November 23: Acts 15-16

November 23, Acts 15-16

Acts Continued… I am going to keep doing the Bakers Commentary for the Summary of the chapter and then write in my own thoughts for application and meaning…

Acts 15 Bakers Commentary for the summary: “In the church at Antioch some men from Judea teach that believers must be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic law before they can be saved. Paul and Barnabas object to this teaching. The Antiochean church appoints them and others to present this matter to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. On the way, the delegation travels through Phoenicia and Samaria and tells the churches about the conversion of Gentiles. And in Jerusalem its members report the work God has done through the missionaries.

The apostles and elders meet to discuss the question of circumcision and adherence to the law of Moses. Peter addresses them and points to the work God is doing among the Gentiles. He states that God makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Hence, the yoke (burden) of the law, which even the Jews are unable to bear, ought not to be placed on the Gentiles. Salvation is through the grace of Jesus Christ (not through circumcision).

After Paul and Barnabas have spoken, James addresses the assembly and declares that he agrees with Peter’s presentation. James refers to the teaching of the Scriptures and then suggests that the Gentiles be asked to abstain from polluted food, fornication, meat from animals that were strangled, and blood. The entire council approves of this suggestion and appoints Judas and Silas to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the letter from the council. In Antioch, the people receive the letter, hear it read, and are glad. Judas and Silas leave but Paul and Barnabas stay.

Paul and Barnabas speak words of discord because John Mark, who had deserted the missionaries in Pamphylia, now wishes to accompany them. Their discord results in separation, so that Barnabas takes Mark and goes to Cyprus. Paul takes Silas and visits the churches in Syria and Cilicia.”

• As you can tell from the summary, the beginning of the Church was not exactly a cake walk. However, the Holy Spirit guided them to what they were to do and how they were to do it. There will always be ‘persuasive’ leaders that can stir up trouble, but never forget that we have a God who is more persuasive! At the end of the day, we can trust that God will work it out, even if it is messy. 
• Paul, Barnabas, & John Mark. God is Sovereign, meaning that He is divinely orchestrating events. Paul didn't want John Mark to come with them because he had ditched them when he had the chance to stay with them last time. However, in God’s Sovereignty, the missionary efforts were doubled. Paul & Silas retraced their steps and discipled all the believers they had previously met with, while John Mark & Barnabas went and told people about Jesus in 3 cities. 
• God is always working things out and has a purpose for everything.

Acts 16 Bakers Commentary Summary: “Paul and Silas arrive at Derbe and Lystra, where they meet Timothy. Born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father, Timothy is a believer. Paul wants Timothy to accompany them; to enhance Timothy’s effectiveness as a witness to the Jews, Paul circumcises him. As they journey, Paul and Silas deliver the apostolic decrees to the churches and strengthen these churches in the faith.

The Holy Spirit keeps the missionaries from preaching the gospel in the province of Asia and the regions of Bithynia and Mysia. In Troas Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man calling him to come over to help the people there. The missionaries board ship, sail to Neapolis, and travel to Philippi, where they stay for several days. On the Sabbath, Paul preaches to a group of women. God opens the heart of Lydia, who becomes a believer in the Lord and is baptized. Paul and his companions stay in Lydia’s house.

A demon-possessed slave girl, a fortuneteller who brings her owners great profit, identifies the missionaries as God’s servants. Her continual shouting annoys Paul, who drives out the evil spirit. The owners of the girl realize a loss of revenue and accuse Paul and Silas before the magistrates. The missionaries are severely beaten and thrown into prison. During the night they pray and sing hymns. With an earthquake God sets the prisoners free. Paul prevents the jailer from committing suicide; the man becomes a believer and with his family is baptized.

The next morning the magistrates send officers to the jail to release Paul and Silas. But Paul informs them that he and Silas are Roman citizens who have suffered the injustice of a public beating and imprisonment without trial. Paul demands that the magistrates come to the jail to release him and Silas. The magistrates comply; at their request the missionaries leave Philippi after having spent some time at the house of Lydia.”

• Timothy being circumcised. As you are aware, in Christ now, they were not required to be circumcised. However, as we will learn from Paul later - He kept in mind that he wanted to become all things to all people that he may win some for Christ. So, he circumcised Timothy as an adult male so that there would be no hinderances when Timothy worked with Jews. Think about that… it wasn't about their comfort or image, but about the powerful name of Jesus Christ. 
• The Holy Spirit guiding. As you read this Scripture today, my hope is that you are encouraged that God will guide you where He wants you - you just have to be obedient and trust Him
• Fortune Telling is demonic. Tarot cards. Palm reading. Horoscopes. Stars. Basically anything that one trusts for guidance, insight, help, or future plans - other than God Almighty - is demonic. If you have experienced any of this, pray for forgiveness and release. I did it when I was 16 & it had spiritual impacts on me. When I became an adult, I had to be prayed over to get released. It is one of satan’s tricks…
• Trouble because of the demon possessed girl being free equals jail time and beatings but leads to salvation. The jailer and his entire house is saved because of God telling Paul where to go! Picture the scene. In a dark and dingy cell, Paul & Silas are just singing to God and all the prisoners are listening. They were in prison because of dong the works of Jesus and were still praising God in the midst of trials (take note, that is what we are to be doing). Then, a great earthquake that resulted in the opening of the jail cells. The jailer wanted to kill himself because he knew he was screwed by his bosses and Paul prevents him from killing himself. Ends up coming to Jesus and his whole family. God’s ways are higher than our ways.

To sum it all up: 

• See above for my takeaways… Blessings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ!
• Ask God today to set up for you some divine opportunities - when He does, capitalize on them and share with people why you love Christ and what He has done for you. God is orchestrating…