Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Two Households At Philippi (16:6-34) Part Two

From the example of one who was evidently a truth-seeker, we now turn to the conversion of one who appears to have "stumbled" onto the gospel. The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household was precipitated by the arrest of Paul and Silas after Paul exorcizes a spirit of divination from a slave girl - Ac 16:16-18. Her masters have Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned - Ac 16:19-24.

Events leading up to the jailer’s conversion - Ac 16:25-29. Paul and Silas are singing in prison at midnight, with others listening. An earthquake shakes loose the doors and everyone’s chains. The jailer, fearing prisoners having escaped, is about to commit suicide. He is stopped by Paul, who reassures him that all the prisoners are present. Trembling, he falls down before Paul and Silas. He asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved". Paul responds, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household" - Ac 16:30-34. Paul then proceeds to speak the word of the Lord to him and those in his house. In the same hour of the night, the jailer washes the stripes of Paul and Silas, and is baptized along with all his family. He then brings Paul and Silas into his home, feeds them, and rejoices that he and his family have believed in God.

Now let’s make a few observations from this conversion. This example of conversion does not teach salvation by "faith only". It is common for some people to simply note verses 29-31 "And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house." They offer this verse as containing the whole plan of salvation, denying therefore the necessity of baptism. Of course, this verse says nothing about repentance, confessing Jesus, etc., which the Bible requires elsewhere - cf. Ac 3:19; 17:30; Ro 10:9-10. The context of verses 29-31 must be taken into consideration. Salvation requires faith, so it is natural that would be the first thing to tell someone who asks "What must I do to be saved?". Without faith, one is not a suitable subject for baptism - Ac 8:36-37 "And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, Behold, here is water; what hinders me to being baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart,you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Having established the necessity of faith, Paul proceeded to speak "the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house." - Ac 16:32. Though not mentioned, would this not have included the need to repent? What is mentioned, though, is that they were baptized immediately! Clearly the "word of the Lord" included baptism - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

It is not until after he and his family were baptized, that Luke describes them as "having believed in God with all his household" - Ac 16:34 (ASV, KJV). Taken out of context, one might use verses 29-31 to teach salvation does not involve baptism, but in the context it certainly appears to play a significant role!. This example of conversion reveals something about the "purpose" of baptism. Contrary to the doctrine of many churches, the purpose of baptism is not to make a public profession of one’s faith. As we saw in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, baptism can occur when there is only the baptizer and the baptize - Ac 8:36-38. In this case, a family is baptized in the wee hours of the morning (after midnight, in the same hour) - Ac 16:25 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened.", 33 "While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized."

The purpose of baptism is hinted at by the fact it was done immediately, even in the pre-dawn hour. It was done whether in private or public. This example of conversion is consistent with the purpose expressed by Peter ("for the remission of sins") - Ac 2:38 and by Ananias ("wash away your sins") - Ac 22:16. As such, you don’t delay, and it doesn’t matter if done in private!
This example of conversion provides no evidence of infant baptism either. Again, some appeal to the mention of "household" to infer infants were included in the baptism. Yet the text states that Paul "spoke the word of the Lord...to all who were in his house", implying that all were able to listen and understand what was said - Ac 16:32 "Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord." The text states that the jailer rejoiced, "having believed in God with all his household"; i.e., everyone believed, implying the ability of all to believe what they heard - Ac 16:34 "They were very glad that they had put their faith in God. After this, the jailer took Paul and Silas to his home and gave them something to eat." There is nothing here to preclude what we have already concluded as necessary requirements to be a subject qualified for baptism:
Repentance - Ac 2:38
Wholehearted faith - Ac 8:37
Both of which infants are incapable.

With the conversion of "Two Households At Philippi", a wonderful church was born. The church at Philippi, to which the epistle to the Philippians was written. A congregation that supported the apostle Paul and the preaching of the gospel throughout Macedonia and into Achaia - Ph 1:3-5; 4:15-16. A congregation that was mindful of Paul even toward the end of his life, as he awaited trial in Rome - Ph 4:10,14,17-18. Never underestimate the effect of the gospel in the life of a family!

