Tag Archives: Acts

Acts 16- Rebuking Demons

1 Reply

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour Acts 16:16-18

Here we see a story of a demon possessed woman who was tormenting Paul and Silas day after day. Finally Paul got tired of it and rebuked the demon in the name of Jesus , and the demon immediately fled. How many of us are tormented by demons on a daily basis? Do you rebuke your demons? Instead of allowing these demons to torment you daily, put them in their place. You as a Born Again Child of God have the power and authority of demons. Jesus said “He gives us power and authority over power of Satan, and all demons will submit to you” (Luke 10:18-19) 

Now some will say Jesus only gave this power to the Apostles, however if you start with verse 1 in Luke 10, Jesus is sending out 72 disciples with this authority, this authority was given to his disciples not just Apostles. Remember the Bible says “The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside of You “ (Romans 8:11) The Holy Spirit , the power of the Living God, is inside of you. Rebuke the demons in Jesus name!

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. Acts 16:19-22

Now we see the wickedness of people, some would say “Look Paul and Silas are being persecuted, we dont have authority over demons” Jesus never promised we would have an easy life, in fact he taught us the opposite, Jesus said “Those who endure to the end, will be saved “ (Matthew 24:13) Why? Because many will fall away from the faith during hard times. Endure to the end, Jesus has already death and Satan!

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:23-26

Paul and Silas were being persecuted, beaten and thrown in prison, what was their response? They were singing hymns and praising God. Paul and Silas had unshakable faith, they knew Jesus is Lord and in complete control. Whatever Satan or evil is coming against you , rebuke it in Jesus name!

Notice then God delivered Paul and Silas with a great earthquake, Satan thought he had Paul defeated then God stepped in. Put your faith and trust in Jesus, he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus is in complete control, sitting at the right hand of God The Father Amen!

Acts 16- Let God lead You

3 Replies

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. Acts 16:1-4

As we know in the BIble, Paul wrote two letters to a man named Timothy, well we see him here in the book of Acts. The people spoke favorably of Timothy as a disciple, so Paul mentored him to preach the gospel. I think the relationship between Paul and Timothy should be well noted by pastors and all Christians. It’s important to mentor and train people, to make disciples as Jesus commanded us. Paul became like a “Spiritual Father” to Timothy

Now notice, even though from the Council of Jerusalem it was decided that circumcision was not required for the New Covenant, Paul had Timothy circumcised anyway to be accepted by the orthodox Jewish community. This was a matter of making the Gentile Timothy more appealing to the Jewish people so he could preach the gospel of Christ to them. This is also an important note to preachers and Christians, don’t just preach the word , build relationships with the community you’re in. It’s not about winning arguments , it’s about winning souls

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. Acts 16:5-8

Paul and Timothy were establishing new Churches, we notice Galtia, where we get the Epistle of the Galatians. However, Paul went to preach in certain regions and was forbidden by the Holy Spirit. It’s important while we are doing God’s work we stay in the will of God. Its not about us, its all about Christ, let God lead You to where you are called to be!

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.  Acts 16:9-10

God eventually gave Paul a vision where he was to go next, notice it wasnt Paul’s decision or choice where to go, it was Gods. How many ministries and Churches would be more successful if we followed God’s will instead of our own?

Whatever we do , we are to do it for the glory of God, listen to the Holy Spirit and allow God to lead you in Jesus name Amen!

Acts 15- Council of Jerusalem Part 2

Leave a reply

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:12-18

 We continue to look at the event known as the “Council of Jerusalem” . This is an important event to the Church, why? Because the Apostles answered some major questions and doctrines that are still disputed today. We noticed that the Apostle Peter originally spoke , followed by the Apostle Paul and Barnabas. Now we are hearing the knowledge of the Apostle James. Anyone who disputes the verdict of the Council of Jerusalem, is disputing the Apostles and the New Testament

One of the main points of the Council of Jerusalem is the New Covenant. That salvation has been given to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. Many Jews had a hard time accepting this, even many Jews today still can’t comprehend this, that Gentiles are now Children of God through Christ

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: Acts 15:19-22

The Apostle James went on to teach that we are not to trouble the Gentiles with holding The Law. Then James went on to list the expectations of the Gentiles who are grafted into the family of God. Abstain from Idolatry, sexual immorality, and from false gods. There is still much confusion today among Christians about what is expected from them , remember Jesus said Love God and Love your Neighbor, (Matthew 22:37) this is the fulfillment of the Law. 

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Acts 15:28-31

The news of this Council was then sent out to a letter to all the Churches, notice the list, it was the same one I mentioned previously. Also notice who authorized this, the Holy Spirit. There are many today who argue about this Council of Jerusalem, but you would be arguing against the Holy Spirit. 

