Acts 8:26-10:48
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Forging Faithful Followers — Acts 8:26-40 John Mitchell Introduction
Forging Faithful Followers — Acts 8:26-40 John Mitchell Introduction. The book of Acts stands as the sole historical book in the New Testament. As we know, found in these pages is the early history of the Church as it strove to do exactly as Jesus desired, to take the gospel message from Jerusalem, to all Judea, to Samaria, and ultimately to the end of the earth. Consistent with this spread of the gospel, Acts is accurately viewed as the book of conversions — Acts being the only place in the New Testament where actual conversion experiences are recorded. The passage before us is rightly viewed as containing the conversion of an Ethiopian Eunuch and is worthy of detailed study as to what was said and done in bringing this man to the obedience of the faith. Fortunately, there is more here than a simple conversion account; we also find solid principles for the building of productive Christian lives. The theme of this year’s symposium is “ACTS in Action” — mining the treasures of this great historical narrative in practical and productive ways. The narrative of Philip and his interaction with the Ethiopian Eunuch models timeless principles for us to be faithful followers of Christ. We’ll seek to apply these principles in two specific areas of our Christian life, namely every day (consecration of ourselves) and evangelism (conversion of the lost). I. EVERYDAY (vv 26-30, 40). (1) Selection. The text opens with the words, “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip…” I must confess that when I read these words I’m taken off guard. -
Vergil's Nisus and the Language of Self-Sacrifice In
Vergil’s Nisus and the Language of Self-Sacrifice in Paradise Lost LEAH WHITTINGTON Princeton University When the Son of God offers to die for mankind in book 3 of Paradise Lost (1667), readers who have been tempted to join the devil’s party for the first two books of the poem confront an unsettling dramatic scene: the assembly in heaven is staged as a mirror image of the demonic council at Pandemonium. The listening host suddenly grows quiet, and a solitary hero figure emerges out of the silence to take on the burden of raising the collective fortune. Placed beside the Son’s promise to atone for man’s sin with his death, Satan’s exploratory mission to earth comes into focus as a fallen reflection of self-sacrifice, a self-aggrandiz- ing perversion of the poem’s heroic ideal now articulated in the Son. This moment of internal self-reference has often been identified as part of Milton’s didactic strategy to confront the reader with proof of his own fallenness,1 but it is less often recognized that the Son’s speech to the angelic host makes use of an allusion that gives it a central place in the story of Milton’s engagement with classical epic.2 When the Son 1. See Stanley Fish, Surprised by Sin (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1971). Fish famously argues that the heroic portrayal of Satan is part of a larger narrative strategy by which Milton provokes the reader ‘‘with evidence of his corruption’’ and forces him ‘‘to refine his perceptions so that his understanding will be once more proportionable to truth’’ (xiii). -
1 Philip & the Ethiopian: Being Teachable and Available Acts 8:4-8
1 PHILIP & THE ETHIOPIAN: BEING TEACHABLE AND AVAILABLE ACTS 8:4-8, 26-40 Global missions expert Paul Borthwick shared a story that reminds us how God's mission can be from anyone anywhere at any time. He stopped at a McDonald's in Cambridge, Massachusetts and noticed a young man named Peter working the counter. He’d been a part of Borthwick’s young adult ministry at church. He’d just graduated from Harvard University with a master's degree. Borthwick asked Peter, "What are you doing here?” knowing Harvard master's degree students don't usually aspire to work the counter at McDonald's. "Well," Peter explained, "I graduated in May but I went four months without finding a job, so I said to myself, 'I need some income to pay bills.' So this is where I've ended up—at least for now." Borthwick replied, "Sorry to hear that. It must be hard.” But Peter cut me off. "No. Don't be sorry. God has me here. This place is giving me awesome opportunities to share my faith. I'm on a shift that includes a Buddhist guy from Sri Lanka, a Muslim fellow from Lebanon, a Hindu lady from India, and a fellow Christian from El Salvador. It's awesome. I get to be a global missionary to my coworkers while asking 'would you like fries with that?'" Both Peter and Borthwick laughed. Peter found himself in a setting he never would have chosen as part of his long-term plan, but his mindset of living as a person sent by God shaped the way he looked at his circumstances and at the people around him. -
