King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Chapters: Acts Chapters 11-12
Message: To Preach And Live The Gospel
Hello My Friend,
I ordered what was supposed to be a yard sign of the baby Jesus and Santa kneeling down before Him at the manger only to be highly disappointed when I received it and discovered that it is only a foot tall. I wanted it to be a focal point of my Christmas display outside to show that even Santa knew that he was just a man and what Christmas is all about. Some would say that Santa is a myth, but he was person in fact, a Christian who gave gifts to kids on Christmas day, but thanks to a world that keeps getting more wicked by the day, even Santa is acknowledged much anymore. And by the way, when the American world takes the Thanksgiving holiday and turns it into Friendsgiving then you know there is a problem. It is a reminder that people rather have their ears tickled rather than told the truth, [2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.]
I am not going on a rant about this, but I bring it up because we are going into the holiday season and it is the best time to teach the truth. We are told that everything that happens has a purpose, meaning it has an object or goal to be accomplished behind it. Couple that with each persons heart, meaning their character, and how they reason the good, bad, and ill will among themselves, and you will either have someone who is a God fearing Christian or a God hating reprobate. Jesus, is no respecter of persons, it does not matter if you were born into the house of Jacob or in my case, Sam, we all have a soul, and that means we determine the purpose of our soul by either believing in Christ or not. As we continue in the reading of Acts, Peter meets up with the Apostles who were quite upset when they heard the news that he had witnessed to the Gentiles and they were getting saved.
[Acts 11:1-6 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.]
[Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning,] Peter, already knew that he was going to take some heat from the Jews about going to the Gentiles and preaching the Gospel to them. The Jews as well as many Christian based religions, and I should add the Muslim’s as well, make the grave mistake of believing that God only accepts a specific race, religion, or ancestry and that has never been the case. Yes, God, used the Jews to be the light that guided other nations to Him as well as bring His Son into the world in the flesh, but He has always accepted anyone who comes to Him willingly with a sincere heart, [Exodus 12:48-49 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.]
Peter, goes on to tell the story of the vision, how he heard a voice telling him that it was okay to eat the animals that he was seeing and how he protest it at first, [Acts 11:8-9,11-13 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;]
[the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.] If there is one thing I have learned about reaching the lost with the Gospel it is that the Holy Spirit will definitely lead you to speak to someone about Christ. I can kick myself a few times for not speaking to someone He had led me to when I had the opportunity. We need to understand that everyone needs to hear the truth, especially those who are living under the false pretenses of their religion. Finally, Peter, goes on to tell them how everyone in the house got saved and reminded them of what Jesus said to them and it was not limited to the Jews.
[Acts 11:14-18 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.]
[what was I, that I could withstand God?] Yes, we may not like the people that we are led to preach the Gospel to, but it is not up to us. God, is no respecter of persons, we are all sinners and would not like it if we were omitted from hearing the truth because someone did not like us, and not everyone likes us, [Acts 10:42-43 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.]
Now, that all that was over, the Apostles and many of the disciples for fear of the Jews left Jerusalem and headed for Greece. Some of them only went into the synagogues to preach the Gospel while others, one man in particular named Barnabas, went to Antioch and preached to them all. When he discovered that many received him and Christ he went to Tarsus to find Saul, who had been gone for three years.
[Acts 11:21-25 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:]
[had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all,] When we lead someone to Christ and they accept Him, we are not the ones that saved them, we are just the messengers sent to show them the truth, and by the grace of God if they accept the Gospel then praise God, [Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.]
Barnabas, did find Saul and encouraged him to return to Antioch with him, and when he did, the very first church was started and they remained there about a year. And we learn of how Christians got their title, [Acts 11:26-29 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:]
[And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.] The word Christian means, Christ follower. In other words, they are those who are saved, and born again, solely through their faith in the Gospel of Christ. However, a true disciple of Christ is one who is not only saved, but studies the Word of God to follow the example of and obey the precepts of Christ, [1 Peter 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.]
[there should be great dearth throughout all the world:] It is documented in history that there were four famines during Caesar’s reign. This great famine reached the entire Roman empire, much like the days when people went to Egypt for food, but it was the Christians who sent provisions to their fellow Christians in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, things we not going so well for the Christians, Herod, trying to keep the peace with the Jews captured James, John’s brother, and killed him. He would be the first of the Apostles to as Jesus said, bear the cup that He had bore.
[Acts 12:1-5 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.]
[because he saw it pleased the Jews,] This is why society has gone so far into the abyss of immoral sin that it has flooded over into the Church. The majority of the world, including Jews, can care less about what Christians do, but there is a small group of reprobates determined to cause so much havoc on the Church that the Church itself has succumbed to them, and those are the ones we need to stay clear from, [2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.]
The Easter celebration they were having is not the same as what we celebrate of the day that Jesus arose from the dead. This is a pagan holiday, full of drinking, partying, and orgies, which is why true Christian churches call our holiday Resurrection Day. Herod, would have killed Peter too had it not been sunset so he had him put into the prison, and to make sure he could not escape he had a band of guards watching over him. As Peter laid there asleep in the cell, with two guards next to him something incredible happened.
[Acts 12:7-9 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.]
[but thought he saw a vision.] At first, Peter thought that he was dreaming, but learned that it was no dream at all when he found himself on the street. So, he found his way over to Mark’s mothers house where several people were there praying for Peter, [Acts 12:11-14 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.]
[I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel,] Boy, how would you like something like that to happen to you? You know, we do have angels watching over us, and while some of them are visible and look like you and I, others are not so that they might assist us. Angels, are our protectors and believe it or not, as much as affliction as we endure, our angels have intervened more than we know. I have way too many instances of near fatal experiences that were diverted not to believe that, [Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.]
Rhoda, was so excited to tell the people that Peter was standing at the gate that she left him there to tell the other, only they did not believe her at first, [Acts 12:15-18 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.]
[beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace,] Peter, realized that any outburst of joy by them might not only attract attention in the neighborhood, but would result in the loss of valuable time so he left Jerusalem. [there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.] As you can imagine no one wanted to explain how Peter disappeared when he was guarded with two guards beside him and all over the place, but it had to be done and needless to say, Herod was not too happy to find that out, but what he did to James was about to come back to haunt him.
[Acts 12:20-23 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.]
[because he gave not God the glory:] Tyre and Sidon were trading cities, and were always supplied with corn from the land of Canaan. Blastus, took bribes to keep peace so trading would continue. Then Herod, appeared in all his pride, with a robe that literally reflected the sun and shown the light on the people. After his great speech the people highly applauded him and their calling him a god was referring to their respect toward him as being their king, [1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.]
However, Herod took that as a sign that they believed him to be God, in he was struck down that instant. This was one of those instances where God had used Herod to make an example to not only fear Him, but one will reap what they sow eventually, [Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.]
Today’s Prayer:
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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