Session #6

Acts 11:19-30
“A View Of Things To Come” • 10.28.08 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission

Intro.
- The Gentile conversion of Cornelius and Peter’s involvement has changed the game. Up to this point, only Jews were included into the gospel of Christ.
- The Cornelius episode brought illumination to God’s ultimate plan, but the practice of the church remained very focused.
• Acts 11:19 : “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.”
- The scattered went to Antioch, northwest from Jerusalem, preaching only to the Jews. However, some among their number reached out to the Hellenists and preached Jesus to them. They were very successful.
- The news hit the church in Jerusalem, who now had some context, and a sense of responsibility toward the burgeoning works throughout that region.
- They sent a representative, Barnabas, to check out the work in Antioch.
• Acts 11:23,24 : “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
- At this point, Barnabas enlists the help of Saul, who is still in Tarsus. Barnabas makes the trip and gathers Saul from his work.
• Acts 11:26 : “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
- The Christians at Antioch were so healthy and in such a place of growth that they were in the position to reach out to the struggling church in Jerusalem.
• Acts 11:29,30 : “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
- In this short section of scripture, I believe we have a microcosmic view of how a genuine work of God begins and is sustained. This is what happened here in this section. This work of God in Antioch

I. Started In Obscurity (v.20-22)
II. Sustained In Humility (v.23-25)
III. Succeeded In Responsibility (v.26)
IV. Served According To Their Ability (v.27-29)

Text

I. Started In Obscurity (v.20-22)

- Let me draw your attention to a few words.
- Note the words in verse 19 : Those who were scattered. Then again in verse 20: Some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene.
- Notice however, what is not mentioned. These people are not even named! They were persecuted men, scattered from home because of persecution.
- All we get is where they came from, Cyprus and Cyrene, a Greek Island and a Lybian port.
- These men were not necessarily connected to the church in Jerusalem officially, but they were connected to Christ and preached HIm to the Gentiles.
- These guys were the first to see it in practice. Peter had opened the door and these guys were the first to knock on and run through it with reckless abandon. Notice the effect:
• Acts 11:21 : "And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord."
- The "hand of the Lord was with them." Let me remind you here that if God was not "in this," these guys could have plotted and spoke with the greatest eloquence and nothing would have happened!
- What is it about God's hand? Much is made of God's "right hand" in the book of Psalms. We can check a few verses and see just what His hand is all about.
- Turn with me to Psalm 16. God's right hand symbolizes His provision.
• Psalm 16:11 : "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
- Turn over a few pages to Psalm 18. God's right hand also symbolizes His protection.
• Psalm 18:35 : "You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great."
- Finally, turn with me to Psalm 80 and see that the right hand of the Lord also symbolizes His planting! The context is that the vine has been decimated, but it was God who planted it and could raise it again.
• Psalm 80:14-17 : "Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, And visit this vine And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, And the branch that You made strong for Yourself. It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself."
- Antioch was God's Work! His hand was with them. His hand of providence. His hand of protection. His hand of favor.
- What is the lesson? God's work doesn't need a superstar with a name and a gift! He needs a vessel, willing to do His work! He may put His hand heavily upon that person and that work.

II. Sustained In Humility (v.23-25)

- Word of this great work, this outbreak of the Spirit's work, got back to Jerusalem and the church decided to send a man.
- The church sent the right guy: Barnabas. He saw that this was a great work and he did what Barnabas did best: He encouraged!
- Unlike the last episode, the church did not merely content themselves with hearing about the work. They sent Barnabas to witness it.
- Barnabas saw it and was thrilled! Literally, he rejoiced! He could not have been happier!
- He told them, "Just keep doing what your doing!" Don't stop! Don't quit!
- A wise word to workers in the kingdom: When something is working, just keep doing it!
- Too many guys try to overthink or get real slick in their ministries. Just keep doing what you are doing and the Lord will bless. Barnabas encouraged them and they did it. The results were great.
• Acts 11:24(b) : "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
- Notice this: A great many people were added to the Lord! Not to the anonymous men from Cyprus and Cyrene. Not to Barnabas. They were added to the Lord! This was His Work.
- This is the second time that Luke mentions this. You'll note that he says the same thing in verse 21. These are markers for us to follow.
- This work was sustained in humility. Barnabas did not try to Lord over this work, asserting his authority. The men who started it did not try to do something new and exciting. They stuck to what was working. But notice the final note of humility.
• Acts 11:25 : "Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul."
- Barnabas could have stood there and made himself the Pastor of this work. But Barnabas did something very wise. He recognized that his gifts could only take that group so far.
- What he needed, he himself could not provide, so he humbly stepped aside! Saul, now here was a teacher who could take this group to the next level!
- Barnabas made a decision that would alter the course of his and Saul's life.

