Tag Archives: Apostles

Acts 6- The Chosen

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And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:1-4

As we study the book of Acts, we still see the roles and responsibilities start to develop and how the Church handled it. The Apostles were being burdened with “secular work” as distributing food to those in need, and it was taking a toll on their spiritual work. Anyone who’s been in ministry knows, it takes alot of time and dedication to study the Word of God, and remain in the Will of God

The Apostles decided to appoint a group of seven men to take over this duty, so the Apostles can be freed up to focus on their spiritual work. Now I know some would look at this and say the Apostles are being lazy or even egotistical. However from my experience being bi vocational , working in the Ministry and having a secular job, I understand the burden the Apostles faced here. There is just not enough hours in the day!

Notice the Apostles said they will “give themselves over to pray continually and the ministry of the gospel” How many people live a sacrificial life like this? Not many, to dedicate your life to God is harder than you think. Remember the Apostles already walked away from their careers when they were called by The Lord to serve

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:5-7

Notice this move pleased the rest of the Church, there was no grumbling or gossip, everyone was pleased to serve and follow Gods will. Imagine if the Church today was more like this! Notice they selected the seven men who were all filled with the Holy Spirit and had faith. Everyone has different callings from God, these men humbly accepted their roles with great joy to serve God

And lets see the result “The gospel increased and the Church multiplied” Since the Apostles were freed up to focus on the ministry, the gospel of Christ was spread even more generating more disciples! God knows what he is doing!

From a human perspective it may have seemed like a vain move but God knows what he’s doing! We are all given different gifts and different roles all for the same main purpose, to glorify Jesus Christ! Amen!

Acts 1- The Next Apostle

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And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Acts 1:15-18

As we know originally there were 12 Apostles, the number 12 is very symbolic in the Bible meaning completion or authority, so it’s no surprise there were 12 tribes of Israel as well as the 12 Apostles. We know from the gospels that Judas Iscarriot, one of the original 12 Apostles , betrayed Jesus and gave him over to the religious leaders to be killed.

But we also know that God takes the evil of men and uses it for his purpose and glory (Romans 8:28) We see this throughout the Bible, and God did the same with Judas. Even though Satan filled the heart of Judas and used him to murder Jesus, God used this evil to fulfill the scriptures, that the Messiah must die in the hands of sinners to be the atonement for our sins.

Peter explains how David prophesied about this in the Old Testament (Psalm 69:25) and also David prophesied that another Apostle would take his place (Psalm 109:8) therefor it was time the Apostles picked a replaced for the Son of Perdition Judas

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts 1:19-22

The accuracy of the Old Testament scriptures are amazing, here Peter shows how the Old Testament predicted all the events of Judas, including the field of blood and this moment of picking a replacement. Secondly we see another mention of the ascension of Christ, which is a central doctrine of Christianity that often gets overlooked. Notice the Apostles were eyewitnesses of all the events, the death, resurrection , and ascension of Christ

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Acts 1:23-26

Notice the process the Apostles used to pick Judas replacement, they asked God for divine direction. They didn’t pick the Apostle based on his resume or his how many degrees he had, they allowed God to guide them to choose the right person

Some like to debate whether the selection of Matthias was chosen by God or by man, I think its another unnecessary argument to be divisive with, its clear the Apostles prayed for Gods guidance and the lot was chosen for Matthias

Imagine if the Church today or even ourselves used this process in every decision we made in life. Pray to God for his will to be done Amen!

Mark 6- The Apostles

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And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. Mark 6:7-10

The calling of the Apostles, this is the beginning of Christ’s Church, we can learn alot from them by what Jesus commanded them to do and what authority he gave them. First we notice the symbolic number of 12, the same number of the tribes of Israel. And when you study Revelation you see the 24 elders, the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles coming together in unity. 

Secondly Jesus gave them power and authority over the demons, the same Holy Spirit is living inside of you today! The same power that rose Jesus from the grave is living inside of you (Romans 8:11) They were sent in teams of two, nobody was made to go this life alone. This is why the Church is important, Christ never expected you to do this alone!

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:11-13

So what do you do if you preach the gospel and they reject it? Jesus said “Shake the dust off your feet and move on” Its not our job to save people, we can’t save people only God can. All we can do is sow the seed (preach the gospel) and be the hands and feet of Christ. Anyone who rejects the gospel it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, think about that!

What message did the Apostles preach? Repent! Repent! They didn’t try to be socially acceptable and relevant. They preached the gospel of Christ and that’s it, why? Because Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) So what power did the Apostles have? They cast out demons and healed people, with no money or no building, they set the world on fire! How? By being filled with the Holy Spirit

Many people question, why don’t we see these works done today? My question would be “Does the Church look or act like the Church of the 1rst Century? NO, so why would you expect a Holy Spirit powered Church today. We need to get back to the basics! Preach the gospel in Jesus name Amen!