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The Early Spread of the Gospel by Peter and Paul
Last time, we delved into the second half of the book of James. (See Christianity Out in the World).
Now, we are going to continue with a chronological presentation of the apostles Peter and Paul’s continuing thrusts to spread the Gospel.
We’ll first return to Peter, just after he baptized the Roman Centurion and his household. (See https://godcherishesyou.com/christs-greatest-enemy-was-directly-converted-by-jesus-himself/).
Peter returned to Jerusalem, whereupon he was subjected to a hostile reception from some Jewish brothers in Christ, because he had ministered to Gentiles. However, once Peter told them how the Holy Spirit had filled the Gentiles, the critics changed their tune:
When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” Ac.11:18 NLT
During this same timeframe, (after the stoning of the disciple Stephen), many of Christ’s followers fled to other regions to preach, due to increased persecution from the non-believing Jews. One of these places was the city of Antioch, located in what was a Syrian territory, now, part of modern-day Turkey.
There, a church was planted in Antioch, which became the ‘fountainhead’ of Gentile followers of Christ.
The church in Jerusalem was very impressed with the reports that they received about the Antioch church. So, the sent a disciple, named Barnabas, to bestow their seal of approval on it, as well as to strengthen the congregants in their doctrine.
Barnabas was so inspired by this church that he traveled to Tarsus to enlist the assistance of the apostle Saul for his mission. Together, they returned to Antioch to teach in the church:
Both of them stayed there with the church a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) Ac. 11:26 NLT
In this same time, Herod Agrippa 1, grandson of Herod the Great, of Jesus’ time, was governor of Judea. He was also close to one of Rome’s most infamous Caesars, Caligula – who must have made quite an impression on Herod, because he was equally evil.
Herod had ordered the execution of the apostle James (brother of John). The Jews has lauded Herod for his deed. Emboldened, he had the apostle Peter arrested and sentenced to be executed as well.
The night prior to the execution, Peter was in prison, bound with chains, sleeping between 2 soldiers, and guarded by sentries. In the middle of that night, God sent an angel to free him and help him to escape to Caesarea. Herod never found Peter again…
Herod continued his ungodly behavior – even to the point of believing that he was a god. However, as soon as he tried to own that thought, Jehovah sent an angel to strike him down for his blasphemy[1]
At the approximate time of Herod’s death (47 A.D.), a prophet from Jerusalem journeyed to the church in Antioch, warning them of an imminent famine that would strike Judea.
In response, the church sent aid to the church elders in Jerusalem through the hands of Barnabas and Saul, who were also accompanied by a Gentile disciple, named Titus.
After delivering the aid, Barnabas, and Saul, (this time traveling with the apostle Mark), returned to Antioch. When they arrived, the Holy Spirit fell upon the church elders – urging then to send Barnabas and Saul on what would become Saul’s first missionary journey. Mark came along to assist.
Their first stop was the island of Cyprus, home to Barnabas, where they preached in the synagogues and to the Gentiles as well. Because of the presence of the Gentiles, Saul decided to use his Roman name, Paul. (He was a Roman citizen – more on that later). For the rest of his life, he remained apostle Paul.
When they finished preaching in Cyprus, they set sail for the Roman province of Galatia (located in modern-day Turkey). When they made landfall, the apostle Mark left for Jerusalem (the Bible doesn’t tell us why).
“And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus.” Ac. 13:32, 33. NLT
Paul and Barnabas stayed to preach in several Galatian cities, establishing new churches as they did so. Let’s listen in as Paul preaches the Gospel in one of these cities, also called Antioch – speaking of Christ’s lineage:
“…the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul…But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’
“And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel!” Ac.13:21 – 23. NLT
“And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus.” Ac. 13:32, 33. NLT
“So let it be clearly known by you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you; and through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior and follows Him] is justified and declared free of guilt from all things, from which you could not be justified and free of guilt through the Law of Moses.” Ac. 13:38, 39. AMP
Therein lies a short synopsis of the message of the cross…
The Jews were amazed at Paul’s Gospel preaching, inviting him to return on the following Sabbath, so that they could hear more. When Paul showed up, the entire city was present – mostly populated by Gentiles.
The Jews that were present, were jealous of the presence of the Gentiles. They began to harass Paul and Barnabas, accusing them of bringing the Gentiles a false gospel that could not save them. Yet Paul and Barnabas boldly stood their ground against the Jews, and they spelled out what awaits the Jews because of their disbelief:
“It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command, when he said,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. Ac. 13:46 – 48. NLT
The Jews had their chance. But they blew it because of their unbelief – just as in Christ’s time.
Later, the Jews ran Paul and Barnabas out of town. They traveled to the city of Iconium, where Jews and Gentiles alike, embraced their salvation. Still, there was a faction of un-believing Jews who tried to turn the Gentiles against the apostles. But God had different plans:
But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. Acts 14:3 NLT
The unbelievers hardened their hearts against Paul and Barnabas, and they planned to kill them. But the apostles got wind of their plan and moved on to a city called Lystra. There, Paul healed a crippled man for God’s glory. Yet the unbelievers followed the apostles to Lystra, saying that it was their ‘god,’ who did the healing. Then they stoned Paul and left him for dead.
