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

Conversions In The Book of Acts - IV

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
Saul Of Tarsus (9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18)

From the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch", we now turn our attention to what is perhaps the most famous of conversions in the New Testament. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, chief persecutor of the early church - Ac 8:1a "Saul approved the stoning of Stephen.", 3 "Saul started making a lot of trouble for the church. He went from house to house, arresting men and women and putting them in jail."; 9:1-2 "Saul kept on threatening to kill the Lord's followers. He even went to the high priest and asked for letters to the Jewish leaders in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord's Way." Who became Paul the apostle (Ac 13:9), a recipient himself of much persecution for the cause of Christ - cf. 2 Co 11:23-28 -- Whose conversion stands as a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are actually three records of his conversion in The Book of Acts. Ac 9:1-19 - where Luke describes it as it happened. Ac 22:6-16 - where Paul recounts his conversion before a large crowd. Ac 26:12-18 - where Paul defends himself before King Agrippa. From the example of the conversion of "Saul of Tarsus" we find not only a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also more evidence concerning the nature of conversions as they are revealed in Acts. For example, when was Saul (Paul) saved? Was it on the road to Damascus, when the Lord appeared to him? Or was it in Damascus, at some point after he arrived there? How was Saul (Paul) saved? Through saying a sinner’s prayer? Or by being baptized?

Such questions can be answered by a careful consideration of Biblical evidence. Let’s begin then with a review of the evidence provided by all three accounts of Saul’s conversion and look at the harmony of his conversion. Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians - Ac 9:1-2 "Saul kept on threatening to kill the Lord's followers. He even went to the high priest and asked for letters to the Jewish leaders in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord's Way."; 22:4-5 "I made trouble for everyone who followed the Lord's Way, and I even had some of them killed. I had others arrested and put in jail. I didn't care if they were men or women. The high priest and all the council members can tell you that this is true. They even gave me letters to the Jewish leaders in Damascus, so that I could arrest people there and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished."; 26:9-11 "I once thought that I should do everything I could to oppose Jesus from Nazareth. I did this first in Jerusalem, and with the authority of the chief priests I put many of God's people in jail. I even voted for them to be killed. I often had them punished in our meeting places, and I tried to make them give up their faith. In fact, I was so angry with them, that I went looking for them in foreign cities."

All of a sudden a light shone around him from heaven - Ac 9:3 "When Saul had almost reached Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him."; 22:6 "One day about noon I was getting close to Damascus, when a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around me."; 26:12-13 "King Agrippa, one day I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and permission of the chief priests. About noon I saw a light brighter than the sun. It flashed from heaven on me and on everyone traveling with me."

Then a voice began to speak to him in Hebrew identifying itself as the voice of Jesus - Ac 9:4-5 "He fell to the ground and heard a voice that said, "Saul! Saul! Why are you so cruel to me?" "Who are you?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus," the Lord answered. "I am the one you are so cruel to."; 22:7-9 "I fell to the ground and heard a voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you so cruel to me?" "Who are you?" I answered. The Lord replied, "I am Jesus from Nazareth! I am the one you are so cruel to." The men who were traveling with me saw the light, but did not hear the voice."; 26:14-15 "We all fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice say to me in Aramaic, "Saul, Saul, why are you so cruel to me? It's foolish to fight against me!" "Who are you?" I asked. Then the Lord answered, "I am Jesus! I am the one you are so cruel to."

Jesus then tells Saul why He has appeared to him - Ac 26:16-18 "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." The Lord also said, "I will protect you from the Jews and from the Gentiles that I am sending you to. I want you to open their eyes, so that they will turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then their sins will be forgiven, and by faith in me they will become part of God's holy people." He was to go on to Damascus, where he will be told "what you must do" - Ac 9:6 "Now get up and go into the city, where you will be told what to do." He will be told "all things which are appointed for you to do" - Ac 22:10 "I asked, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Then he told me, "Get up and go to Damascus. When you get there, you will be told what to do."

Saul now arrives in Damascus led by the hand, having been blinded by the light - Ac 9:8 "Saul got up from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could not see a thing. Someone then led him by the hand to Damascus,"; 22:11 "The light had been so bright that I couldn't see. And the other men had to lead me by the hand to Damascus." For three days, he neither eats nor drinks - Ac 9:9 "and for three days he was blind and did not eat or drink."

The Lord appears to Ananias in a vision, and tells him to go to Saul - Ac 9:10-16 "A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, "Lord, here I am." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so that he could see again." Ananias replied, "Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name." The Lord said to Ananias, "Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me. I will show him how much he must suffer for worshiping in my name."’ Ananias then obeys and goes to Saul, and has his sight restored - Ac 9:17-18a "Ananias left and went into the house where Saul was staying. Ananias placed his hands on him and said, "Saul, the Lord Jesus has sent me. He is the same one who appeared to you along the road. He wants you to be able to see and to be filled with the Holy Spirit." Suddenly something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see."; 22:12-13 " In that city there was a man named Ananias, who faithfully obeyed the Law of Moses and was well liked by all the Jewish people living there. He came to me and said, "Saul, my friend, you can now see again!" At once I could see." Saul is then told why the Lord appeared to him and how he will be a witness of what he has seen - Ac 22:14-15 "Then Ananias told me, "The God that our ancestors worshiped has chosen you to know what he wants done. He has chosen you to see the One Who Obeys God and to hear his voice. You must tell everyone what you have seen and heard." Then Saul is told to be baptized and wash away his sins, calling upon the name of the Lord - Ac 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."; 9:18b "He got up and was baptized."