The conversion of "Two Households At Philippi" are illustrative of what Jesus taught in two parables. "The Hidden Treasure" (Mt 13:44) depicts one who stumbles onto the truth; the Philippian jailer was such a person. "The Pearl Of Great Price" (Mt 13:45-46) depicts one who is searching for the truth; Lydia of Thyatira was certainly seeking to please God. What is important to note is that the Lord knew such people existed at Philippi (see for example the "Macedonian Call"), and saw to it that they had an opportunity to hear the gospel. What kind of person are you? Whether you are one who has been on a lifelong search for truth, or have simply stumbled across the gospel, are you willing to allow God to open your heart through the gospel and heed the word of the Lord? Only God knows, but perhaps you will save not only yourself, but your whole family...

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined the conversion of Lydia, the Philippian jailer and their households and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!

The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year

Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join

Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIa

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Two Households At Philippi (16:6-34) Part One

With the conversion of Cornelius, we were introduced to an event that was not uncommon in the
early church. A situation where an entire family, or household, was converted. We have three similar cases recorded in Acts. The conversion of Lydia and her household - Ac 16:15. The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household - Ac 16:33-34. And he conversion of Crispus and his household - Ac 18:8. Such households likely consisted of both family and servants. Cornelius sent two of his household servants to Peter - Ac 10:7. He had gathered his family as well as friends to hear Peter - Ac 10:24,33. Some wonder whether such families included infants as well, and if so, were they were baptized too.

As the gospel spread to Europe, the first two examples of conversion involved "Two Households At Philippi". With the conversion of Lydia - Ac 16:11-15. With the conversion of the Philippian Jailer - Ac 16:25-40. As we continue our study in the book of Acts, we shall examine both of these examples in this study, to glean whatever we can about conversion, including the issue of "infant baptism". Let’s first consider the conversion of Lydia and her household.

This conversion was precipitated by "The Macedonian Call." Paul and his traveling companions had been making their way through modern day Turkey, with the Spirit limiting their options - Ac 16:6-8 "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas." Paul has a vision of a man of Macedonian pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" - Ac 16:9 "During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!"’ Taking the vision as a sign that the Lord wanted them to go there, they travel to Philippi (a chief city of Macedonia) - Ac 16:10-12 "
After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there. We sailed straight from Troas to Samothrace, and the next day we arrived in Neapolis. From there we went to Philippi, which is a Roman colony in the first district of Macedonia. We spent several days in Philippi."

Paul and his companions go down to the riverside on the Sabbath - Ac 16:13 "Then on the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to a place by the river, where we thought there would be a Jewish meeting place for prayer. We sat down and talked with the women who came." It was Paul’s custom to find a synagogue and on the Sabbath to reason with Jews about Christ - Ac 17:1-3 "After Paul and his friends had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went on to Thessalonica. A Jewish meeting place was in that city. So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to suffer, but that he would rise from death. Paul also told them that Jesus is the Messiah he was preaching about." Evidently there were not that many Jews in Philippi, and no synagogue. But at least there were some Jewish women who met at the river to pray. Paul speaks to them, and Lydia heeded his word - Ac 16:14 "One of them was Lydia, who was from the city of Thyatira and sold expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of the Lord God, and he made her willing to accept what Paul was saying." She was evidently a successful business woman, yet one who worshipped God. Her name is Greek, perhaps a convert to Judaism, from Thyatira, she was seller of purple dye. The Lord "opened her heart" to heed the things spoken by Paul. In what way the Lord opened her heart is not specifically stated. But she had "heard" what Paul was speaking (see Ac 16:13c, 14a), and we know that "faith comes by hearing the word of God" - Ro 10:17. Through the gospel, then, one’s heart can be opened to be receptive. She was receptive enough "to heed the things spoken by Paul", i.e., to do or obey whatever Paul had said. We can infer from what follows that it included baptism. Lydia and her household are baptized - Ac 16:15 "Then after she and her family were baptized, she kept on begging us, "If you think I really do have faith in the Lord, come stay in my home." Finally, we accepted her invitation."