III. Succeeded In Responsibility (v.26)

• Acts 11:26 : "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." : Barnabas brought Saul back to Antioch.
- For a year, they assembled with the church. Saul was in his first Pastorate. He was a wise teacher, having both the background and training of his former Pharisaical life, as well as the 12 year plan that he had been living on in Tarsus!
- Turn with me to Galatians 1. Paul is discussing his training with the Galatian church. It had been a very personal and powerful course of study.
• Galatians 1:10-12 : "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."
- Now, 12 years later, Saul is ready and for that year, he did it week by week.
- Note the change in emphasis: They taught a great many people. Before Saul came, they had "caught" a great many people. Those who were caught would now get taught!
- The early part of Antioch's ministry was all evangelism. But now a transition was necessary.
- This church succeeded in their mission and responsibility. They had seen converts and were now taking the next step in making disciples.
- Note again how important those years of obscurity and training were to Saul for this moment in time when he would pour it all out upon the Antioch church. Don't despise the days of preparation!
- God has a purpose and a people in mind in your season of preparation!
- This church succeeded in the two fold mission of the church. Their success is poignantly measured in the final phrase of this verse: "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
- At first glance, this might seem very flattering. Make no mistake: This was no compliment!
- This was a derisive statement. Literally, they were called "Little Christs." This was mockery to the world, but a banner of pride for the disciples. They were identified with Jesus Christ.
- When a church can be identified simply as Christ-like, that work is meeting it's goal.
- They were not marked by personality or program. They were simply like Jesus. That drew the ire of men, but brought the glory to Christ. Mission: Accomplished!

IV. Served According To Their Ability (v.27-29)

- By the end of this section, many are crowding into Antioch.
- One of these people was a prophet named Agabus. He is a brother that is gifted with the ability to foretell the future, God speaking a warning through him.
- This gift has never been intended to be used for sensationalism. In the Old Testament, the gift of prophecy was used to call people into action, usually repentance.
- Here, God speaks prophetically through Agabus, in order for the church to respond. The response to news of a world wide famine was immediate and immediately positive.
• Acts 11:29 : "Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea."
- This church was built upon the right stuff and therefore, when the need arose, the right thing happened at the right time!
- These disciples, each according to his ability. Notice those words. Each one had a certain level that they were able to attain to.
- For some, they were able simply to pray. Others were highly active in providing equipment. Still others gave time. The point is, they all played a part and they determined to act toward one goal.
- The intended to send relief. The Antioch Christians were going to feel the effects of the famine as well. They were not immune, but their maturity is exemplary.
- Their first thought was not selfish. Their first thought was on others who would be in a tighter spot than themselves. Pastor Saul was teaching them well.
- When it came time to consider how that relief should be sent, the church made a great decision. Their heart was to send the best gift, by the best possible hands.
• Acts 11:30 : "This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."
- Barnabas and Saul were chosen for this task. They were the best and the church was blessed to send their very best out for ministry.

Conclusion

- This work of God was forged out of a desire in the heart of God, coupled with the willingness of some ordinary men. Today, you might be one of those ordinary guys.
- They preached Jesus Christ, humbly held the course, made disciples and served according to their ability. Can't that be your story?

Session #5

Acts 9:32-11:18
“The New Context” • 10.21.08 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission
Intro.