Sauls’ conversion is now complete and he begins his work immediately by preaching in Damascus - Ac 9:20 "Soon he went to the Jewish meeting places and started telling people that Jesus is the Son of God." And later in Jerusalem, Judea, and to the Gentiles - Ac 26:19-20 "King Agrippa, I obeyed this vision from heaven. First I preached to the people in Damascus, and then I went to Jerusalem and all over Judea. Finally, I went to the Gentiles and said, "Stop sinning and turn to God! Then prove what you have done by the way you live."’
As mentioned previously, the conversion of Saul is a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What other reasonable explanation can be given for the drastic change from "chief persecutor" of the Christian faith to "chief proclamator" of the Christian faith? But the conversion of Saul is also valuable for the insights we can glean into the process of conversion. With that in mind, allow me to share some observations concerning "when" Saul was saved.

It is often stated that Saul was saved on the road to Damascus when the Lord appeared to him; that his conversion took place at that moment. Note that while on the road, the Lord said it would be in Damascus where he would be told "what you must do" - Ac 9:6. In Damascus, Ananias told him to "wash away your sins" - Ac 22:16/ At that point, Saul was still in his sins! He was still not saved! While in one sense he was indeed "converted" on the road (his view of Jesus certainly changed), conversion in the sense of salvation did not occur then. Saul was not saved until after he arrived in Damascus.

From the statement of Ananias in Ac 22:16 (to wash away his sins), we learn that Saul was not saved by virtue of the vision on the road. We learn that Saul was not saved by virtue of the prayers and fasting he had offered for three days - Ac 9:9,11. Saul was saved when his sins were "washed away" - Ac 22:16, which occurred after spending three days in Damascus. Saul’s salvation occurred when he was baptized to wash away his sins! This concurs with what Peter said about the purpose of baptism in 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."
Concerning baptism and calling upon the name of the Lord we can turn to Peter’s statements. After quoting Joel who wrote of calling upon the name of the Lord to be saved (Ac 2:21 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (ASV, KJV), Peter told his crowd to be baptized - Ac 2:38 (see above). Now Ananias commands Saul to be baptized, "calling upon the name of the Lord" - Ac 22:16. As Peter wrote, baptism saves us, and is an appeal for a clear conscience - 1 Pe 3:21, in baptism, then we are "calling upon the name of the Lord". We are appealing to God by the authority of His Son Jesus to forgive our sins. While we can certainly pray as we are being baptized, baptism itself is a prayer (an appeal) to God for a clear conscience!

From the conversion of Saul we learn that one is not saved by visions of the Lord (who could have a vision more impressive than Saul’s?) We learn that one is not saved by saying the sinner’s prayer (Saul had been praying and fasting for three days!) In keeping with what we have seen already, one is saved when they are baptized for the remission of their sins - Ac 2:38. One is saved when they are baptized to have their sins "washed away" - Ac 22:16. Of course, we learn from Paul’s discourse in Romans 6 that the simple rite of baptism is efficacious because in baptism we are baptized into Christ’s death - Ro 6:3-4 "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." We are united with Christ in the likeness of His death - Ro 6:5 "If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him." We are crucified with Christ, and our body of sin is done away - Ro 6:6 "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 die to sin, and are therefore freed from sin - Ro 6:7 "We know that sin doesn't have power over dead people."

In his commentary on Ro 6:3, Martin Luther wrote: "Baptism has been instituted that it should lead us to the blessings (of this death) and through such death to eternal life. Therefore IT IS NECESSARY that we should be baptized into Jesus Christ and His death." (Commentary On Romans, Kregel Publications, p. 101)

And so we say, as did Ananias, to anyone who has yet to be baptized for the remission of their sins... "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in Saul’s conversion 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

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 - IIIb

The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40) Part Two

Having looked at the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch in our last lesson we now turn to some observations concerning what it means to preach Jesus. From Isaiah’s "quotation" (Isa 52:13-53:11), we know it involves teaching. For example how Jesus died for our sins - 1 Co 15:1-3 "My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say." How Jesus has been exalted by God - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross."; 3:13-15 "The God that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our other ancestors worshiped has brought honor to his Servant Jesus. He is the one you betrayed. You turned against him when he was being tried by Pilate, even though Pilate wanted to set him free. You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done."; 5:30-31 "You killed Jesus by nailing him to a cross. But the God our ancestors worshiped raised him to life and made him our Leader and Savior. Then God gave him a place at his right side, so that the people of Israel would turn back to him and be forgiven."

From the Eunuch’s "question" (Ac 8:36), we know it includes stressing the importance of baptism. If not why did the eunuch ask, "What hinders me from being baptized?" Perhaps because Philip told him what the Lord had said - 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." The purpose of baptism, as expressed by Peter and Paul - 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."; Ro 6:3-4 "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"; 1 Pe 3:21 "Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death." As we have seen and will see, baptism is the expected response when one believes in Jesus. This can not be repeated or stressed enough because there are so many in todays time that reject it.

Note the immediacy of baptism. Why did the eunuch asked to be baptized right then ("See, here is water.")? Perhaps because baptism’s purpose is such that one does not want to delay it as it is "for the remission of sins" - Ac 2:38. It is to have one’s sins "washed away" - Ac 22:16. It is an appeal for a clear conscience - 1 Pe 3:21. Indeed, in every example of conversion found in Acts, people were baptized immediately, after just one lesson!

From Philip’s "qualification" (Ac 8:37), we know it requires explaining the necessity of faith in Jesus. One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God - Jn 8:24 "That is why I said you will die with your sins unforgiven. If you don't have faith in me for who I am, you will die, and your sins will not be forgiven."’; 20:30-31 "Jesus worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book. But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life." Without faith, God won’t do His work in our baptism - 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." It requires explaining the necessity of whole-heartedness in our faith. God has always required whole-heartedness - Mt 22:37 "Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind." Without it, even those saved are in danger of falling away - He 3:12-14 "My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let's hold tightly to our faith until the end." Unless "you believe with all your heart", you are not a proper subject for baptism!