From some observations, once again we see things gleaned from earlier examples of conversion. Very religious people are being receptive to the gospel -see for example - Ac 2,3,8,9,10. Baptism occurs immediately, after hearing just one lesson - Ac 2,8,10. In begging Paul and his companions to stay with her, she asks "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord...". What evidence was there to determine whether she was faithful? At the very least, there was her willingness to be baptized! Did her "household" include infants? Proponents of infant baptism often appeal to the example of a "household" being baptized as evidence of infant baptism in the early church. They say it is plausible to assume infants were present, but is that the case here?

Lydia was a businesswoman, with no mention of a husband. She was from Thyatira, possibly in Philippi only on business. We can just as easily assume that her household was made up of servants, or at the least, children old enough to travel. The burden of proof rests upon those seeking to support infant baptism, and the evidence in this case simply isn’t there.

We will look at and make some observations from the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household in our next lesson.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Conversions in The Book of Acts - Vb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Cornelius And His Household (10:1-48;11:1-18) Part Two

Having looked at the events surrounding this conversion we have found that they are certainly remarkable. They evidently were intended to convey important truths. As we endeavor to glean what those truths were, here are some observations. First, religious people need to be saved. Many people believe that if you are religious, you will be saved. They believe that if you go to church, do good, etc., you have a hope of heaven. They believe that you will have earned the right to enter heaven. Yet, though Cornelius was a man who was a devout man that feared God with his whole family, gave alms generously and prayed to God always he still needed to be told "words by which you and all your household will be saved". Clearly, being religious isn’t what saves you (it’s the blood of Christ!).

The second observation is that the gospel is for all. Peter perceived that God is no respecter of persons - Ac 10:34-35 "Peter then said: Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.". Indeed, God desires that ALL men be saved - cf. Jn 3:16; 1 Ti 2:3-6; 2 Pe 3:9. Therefore He has not predestined some to be saved and others lost!

A Third observation is that some presume that the purpose of the presence and decent of the Holy Spirit was to save Cornelius and his family. Some believe that therefore they were saved before obeying the command to be baptized. But the Spirit came upon them as Peter "began to speak", before they could hear words by which they could be saved! - Ac 11:14-15 "Then Peter would tell him how he and everyone in his house could be saved. After I started speaking, the Holy Spirit was given to them, just as the Spirit had been given to us at the beginning." The purpose of the Spirit can be gleaned from the following:
The effect it had on the Jewish brethren who were present, and Peter’s response - Ac 10:45-47 "Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God. Peter said, "These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them."’
The reaction of the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem when Peter told them what happened - Ac 11:17-18 "God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God? When they heard Peter say this, they stopped arguing and started praising God. They said, "God has now let Gentiles turn to him, and he has given life to them!"’

Futher note Peter’s explanation at the council held later in Jerusalem concerning the Gentile churches - Ac 15:7-11 "They had talked it over for a long time, when Peter got up and said: My friends, you know that God decided long ago to let me be the one from your group to preach the good news to the Gentiles. God did this so that they would hear and obey him. He knows what is in everyone's heart. And he showed that he had chosen the Gentiles, when he gave them the Holy Spirit, just as he had given his Spirit to us. God treated them in the same way that he treated us. They put their faith in him, and he made their hearts pure. Now why are you trying to make God angry by placing a heavy burden on these followers? This burden was too heavy for us or our ancestors. But our Lord Jesus was kind to us, and we are saved by faith in him, just as the Gentiles are." The purpose of the Spirit falling on them was therefore to show Jewish brethren that God was no respecter of persons - Ac 10:34-35. That God was willing to grant them opportunity to repent and have life - Ac 11:18. That Gentiles could be saved in the same way as Jews, by faith, repentance, and baptism - Ac 15:9,11; see also. 2:38 with 10:48. Faith comes through hearing the word of God - Ro 10:17.