The next day, Paul arose, and he and Barnabas preached in one more city. Then, they retraced their steps back to the Gentile church in Antioch, revisiting all the churches that they had planted – telling them to endure to receive their promise:
…they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 NLT
Indeed, we have an open invitation to God; but the devil will never give up his hateful attempts of trying to get you to reject the invite, or try to convince you to renounce it once you’ve accepted it.
Thus, we must be ever-vigilant, always keeping our eyes on the prize…
Goodnight and God bless.
[1] Ac 12:23
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Christianity Out in the World 2
The book of James – second half
Last time, we examined the first half of the book of James (See Part One). In it, we examined the Holy Spirit – inspired message that the apostle James received about building faith, resisting temptation, adhering godly wisdom, and living by the His word.
Another way of ‘doing’ love by living by the word of God, is to use loving speech to edify others. We can’t do that if we let our flesh rule over our spirit:
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could control ourselves in every other way. Jas. 3:2 NLT
Yes, an uncontrolled tongue can wreak a great deal of damage:
…the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. Jas. 3:5, 6. NLT
…no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Jas. 3:8 – 10. NLT
Jesus had also weighed in on this in His time:
(“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Mt. 15:11 NLT)
When we spew unrighteous words upon others, we are allowing our tongue to be used by the devil himself. Left to ourselves, we cannot reign in our tongue; but we can enlist the power of our Father to do so, to use as He intended. And His intentions are found in Scripture:
(I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Ps. 34:1 NLT)
(The mouth of the righteous proclaims wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice and truth. Ps. 37:30 AMP)
(…the words of the wise bring healing. Pr. 12:18 NLT)
(Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Pr. 21:23NLT)
(Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Col. 4:6 NLT)
So, we glorify God by walking in integrity, (i.e., doing what we say we will do), by practicing righteous speech, (standing for justice and declaring the word of God), speaking words that both edify God and the people around us), and by responding to others with grace (by answering in the manner that Jesus would).
Our words are powerful. With them, we can help heal a broken heart and we can use them to bring wisdom (the right application of God’s word) to any situation.
Speaking of wisdom, James tells us how a wise person shows up:
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. Jas. 3:13 NLT
Next, the apostle contrasts the wisdom of God with that offered that by the world:
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. Jas. 3:14 – 17. NLT
James then expounds upon that ‘peace-loving’ part:
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. Jas. 3:18 NLT
So, when you practice ‘peacemaking,’ you are practicing the wisdom of God. War is not from God:
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure. You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? Jas. 4:1 – 4. NLT
Thus, chasing after never-ending desires of the flesh creates internal strife, which collectively leads to groups and nations that share a worldly mindset of lack. And they seek to fill that lack, by making war against those who possesses the object(s) of their desire.
They turn away from asking God for what they need spiritually, which would, in due course, bring additional fruit to them, in the material.
We see also that engaging in worldly ways separates us from God. However, Jehovah loves us so much, that He stands ever ready, to reconnect with us, when we turn away from our destructive distractions:
But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and the haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. Jas. 4:6, 7. AMP
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Jas. 4:8 NLT
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Jas. 4:10 NLT
At this juncture of James’ epistle, he ceases developing elongated revelations, offering instead, a series of short pearls of wisdom (love doings) from Jehovah God for our consideration:
- Speak no evil because it condemns you for trying to act as if you were God:
Don’t speak evil against each other…If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law.
But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? Jas. 4:11, 12. NLT
- Follow God’s plan – seeking His input instead of relying solely on your own:
Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there for a year. We will do business and make a profit.”
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Jas. 4:13 – 15. NLT
God comes from a perspective that cradles our eternal good – far surpassing what we might think we need in a particular moment.
- You can sin by omission (not rebelling against God’s word, but by ignoring it), as well as by overt commission:
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. Jas. 4:17 NLT
- Endure the trials of life with patience because our eternal rewards are at hand:
…be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You too must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Jas. 5:7, 8. NLT
…look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. Jas. 5:10, 11. NLT
- Remember the power of prayer:
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.
Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Jas. 5:13 – 16. NLT
Prayer then, is effective for demonstrating your gratitude, to gain relief from suffering, and for healing (as well as many other things that we will learn in subsequent studies).
As with all prayer, we want to get our transgressions forgiven first (through confession and repentance), so that they do not hamper the influx of the Holy Spirit. We also see that confession is always between you and God; and may include any other child of God (be it clergy or laity) who can prayerfully intercede on your behalf.
- Finally, we should immediately avail ourselves to any brother or sister in Christ, who has fallen off their God-path:
…if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. Jas. 5:19, 20. NLT
This concludes the first apostolic epistle. Isn’t it amazing, exciting, and comforting to hear Christ continue to give greater revelation of His Gospel through the Holy Spirit-driven apostles?
Goodnight and God bless.