Concerning baptism we see that baptism involves water. When the eunuch was baptized... "...both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water" - Ac 8:38
"...he baptized him" - Ac 8:38
"...they came up out of the water" - Ac 8:39
Later, we see the same truth expressed by Peter - Ac 10:47-48 ‘"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." Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days." We see that baptism involves a burial in water. Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water - Ac 8:38. If sprinkling satisfies the meaning of baptism, it seems strange that Philip would need to go down into the water. Why get wet, when all he needed to do was get a handful of water? Baptism means "to immerse", and such requires the baptizer to get in the water with the one being baptized. Later, Paul describes baptism as a "burial" - Ro 6:3-4 "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. "; 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."

We see that baptism is NOT a public confession of one’s faith. Some say that the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess one’s faith in Christ. Especially those who deny that baptism is for the remission of sins. Seeking to provide a reason for baptism, they offer this as an alternative. But the Bible nowhere says this is the purpose for baptism! If the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess one’s faith why did Philip baptize the eunuch? There was no one else around to witness the baptism. They were all alone in the desert. Why didn’t Philip answer the eunuch’s question differently? The eunuch wanted to know what would hinder him from being baptized.
If baptism is a public confession of one’s faith, we would expect Philip to say he must wait until they get to town, find a church, etc. But the purpose of baptism is such that it can be done in public or in private. With thousands present, or with just the one doing the baptizing. Later, we will see that the conversion of the Philippian Jailor also involved a baptism in relative privacy.

With the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch", we are impressed with the simplicity of salvation. With a simple presentation of the gospel, one can be saved after just one lesson. Whether it is preached to large crowds or to just one person, the gospel is indeed God’s power
to save! - Ro 1:16 "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." When the gospel of Jesus is truly preached the death of Jesus for our sins will be stressed. The importance of baptism as commanded by Jesus will be mentioned as well. Such that people will want to know "what hinders me from being baptized?" Such that people will want to baptized immediately. The purpose of baptism will be properly understood, knowing that one can be baptized in private just as well as in public. The necessity for a wholehearted faith in Jesus will be emphasized, otherwise one simply gets
wet in baptism! Was your conversion anything like that of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"? When someone "preached Jesus" to you, were you compelled to ask:
"See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" - Acts 8:36
If not, have you considered why not? Could it be that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not shared with you in its fullness...?

If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined 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

Conversions In The Book of Acts - IIIa

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40) Part One

The conversions we have noted so far have involved large numbers of people. The 3000 at Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41. The 2000 on Solomon’s Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4. The multitudes in Samaria - Ac 8:5-13. In each case, the gospel message was basically the same. Christ is proclaimed. Responses called for included faith, repentance and baptism. Now we have the opportunity to examine the conversion of just one person. A queen’s treasurer, a eunuch from Ethiopia. A very religious man, who had traveled a great distance to worship God. With the account of the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch" we not only have the opportunity to confirm what we have already learned, we can also glean a few more points regarding Biblical conversions.

Let’s start with a reading and review of the basic facts related to this conversion. Philip is sent to the Eunuch - Ac 8:26-29. An angel of the Lord tells Philip to go toward Gaza - Ac 8:26 "The Lord's angel said to Philip, "Go south along the desert road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza."’ On the way there is a man sitting in his chariot - Ac 8:27-28 "So Philip left. An important Ethiopian official happened to be going along that road in his chariot. He was the chief treasurer for Candace, the Queen of Ethiopia. The official had gone to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way home. He was sitting in his chariot, reading the book of the prophet Isaiah." As these verses relate to us a eunuch of Ethiopia, in charge of the treasury of Queen Candace was returning home from having gone to worship in Jerusalem. He was reading from the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit tells Philip to overtake the chariot - Ac 8:29 "The Spirit told Philip to catch up with the chariot."

Hearing the eunuch reading Isaiah, Philip asks if he understands - Ac 8:30 "Philip ran up close and heard the man reading aloud from the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him, "Do you understand what you are reading?"’ The eunuch now asks Philip to help him - Ac 8:31-34 "The official answered, "How can I understand unless someone helps me?" He then invited Philip to come up and sit beside him. The man was reading the passage that said, "He was led like a sheep on its way to be killed. He was silent as a lamb whose wool is being cut off, and he did not say a word. He was treated like a nobody and did not receive a fair trial. How can he have children, if his life is snatched away?" The official said to Philip, "Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or about someone else?"’ He expresses a need for someone to guide him, and invites Philip to sit with him. The scripture under consideration is Isa 53:7-8, which speaks of one led as a sheep to the slaughter and describes one whose life is taken from the earth. The eunuch asks if Isaiah was speaking of himself, or of someone else. Beginning with that Scripture, Philip preaches Jesus to him - Ac 8:35 "So Philip began at this place in the Scriptures and explained the good news about Jesus."

The eunuch expresses a desire to be baptized - Ac 8:36-37 "As they were going along the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, "Look, there's some water. What keeps me from being baptized?" Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ‘ Seeing some water along the way, he wonders what would hinder him from being baptized. Philip replies that if he believes with all his heart, he may. The eunuch confesses his faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Philip then baptizes the eunuch - Ac 8:38-40 " So he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing and did not see Philip again. But Philip found himself at Azotus. As he was passing through the region, he kept proclaiming the good news in all the towns until he came to Caesarea." Stopping the chariot, both Philip and the eunuch go down into the water. Philip then baptizes him. When they come up out of the water, the Spirit catches Philip away. Though seeing Philip no more, the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing. Philip is found at Azotus, and continues preaching in the cities until he arrives at Caesarea.