It is very important to note the point at which Cornelius and his household was saved in that some believe their salvation occurred when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Remember that Cornelius was told to send for Peter, who would tell him:
"what you must do." - Ac 10:6
"words by which you...shall be saved." - Ac 11:14.
From this, and from what we have already seen in other conversions Cornelius was not saved until he heard the "words" (after the sermon). Cornelius was not saved until he obeyed what he was told to do. What were the words he was told to do? Certainly they were told to believe, as implied in Ac 10:43 "Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name." Clearly they were told to be baptized, as commanded in Ac 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days." Thus Cornelius and his household were not saved until they "believed and were baptized"! See Mk 16:16; Ac 8:12,13.

So while miraculous events surrounded the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household", their salvation was no different from what we have already seen. They heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were taught to believe and be baptized -- Thus they were saved "in the same manner" as all those previously. As Peter said at the council, it is "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" that both Gentiles and Jews are saved - see Ac 15:11. We are saved by grace, not works - see Ep 2:5,8; Ti 3:4-5. For it is not enough to be religious. Who could be more religious than Cornelius? Or even the 3000 at Pentecost, or the Ethiopian eunuch? The grace of God which saves does require a response, however. A response of faith - Ac 10:43. A faith in Jesus that comes by hearing the gospel - Ac 10:42. A faith which expresses itself in obedience - see He 5:9 For example, repentance and baptism - Ac 2:38; 3:19; 10:48. Not as works of merit, but as acts of faith by which one receives God’s grace. Those of us who are not descended from Israel can rejoice in what God revealed with the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household". As properly concluded by the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem:
"...God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." (Ac 11:16)

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined the conversion of Cornelius and his household and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Conversions In The Book of Acts - Va

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Cornelius And His Household (10:1-48;11:1-18) Part One

Up to this point, the gospel had been somewhat limited in its outreach. It had spread throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria - Ac 9:31. But other than the Samaritans (who were half Jewish), it had only gone to the Jews. With the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household" the first Gentiles are saved. A conversion noted not only because they were the first Gentiles but also because of the miraculous events that precipitated the conversion. First an angel appearing to Cornelius to give him instructions and announcing that God had heard his prayers. Then Peter’s vision, followed by the Spirit’s instruction. The Spirit falling upon Cornelius, his family, and close friends. Cornelius and his household speaking in tongues. As in the case of Saul of Tarsus, we have more than just one account of the conversion. There is Luke’s description - Ac 10:1-48. Then there is Peter’s description, as he is called to defend his actions - Ac 11:1-18. Important questions are raised as we consider the events of this conversion. Exactly when did the Spirit fall upon Cornelius and his company? What was the purpose of the Spirit falling upon them? Were they saved when the Spirit came upon them, or later when they were baptized?

These are some of the questions I intend to answer as we examine the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household". Since we have two accounts, let’s consider them together as we start with a harmony of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. The first event is for the angel to appear to Cornelius. Cornelius, a centurion, is described as very religious - Ac 10:1-2 "In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, who was the captain of a group of soldiers called "The Italian Unit." Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshiped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God." The angel appears to him - Ac 10:3-6 "One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name. Cornelius was surprised and stared at the angel. Then he asked, "What is this all about?" The angel answered, "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor. Now send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon Peter. He is visiting with Simon the leather maker, who lives in a house near the sea."’ With an announcement that his prayers and alms have been noticed by God and with instructions to send for Peter; please note:
The angel said, "He will tell you what you must do." - Ac 10:6 (Note that some versions omit this statement by the angel). As Peter recounts it, "...who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved." - Ac 11:14. After the angel departed Cornelius then sends two servants and a devout soldier to Peter - Ac 10:7-8 "After saying this, the angel left. Cornelius called in two of his servants and one of his soldiers who worshiped God. He explained everything to them and sent them off to Joppa."

The next event was for Peter to have a vision. While the three men are traveling toward Peter, he has a vision - Ac 10:9-16; 11:4-10. It involves a sheet descending from heaven, containing all sorts of creatures. A voice tells Peter to "kill and eat". Peter objects, for he has never eaten anything common or unclean. The voice tells him, "What God has cleansed you must not call common.". Three times the vision is repeated. After this vision and message the Spirit tells Peter to go with the men from Cornelius. The men from Cornelius arrive as Peter contemplates the vision - Ac 10:17-18; 11:11. The Spirit tells Peter to go, "doubting nothing, for I have sent them" - Ac 10:19-20; 11:12. Peter receives the men and takes six with him as they go to Cornelius - Ac 10:21-23;11:12.