- Our chapters this morning represent 12 years of time. Saul is out of the picture, but some significant, necessary activity takes place.
- Luke turns back to Peter, the unofficial leader of the Apostles. God works mightily through the big fisherman at the end of chapter 9, performing miracles through him.
- He heals a paralyzed man and brings a woman back to life.
• Acts 9:42,43 : “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.”
- Meanwhile, in Caesarea, there is a Gentile man, devotedly praying to God. An angel is sent.
• Acts 10:4-6 : “And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.’”
- The next day, Peter is praying and the Lord shows him a vision that will change the course of the history of Christianity. The vision is of unclean animals that God has commanded Peter to eat.
- The representation is that of the Gentiles, who are to be welcomed into the family of God, through Christ. Just as Peter is understanding this, Cornelius’ Roman soldiers reach the house.
- At Cornelius’ home, Peter puts all the pieces together.
• Acts 10:28 : “Then he said to them, ‘You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.’”
- After preaching to this Gentile group, Peter witnesses an amazing phenomenon: Before he finishes speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles in the same way He came upon the church in Acts 2! Peter seems to have no choice but to recognize what God has done.
• Acts 10:47,48 : “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”
- Back in Jerusalem, word has reached the elders of the church and there is no shortage of confusion and bewilderment.
• Acts 11:2,3 : "And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, 'You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!'"
- Peter recounted slowly the entirety of the narrative of chapter 10 from his perspective. After he was finished, the elders were tongue tied.
• Acts 11:18 : "When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, 'Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.'"
- Consider a few things for this morning's muse: This almost didn't happen! This is one of the more important stories in the history of Christendom, in that it marks a pardigmatic shift in emphasis.
- God is opening the door of salvation to the nations, the Gentiles, and Peter is at the very front of that movement of God. It is the stage upon which all of Paul's ministry will stand.
- Peter has to fight against natural tendencies to participate with God in this global enterprise. They are the same tendencies that foul us up as well.
- Contrary to what many might believe, God still gives us these opportunities daily to open the doors of grace and to move toward participating with Him in adventures that would rival the book of Acts. Let's consider them in order of their appearance. Peter had to fight against

I. Traditions (10:13-16)
II. Fears (10:17-20)
III. Peers (11:1-3)

Text

I. Traditions (10:13-16)

• Acts 10:13-16 : "And a voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But Peter said, 'Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.' And a voice spoke to him again the second time, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again." : Peter is waiting for lunch and redeeming the time, praying on the roof.
- During that state of prayer, God comes to him and tells him to kill and eat the animals that appeared in the vision before him.
- Most of the animals represented were outside the bounds of the Jewish diet. But it was the Lord who was telling him to do this.
- Peter seems to always contradict the Lord as his first response. Peter was a "no" man when it came to the Lord.
- Turn with me to Matthew 16. Peter has just been told that he has confessed a heavenly reality. But Peter takes it too far. Jesus has told that disciples that He must go to Jerusalem to die. Peter responds:
• Matthew 16:22,23 : "Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'"
- The ringing rebuke from Christ remains here to this day on the rooftop of Simon the Tanner. Peter is still mindful of the things of men.
- God is trying to turn his attention to a work that will revolutionize the entire Earth and he can't get past what man, traditions have taught him.
- It took the Lord 3 times to communicate this same vision. Three times He clearly points out that the things that He used to consider unclean, were now sanctified because of His work.
- Look again: What God has cleansed you must not call common. The word "cleansed" means to be declared clean and consecrated.
- The Lord, through His work on the cross, fulfilled the law and now, there was not an issue of clean or unclean. That has passed away.
- Peter though has not quite understood this. He has spent his whole life relating to the Lord through a law that was now fulfilled in Christ.
- These kind of things define and ensnare us just as easily. Traditions die hard with Christians. Let me see which ones I can recall.
- Years ago, it was the tradition of the church to use a hymnal for their worship service. An organ only was the only way that God could be approached.
- Then it was the KJV only crowd. That was the only version one could read and the only one that God endorsed!
- God is calling us to a dynamic relationship with Himself. Sometimes, He'll put a sheet out in front of you, calling you to something uncomfortable, non-traditional or just left of center.
- If we are to be in position for God to work, we must be willing to follow obediently.