Sanctuary's Purpose Is to Glorify God by Building
1 Sanctuary’s purpose is to glorify God by building an authentic community of Christ-followers who are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and are being transformed by its power to live and love like Jesus. Home For in Him we live and move and have our being. c. 2016 by Sanctuary All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible Reading Guide used by permission – Starting Point Conversation Guide Revised Edition c. 2014 by North Point Ministries, Inc. Printed and bound in Canada. All rights reserved. 2 table of contents Introduction.............................................................................................................................................4 Chapter 1 Kings & Queens....................................................................................................................9 Chapter 2 Abide & Abound..................................................................................................................18 Chapter 3 Give & Receive....................................................................................................................29 Chapter 4 Confessions & Blessing.....................................................................................................40 Chapter 5 Healing, Wholeness, & Holiness........................................................................................52 Chapter 6 Neighbors, Neighborhoods, -
One Ethiopian Eunuch Is Not the End of the World: the Narrative Function of Acts 8:26–40*
ONE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD: THE NARRATIVE FUNCTION OF ACTS 8:26–40* Curt Niccum Over the last century appreciation for the story of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–40) has increased, although not at the same rate as Ethiopic Enoch. When modern interpreters began viewing the Book of Acts as a collection of roughly chronological vignettes, attention to the eunuch’s conversion centered on its minor contribution to the history of Christianity’s early expansion. As scholars turned to more literary approaches, the pericope’s perceived value rose because its indepen- dence from the surrounding narrative marked it as a source. Originally a Hellenistic Christian tale about the first Gentile convert, Luke poorly edited and purposely diluted its content in order to maintain Petrine primacy with the competing Cornelius story, which he favored.1 With the advent of narrative criticism, interest grew in the story’s contribu- tion to the overall message of Acts.2 Liberationist readings now have arguably given the passage its greatest prominence to date.3 At every stage in this development interpreters have associated the Ethiopian eunuch with Jesus’ statement in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the end of the earth.” As a result, even though the story’s stock has appreciated, the verdict about its message has basically remained the same. Luke composed, incorporated, or edited this event to reveal “the * I am grateful to Jim for the hours spent reading 1 Enoch with me, his careful reading of a technical dissertation, and his critical, editorial eye. -
Acts of the Apostles Session 5 Acts 10-12
Acts of the Apostles Session 5 Acts 10-12 “…to the ends of the earth!” Humility (and humiliations!) for the Gospel Recap and look forward • May 27- Acts 13-16 • June 3- Acts 17-20 • June 10- Acts 21-24 • June 17- Acts 24-28 • June 24- Acts 29 Outline for our discussion: • 10:1-33 -the visions of Peter and Cornelius and their meeting • 10:34-43 Peter’s preaching of Jesus Christ • 10:44-49 Coming of the Holy Spirit (!) and Baptism • 11- Peter explains his actions to the Jerusalem Christians • 11:19-26 Church in Antioch, “Christians”, Barnabas and Saul • 11:27-30 prophecy of Agabus and mercy missions • 12: 1-19 Herod’s persecution of the Church, Martyrdom of James, son of Zebedee, arrest of Peter and Peter’s miraculous release from prison • 12:20-25 Death of Herod (Julius Agrippa I) Quiz Time! (answers given at the end of the session) 1. What was the controversy that led the early Church to call and ordain the first deacons? 2. What is the method of reading the Old Testament called where you see Old Testament figures as being fulfilled in Jesus? (used by Stephen in his preaching before his martyrdom) 3. Name two ways that Deacon Philip’s engagement with the Ethiopian eunuch are a model for evangelization. 