When Peter arrives at Cornelius’s house he finds that Cornelius has gathered his family and close friends - Ac 10:24 "The next day they arrived in Caesarea where Cornelius was waiting for them. He had also invited his relatives and close friends." Peter deflects attempts by Cornelius to worship him - Ac 10:25-26 "When Peter arrived, Cornelius greeted him. Then he knelt at Peter's feet and started worshiping him. But Peter took hold of him and said, "Stand up! I am nothing more than a human."’ Peter explains his presence a violation of Jewish custom, but now understands "I should not call any man common or unclean" - Ac 10:27-28 "As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there, and Peter said to them, "You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn't think anyone is unclean or unfit." Having been Asked by Peter to explain why he was called, Cornelius recounts the appearance and instructions of the angel - Ac 10:29-32 "I agreed to come here, but I want to know why you sent for me." Cornelius answered: Four days ago at about three o'clock in the afternoon I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in bright clothes stood in front of me. He said, "Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and he knows about your gifts to the poor. Now send to Joppa for Simon Peter. He is visiting in the home of Simon the leather maker, who lives near the sea."’; 11:13-14 "who told us that an angel had appeared to him. The angel had ordered him to send to Joppa for someone named Simon Peter. Then Peter would tell him how he and everyone in his house could be saved." Cornelius and his household were ready "to hear all things command you by God" - Ac 10:33 "I sent for you right away, and you have been good enough to come. All of us are here in the presence of the Lord God, so that we can hear what he has to say."

As Peter begins to speak, the spirit falls upon the listeners in Cornelius’s house. At this point, we need to carefully note the actual sequence of events. Luke’s record gives attention to the sermon first, and then the Spirit coming upon the Gentiles - Ac 10:34-44. But Luke also says that "while Peter was still speaking...the Holy Spirit fell". From this we do not exactly know when the Spirit fell. It could have been at the beginning, in the middle, or toward the end, of his sermon. Peter, however, explained what happened "in order from the beginning" - Ac 11:4 "Then Peter told them exactly what had happened:" He describes the events as they happened. He says "as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them" - Ac 11:15. So we learn from Peter that the Spirit actually came upon the Gentiles at the beginning of the sermon! Now I think it is very, very important at this point to note that although Peter is amazed he does not stop his sermon and pronounce them as being saved. Let’s continue noting that with the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles, they begin speaking with tongues, which amazed Peter and his Jewish companions - Ac 10:45-46 "Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God."; see also Ac 2:4,6,8,11.

In Peter’s sermon to the household of Cornelius he begins with a full perception that God shows no partiality - Ac 10:34-35 "Peter then said: Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from." A perception that started with the vision of the sheet and unclean beasts. A perception that continued with the Spirit’s instruction to go with the messengers. A perception made clear with the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles - Ac 11:15-17 "After I started speaking, the Holy Spirit was given to them, just as the Spirit had been given to us at the beginning. I remembered that the Lord had said, "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God?" Peter then proceeds to proclaim Jesus Christ - Ac 10:36-43. As Lord who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power - Ac 10:36-38 "This is the same message that God gave to the people of Israel, when he sent Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, to offer peace to them. You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil." Who was killed, but then raised from the dead and seen by eyewitnesses who knew Him well - Ac 10:39-41 "We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and ein the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was put to death on a cross. But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to tell others about him." Who has commanded the apostles to proclaim Him as ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and dead - Ac 10:42 "God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead." Through whom remission of sins is offered to those who believe - Ac 10:43 "Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name."

At the end of his sermon Peter commands that Cornelius and his household be baptized. How could anyone forbid water to those who had received the Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47 "These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them."; 11:17-18 "God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God? When they heard Peter say this, they stopped arguing and started praising God. They said, "God has now let Gentiles turn to him, and he has given life to them!" So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."

The events surrounding this conversion are certainly remarkable. They evidently were intended to convey important truths. In a continuing lesson we will endeavor to glean what those truths are.

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx