The Way Out of Religious Division - Part One

Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
The Way Out Of Religious Division - Part One

In our previous lesson, I began this series by defining the terms denomination and denominationalism.
"denomination" - a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body, that effectively serves to distinguish and divide them from other congregations
"denominationalism" - advocacy of separation into religious denominations
I also suggested three reasons why "denominationalism" is wrong. It is un-scriptural (i.e., without scriptural support). It is anti-scriptural (Jn 17:20-23 "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me."; 1 Co 1:10-13 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?"; 3:3-4 "because you are not yet spiritual. You are jealous and argue with each other. This proves that you are not spiritual and that you are acting like the people of this world. Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't that how ordinary people behave?") It is harmful to the cause of Christ (by discouraging people from believing in Christ - Jn 17:21 "I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.") But is it possible for people today to simply be Christians, without being a member of any man-made denomination? The answer is "Yes!" Indeed, by following the example of Jesus Himself, we can be members of His body, the Lord's church, just as we read about in the scriptures!

To see how, let's start by noticing Jesus' own example in the religious climate of His day. When Jesus came to this earth, the Israelites were living under the Law of God as given by Moses. In that law, God had not made any provision for the division of His people into religious sects or parties. Yet, by the time of Jesus, the Jews had formed several distinct religious parties:
Pharisees (somewhat conservative)
Sadducees (very liberal, the "modernists" of their day)
Essenes (radical isolationists)
Herodians, Zealots (political religionists)
It was assumed that all who were serious about religion would be associated with one of these groups.

To which of these groups did Jesus belong? He belonged to NONE of these groups! Instead, He maintained a "nonsectarian" relationship with God to the very end. As an Israelite, living at a time when the Law of Moses was still in effect, He was simply an "Israelite". In addition, He encouraged all to live by the Law while it was still in effect - Mt 5:17-20 "Don't suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you that not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen. If you reject even the least important command in the Law and teach others to do the same, you will be the least important person in the kingdom of heaven. But if you obey and teach others its commands, you will have an important place in the kingdom. You must obey God's commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don't, I promise you that you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." In other words, He encouraged all to simply be what the Law of Moses intended them to be (i.e., "Israelites").

What would Jesus be today? Would He be a Baptist, or Catholic, or Presbyterian, or Methodist, etc.? If He was simply an Israelite then, would He not simply be a "Christian" today? That was certainly what His disciples came to be called - Ac 11:26 "He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians." The example Jesus has set for us is clear: just be what God originally intended under the Law which is in effect. Since in the New Testament (the "law of Christ" 1 Co 9:21) the disciples of Christ were called "Christians", so we should be! Not only should we be content with being "called" Christians, we should also be concerned with "just being Christians". Nothing more, nothing less!

But how can we be sure that we are simply Christians, members of the church we read about in the New Testament? It helps to see what the Bible tells us about the Lord’s church in the first century. Jesus promised to build HIS church - Mt 16:18 "So I will call you Peter, which means "a rock." On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it." The word "church" comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means "a called-out group, an assembly, a congregation". Therefore, Jesus was promising to create His own group of people who have been "called"; called out of sin or called out of the world. Note also that it belongs to Him, not to any man or man-made leader or organization.

The church Jesus promised to build was established through preaching the gospel. How does this "calling" take place? According to the apostle Paul, we are "called" by the gospel of Christ - 2 Th 2:14 "God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." On the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ, we see by preaching the gospel Peter "called out" those who were willing to express their faith in Jesus - Ac 2:38-41 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live." Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, "I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people." On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized." Notice that those who gladly responded in faith, repentance and baptism were "added". To what and by whom were they "added"? We find the answer in verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the Lord's church (His "ekklesia"). This "called-out" assembly or group was created when the gospel was proclaimed and people responded to it.

The church Jesus built expanded through preaching of the gospel. At first, the church existed only in Jerusalem. As the gospel spread, and people responded to it, groups of these saved people in various cities met together. Each group became known as a church in a local sense (in contrast to the church universal which is made up of all those saved throughout the world). For example, during Paul's first missionary journey, many such churches were established - Ac 14:21-23 "Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, "We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God's kingdom." Paul and Barnabas chose some leaders for each of the churches. Then they went without eating and prayed that the Lord would take good care of these leaders." By simply teaching the gospel of Christ, a local church was formed when those who obeyed the gospel joined together in their work and worship.