One might properly wonder why the Spirit saw it fit to lead Luke to spend so much time describing the conversion of just one person. Clearly there must be important lessons or principles that we can glean from this historical account. With that in mind, let me offer some observations concerning prospects for the gospel. The Ethiopian eunuch was a very religious man. He had traveled a great distance to worship in Jerusalem. He was reading from the Scriptures when Philip found him. In fact, most examples of conversions involved very devout people. The 3000 at Pentecost, who had traveled to observe the feast day. Later, we will study the conversions of such people as Paul, the Pharisee zealous for the Law; Cornelius, the devout Gentile who feared God and prayed always; and Lydia, a woman who met every Sabbath to pray with others. From this we can glean the following. Just because one is religious does not mean they are saved! Religious people are often good prospects for the gospel! They already fear God and respect His authority and as such, they simply need to be shown "the way of God more accurately" -see for example the account of Apollos in Ac 18:26 "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." Those who are truly seeking God’s will, will one day have an opportunity to hear the gospel and obey it! This does not discount the fact that rank sinners are often receptive of the gospel message (see for example the Corinthians, 1 Co 6:9-11), but good people are usually more open to the Word.

In the next part of this lesson we will turn to some observations concerning what it means to preach Jesus.

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 - IIb

The 2000 At Solomon’s Porch (3:1-4:4) - Part Two

In Part 1 of this lesson we looked at the background of this event occurring and at Peter’s sermon and the conversions that followed. In Part 2 of this lesson we will do an analysis of the conversions this event and Peter’s preaching of the gospel message produced. Lets start by looking at an analysis of the conversions.

Note the following observations regarding Peter’s sermon, noting the Christ-centeredness of Peter’s preaching. As in his sermon on Pentecost while he is explaining the miracle, he directs their attention to Jesus, not the sign. Again Peter’s main theme is the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus - Ac 3:13-15 "The God that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our other ancestors worshiped has brought honor to his Servant Jesus. He is the one you betrayed. You turned against him when he was being tried by Pilate, even though Pilate wanted to set him free. You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done."

The One they killed, God raised from the dead. The One they killed, God has glorified. Yet Peter also introduces a new element, the coming of Jesus from heaven! Jesus is coming again! - Ac 3:20-21 "Then that time will come when the Lord will give you fresh strength. He will send you Jesus, his chosen Messiah. But Jesus must stay in heaven until God makes all things new, just as his holy prophets promised long ago."

The sermon’s climax is the call to "repent therefore, and be converted" - Ac 3:19 "So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven." From this we learn that repentance and conversion are not same thing, otherwise, Peter was redundant. He would have been saying "repent and repent". Repent (metanoeo) means "a change of mind". True repentance is brought on by "godly sorrow" - 2 Co 7:9 "Now I am happy, but not because I hurt your feelings. It is because God used your hurt feelings to make you turn back to him, and none of you were harmed by us." Such repentance then leads one to "salvation" - 2 Co 7:10 "Now I am happy, but not because I hurt your feelings. It is because God used your hurt feelings to make you turn back to him, and none of you were harmed by us." Thus they were being called to change their minds regarding Jesus and their sinful ways.

What is meant by "be converted"? The NKJV and KJV suggest a passive act, but the Greek is aorist active imperative, implying there is something we must do. The key idea is to "turn" or "return". The NIV has "turn to God" and the NASB has "return". But how does one turn to God? Compare Peter’s word’s Ac 3:19, "Repent" with Ac 2:38, "Repent". "Be baptized" (Ac 2:38) and "Be converted" (Ac 3:19) Could Peter be referring to baptism when he says "be converted"? When one submits to baptism, they so do with an appeal for a clear conscience - 1 Pe 3:21 "Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death." In baptism they are calling upon the name of the Lord - Ac 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ Therefore I believe the call to "turn" likely involved baptism.

The blessings promised are similar to those found in the first sermon. There is the forgiveness of sins described as the "remission of sins" in the first sermon - 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." Described as having one’s sins "blotted out" - Ac 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" (KJV) There is the positive counterpart to the remission of sins described as "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in the first sermon - Ac 2:38-39. In this sermon the counterpart to the remission of sins is described as "the times of refreshing...from the presence of the Lord" - Ac 3:19. I understand Peter to have reference to the same thing, i.e., the Spirit as a gift to the Christian - see Ac 5:32; Ga 4:6; Ep 1:13-14, whom Jesus promised as a refreshing blessing - Jn 7:37-39; see also Jn 4:10-14 (I leave the reader to verify my understanding by opening their Bible and reading these passages).

In this sermon we also find a warning. In the first sermon Peter pleaded with the people to "be saved from this perverse generation" - Ac 2:40. Now we find a reason why, with Moses’ prophecy: "every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people" - Ac 3:23.

Let us now turn to looking at some observations regarding the response the crowd had to the sermon. As mentioned in the introduction, little is said, other than many "believed" - Ac 4:4 "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand." Are we to conclude from this that was all they did? Did they not also "repent"?
Did they not also "turn to God"? I think it fair to conclude that the term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed. I also think it fair to conclude that it involved a complete reception of the message preached and to included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, turning, baptism). That just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in the first sermon, but is fairly inferred, so also with baptism here. Why? Because as we read through the book of Acts the writer Luke used a communication style know as "synecdoche", where a part includes the whole. This style of communication is used even by us today as a short cut. In other words, instead of repeating the responsive actions individually over and over, such as they heard the message, they believed the message, they repented by turning to God, they confessed to believing in Jesus as the Son of God, they were baptized and they received the Holy Spirit of promise. In simple synecdoche style it is much easier just to say many "believed" which would include by inference the whole. The American Heritage Dictionary:
A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor), the whole for a part (as the law for police officer), the specific for the general (as cutthroat for assassin), the general for the specific (as thief for pickpocket), or the material for the thing made from it (as steel for sword).
From Britannica: figure of speech in which a part represents the whole, as in the expression "hired hands" for workmen or, less commonly, the whole represents a part, as in the use of the word "society" to mean high society. Closely related to metonymy—the replacement of a word by one closely related to the original—synecdoche is an important poetic device for creating vivid imagery.