Instead of arguing, the Churches of the first century rejoiced! Because Jesus has set us free from the Law and delivered us under grace by his blood Amen!

Acts 15- The Council of Jerusalem Part 1

2 Replies

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. Acts 15:1-4

Acts Chapter 15 has turned into one of the important chapters in the New Testament, why? Because of the Council of Jerusalem, as we see from the opening scripture “certain men were teaching unless you are circumcised , you can’t be saved” This is the beginning of heretical teachings within the Church and the removal of Gods grace through Jesus Christ

Unfortunately we still see this alot today, many teaching you must perform certain “works” in order to obtain salvation. As we know its not by our works we are saved, but by grace through our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) This setup the meeting of the Council of Jerusalem, so the Apostles can correct these false teachings based on the true teaching of Jesus Christ

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Acts 15:5-8

The religious leaders stated “the Gentiles must be circumcised to obtain salvation” This was quickly refuted by the Apostles, however sadly there are still some who believe this today. Ask yourself, are those who are circumcised and reject Christ still saved? Absolutely not, circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant but it doesn’t obtain salvation for you. It’s only through Christ that you can be saved, period

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:9-11

Peter rebuked this teaching of the Pharisees and said “Why put the yoke of The Law on the neck of the Gentiles? The same yoke that the Jews were unable to carry”? Why do some Christians today still want to put themselves under The Law when we are under Grace?

As Peter stated “Its the Grace of The Lord Jesus that we are saved” its not our works, its not circumcision, its not keeping The Law, which nobody has been able to do. Its only through Christ alone we can be saved Amen!

Acts 14- The Building Of The Church

4 Replies

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Acts 14:21-23

Now we are starting to see the structure of the Church take place, the gospel is being preached and spread far and wide. Many people are coming to Christ and small communities of believers are starting to crop up everywhere. Notice what the disciples say to the Church “We must endure many hardships and tribulations to enter the Kingdom of God” Wow talk about an entirely different message than we hear the modern day Church preach today

As Jesus said “Those who endure to the end, will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Many Christians today don’t relate being a Christian with suffering. The early Church did, as stated, we must endure tribulation. Many people who claim to be a Christian today, once anything goes wrong in their life, they abandon their faith. This is signs of a false conversion.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.  Acts 14:24-26

Earlier we noticed the Church began to put their leadership in order. As it says “they ordained elders in every Church” the structure was beginning to take place. And the Church continued to preach and spread the gospel everywhere, and the Church continued to grow

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples. Acts 14:27-28

Notice the Church gathered together, as many Christians today refuse to assemble at Church anymore. The early Church felt it was important to gather and they shared all that God has done for them! Imagine that, there was no gimmicks to get people at Church, no light shows or fog machines, it was just about glorifying God

It’s all about the New Covenant, God has opened the door for Gentiles to be his Children through the blood of Jesus Christ! Glory to God in the Highest , Amen!

Acts 14- All Glory to God

1 Reply

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. Acts 14:8-11

As Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the gospel wherever they went, it caused a great divide, just as Jesus taught us it would. As Jesus said “ I came not to send peace on Earth, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34) The gospel message of Jesus Christ will divide you, you either receive Christ or reject Christ, there is no in between

As the disciples continued to preach, they also healed a crippled man, notice the man had faith to be healed. However when the Greeks witnessed this, instead of giving glory to God, they thought Paul and Baranabas were actual gods. Its important to remember , whatever you do or accomplish for Christ, all glory and power comes from God and is his glory , not our own

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Acts 14:12-15

The Greeks believed that Barnabas was the god of Jupiter and Paul was the god of Mercury, because of the healing that occurred. They even brought animals to be sacrificed to them. Once Paul and Barnabas realized what was going on, they tore their clothes and rebuked the people. Tearing your shirt or coat, was a sign of total disgust or disagreement with a statement someone had made

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts 14:16-20

The situation became volatile, as the Jews also stirred up the crowd against Paul and Barnabas, eventually they thought they stoned Paul to death. Paul tried to teach the Greeks about the one true living God, but this plan was sabotaged by the Jews. 

Eventually the disciples came and rescued Paul out of the city, everyone perceived Paul was dead so they didn’t take notice he got away. However this event would not deter Paul and the disciples from continuing to preach and spread the gospel, all glory to God Amen!

Acts 13- Light of The Gentiles

Leave a reply

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:44-46

Paul and Barnabas began preaching in the synagogues for the next couple of weeks. It says the Jews began to be jealous of the multitude converting to Christ and began to speak blasphemy against the gospel. This event made Paul realize his ministry was directed to the Gentiles, not just Israel. 