The church that Jesus built was edified through the apostles doctrine. Though united in Christ, these local churches were independent of any human association or federation of churches. Christ directed them through His inspired apostles, as they taught them how to worship and work together - Ac 2:42 "They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together." Sometimes this teaching by the apostles was done directly, other times by appointed emissaries - 1 Co 4:17 "That's why I sent Timothy to you. I love him like a son, and he is a faithful servant of the Lord. Timothy will tell you what I do to follow Christ and how it agrees with what I always teach about Christ in every church." Just as often, the teaching was done through the epistles or letters written by the apostles - 1 Co 14:37 "If you think of yourself as a prophet or a spiritual person, you will know that I am writing only what the Lord has commanded."; 1 Ti 3:14-15 "I hope to visit you soon. But I am writing these instructions, so that if I am delayed, you will know how everyone who belongs to God's family ought to behave. After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth."; 2 Th 2:14-15 "God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters."; 3:14 "Be on your guard against any followers who refuse to obey what we have written in this letter. Put them to shame by not having anything to do with them." When we read what the Bible says us about the Lord's church, we learn that by responding to the gospel and paying close heed to the "apostles' doctrine" (cf. Ac 2:42), people in the first century were able to be Christians only, without all the confusion prevalent today. Is it possible for us to do this today? Yes! Here is the way out of religious division. Accepting the call of the gospel is the first step. We will examine the way out of religious division as we continue this lesson in part two.

God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?

Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
Why Is Denominationalism Wrong?

While many people are attracted to the good news of the grace of God offered through His Son Jesus Christ, certain questions often linger in their minds. Why are there so many different denominations? Can't the followers of Jesus Christ learn to get along? What can be done about the religious division that exists today? Is it possible for me to be simply a Christian, following Jesus without being a member of any denomination? In reply to these questions, some make an effort to discount the significance of religious division, suggesting that the differences are not all that great. Or that religious division is good, for it enables people to find a church that suits them personally. But there are several reasons why I believe these answers are wrong and do a disservice to the cause of Christ. In this series of lessons, I have several objectives in mind. One is to explain why Denominationalism is wrong. To illustrate how one can simply be a Christian, serving Jesus without being a member of any denomination. And then to suggest how followers of Christ might be able "to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ep 4:3. In this particular lesson, I wish to explain why Denominationalism is wrong and then why anyone who truly follows Christ will do all they can to avoid participating in it.

First, perhaps a definition of terms is in order as they are used in this lesson by defining the words "Denomination" and "Denominationalism". First, let’s define what a religious denomination is. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: "A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy." From Webster's: "A religious organization uniting in a single legal and administrative body a number of local congregations."

In simple terms, a denomination is a group of congregations that are joined together under some governing body. The number of congregations can be as few as two or more, but by their tie to a governing body above the local congregation, by definition they are "denominated" from all congregations that do not submit to the same authority. Some examples would be:
The Roman Catholic Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the pope in Rome.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the patriarch of Constantinople.
The Anglican Church of England is a denomination made up of those churches that submit to the archbishop of Cantebury.
The Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) is made up of those churches that submit to the synod in Missouri.
The International Church of Christ is made up of those churches that submit to the Boston Church of Christ.

These are just a few of the thousands of different denominations that now exist!
Second, let’s define what religious "denominationalism" is. Here again, according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it is: "The tendency to separate into religious denominations". "Advocacy of separation into religious denominations". "Strict adherence to a denomination; sectarianism". Again, Webster's dictionary defines it as: "Devotion to denominational principles or interests". "Narrow emphasizing of denominational differences: SECTARIANISM"

For the purpose in this series of lessons, I will be applying the term to any approval of the denominational division which exists today. I concede that many people in denominations today are not all that devoted to their denominational principles or interests. But by membership in a denomination they are by implication advocating separation into religious denominations. But is Denominationalism really all that bad? Am I suggesting that one cannot serve Christ faithfully while participating in religious division? The answer to both questions is "Yes!"

To understand the reason for saying this, let's examine why Denominationalism is wrong. First, it is un-scriptural. That is, it is without Scriptural support. There is no basis in the Bible for local churches being divided up into various denominational bodies. There is no denomination that can go to the Bible and say, "See that passage? There is our church (denomination)!" What we do find in the New Testament is local congregations that were independent and self-governing. Church organization was limited to within the local congregation, with elders (also known as pastors, bishops, overseers, presbyters) appointed to oversee only the congregation of which they were members - Ac 20:17 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church."(ASV), 28 "Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God's church. It is the flock that he bought with the blood of his own Son."; 1 Pe 5:1-2 "Church leaders(elders in other translations), I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us. Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money." The only authority above the local congregation or assembly in the New Testament was Christ and His apostles. Once the church began, apostles were not replaced after they died. But through the Word of God, the authority of Christ and His apostles continues. Individuals, synods, conferences, etc., that presume to usurp authority over local congregations today do so without Scriptural authority.

