Understanding non-believers who don’t understand conversion

And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Acts 9:7-9

When people are converted, those around them seldom understand. Paul’s conversion experience was admittedly more dramatic than most, but the reaction by those with him are typical in some ways.

They stood speechless. This means more than that they did not speak. It points to the fact that when non-believers see one of their companions changed by the Holy Spirit, they simply do not know what to make of it. As new converts, we want our families and friends to be happy, but it is unnatural for them to be happy when they cannot understand what has happened. Add to that, confusion that some are fearful for us because it is commonly thought that something bad has happened to people who “get religious!” Therefore, we do well to be patient with them.

They heard a voice, but saw no one. We need not wonder whose voice they heard. When Saul (by then, Paul) recounted his conversion experience in Acts 22:9, he made it clear that “they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.” They heard only Paul’s voice. They saw the blinding light (Acts 22:9), but heard only Paul talking to, well, to no one as far as they could tell. This no doubt added to their confusion.

They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. This reveals the fact that they genuinely cared for Saul, even though they did not understand what had happened to him. This is a good reminder that even non-believers “love those who love them” (Matthew 5:46). Their kindness was admirable, even though the motivation was not spiritual in nature. When non-believers do not understand our love for Christ, we ought not be surprised. And even if their concern is not an encouragement, but is often intended to discourage us in our faith, let us be understanding. We didn’t always understand either. Let be graciously thankful for their concern.

Pray this every time you read the Bible

So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Acts 9:6 NKJV

But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:6 ESV

The older English translations (KJV & NKJV), translated from newer Greek manuscripts include words in (v.6) that are not found in the newer English translations (NASB & ESV), translated from older Greek manuscripts. If you need to read that sentence again, go ahead. I’ll wait!

Though some Greek manuscripts and English translations do not include Paul’s question in (v.6). I’d like to comment on it anyway.

Think back to (v.5). Paul asked, “Who are You Lord.” Then in (v.6) Paul asks, “What do You want me to do?” I’d like to suggest that these two are great questions to ask every time we read God’s Word.

“Who are You Lord?” Since Jesus is the main character of the entire Bible (John 5:39-40), it is a good idea to ask the Lord to show us Jesus when we read the Bible, no matter what portion of the Bible we are reading. Granted, we do not want to force Jesus into a passage where He is not; but even worse is to miss Jesus in a passage where His is!

“What do You want me to do?” We do not read the Bible to simply gain more knowledge. We read the Bible to know the Lord (hence the first question), and to follow the Lord (hence the second question). Sometimes the answer to the second question is to actually do something. Sometimes no particular action is called for, but anytime we encounter God in His Word, we ought to engage in worship, don’t you think?

We would do well to pray this simple prayer every time we read the Bible, “Who are You Lord, and what do You want me to do?” Or stated differently, “Show me Jesus, and then direct me to respond appropriately.”

It is hard to kick against the goads

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:3-6

Saul, obviously startled by the Lord’s unexpected interruption to his plans, asked, “Who are You, Lord?” Did you notice that he asked, “Who are You,” but acknowledged that it was, in fact the Lord? He knew!

Notice also Jesus’ response: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Jesus confirmed that it was indeed Himself! And then added, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Isn’t that the truth! There are actually two truths in that statement:

First, when we are opposing the Lord (even when we are sinning in common ways), the Lord graciously goads us (nudging us with conviction) not to continue in those sinful paths. These “goads” are the first step in God’s restraining grace. Sometimes when we resist those promptings of the Holy Spirit, He will allow us to resist Him and proceed into sin—which is why we must train ourselves (in the strength of the Lord) to respond correctly to His goads. At other times, however, He will disallow us to continue (as in Saul’s case as God stopped him!).

Second, it is “hard” to go against the Lord’s gracious promptings. Let us be wise not to continue into sin by ignoring His voice. The best time to say “No,” to self and to sin is immediately! Why? Because each time we resist the Spirit’s conviction, the easier it is to resist again. And again. And again, and again until our consciences become seared. When that happens, we tend to become numbly unaware of His loving conviction. That is a most dangerous place to be!

Why do people hate God so?

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:3-6

Those who persecute Christians, persecute Christ Himself. This is clearly so since when Jesus appeared to Saul, He did not ask, “Why are you persecuting My people?” but rather, “Why are you persecuting Me?”

It is no stretch to likewise understand that people who hate Christians hate Jesus.

We might wonder why people hatefully persecute Christians. After all, Christians pose no threat to non-believers—at least not in obvious ways. Christians are not usually violent. They are usually quiet citizens who mind their own business. So why the hatred?

It is because all unsaved people are enemies of Christ, as the Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:10. How and why?