As Paul said “Since you reject the Word of God and don’t consider yourselves worthy of salvation, they are turning to the Gentiles” Paul is now understanding the fulfillment of the New Covenant. Israel’s Messiah bring salvation to those who become Born Again, Jew and Gentile

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts 13:47-49

 Paul quotes Isaiah “I have made you a light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6) The New Covenant is not a modern day invention, this was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. God would not only save the Jewish people, but He will also graft in the Gentiles through Jesus Christ! As it says the gospel was spread throughout the entire region

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:50-52

Obviously persecution was coming for Paul, Barnabas , and all the Christians for preaching boldly about Jesus. However, notice what they did “They shook the dust off their feet” , sound familiar? Yes the same words Christ used (Matthew 10:14) If anyone willingly rejects the gospel , move on as Christ said

Notice even during the persecution is says “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” There was no pity party for the early Church, they enjoyed serving Christ the Lord and fulfilling the great commission Amen!

Acts 13- The Gospel of Christ

Leave a reply

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. Acts 13:26-28

While Paul and some other Christians were visiting a synagogue on a Sabbath, they asked Paul to speak, here Paul lays out how the entire Old Testament lines up with Jesus. He talks about how God choose Israel to be his people, and he talked about how Israel demanded a King be put over them, so God choose David and how Christ is from the line of David

Paul then says this Jesus, who you read about every Sabbath in your Torah, is the one you had crucified! Now imagine the response Paul is going to get from this crowd, he accused of Israel of killing their own Messiah

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Acts 13:29-31

Paul then preaches the gospel message, Christ died for our sins, then Christ has risen from the dead. Notice Paul said there were many eye witnesses to the risen Lord. Its important to understand that, the Apostles who made the New Testament , were eyewitnesses to the Risen Jesus

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Acts 13:32-34

“And we declare unto you good news (the gospel” ) Paul was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ , and then it was backing it up with reference to prophecies in the Old Testament (Psalm 2:7)  God the Father declared he has a Son Jesus Christ and prophesied about the resurrection. The Holy One will never see decay, meaning the Christ will not remain dead but be Risen

Paul is tying together the Old and New Testaments. Paul is demonstrating Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) that has been prophesied about throughout the Old Testament and Jesus Is Risen Amen!

Acts 13- The Mission Begins

1 Reply

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. Acts 13:4-7

Paul’s first missionary trip has begun, but he didnt go alone, Barnabas went with him to preach the gospel. Notice before they were sent out, the Church layed hands on them and prayed over them. It’s important before we do things, we are in the will of God, and filled with the Holy Spirit

The first thing they encountered was a false prophet named Barjesus, this is why its important to be trained and have sound doctrine before you go out into the ministry field. You will encounter and be challenged by many false prophets and false religions, always be prepared to give a response (1 Peter 3:15)

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand Acts 13:8-11

Paul didn’t waste any time he rebuked the false prophet named Elymas and caused blindness to fall upon him. Notice it says Paul was “filled with the Holy Spirit” during this time, many people today would say “Paul was not acting Christian” but Paul understood the seriousness of false religions. As Paul said they will “pervert the right ways of The Lord” If we don’t rebuke false prophets and false teachers they will continue to pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:12-13

So would say “what good can come from Paul’s harsh behavior” however notice when the deputy saw what Paul did, he believed and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ! We worry too much today about not offending people or hurting their feelings, if we really cared about people we would not want them to spend eternity in Hell. I would rather offend somebody and tell them the truth, the lie to them and let them go to Hell

Of course everything we do should be for the glory of God and in his will in Jesus Name Amen!

Acts 12- Pray Without Ceasing Part 2

4 Replies

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place  Acts 12:15-17

As we continue to look at God’s deliverance of Peter from prison, when Peter went back to the where the disciples were staying, at first they didn’t believe it was him. So Peter kept knocking and when they saw him, they were astonished. And Peter gave glory to God how he literally rescued him from prison

Remember this was all possible because the Church continued to pray for Peter without ceasing. They never forgot Peter or any of their brothers or sisters. The power of prayer is a tool missing from the Church today!

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.  Acts 12:18-19

When King Herod discovered Peter was missing, he was not happy. In fact he executed all the guards who were involved in that day. Herod thought he was going to execute Peter and display his power, however God displayed he is still in control. After this event Herods whole reign came crashing down. 

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Acts 12:23

Herod declared himself a god and the true living God showed him who was really in charge. The angel of The Lord killed Herod because of his blasphemy, and just like that King Herod was worm food. Time for people to humble themselves and truly understand who is in control

Peter’s deliverance from prison was a miracle and it strengthened the Church, it says “The Word of God continued to spread and multiply” Even under persecution the Church continues to flourish Amen!