Second, it is anti-scriptural; not only is it without scriptural support, it is contrary to what the Bible teaches. It is contrary to the prayer of Jesus for unity among His believers - Jn 17:20-23 "I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me." It is condemned by Paul in his epistle to the church at Corinth. There are to be no divisions among believers - 1 Co 1:10-13 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other. They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Sectarianism is a sign of carnality - 1 Co 3:3-4 "because you are not yet spiritual. You are jealous and argue with each other. This proves that you are not spiritual and that you are acting like the people of this world. Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't that how ordinary people behave?" It opposes the efforts of Christ on the cross! - Ep 2:14-16 "Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace. On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body." Jesus died to break down the wall of division. Jesus died to reconcile man to God in ONE body. -- Just as sinning works against the efforts of Christ on the cross (for He also died to put away sin), so it is with denominational division!

Third, it is harmful to the cause of Christ. Jesus knew that unity among His disciples would be "the final apologetic", cf. "that the world may believe" - Jn 17:21. In view of Jesus' words, we should not be surprised when unbelievers are slow to accept the gospel coming from a divided church. Many people point to the divided condition of those professing to follow Christ. Atheists and agnostics often use religious division as an excuse not to believe in God. Adherents to non-Christian religions (such as Islam, Judaism, etc.) will often use denominationalism as a reason not to believe in Christ. Denominationalism has also given support and encouragement to the cults. Mormonism started in reaction to the denominationalism of Joseph Smith's day. Those who call themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses" use religious division to encourage people to follow their strictly-controlled organization.

Let’s now look at some of the statements made by those of the reformation cause, but yet their followers did not heed their words.
Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation Movement:
"I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. St. Paul, in 1 Cor. 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have." - Hugh Thomason Kerr, A Compend of Luther's Theology (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1943, p. 135)
John Wesley, another great reformation leader, among whose followers are Methodists, Wesleyans, etc.:
"Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion." - John Wesley, Universal Knowledge, A Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Arts, Science, History, Biography, Law, Literature, Religions, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, Editor (New York: Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1927, p. 540)
Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest Baptist preachers who ever lived:
"I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living! I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ's name last forever." - Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. I., p. 168.

Well, that day has not yet come, and denominationalism with its religious division seems to be as strong as ever! But all is not lost. For throughout the world, more and more people are throwing aside their denominational shackles. They are following Jesus Christ in the freedom of gospel liberty that comes from being simply Christians! And what may be a surprise to some, they are able to do so "being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Ph 2:2 How is this possible? That is what I hope to demonstrate starting with the next lesson. But it begins with two things:
A strong desire to follow Jesus Christ and His prayer for unity - cf. Jn 17:20-23
An understanding of the carnal nature of division, and why denominationalism is wrong - 1 Co 3:3-4.

Dear friend, don't you want to be simply a Christian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ...?

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

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True Repentance

True Repentance
2 Corinthians 7:9-11

A prominent theme in the preaching of the Gospel is the call to repent. Jesus wanted it to be preached in His name to all nations - Lk 24:46-47 “and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Peter proclaimed the call to repent in his first two sermons - Ac 2:36-38 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”. Paul spoke of repentance to philosophers and kings - Ac 17:30-31 “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."; 26:19-20 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”

However, the call to repentance is often neglected in modern day preaching, by some who preach “faith only” and by some who in reaction stress “baptism”. One cannot truly preach the gospel of Christ without the call to repent; and yet. What is repentance? How is it produced? What are some indications that repentance has occurred? Perhaps the most elaborate discussion on repentance is found in 2 Co 7:9-11, which serves as the text for this lesson entitled “True Repentance”.

Let’s begin by defining “True Repentance”. First, let’s look at some misconceptions of repentance. One such misconception is that repentance is “sorrow”. 2 Co 7:9-10 (“As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”) shows that repentance is an outcome of sorrow. Sorrow leads to repentance; sorrow itself is not repentance. Another misconception is that repentance is “a changed life”. Some understand that repentance is a converted life, but Ac 3:19 (see above) shows that repentance and conversion are two separate things. Peter says “Repent therefore and be converted”. If repentance is the same as conversion, then Peter is being redundant. As we shall see, the order is actually this:
1) First, sorrow.
2) Then, repentance.
3) Finally, a changed life.

W. E. Vine’s definition of a proper repentance is a “change of mind”; “involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God”. So think of repentance as simply “a change of mind” in which we decide to “turn from sin and turn to God”, which is preceded by sorrow and is followed by a changed life. Repentance is therefore a decision of the mind in which one decides to change their life; but what prompts one to make such decision?