When preaching, teaching or studying the gospel we must not lose the Christ-centeredness of our focus. This includes his death, resurrection and glorification. That Jesus provides more than just the forgiveness of sin; but as the Prince of Life, He is the source of every spiritual blessing from above - Ep 1:3 "Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven!" That preaching, teaching or studying the gospel of Christ include His return from heaven, for He is second coming!

The clarion call of the gospel is one of repentance! Faith and baptism are certainly important, yea, essential yet repentance was the theme of preaching by John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-2 "Years later, John the Baptist started preaching in the desert of Judea. He said, "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here."’ The teachings of Jesus also have this clarion call - Mt 4:17 "Then Jesus started preaching, "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here."’; Lk 13:3 "Not at all! But you can be sure that if you don't turn back to God, every one of you will also be killed.", 5 "Not at all! But you can be sure that if you don't turn back to God, every one of you will also die." And by the apostles - 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."; 3:19 "So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven."; Ac 20:21 "I told Jews and Gentiles to turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus."; see also Lk 24:47

When people respond to the gospel, we should expect to see a change of mind (repentance), brought about by "godly sorrow" - 2 Co 7:9-10 "Now I am happy, but not because I hurt your feelings. It is because God used your hurt feelings to make you turn back to him, and none of you were harmed by us. When God makes you feel sorry enough to turn to him and be saved, you don't have anything to feel bad about. But when this world makes you feel sorry, it can cause your death." We should expect to see a change of life, as they "turn" from their sins and "turn" to God - cf. 2 Co 7:11 "Just look what God has done by making you feel sorry! You sincerely want to prove that you are innocent. You are angry. You are shocked. You are eager to see that justice is done. You have proved that you were completely right in this matter." This change is implied by the word "converted" (turn). A process that involves their baptism into Christ, in which they die to sin and rise to walk in newness of life - cf. Ro 6:3-7. All of which can be summarized as having "believed"!

With this example of conversion, Peter continues to fulfill the commission of his Lord to preach the gospel - Mk 16:15-16. To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47. We saw that not all responded in the same way. Yes, 2000 heard the word and believed. But some religious people with their preconceived ideas were resistant to the gospel. Sadly, many people today reject the apostolic preaching of the gospel for similar reasons. I pray that such is not the case with you; that as we study the preaching of the apostles and the responses to it, your heart will be open to the Word of God. Especially to this key verse in our study:
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord," (Ac 3:19)

If you have not responded to the gospel message as those 2000 souls after Peter‘s sermon and call to repentance on Soloman’s Porch as we have just examined, 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
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 - IIa

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The 2000 At Solomon’s Porch (3:1-4:4) - Part One

In our previous lesson, we considered the conversion of "The 3000 On Pentecost" precipitated by the outpouring of the Spirit - Ac 2:1-21. Peter had proclaimed the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus - Ac 2:22-36 - In which 3000 souls responded to the gospel commands to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:37-38. The next example of conversion in Acts is one often overlooked. Many charts listing examples of conversions in the Book of Acts do not include it. Perhaps because little is said about those converted, other than "many of those who heard the word believed" -Ac 4:4. But since our purpose includes looking at the sermons which led people to Christ, we should certainly consider Peter’s second gospel sermon, proclaimed on Solomon’s Porch in the temple court. A sermon that led 2000 more people to believe in Jesus Christ! - cf. Ac 4:4

As we did in the previous study, let’s begin with the background of the conversion. Peter and John were going into the temple - Ac 3:1 "The time of prayer was about three o'clock in the afternoon, and Peter and John were going into the temple." Christians had been gathering daily in the temple - Ac 2:46 "Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely," Peter and John arrived at the "hour of prayer, the ninth hour" (3 p.m.).

A man lame from birth had been healed - Ac 3:2-8. He was left daily at the gate of the temple called "Beautiful" - Ac 3:2-3 "A man who had been born lame was being carried to the temple door. Each day he was placed beside this door, known as the Beautiful Gate. He sat there and begged from the people who were going in. The man saw Peter and John entering the temple, and he asked them for money." He ask alms from the people entering the temple and had asked Peter and John for alms. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - Ac 3:4-8 "But they looked straight at him and said, "Look up at us!" The man stared at them and thought he was going to get something. But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold! But I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, get up and start walking." Peter then took him by the right hand and helped him up. At once the man's feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up and started walking. He went with Peter and John into the temple, walking and jumping and praising God." The lame man expected alms, but Peter offered him something much better than silver or gold! The miracle was immediate and total!

A crowd had gathered - Ac 3:9-11 "Everyone saw him walking around and praising God. They knew that he was the beggar who had been lying beside the Beautiful Gate, and they were completely surprised. They could not imagine what had happened to the man. While the man kept holding on to Peter and John, the whole crowd ran to them in amazement at the place known as Solomon's Porch." Drawn by the scene of the man walking, praising God; one they knew had been lame from birth - Ac 3:9-10. Amazed and wondering, they gathered in the porch called Solomon’s - Ac 3:11

The similarity to the events in Acts 2 should be apparent. A miraculous event occurs, it attracts the attention of the people. As before, Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim Jesus. Peter explains the true source of the miracle - Ac 3:12-16 "Peter saw that a crowd had gathered, and he said: Friends, why are you surprised at what has happened? Why are you staring at us? Do you think we have some power of our own? Do you think we were able to make this man walk because we are so religious? The God that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our other ancestors worshiped has brought honor to his Servant Jesus. He is the one you betrayed. You turned against him when he was being tried by Pilate, even though Pilate wanted to set him free. You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done. You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching."