II. Fears (10:17-20)

• Acts 10:17-20 : "Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate. And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Behold, three men are seeking you. 'Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.'" : Verse 17 is better translated "Peter doubted within himself." He was fearfully confused, tied up about what this vision meant.
- This vision troubled him not because it had happened. God spoke to Peter and he was comfortable with that reality.
- But it was the ramifications of what this vision could have meant. What was God truly trying to make him understand?
- What is represented here is not a man who is afraid to act, but one who is afraid to act in a wrong way!
- Peter is just like any one of us. He received from the Lord but was sometimes, as this clearly illustrates, paralyzed by a fear that he might not have this thing right. "Lord are you sure?"
- At the same time, the Romans Soldiers, men who made a definite impression had come looking for Peter.
- Fear is definitive motivator, either to do or to abstain. Peter had to conquer his fear in the space of moments of time.
- Now, please note that when Peter contradicts the Lord initially, God does not cast him off as a failure. His grace sufficiently meets our human weakness.
- In the same way, here is Peter caught in the horns of a dilemma. Should he stay or should he go? If he goes there will be trouble; If he stays there will be double!!
- I love that God does not let Peter just sit there in paralyzed bewilderment. He comes alongside of Peter, meets him in his weakness and whispers in his heart.
- Arise, go down, go with them doubting nothing. I have sent them!
- This is the same dynamic that we saw in the life of Ananias, afraid to go to Saul because he "had authority." God does not tell Ananias that he's a loser! He offers more for Ananias' comfort.
- Matthew recounts that Joseph had similar feelings of fear with Mary. He wanted to do the right thing. He did not want to disgrace her, but was going to put her away quietly.
- To Joseph, God came and dispelled his worries by giving some more information.
- To those who want to believe, who are not afraid to act, but are afraid to act wrongly, the Lord gives more.
- Turn with me to Mark 9. This is the story of the man with a demoniac son. He is desperate and needs Jesus to do something miraculous. Jesus asks him a simple, yet difficult question:
• Mark 9:23,24 : "Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'"
- Jesus heals this man's son. The God of the Universe responds in a positive way to that kind of honest admission and that kind of faith!

III. Peers (11:1-3)

• Acts 11:1-3 : "Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, 'You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!'" : After the miraculous conversion of Cornelius' household and the subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter is well convinced that God has put his stamp of approval on the Gentiles.
- He was personally involved, having put aside his loyalty to tradition and having put his fear in it's place. Now comes that final test. He must face his peers.
- The Apostles, Peter's friends, the men who walked with Jesus Christ. The guys with the same knowledge of God's word. The men who knew of God's Spirit and the brethren are involved.
- The brethren, men under Peter's influence. Men who listened to Peter and considered him an authority. These same people now heard of what had happened.
- I wonder how? Was it a website? Did they get the Caesarea Gazette? Whatever the case, they heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
- This was a revolutionary concept to their minds, a game changer if you will. This scandalized them and caused them to wonder how this had taken place.
- Now, let's pause here. These men have only heard what has taken place. They have heard the news, but have not comprehended the wonderful ramifications of this event.
- As a result, instead of celebration, there is criticism. Peter, fresh off of this event returns home for the first time in a while, pumped up and excited about what has happened.
- He has seen life transformation, a brilliant display of God's grace, splashed over the lives of Roman Soldiers! Here he comes, up the stairs and he is met with this:
- "You went where and did what with who?" Peter, what were you thinking? You know better than that! At this point, I'll ask you to notice the source: The Circumcision.
- It seems that even in this early part of Church history, there was a group, a loud group, who had already infiltrated the ranks of the church.
- These are people that we'll pay a little closer attention to in the future. For now, recognize that they are very similar to all religious people.
- Forget that the Gentiles were dramatically drawn to God, converted and filled with the Holy Spirit. Our question is do they read the KJV? Our question is do they worship from hymnals?
- These men had the nerve to contend with Peter. Peter, instead of defending himself, started to share the story, from the very beginning.
- Peter recounts the story, describing all that God revealed to him. Peter strengthens his argument by reminding them that this activity was not his idea. Jesus had spoken that Peter's baptism would signal the new proof of conversion.
• Acts 11:16,17 : "Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?'"
- At this brethren were silent. Who could argue with God? Who could hear this and say, "Ah, that was just you?" The answer is nobody!

Conclusion

- If God is going to call men to exciting new experiences in the faith, we as men must commit to that ideal, over the traditions we embrace, the fear we feel or the peers who might criticize God's work.
- Can you be that man? There are still Gentiles and Cornelius' today that are waiting for your answer!