In order to produce true repentance it is preceded by “godly sorrow”. This we glean from our text (2 Co 7:9-10); but note carefully that it is not simply “sorrow”, but sorrow that is “godly”. For there is a sorrow that is “of the world”. Note the difference between “godly sorrow” and “worldly sorrow”. “Worldly sorrow” is a selfish kind of sorrow. For example, when one is sorry because they got caught, or when one is sorry because what someone did made them look bad. In “worldly sorrow”, one is more concerned about SELF! “Godly sorrow” is sorrow directed toward God (“godly” is lit. “according to God”). In other words, one is sorry because their actions are sins against a Holy God - Psa 51:4 “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” Also, one is sorry for the price GOD must pay to have our sins removed. In “godly sorrow”, one is more concerned with GOD than self! “Worldly sorrow” produces regret; “godly sorrow” suffers loss in nothing. “Worldly sorrow” produces death; “godly sorrow” produces repentance to salvation.

If “godly sorrow” leads to repentance, how is it best to produce this “godly sorrow” in others? Let’s look at some examples of producing “godly sorrow” that lead to repentance. In Nathan’s rebuke to David in 2 Sam 12:7-12 provides some insight. He made an appeal to God’s love (7-8) “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” He revealed the sin (9) “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” He warned of the consequences (10-12) “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"

The Gospel of Christ, when properly taught, is designed to so produce “godly sorrow”, and in turn, repentance. It appeals to God’s love as a basis for repentance - Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” It reveals our sin - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. It warns of the consequences - Ro 2:5-11. Our best hope for producing repentance in others that leads to salvation is to proclaim the gospel in its entirety. Not just the “commands” (believe, repent, be baptized). Nor just the “promises” (remission of sins, eternal life, gift of the Holy Spirit). But also the “facts” (man’s sin, God’s love, the coming judgment) If people are not responding to the “commands” of the gospel, perhaps we need to consider whether we are providing proper emphasis to the “facts” of the gospel.

Finally, consider the indications of “True Repentance”. Our text (2 Co 7:11) mentions several. “diligence” (KJV, carefulness). This can be defined as “earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste accompanying it”. In other words, being quick to do what is right! Examples of conversion in ACTS demonstrate this diligence in that every case described in detail shows people obeying the gospel after just one lesson! “clearing of yourselves”. To clear one’s self of blame, quick to stop doing what is wrong, if such is the case, quick to respond to the offer of forgiveness when one realizes their guilt. “indignation”. This involves a sort of anger, or moral outrage, toward the SIN which required the repentance. “fear”. Lest the sin should be repeated. Lest the sin should not be entirely removed. “vehement desire”. A fervent wish. Especially to be right in God’s eyes. “zeal”. This involves an “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something”. In this case, to turn from sin and turn to God. “vindication” (KJV, revenge). As the NIV puts it, “what readiness to see justice done”, to do the right thing!

Such are the “signs” of true repentance. Not apathy, not halfhearted service. But, a desire to do “works befitting repentance” - Ac 26:20 “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” Is this indicative of our repentance? Can we look at our lives and see signs that we have really had “a change of mind”. That we have truly made “a decision to turn from sin and to turn to God”? If we have not yet obeyed the gospel ...we have not repented! If we have become slack in our service...we are in need of repentance! If so, then we are in need of a healthy dose of “godly sorrow”, brought about by realizing God’s love for us, the fact we have all sinned and the consequences if we do not repent!

May the love of God and the reality of the coming judgment move us all to “True Repentance”! The blessings for those who do repent are wonderful... - Ac 2:38-39 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." ; 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”

If you need assistance in obeying the gospel or wish to further discuss this matter please contact me at jimnewy@classicnet.net

This material is from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines
and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download
additional material for church or personal use.
The 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!
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001

Conversions in The Book of Acts - IXb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part Two

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". Under what circumstances should one be "baptized" again? Here are some thoughts regarding this question. Is re-baptism ever necessary? For the answer to this question I offer the reader some observations concerning the twelve disciples. They had been previously "baptized". Their baptism, however, was lacking in some way. Even though it was immersion. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4 "So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven."’ But baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 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."; 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." That is, by His authority which would have been a baptism into the name of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"
Because their first baptism lacked an essential element, "re-baptism" was necessary! May we not conclude that if an earlier baptism lacks some essential element, then "re-baptism" is necessary?

Let’s now look at some reason when re-baptism is appropriate. There are four "essential elements" of Bible baptism:
The proper mode: a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death?" (a burial); Co 2:12 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death."
The proper authority: in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
The proper purpose: remission of sins - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’
The proper subject: penitent believer - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 8:37 "Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."’; Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

When one of these "essential elements" was lacking, "re-baptism" was commanded In Ac 19:1-5, the proper authority was lacking. Even though their previous baptism had the right mode, purpose, and subject. Some cases where "re-baptism" would seem appropriate are if we were baptized by sprinkling or pouring, for the proper mode is immersion. If we were baptized by the authority of anyone other than Jesus, for the proper authority is Jesus Christ. If we were baptized as a public confession of faith (thinking that we were already saved), for the proper purpose is the remission of sins. If we were baptized but were not penitent believers , for a proper subject is one who believes "with all their heart" For example, when one is baptized just because their friends are doing it or because their spouse, fiancé, or parents are pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God).