It was not by the power or godliness of Peter and John themselves, but it was through faith in the One whom they killed! God’s Servant, Jesus, whom the God of their fathers had glorified! Whom they had delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate! Calling Jesus God’s "Servant" may be an allusion to Isa 52:13 "The LORD says: My servant will succeed! He will be given great praise and the highest honors." and 53:12 "The LORD will reward him with honor and power for sacrificing his life. Others thought he was a sinner, but he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us."

The Holy One, The Just, The Prince of Life, whom they denied, asking for a murderer to be released in his stead! Whom God raised from the dead, as seen by witnesses! Calling Jesus by these terms emphasized His true person and power. It was through faith in His name that the lame man was healed; note it was Peter and John’s faith in Jesus, not the lame man’s faith. The lame man had not expected a miracle, but silver or gold. Peter acknowledges their ignorance, but still calls upon them to repent - Ac 3:17-26. He recognizes that they and their rulers acted in ignorance. That what happened was foretold through God’s prophets, fulfilling God’s predetermined plan - Ac 2:23 "God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross."

Yet ignorance is no excuse, so they must "repent and be converted" - Ac 3:19 "So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven." Several reasons to respond in this manner are given - Ac 3:19-26. That "your sins may be blotted out", alluding to the ancient practice of erasing mistakes made on papyrus, another way to describe the remission of sins through Jesus’ blood. That "times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord". Here is a positive counterpart to the remission of sins. God provides more than just remission of sins, but refreshment for our spirits. That God "may send Jesus Christ" (a reference to His second coming), who was preached to them before (via the prophets), whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things (of which the prophets of God had also spoken). As an example of the prophets who had spoken, Moses is quoted. Others since Samuel have likewise told of these days. They were "sons of the prophets, and of the covenant" God made with their fathers. A covenant made with Abraham, to bless the world in his seed. A promise fulfilled by God through His Servant Jesus, Whom He raised. Who was sent by God to bless them. To bless them by turning them away from their sins.

In looking at the response to Peter’s sermon we find a negative response by the religious leaders - Ac 4:1-3 "The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night." They were greatly disturbed, because in preaching Jesus, Peter preached the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees in particular denied the idea of a bodily resurrection - Ac 23:6-9. So they had Peter and John placed in custody for trial the next day.

There was also a positive response by many who heard - Ac 4:4 "But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord." Many who heard the word "believed". As many as two thousand men accepted the preaching of Peter! The power of the gospel to convict the hearts of men continues to be seen, though with some the effect appears to be a hardening of their hearts. But as we focus on those who responded, what can we glean from this example of these conversions?

In Part 2 of this lesson we will do an analysis of the conversions this event and Peter’s preaching of the gospel message produced.

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 - Ib

The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part Two

In the continuation of our lesson of the 3000 souls converted on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon an analysis of these conversions is in order. Let’s look at some observations in regard to the sermon and see if we can find an applicable lesson for us today.

Peter’s focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders. His explanation of the miraculous, the sound of a rushing wind, the fiery tongues and each Apostles speaking a different language, was no more than a quotation from Joel. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their attention to Jesus. Peter’s theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus’ life and death which they knew. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand that he seeks to prove. Peter’s objective: for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Messiah (Christ).

The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart" (pricked, very disturbed, convicted, will be found in some other vbersions). This shows the power of God’s word to convict - Ro 1:16 "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." When convicted, or convinced of a truth not all people will respond in the same way. For example, when Stephen made his speech in front of the Jewish council they became angry - Ac 7:54 "When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious."

The reaction of the people on the Day of Pentecost after Peter’s sermon was "what shall we do?" is also noteworthy. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus expected Him to say - Lk 24:46-47 "He told them: The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, (repent, JMN) in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - 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,"; 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."

The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission of sins". The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28 "This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven." His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins". In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view toward, in order to". Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of sins. One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ’s death - see. Ro 6:3-6)

Those who were baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit". I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God." Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or spiritual gifts), all who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6 "Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father."; 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse 39, who was promised by the Father and received by Christ and who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost - Ac 2:33 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing." Thus poured out, one can now receive the in "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism, resulting in justification - Ti 3:4-7 "God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life."

Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41,47 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.", "Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1 Co 12:13 "Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit." Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the universal, not local) sense.

The lesson for us today is that when preaching, teaching or hearing the gospel message our focus should be on the death, burial, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ - 1 Co 2:1-2 "Friends, when I came and told you the mystery that God had shared with us, I didn't use big words or try to sound wise. In fact, while I was with you, I made up my mind to speak only about Jesus Christ, who had been nailed to a cross."; 15:1-4 "My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say." The evidence we offer as support should be the testimony of Scripture (the Old Testament prophecies) and the testimony of the eyewitnesses (the apostles). Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God’s Anointed One. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?", we should reply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly...") - Ac 16:30-31 "After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."’ Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30 "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." and be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. 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."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’ Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of the Spirit. The Spirit’s role in the life of the Christian is important - 1 Co 6:11 "Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God."; Ro 8:13 "If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires." While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32 "We are here to tell you about all this, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to everyone who obeys God."

With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world." To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47-48 "They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened." Peter also faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord to include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the gospel - Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned." To make disciples by baptizing them - 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,"

Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today? Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and exaltation of Christ! Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner’s prayer", is that what Peter said? Those who presume to preach and teach in the name of Christ, should be careful to preach and teach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the apostles preach! Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...
"...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)

If you have not responded to the gospel message as those 3000 souls on the Day of Pentecost as we have just examined, 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
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 - Ia

Having looked at the Gospels Answer to The Problem of Sin we now turn our attention to the Book of Acts where we will be examining the response to the gospel of Christ as it was preached.

Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) - Part One

The Book of Acts serves a unique role in the New Testament and the history of the church. It picks up where the gospels leave off, and serves as the backdrop for the epistles. It details the spread of the gospel, and expansion of the Lord’s church. It is the only record, inspired or otherwise, of the first thirty years of the church. Included in the historical record of Acts are many examples of conversions in which we find the apostles and other preachers leading people to Christ. In some cases we can read the very sermons used to proclaim the gospel. We also have descriptions of what people were told in order to receive God’s saving grace. The value of such examples of conversion cannot be overstated. For today we can hear or see many different "gospels" being proclaimed. Even when the gospel facts are faithfully proclaimed, sometimes people are told to respond in a manner not found in the New Testament. With the help of The Book of Acts, we can make sure that the gospel facts and commands are being faithfully proclaimed!

In this series, we shall examine a number of examples of conversions described in Acts noting the background of each conversion. We will be considering the sermons proclaimed and the responses to them along with analyzing the sermons and responses, seeking to glean the elements of the gospel message and what response to expect of those coming to Christ. In this study, we start with the first example of conversion, "The 3000 On Pentecost", as recorded in Acts 2.

As we begin, let’s do so with the background of the conversion. Please use an open Bible as all the scripture references will not be quoted here, but will only be noted. It was the Day of Pentecost, - Acts 2:1 "On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place." An annual Jewish feast, celebrated 50 days after the presentation of the first fruits. One in which Jews would travel from great distances to attend - Ac 2:5 "Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem."

The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles - Ac 2:2-13, as promised by John and Jesus - Ac 1:4-5 "While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."; Lk 24:49 "I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven." The Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles accompanied by audible and visual signs. A sound as of a mighty rushing wind - Ac 2:2 "Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting." There were divided tongues as of fire sitting upon each of them - Ac 2:3 "Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there." Enabling the apostles to speak in foreign languages - Ac 2:4-11. Every man heard them speak in his own language - Ac 2:6 "And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages.", 11 "Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done." Those who spoke were "Galileans" (Ac 2:7 "They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee?") suggests the apostles, for the apostles were from Galilee. Whereas the 120 disciples were from all over Palestine. The reaction of the crowd was mixed - Ac 2:12-13 "Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk."’ Some were amazed and perplexed, others mocked, accusing the apostles of being drunk.

Peter explains what is happening. - Ac 2:14-21. It was too early for them to be drunk - Ac 2:14-15 "Peter stood with the eleven apostles and spoke in a loud and clear voice to the crowd: Friends and everyone else living in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I have to say! You are wrong to think that these people are drunk. After all, it is only nine o'clock in the morning." Rather, it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy - Ac 2:16-21, found in Joel 2:28-32 in which God promised to pour out of His Spirit on all flesh. So we find a large gathering of religious people initially drawn by the miraculous events which occurred this day in Jerusalem. Having explained the meaning of the events, Peter immediately proceeded with the first recorded gospel sermon.
Having looked at the background events, let’s now turn the sermon by Peter and the response as Jesus is proclaimed. Peter began with the life and miracles of Jesus, with which his audience was well acquainted - Ac 2:22 "Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this." He laid the blame of Jesus’ death at their feet, but said it was in keeping with God’s predetermined plan - Ac 2:23 "God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross." He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, and provided three lines of evidence - Ac 2:24-35. The testimony of David - Ac 2:25-31 "What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me." My friends, it is right for me to speak to you about our ancestor David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still here. But David was a prophet, and he knew that God had made a promise he would not break. He had told David that someone from his own family would someday be king. David knew this would happen, and so he told us that Christ would be raised to life. He said that God would not leave him in the grave or let his body decay." David had prophesied of the resurrection of God’s Anointed - Psa 16:8-11 "I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest. I am your chosen one. You won't leave me in the grave or let my body decay. You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful." David could not have been speaking of himself, but of Jesus. -- Thus, the testimony of Scripture.

The testimony of the twelve apostles - Ac 2:32 "All of us can tell you that God has raised Jesus to life!" The Apostles had to be eyewitnesses to qualify as apostles - Ac 1:21 "So we need someone else to help us tell others that Jesus has been raised from death. He must also be one of the men who was with us from the very beginning. He must have been with us from the time the Lord Jesus was baptized by John until the day he was taken to heaven." With twelve witnesses, the demands of Scripture were overwhelmingly met ("by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.") -- Thus, the testimony of eyewitnesses.
The testimony of the Spirit’s outpouring - Ac 3:33-35 "Jesus was taken up to sit at the right side of God, and he was given the Holy Spirit, just as the Father had promised. Jesus is also the one who has given the Spirit to us, and that is what you are now seeing and hearing. David didn't go up to heaven. So he wasn't talking about himself when he said, "The Lord told my Lord to sit at his right side, until he made my Lord's enemies into a footstool for him."’ The outpouring of the Spirit on that day, was evidence of Christ’s exaltation to the right hand of God and Christ receiving from the Father the promise of the Spirit. And so another prophecy of David was fulfilled - cf. Psa 110:1 "The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you."’ -- Thus, the testimony of the day’s events.
Finally, Peter reached the climax of his sermon - Ac 2:36 "Everyone in Israel should then know for certain that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, even though you put him to death on a cross." The Jesus they crucified, God had made "Lord" (Ruler of all - cf. Mt 28:18), "Christ" (The Anointed One prophesied in Scripture). This fact they were to "know assuredly", to understand, to accept as fact, to believe firmly.