4. Name one place that the famous “Son of Man” from Daniel chapter 7 is referenced in the Gospel of Luke or Acts of the Apostles. ***Cindy and the “standing” of the Son of Man at the right Hand of God in Stephen’s vision* Humility and humiliations: Saul escaping Damascus in a basket (9:23-25); Peter eating gross stuff, visiting house of a Roman Centurion; a Roman Centurion prostrating before a Jewish fisherman; baptizing pagans; Peter explaining himself before others (newcomers to the Jesus movement!); Herod’s self-exaltation and demise; hilarious liberation of Peter from prison; handing over leadership to James. -
Application #4 the Early Christians Developed a Culture of Generosity
A Culture of Generosity Acts 11:19-30 Acts 8:1, 4 “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles … Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (ESV) “A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:19-21 “Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (ESV) “A Culture of Generosity” The Spread of Christianity 8. Antioch 7. Cyprus 6. Phoenicia 3. Damascus 5. Caesarea/Plains of Sharon 2. Samaria 4. Lydda/Joppa 1. Jerusalem/Judea “A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:21 “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (ESV) Cf. Acts 13:11—God’s power and judgment; Lk 1:66—God’s power and blessing “A Culture of Generosity” Application #1 The Early Christians Were Generous with the Gospel The people who loved the Gospel, shared the Gospel. Acts 11:22-24 “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. -
Lesson 7 – Saul's Conversion Text: Acts 9 Main Characters: God, Jesus
Lesson 7 – Saul’s Conversion Text: Acts 9 Main Characters: God, Jesus, Saul, Ananias, Barnabas, Peter, Aeneas, Dorcas (Tabitha) Key Passages: - Acts 9:15-16 – Saul had been chosen by the Lord to preach to the Gentiles and others. - Acts 9:18-20 – Once Saul had been healed of his blindness, he immediately obeyed and preached. Main Storyline: After Stephen was stoned, Saul became even more zealous to persecute Jesus’ disciples, whom he believed were blaspheming God. He asked the high priest for written permission to go to the synagogues in Damascus to arrest any disciples of Christ that he could find. He was granted his request, and he and some other men began the journey to Damascus to continue the persecution of the church. As Saul and the other men approached Damascus, suddenly, a light shone around Saul from Heaven. Saul was stunned, and he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice which asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul recognized the authority of the one speaking and asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord responded, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…” Saul trembled and was astonished when he heard Jesus reveal himself. He asked Jesus what he should do, and Jesus instructed him to go to Damascus for further instructions. The other men with Saul could not understand what was happening. When Saul got up from the ground, he realized that he had been blinded and could not see. The other men led him to Damascus, where he fasted for three days, still blind. -
Virgil, Aeneid 11 (Pallas & Camilla) 1–224, 498–521, 532–96, 648–89, 725–835 G
Virgil, Aeneid 11 (Pallas & Camilla) 1–224, 498–521, 532–96, 648–89, 725–835 G Latin text, study aids with vocabulary, and commentary ILDENHARD INGO GILDENHARD AND JOHN HENDERSON A dead boy (Pallas) and the death of a girl (Camilla) loom over the opening and the closing part of the eleventh book of the Aeneid. Following the savage slaughter in Aeneid 10, the AND book opens in a mournful mood as the warring parti es revisit yesterday’s killing fi elds to att end to their dead. One casualty in parti cular commands att enti on: Aeneas’ protégé H Pallas, killed and despoiled by Turnus in the previous book. His death plunges his father ENDERSON Evander and his surrogate father Aeneas into heart-rending despair – and helps set up the foundati onal act of sacrifi cial brutality that caps the poem, when Aeneas seeks to avenge Pallas by slaying Turnus in wrathful fury. Turnus’ departure from the living is prefi gured by that of his ally Camilla, a maiden schooled in the marti al arts, who sets the mold for warrior princesses such as Xena and Wonder Woman. In the fi nal third of Aeneid 11, she wreaks havoc not just on the batt lefi eld but on gender stereotypes and the conventi ons of the epic genre, before she too succumbs to a premature death. In the porti ons of the book selected for discussion here, Virgil off ers some of his most emoti ve (and disturbing) meditati ons on the tragic nature of human existence – but also knows how to lighten the mood with a bit of drag. -