But let me be sure to clarify. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an essential element it is not really "re-baptism!" For in the strictest sense, that person is finally being baptized scripturally for the first time! When one has been scripturally baptized once there is never a need to be baptized again! For once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism the blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins as we repent and confess our sins to God in prayer - Ac 8:22 "Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you."; 1 Jn 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away."

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" certainly illustrates that one can be religious, have undergone some baptismal experience and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ! One can rest assured that they are a true disciple of Jesus when their baptism had:
The right mode - immersion
The right authority- Jesus Christ
The right purpose - remission of sins
The right subject - penitent believer

Lacking any of these "essential elements", one should consider being baptized again in order to "make your calling and election sure". If we desire to truly be the disciples of Jesus Christ, then let’s be sure we proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as preached by His apostles in the first century. Let’s be sure we personally have responded to that gospel in the same manner as those who heard the good news preached in its purity and simplicity.

I pray that this study, "Conversions In The Book Of Acts" has been beneficial toward that end as this is the final lesson in this series.

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 in "The Twelve Disciples Of John" 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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Conversions in The Book of Acts - IXa

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part One

In our survey of "Conversions In The Book of Acts", we have consider the following examples of conversion.
The 3000 on Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
The 2000 at Solomon’s Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
The Samaritans - Ac 8:4-25
The Ethiopian Eunuch - Ac 8:26-40
Saul Of Tarsus - Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18
Cornelius And His Household - Ac 10:1-48; 11:1-18
Two Households At Philippi - Ac 16:6-34
The Athenians - Ac 17:16-34
The Corinthians - Ac 18:1-11
There were others that we might have considered, but did not.
Those at Antioch of Syria - Ac 11:19-21
Sergius Paulus on the island of Paphos - Ac 13:4-12
Those at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:13-48
Those at Iconium, Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:1-20
Those at Thessalonica and Berea - Ac 17:1-12
And Apollos, who was taught by Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:24-28

In the examples we considered, I made the following observations:
The gospel message was one that focused on Jesus...
Who died for our sins
Who was raised from the dead
Who is both Lord and Christ, returning again one day to judge the world
That the response expected of those who heard was one of...
Faith in Jesus as the Christ, the son of God (which included confessing that faith)
Repentance of one’s sins
Baptism for the remission of sins

Before we conclude this series, I wish to examine one more case of conversion. It is the last example of conversion in Acts (with the possible exception of some in the audience when Paul spoke at Rome - Ac 28:23-24). It is unique for several reasons, one of which is that it describes a "re-baptism". I am referring to "The Twelve Disciples Of John", recorded in Ac 19:1-10.
As we begin this study, let’s review the Biblical record of the conversion of twelve "disciles of John." When Paul arrived in Ephesus. He had just started his third journey - Ac 18:22-23 "Paul sailed to Caesarea, where he greeted the church. Then he went on to Antioch. After staying there for a while, he left and visited several places in Galatia and Phrygia. He helped the followers there to become stronger in their faith." At the end of his second journey, he had made a quick stop at Ephesus - Ac 18:19-21 "The three of them arrived in Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He then went into the Jewish meeting place to talk with the people there. They asked him to stay longer, but he refused. He told them good-by and said, "If God lets me, I will come back."’ True to his word, he returned to Ephesus - Ac 19:1 "While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled across the hill country to Ephesus, where he met some of the Lord's followers."

He finds some "disciples", who were twelve in number - Ac 19:1b "where he met some of the Lord's followers.", 7 "There were about twelve men in this group." Upon questioning, he learns they were disciples of John the Baptist - Ac 19:2-3 "He asked them, "When you put your faith in Jesus, were you given the Holy Spirit?" "No!" they answered. "We have never even heard of the Holy Spirit." "Then why were you baptized?" Paul asked. They answered, "Because of what John taught."’ He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed as explained in the conversion of "The Samaritans" (Ac 8:4-25), I believe the phrase "receive the Holy Spirit" to be a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit. As an apostle, Paul had the ability to impart spiritual gifts - Ro 1:11 "I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith."; 2 Ti 1:6s28 "So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well." Assuming the "disciples" to have been baptized into Christ, he desired to give them gifts from the Spirit (such as the gifts of tongues and prophesy, cf. 1 Co 12:10). Their immediate answer sparks another question from Paul as they had not heard about a Holy Spirit. They must not have known much of John’s own teaching, for he taught concerning the Holy Spirit - Mt 3:11 "I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." They clearly could not have been properly baptized into Christ, for it is a baptism into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," So Paul inquires into their baptism. He learns that it was John’s baptism. Some have suggested that these 12 may have been converted by Apollos before Apollos himself learned the truth - Ac 18:24-25 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism."

Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance, he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him - Ac 19:4 "Paul replied, "John baptized people so that they would turn to God. But he also told them that someone else was coming, and that they should put their faith in him. Jesus is the one that John was talking about."’ The twelve are then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." This would be the baptism commanded by Jesus - Mt 28:18-20 "Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." And the baptism expected of all would-be disciples of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16. Following their baptism, Paul laid hands on them and the Spirit imparted gifts of tongues and prophesy - Ac 19:6-7 "Then Paul placed his hands on them. The Holy Spirit was given to them, and they spoke unknown languages and prophesied. There were about twelve men in this group." Such was the beginning of a very successful period for the gospel (cf. Ac 19:8-10 "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message."). Again we see what was considered the normal response of one who wished to become a disciple of Jesus (faith and baptism). Mark 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". We will look at this question in our next lesson in this series.

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIII

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Corinthians (18:1-11)

Following his limited success at Athens, Paul went to nearby Corinth. An economic center of Greece, known for its immorality. It became an important focus of Paul’s ministry. He stayed a year and a half on his second missionary journey. Where he visited once and possibly twice on his third journey. A well-known church was established, the recipient of at least two epistles by Paul. The establishment of the church is described in Ac 18:1-11 in which we read of Paul’s work in the local synagogue. We also read of he conversion of many Corinthians, including the ruler of the synagogue. We also read something about their conversion in 1 Co 1:14-17, where Paul expresses thanks for personally baptizing just a few of the Corinthians in which some have concluded that Paul was declaring the non-essentiality of baptism. In this study we shall examine the conversion of "The Corinthians". Once again, to glean what we can about the gospel’s message and response. We want to look at and determine whether Paul was actually demeaning the importance of baptism in his epistle to the Corinthians.

Turning to Ac 18:1-11, let’s review Luke’s account of the conversion of the Corinthians. Upon Paul’s arrival in Corinth he meets up with Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:1-2 "Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met Aquila, a Jewish man from Pontus. Not long before this, Aquila had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Emperor Claudius had ordered the Jewish people to leave Rome. Paul went to see Aquila and Priscilla" Of the same trade (tentmakers), Paul stays with them - Ac 18:3 "and found out that they were tent makers. Paul was a tent maker too. So he stayed with them, and they worked together."

Looking at Paul’s ministry at Corinth he goes to the synagogue, as was his custom - Ac 18:4 "Every Sabbath, Paul went to the Jewish meeting place. He spoke to Jews and Gentiles and tried to win them over.";also see 17:1-3. He "reasons" with the people, as he did with those at Thessalonica and those at Athens - se Ac 17:2 and Ac 17:17 We will find that Paul did the same with those at Ephesus - Ac 18:19; 19:8-9; Felix the governor - Ac 24:25; Festus and Agrippa - Ac 26:25 where the gospel is designed to appeal to the mind as well as the heart! He "persuades" both Jews and Greeks just as he did at Thessalonica - Ac 17:4 and as he did at Ephesus - Ac 19:8 He came close to doing the same with King Agrippa - Ac 26:28. Again, the gospel appeals to the reasoning processes of the mind.

When Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is constrained to preach even more - Ac 18:5 "But after Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, he spent all his time preaching to the Jews about Jesus the Messiah." He "testified" to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ - just as he did in Ac 20:21,24; 23:11; 28:23. Such testimony likely involved using the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament as in - Ac 17:2-3 "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." He likely used his eyewitness testimony as an apostle - Ac 26:16 "Now stand up. I have appeared to you, because I have chosen you to be my servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about me and what I will show you later."’

Rejection by some of the Jews sends him to the Gentiles - Ac 18:6-7 "Finally, they turned against him and insulted him. So he shook the dust from his clothes and told them, "Whatever happens to you will be your own fault! I am not to blame. From now on I am going to preach to the Gentiles." Paul then moved into the house of a man named Titius Justus, who worshiped God and lived next door to the Jewish meeting place." Just as it did at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:45-46. In Corinth, Paul has only to go next door, to the home of Justus. The gospel bears fruit in Corinth - Ac 18:8 "Crispus was the leader of the meeting place. He and everyone in his family put their faith in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard the message, and all the people who had faith in the Lord were baptized." Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believes with all his household - (see also 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius.") Many of the Corinthians believe and are baptized. Encouraged by the Lord in a vision, Paul stays for a year and a half - Ac 18:9-11 "One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me." Paul stayed on in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching God's message to the people."