In response to Peter’s sermon the listeners were convicted - Ac 2:37 "When the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Friends, what shall we do?"’ They were "pricked to the heart" (ASV, KJV). They asked "what shall we do?". Peter replied with commands and a promise - Ac 2:38-39 "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."’ The commands to repent (turn back to God) and be baptized for the remission of sins. The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, a promise for "as many as the Lord our God will call". Luke then summarized what followed. Peter continued to offer testimony and exhortation - Ac 2:40 "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."’ Those who "gladly received his word were baptized" - Ac 2:41 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized." 3000 souls were "added" (later, we learn it was the Lord who was adding them to His church - Ac 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." KJV) With this response to Peter’s sermon, the Lord’s church began in Jerusalem (Ac 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." KJV). It was an amazing day, in which 3000 souls responded to the gospel of Christ. What can be gleaned from this example of conversion?

In our next lesson we will do some analysis of the conversions and look at some observations regarding Peter’s sermon.

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

The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part Two

The Gospel Of Christ And The Problem Of Sin
The Gospel's Answer To The "Result" Of Sin - Part Two
(The Gift Of Eternal Life)

No matter what the result of sin, the promise of eternal life more than makes up for it! The gospel promises even now "Eternal Life". John speaks of this "life" as a present possession in 1 Jn 5:11-13 "God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God's Son, we have this life. But if we don't have the Son, we don't have this life. All of you have faith in the Son of God, and I have written to let you know that you have eternal life." This is "eternal life" in the sense of knowing God and Jesus in a special way, having fellowship with them - Jn 17:3 "Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent."; 1 Jn 5:20 "We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life." With this type of "eternal life" one is no longer "dead in sin"; one is no longer "separated from God". The emphasis is on the quality of life, not quantity - Jn 10:10 "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." "Eternal life" in this sense begins when we rise from the watery grave of baptism. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Ro 6:4. This is because in baptism our sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ - 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."’ We enter into a new relationship with God, having put on Christ - Ga 3:26-27 "All of you are God's children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." We who were once dead "spiritually", are now "made alive"! - Ep 2:1 "In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God.", 4-9 "But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about."

The gospel promises "the hope of the resurrection". Jesus spoke of this "hope" in Jn 5:28-29 "Don't be surprised! The time will come when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man, and they will come out of their graves. Everyone who has done good things will rise to life, but everyone who has done evil things will rise and be condemned." Paul wrote of this wonderful "hope" in 1 Co 15:20-23 "But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns.", 50-58 "My friends, I want you to know that our bodies of flesh and blood will decay. This means that they cannot share in God's kingdom, which lasts forever. I will explain a mystery to you. Not every one of us will die, but we will all be changed. It will happen suddenly, quicker than the blink of an eye. At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Our dead and decaying bodies will be changed into bodies that won't die or decay. The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true, "Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting?" Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin. But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile." This hope of the resurrection we have is based upon our conviction that Jesus Himself was raised from the dead - 1 Pe 1:3 "Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on." With such hope, "physical" death has lost much of its sting - 1 Th 4:13-18 "My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won't grieve over them and be like people who don't have any hope. We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died. Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won't go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died. With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words."

The gospel promises "the hope of eternal life." In this sense, "eternal life" is still a future promise (and not a present possession). Jesus spoke of "eternal life" in this sense, in Mt 25:46 "Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."’; Mk 10:29-30 "Jesus told him: You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life." Paul spoke of "eternal life" as a future hope in 2 Ti 1:1 "From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. God himself chose me to be an apostle, and he gave me the promised life that Jesus Christ makes possible."; Ti 1:2 "Then they will have the hope of eternal life that God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!" This "eternal life", which is yet to be realized by those who are in Christ comes after one has:
Been set free from sin (which occurs in baptism - Ro 6:3-7)
Becomes a slave to God (which occurs when we present our selves as servants of righteousness - Ro 6:17-19)
Produced the fruit of holiness - Ro 6:22

Note carefully what Paul says: "...and the end everlasting life." Everlasting life comes at "the end" of a life that has borne fruit unto holiness! It is a gift, yes (Ro 6:23), but in the text Paul is speaking about a gift that one receives at "the end" of the Christian's faithful life! Comes after the resurrection and judgment - Mt 25:31-34,46. Comes to those who patiently do the will of God! - Ro 2:4-7. Offers honor, peace and glory to those who receive it - Ro 2:8-11. Is beautifully described by the apostle John in Re 21:1-7; 22:1-5.
This is how the gospel addresses the result of sin; in response to:
"spiritual death" (where our sins separate us from God) there is "eternal life" (in the sense of knowing the Lord, which begins at one's conversion).
"physical death", there is "the resurrection from the dead" (which occurs at the coming of Christ)
The "second death" (eternal separation from God), there is "eternal life" (in the sense of eternity with God and Christ, which begins after the Judgment)
Thus the gospel of Christ effectively deals with the result of sin!

I hope that we better understand the wonderful grace of Christ; why Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God" (Ac 20:24). Even the commands to be obeyed involve God's grace: We must believe in Christ, if we are to stop the love of sin; yet by grace God's Word produces such faith! - Ro 10:17 "No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ." We must repent, if we are to end the practice of sin; yet it is God's goodness (i.e., by grace) which leads us to repentance - Ro 2:4 "You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?" We must be baptized into Christ, if we are to change the state of sin; yet, even in this, it is by grace (for God is the one who is at work in cleansing our sins and regenerating us anew) - 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." How much more are the promises of the gospel indicative of God's marvelous grace! The remission of sins removes the guilt of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome the power of sin. Eternal life is God's gracious gift in response to the result of sin. Have you accepted the grace of God by obeying the gospel of Christ? If not, may the words of Paul encourage you do so today.

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. - 2 Co 6:1-2

If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. May God be with you!

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

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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
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