Bible Baseball
Bible Baseball Bible Baseball is an active indoor game that can be played several ways depending on how many players you have. Set up chairs to create a playing area: Use questions with four levels of difficulty: single, double, triple, and home run. Suggestion: write each set of questions on a separate page. When batters comes to the plate (moving from the Dugout to chair H), they choose the level of question they want to try. The umpire (U) selects and asks the question. If the question is answered correctly, the batter goes to the corresponding base (chair 1, 2, or 3; a home run lets the batter “run the bases” and touch each chair). When the batter gets “a hit”, players already on base move up the same number of chairs, scoring a run when they touch home (H). If the question is answered incorrectly, the batter is out and goes back to the Dugout. Bible baseball can be a fun way to review an entire year’s worth of Sunday school lessons. Ground rules. It probably won’t be necessary to make many rules for Bible Baseball, but here is something for the umpire to keep in mind: (1) monitor the number of easy questions that a team tries to use up during each turn at bat, or (2) agree ahead of time that each team must try different levels of questions during its turn at bat. Variations. (1) Play Bible Baseball with two bases instead of three. A two-base game makes it easier to score. It also works better with small teams. -
1 7194U New Zealand Bible Classes Preaching The
1 7194U NEW ZEALAND BIBLE CLASSES PREACHING THE RISEN CHRIST Speaker: Bro. Roger Lewis Study #6: Peter, Aeneas and Tabitha Reading: Acts 9:32 to 43 Thank you brother chairman, and my dear brethren and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ and my dear young people. Well, this evening we come to the last few verses of Acts 9 as we've had them read, from verse 32 to the end of the chapter, and you'll remember in our last session, we looked at that story, did we not? of the apostle Paul as he went down, we believe, into the area of Sinai, that there he might prepare himself for the great work of preaching that was to lie upon him, in taking the truth of Christ to the Gentiles. We'll remember we looked at that principle of the need for preparation so that we can fulfil whatever work it is that God might call us to. Even these great men, such as Moses and Elijah and Paul had this moment of withdrawal, this time of preparation before they embarked upon the greatness of their labours. Remember, we looked at the fact that if that was true for them, that it should be true for us also, shouldn't it? that the great things of the truth will only be accomplished when great preparation has first been made. We noted particularly, that this was an exhortation perhaps for young people, that now is the time to get our heads into the Word; now is the time to take in those spiritual principles that will help guide our lives. -
What Is Going on in Acts 8:16?
What is Going on in Acts 8:16? “For [the Holy Spirit] had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” Was there something defective in Philip’s ministry? He proclaimed the Good News, that is, Jesus the Christ and the kingdom of God (8:4-5, 12). He performed acts of healing and cast out unclean spirits (8:7). His words and deeds brought joy to the people of Samaria (8:8) and they believed Philip and were baptized (8:12). The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John when they heard that Samaria had received the Word of God (8:14). Upon their arrival Peter and John prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit because although the Samaritans had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit had not fallen upon them (8:15-16). The apostles laid hands on the people and they received the Holy Spirit. The apostles do not discredit or rebuke Philip for having done anything wrong. The people of Samaria (Simon Magus excepted) are not rebuked for a lack of repentance. Philip will go on after this to do the very same kind of thing (8:35-38) he was doing in Samaria and the result is different(?). Only Apostles can convert? Philip didn’t say or do the right things? Laying on of hands? Did the Samaritans not really believe? We know that it’s not just the apostles who can convert others. The Word of the Lord continued to grow throughout the whole book of Acts, and this was not just by the apostles.