refer to needs in general or someone poor enough to be dependent on others (cf. 1 Jn. 3:17)].

Because of the kindness the believers had demonstrated toward those in need, there was not a needy person among them. Those who had assets such as lands or houses voluntarily sold them and made the proceeds available to the apostles. The apostles in turn distributed these resources to anyone who had a need. In this way the needs of all the believers in Jerusalem were met. No believer in the fellowship had to beg for bread or suffer indignities because of the lack of financial resources.

We give evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives by sharing our financial resources with others. Sharing financial resources is a way in which to express Christian love and to promote unity in the church. However, giving money should never preclude our personal involvement in the lives of others.

4:36 Joseph, a Levite [tribe with priestly role; in earlier times Levites forbidden from owning land (Num. 18:20; Deut. 10:9)] from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement [a nickname that described his character and his work]),

4:37 sold [a voluntary act] a field he owned [likely that restrictions on Levites owning property were no longer observed at this time] and brought the money [all of the proceeds or the sale] and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Note: What are ways in which you can share what you have with those in need? What could help you become more like Barnabas? How can you involve your family in giving to God’s work?

3:1 One day Peter and John were going up [perhaps suggests climbing the steps which led up into the temple] to the temple at the time of prayer [Jews observed prayer in the morning (9:00 AM), afternoon (3:00 PM), and evening (sunset)]—at three in the afternoon [“the ninth hour” (KJV)].

3:2 Now a man crippled from birth [the man was forty years old (Acts 4:22)] was being carried [accentuates the helplessness of the man and his dependence on the kindness of others; cf. Lk. 5:18] to the temple gate called Beautiful [only Luke mentioned a gate by this name], where he was put every day to beg [probably his only means of support] from those [beggars probably believed they were more likely to receive help from religious people at the temple] going into the temple courts.

3:3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.

3:4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us [possibly indicates that the beggar avoided looking directly at those from whom he asked alms]!”

3:5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting [expectant faith honors God and God honors expectant faith] to get something from them.

3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of [by the authority and power of] Jesus [Gr. equivalent of Heb. Joshua; means Savior] Christ [Messiah; Anointed One] of Nazareth, walk [Peter gave the man what he really needed rather than what he had asked for; the man got more than he expected (cf. Eph. 3:20-21)].”

3:7 Taking him by the right hand, he [Peter] helped him up, and instantly [the healing was immediate and complete] the man’s feet and ankles became strong [his feet and ankles had never been able to support him].

3:8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping [cf. Isa. 35:6], and praising God [he gave God the credit for his healing].

3:9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God [the beggar continued to give God credit for his healing],

3:10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

3:11 While the beggar held on to [perhaps an indication of gratitude] Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade [a favorite meeting place of the early Christians (cf. Acts 5:12); ran along the length of the eastern side of the court of the Gentiles].

3:12 When Peter saw this [the astonishment of the people], he said to them [Peter took advantage of the opportunity to preach a sermon]: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness [holiness, piety] we had made this man walk?

3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob [cf. Ex. 3:6], the God of our fathers [cf. Ex. 3:15], has glorified [honored or exalted; the purpose of the miracle] his servant Jesus [cf. Jn. 13:31-32; Phil. 2:9]. You handed him over to be killed [an event that had happened in Jerusalem only weeks earlier], and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.

3:14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One [cf. Isa. 53:11] and asked that a murderer [Barabbas; what a contrast to Jesus who was holy and righteous] be released to you [cf. Lk. 23:13-25].

3:15 You killed the author [may also be translated ruler, leader, founder] of life, but God [cf. 1 Cor. 6:14; Heb. 13:20] raised him from the dead. We [Peter, John, and others] are witnesses [cf. 1 Cor. 15:5-8] of this.

3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know [the healed man’s identity and condition was no secret] was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see [the man’s condition was obvious].

3:17 “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance [cf. Eph. 4:18], as did your leaders.

3:18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets [cf. Ps. 22, Isa. 50:6; Isa. 53:1-12], saying that his Christ would suffer [Jews were expecting a conquering Messiah].

3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out [erased; completely forgiven], that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

3:20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

3:21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

3:22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.

3:23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’

3:24 “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.

3:25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’

3:26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”