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:
• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
“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)
TextII. Persecution (v.23,24)
III. Preparation (v.26-29)
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.
1 comment:
1 Saul immediately proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Why is it that we lose that simplicity as we "mature" in our faith? What messages replace the simplicity of proclaiming Christ?
2 Saul was persecuted for his proclamation. It's likely that we in America will not face death threats for proclaiming Christ, at least today. What kind of threats then exist in the workplace and what mindset do you have toward those threats?
3 Saul was removed from active duty and placed in isolation for 12 years at the end of our scripture. God prepares the vessel (Saul) for the ministry and the people who are to be ministered to. Share your experience of preparation for the ministry that you hold today.
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