Session #4

Acts 9:20-9:31
“The Ministry Cycle” • 10.14.08 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission

Intro

- Saul has had a life changing moment with Jesus, which resulted in temporary blindness. God sent Ananias to pray for Saul and the Lord healed him. Saul gets to work right away.
• Acts 9:20 : "Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God."
- Imagine the confusion from the synagogue leaders, who saw Saul coming, thinking he was on their team! It must have been devastating to learn that he had been traded!
• Acts 9:21,22 : "Then all who heard were amazed, and said, 'Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?' But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ."
- Saul was on fire. There was no stopping him. The zeal that had once been directed against the Lord was now employed for the Lord.
- As usual, the answer for the religious establishment was to quash this very effective man.
• Acts 9:23,24 : "Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him."
- Saul's enemies waited at the gates, but Saul's friends found a way around the troop build up. They put Saul in a basket and lowered him from the city wall. Saul escaped from Damascus.
- The way that this is written seems to indicate that all of this happened within days. In actuality, three years are represented in these verses.
- After 3 years have passed, Saul decided that it was time to meet with the Apostles in Jerusalem. That meeting did not go as expected.
• Acts 9:26,27 : "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
- Saul did the same thing that he did in Damascus, preaching the name of Christ and disputing with the Hellenists. Again, another plot to kill Saul expedited his exit, this time back to his hometown of Tarsus, where Saul is going to spend the next 12 years of his life.
- During that time, Luke tells us that the Lord continued to bless the church and prosper her.
• Acts 9:31 : "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
- This morning, I am impressed that the Lord would speak to us about the path toward ministry that Saul was now on. It's often that a man like Saul goes through this exact process.
- In reality, I would postulate that this is a ministry cycle for most Christian men.
- In looking at the various stages, I pray that you might see yourself or be challenged to renew yourself in some part of this process. This is what we see unfold for us in this section of scripture:

I. Proclamation (v.20-22)
II. Persecution (v.23,24)
III. Preparation (v.26-29)

Text

I. Proclamation (v.20-22)

• Acts 9:20-22 : "Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, 'Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?' But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ." : Immediately, Saul preached Christ.
- In the KJV, the translation is actually more helpful! "And straightaway, he preached Christ."
- No detours, left turns or scenic routes. Saul went straight at it.
- Please note that he did this in the synagogues at this point. These were places that expected to hear from the word of God and expected people to come and speak to them.
- What they did not expect was that Saul was going to come and tell them that their scriptures referring to Christ had been fulfilled in Jesus, the son of God.
- Saul's theology was simple and his proclamation direct: It's all about Jesus.
- This is what Sauls are like when they are first converted. They aren't spoiled by deep theologies or ruined with Christianese. All they know is that Jesus is God, the Messiah!
- Turn wiith me to John 9:25. There is a great story there about a man that was born blind. Jesus encountered this man, spit on the ground, made mud and put it over the man's eyes.
- He instructed him to wash in the pool of Siloam, which was nearby. He went to the pool and was miraculously healed. He reported what had happened, but was interrupted by the Pharisees.
- They argued that Jesus could not have done this work because He was not like them! In fact, the Pharisees called Jesus a "sinner." The man born blind gives a great reply.
• John 9:25-30 : "He answered and said, 'Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.' Then they said to him again, 'What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?' He answered them, 'I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?' Then they reviled him and said, 'You are His disciple, but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.' The man answered and said to them, 'Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes!"
- I love this guy! He lays the Pharisees out! He doesn't become involved in their theology or attempt to argue a point. He just testifies to what Jesus has done for him.
- We can stand to learn the man born blind and from Saul. They both preached Christ.
- Let me exhort you men, lovingly and pointedly. Our friends might know more about our political views than our relationship to Jesus! Don't be confused: Have political views.
- Research the issues and know the candidates voting record and vote your conscience. But when you speak, Is Christ being preached or are you preaching politics or morality?
- Let's get back to that simplistic witness: I used to be this, you fill in the blank, but now I am this because of Jesus Christ. What will be the result?
- People will be amazed, literally, out of their minds! And with each time, the Saul will be strengthened. You might find yourself more like that new believer you once were as well.

II. Persecution (v.23,24)

• Acts 9:23,24 : "Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him." : Note that these verses represent a three year span of time.
- Because of the animosity toward Jesus, the Jews plotted to kill him. Over and over again, this has been the way in which to deal with these true followers of Christ.
- Ironically, it was Saul who led the charge in this area. Now, he is the intended victim. This would become par for the course.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 4:8-10. Paul outlines some of his experiences to the church in Corinth, who are wondering about the authenticity of his apostleship.
• II Corinthians 4:8-10 : "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
- Look over at II Corinthians 11:23. Paul continues.
• II Corinthians 11:23-28 : "Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches."
- These men suffered because of their confession of Christ. I won't lie to you: You will suffer too! You will suffer a loss of reputation. People won't think your as cool as you used to be.
- Your social life will suffer. Nobody wants a Christ follower around a party! They are always a downer to the vibe!
- Your clientele may shift and you may lose in the financial realm. If you are to be the man of God that you are called to be, to each of these things, you must reply, "SO WHAT!?"
- Turn with me to Romans 8:16-18. Paul's "So what" sounds like this:
• Romans 8:16-18 : "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
- For Sauls and men like him, danger is always on every side. But there is one more point of application that I would make at this juncture. Beware of being religious.
- It has always astounded me how quickly we pass judgment on things and movements that we have no personal involvement with. We don't know anyone from "that church" and we have never read "that book" but we are pretty quick to make our allegiance known.
- It amazes me that we can mentally persecute others because they don't meet our expectations. They are not like us!
- The religious people of Christ's day were able to go and see Jesus personally. Herod, having heard that a king of the Jews was born in a nearby city, assembled the religious leaders and asked them a question: Where will He be born?
- They knew the answer! They knew where the Messiah would be born! They knew that this was a promise that God had made! Do they go there to check it out? Do they go and investigate? Not even one foot!
- How many times has Jesus been in your presence and you have not recognized Him because He is different that your mental icon? How many Sauls have crossed our paths that we have rejected? Beware of religion!

III. Preparation (v.26-29)

• Acts 9:26-29 : "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him." : Now, as we come to this passage, we need to consult Galatians 1:18.
• Galatians 1:18-20 : "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)"
- Three years have passed since Saul entered Damascus. He has been preaching and teaching and running from the Jews. Now, he comes to the disciples.
- Saul tried to join them. One might wonder exactly why that would be the case. Did Saul feel alone? Did he need help? Did he feel inadequate? I don't know.
- There is no insight into the "why" biblically. Suffice it say, he wanted in.
- The disciples though were afraid of him. They thought that he was a spy! They thought that he was acting like them, but was not truly of them! Wow, Pastoral paranoia!? Who knew!?
- I wonder if Saul was discouraged by this. He saw these men and thought that they might extend their hands in fellowship to him. Instead, they gave him the cold shoulder treatment.
- In context, it would be difficult to accept such a radical transformation, so part of me does not blame the disciples for their fear. But who would bridge the gap?
- Only one man believed Saul. It was Barnabas who vouched for Saul. This is the beginning of what will be an incredible relationship between these two men.
- Barnabas' name had a significant meaning, in that it meant "Son of Encouragement." How important it is for the Sauls of this world to have a Barnabas!
- Perhaps if you would be a Saul, you would pray that the Lord would give you a Barnabas. A man who is not afraid of your past or your rough spots.
- More likely however, you need to be someone's Barnabas! Is there a man whose past is sketchy, whose present is doubtful? Oftentimes, these guys need someone to come alongside of them and offer encouragement and bridge the gap between them and the other disciples.
- Because of Barnabas' encouragement, Saul was able to minister for a time, about two weeks before he would need to leave again.
- This time, according to Galatians 2:1, Saul left and is isolated for 12 years, then making a second trip to Jerusalem in the 14th year.
- Saul, as gifted and zealous as he was, needed to be prepared for the ministry that God had for him.
- Not only would he be prepared, but the stage would also need to be prepared for the ministry that he would have.
- Sometimes it's a source of discouragement for new believers or even for old believers when God puts on the breaks. Be comforted in knowing that if God has shelved you for a time, it's only to prepare you for the significant ministry that He wants to do accomplish through you.

Conclusion

- Saul's path to ministry began with the proclamation of Christ. From there he was persecuted and from there moved into a place of preparation for the future.
- You might need to remind yourself of what you are proclaiming in this life.
- You might be in the midst of persecution, being shunned by some person or group. Remember that this is par for the course.
- However, you might be on the shelf and wondering exactly what God is doing with you. He might just be preparing you for significant ministry.