With Luke’s description, we see a similarity with what we have read before. Upon hearing the gospel, those persuaded both believe and are baptized (cf. Ac 8:12; 18:8). This is certainly in keeping with the commission of our Lord (cf. Mk 16:15-16). But often people will use Paul’s comments in 1 Co 1:14-17 to say that baptism has nothing to do with conversion (salvation). Is that true? Let’s take a close look at Paul’s comments to the Corinthians. Keeping to the context the church at Corinth was badly divided - 1 Co 1:10-11 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other." People were aligning themselves as followers of different men (perhaps based upon who baptized them) - 1 Co 1:12-13 "They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Paul illustrates the absurdity of calling themselves after men with several rhetorical questions. "Is Christ divided?" "Was Paul crucified for you?" "Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" The implied answer to each question was "No!" But notice what else is implied by each question. Christ is not divided. It was Christ (not some man) who was crucified for you. You were baptized, not in the name of some man, but in the name of Christ! So the context itself implies what we read in Ac 18:8 ("...many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.")

Note Paul’s comments, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except..." - 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius." Paul should be understood in light of the context. Since some of the Corinthians were dividing over who may have baptized them, Paul was grateful that he had not personally baptized many of them. His reason? Not because he did not consider baptism important. But as he states himself: "...lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name." - 1 Co 1:15. The Corinthians had been baptized - as seen in Ac 18:8; 1 Co 1:13 as a result of Paul’s preaching, by the way. But not many by Paul personally, for which he was later thankful! "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." - 1 Co 1:17. Are we to understand Paul to say that he did not preach baptism?

Clearly he did to Lydia and the Philippian jailor - Ac 16:14-15; 32-33. Clearly he did to the Corinthians - Ac 18:8. He taught baptism as the means by which one puts on Christ - Ga 3:27 "And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." He taught baptism as the means by which one dies to sin - Ro 6:3-7 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him. We know that the persons we used to be were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so that our sinful bodies would no longer be the slaves of sin. We know that sin doesn't have power over dead people."
Instead, we are to understand that Paul was emphasizing his function as an apostle. He was sent to preach the gospel (which includes the command to be baptized - Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.") It was not his primary function to perform the baptisms of those who responded to the gospel! Though he did in some cases - 1 Co 1:14,16. But he was often accompanied by others (e.g., Silas, Timothy, Luke), and they were likely the ones to handle the physical act of immersing people. In view of what later occurred at Corinth, he is simply thankful that his involvement in the act of baptizing others was rather limited. Such was the point of Paul’s comments, and they should not be understood as Paul demeaning the value or place of baptism in the process of conversion!

The conversion of "The Corinthians" confirms what we have seen in previous examples of conversions in the book of Acts. The gospel concerning Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) was proclaimed. Those "persuaded" by the gospel message believed and were baptized immediately. The conversion of "The Corinthians" also stands out because of the impact the gospel had in their lives. As mentioned, the city of Corinth was known for its immorality. Many of the members of the church had lived immoral lives - cf. 1 Co 6:9-11a "Don't you know that evil people won't have a share in the blessings of God's kingdom? Don't fool yourselves! No one who is immoral or worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual will share in God's kingdom. Neither will any thief or greedy person or drunkard or anyone who curses and cheats others. Some of you used to be like that." Yet through their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Paul could write:
"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Co 6:11)

Such is the power of the gospel of Christ to the obedient believer. Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified"? Let the conversions in the book of Acts show you how!. 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 in the conversion of the Corinthians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.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

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

Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIIb

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part Two

As has been our practice in previous lessons let’s look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed. First, some observations from Paul’s sermon. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism. Apollos started speaking bravely in the Jewish meeting place. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better."

Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience - Ac 17:23-27. They believed in supreme beings, but didn’t know the True God. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he began with the nature of God; we too should take into consideration where one is spiritually.
Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority accepted by others.
Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. 2:38; 3:19. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel message.
Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising Jesus. Indeed, if Jesus truly did rise from the dead, it is proof of:
The existence of God
The truthfulness of all of Jesus’ claims
The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic (defense, see prior lessons on Apologetics) for the resurrection of Jesus.

Now let’s look at the response to Paul’s sermon. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34. Some mocked what they heard. Some put off making a decision until later. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed. Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last! Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed. It involved a complete reception of the message preached. It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism). Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here.
"There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272. "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). In quoting from Beasley-Murray please note that thses two gentlemen where theologians of faith only persuasion until they made a thorough study of baptism in the New Testament as it relates the gospel message. They too, repented of their prior beliefs and were baptized into Christ. They then wrote the aforementioned book, Baptism In The New Testament.

Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience. Where we end must always be the same:
Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance.
With Jesus as the only way to salvation!

When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men. Repentance from sin and baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood.
One’s reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:
w Rejection ("some mocked")
w Reluctance ("others said, ‘we will hear you again on this matter’")
w Reception ("some men joined him and believed")
In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example?

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 in the conversion of the Athenians 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

Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIIa

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part One

Our next example of conversion is another one often overlooked. It is the conversion of the Athenians, two of whom are specifically mention by name. Yet they are usually not listed in charts showing examples of conversion. Again, it likely is because little is said, other than that they "believed" - Ac 17:34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." But our purpose in this series is to also consider the sermons which led people to Christ. In this case we have a remarkable sermon by the apostle Paul. A sermon proclaimed not to Jews or even Gentile God-fearers (like Cornelius), but to pagan philosophers and polytheists. So our focus in this lesson will be more on the sermon itself, with attention to how Paul addressed those who did not know the God of Israel and the themes Paul addressed in this sermon.

We begin our study with a look at the setting of the sermon. Paul had just arrived in Athens following a hasty departure from Berea - Ac 17:13-15 "When the Jewish leaders in Thessalonica heard that Paul had been preaching God's message in Berea, they went there and caused trouble by turning the crowds against Paul. Right away the followers sent Paul down to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. Some men went with Paul as far as Athens, and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible." Provoked by the idolatry rampant in the city, he began preaching at every opportunity - Ac 17:16-17 "While Paul was waiting in Athens, he was upset to see all the idols in the city. He went to the Jewish meeting place to speak to the Jews and to anyone who worshiped with them. Day after day he also spoke to everyone he met in the market." Reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and Gentile worshipers. Reasoning daily with any who happened to be in marketplace.

Paul attracted the attention of some philosophers. In particular, certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers - Ac 17:18 "Some of them were Epicureans and some were Stoics, and they started arguing with him. People were asking, "What is this know-it-all trying to say?" Some even said, "Paul must be preaching about foreign gods! That's what he means when he talks about Jesus and about people rising from death."’ As we see from this verse some viewed him as a proclaimer of foreign gods because Paul was preaching of Jesus and the resurrection. They then bring him to the Areopagus and invite him to speak - Ac 17:19-21 "They brought Paul before a council called the Areopagus, and said, "Tell us what your new teaching is all about. We have heard you say some strange things, and we want to know what you mean." More than anything else the people of Athens and the foreigners living there loved to hear and to talk about anything new." The Areopagus was a rocky hill about 370 feet high, not far from the Acropolis and the Agora (marketplace) in Athens - Holman Bible Dictionary. As Luke explains, it was a place where Athenians and visitors spent their time discussing any new idea or thing that came along. Not having heard of the doctrine of Christ, they wanted to know more. With such an invitation, you can imagine that Paul was delighted to accommodate them.

Paul starts his sermon at the Areopagus with the theme of the God they did not know. Acknowledging their religious devotion, he makes mention of one altar in particular - Ac 17:22-23a "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD." An altar with the inscription: "To The Unknown God" As Paul had previously observed that they are so devout, they sought to worship a god they did not know. He uses this as an opportunity to preach concerning the True God they did not know! - Ac 17:23b "You worship this God, but you don't really know him. So I want to tell you about him."

Let’s now look at the five main points of Pauls sermon.
God is the creator of the universe - Ac 17:24 "This God made the world and everything in it. He is Lord of heaven and earth, and he doesn't live in temples built by human hands." He made the world, He is Lord of heaven and earth and as such, He does not dwell in temples made with hands - see 1 Kin 8:22-30.

God is the sustainer of life - Ac 17:25 "He doesn't need help from anyone. He gives life, breath, and everything else to all people." He gives to all life their breath and what they need - see Ja 1:17. Therefore God is not worshiped as though He needs it.
God is the ruler of all the nations - Ac 17:26-27 "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us," He has created every nation and determined their rise and fall - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17. Everything is designed to prompt men to seek God, who is not far from any of us.

God is the Father of mankind - Ac 17:28-29 "and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. "We are his children," just as some of your poets have said. Since we are God's children, we must not think that he is like an idol made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made." From God we come; and in Him we live, move, and have our very being. Therefore we should not think that God is like any idol of gold, silver or stone.

God is the Judge of the world - Ac 17:30-31 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him. He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death." What ignorance He may have overlooked in the past, such is no longer the case. He now commands all men everywhere to repent. Why? Because of the coming Judgment, in which God will judge the world in righteousness; God will judge the world through Jesus Christ - Jn 5:22,26-27; 12:48. As proof such will occur, God has raised Jesus from the dead. The five points are from John Stott’s book, The Spirit, The Church, And The World.

The mention of the resurrection provoked a response - Ac 17:32 "As soon as the people heard Paul say that a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, "We will hear you talk about this some other time."’ Some mocked (to many philosophers, the idea of a bodily resurrection is foolishness). Others were more cordial, offering to listen again at another time. But as Paul left, some joined him and believed - Ac 17:33-34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." Specifically mentioned are Dionysius the Areopagite, and Damaris, a woman. Others also joined Paul and believed.

As has been our practice in previous lessons we will look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed in our next segment, next week.

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

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

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