Even those who ignore God are His enemies because He, being God, must be worshiped. To insist that He does not exist, or even to ignore Him, is a supreme insult to God by those created by Him to worship Him.

What could be worse? To physically attack Jesus. But since that is impossible, those who hate Him, hate and attack, or persecute, His people. Christians pose no physical threat to the unbelieving world, except that the presence of Christians is an uncomfortable reminder of God—who the world hates.

Last question. Why do people hate God so? Because sinful hearts, obsessed with personal autonomy, refuse to acknowledge and bow before Him.

Let us pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, knowing that while we do not currently incur violent persecution, it could happen here. And let us pray for the persecutors, that God would do to many of them, what He did to Saul of Tarsus: converting a hater of Christ and a persecutor of His people, into a lover of Christ and a servant to His people.

A most unique conversion

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:3-6

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus was not conventional. It was not the norm. But then what God did with Saul after his conversion has not been repeated either. As his conversion experience was extraordinarily dramatic, his life of service to the Lord and His Church was extraordinarily dramatic as well.

Saul was on his way to arrest Christians. While on his way, the Lord interrupted him. In a big way! A blinding light from Heaven. Knocking him off of his animal to the ground. The audible voice of the Lord Jesus speaking to him. All highly irregular.

While I doubt anyone doubts his or her conversion because it wasn’t like Saul’s, I pray you do not question your conversion, or downplay it as insignificant because it is not like someone else’s. God saves us all individually. The circumstances and methods He is pleased to use to draw us to Christ are as varied as we are. God also uses us uniquely.

Romans 12:4-5  For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,  5  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

1 Corinthians 12:7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…

We are saved and used differently by One God, as He pleases, for His glory and for the benefit of the whole body.

Immersion and miracle transportation

So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:38-40

Verses 38-39 are often used as a proof text for baptism by immersion. To be fair, that they “went down into the water,” and “came up out of the water,” does not necessarily signify immersion (though I strongly believe they do). It could be argued that it merely refers going down from the road to the riverside.

There are more pressing arguments that baptism is to be by immersion:

1. The Greek word “baptizo” means to dip or immerse.

2. Because baptism is a symbol of being cleansed from all sin (1 Peter 3:21), immersion more accurately portrays being completely washed than does sprinkling.

3. Baptism is also a symbol of identifying with Jesus’ death and resurrection (Colossians 2:11-13). For that reason, being immersed is a more accurate picture as the person being baptized is “buried” in a water grave, and then “raised” to newness of life when being baptized by immersion.

There is that strange epilogue to the story. “When they came up out of the water,” Philip was miraculously “transported” to a place called Azotus, 20 miles away! He then traveled another 60 miles back to Caeserea—”preaching in all the cities along the way.” We cannot explain how God relocated Philip to Azotus—but the Bible is filled with miracles, isn’t it?! The more important point is that God called Philip to travel 80 miles to Gaza to see ONE person saved, before miraculously sending him back. What God will do to have His gospel preached and His people people saved!

Feelings vs. the Word of God

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Acts 9:1-2

You remember Saul of Tarsus. He approved of the murder of Steven (Acts 8:1). His near maniacal zeal to rid the earth of Christians escalated to the point that Saul traveled some distance to hunt down believers as far away from Jerusalem as Damascus, Syria (over 135 miles away!).

Obeying the Law as Saul understood it, he went through the proper channels. He got “letters” (permits) to arrest believing Jews from the synagogues. It was all neat, in order, and by the book. But it was murder and treason against the God in whose name Saul thought he was acting. Hating Christians had become as natural to Saul as breathing (look back at v.1).

Who says, “It doesn’t matter what one believes as long as one is sincere!?” Saul was beyond sincere. He had been “radicalized,” to use a modern term we associate with Islamist extremists. Yet he was not only hateful of people—people who were the children of God—He was opposing God Himself. (More on that when we get to (v.4).

The standard by which we must judge right and wrong, good and evil, is not our feelings, but the Word of God. While I am reasonably sure no one reading this would ever justify murder based on feelings, our culture, and at times even we ourselves, make important decisions with little or no regard for God’s Word because we are driven by our feelings.

Let us ask God for discernment to know when we are operating contrary to God’s Word because we are following our feelings. And let us as God for self control to not do this.

Proof texting believers’ baptism

36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 8:36-37

The oldest New Testaments manuscripts do not include verse 37. This verse is routinely cited as proof that only professing believers may be baptized. I doubt any Christians would dispute that—at least when we are speaking of adult baptisms. When the verse is used to say baptism of adults is not biblical, there is a problem. Here is why this verse is not necessary to make the point that as many Christians assert, believer’s baptism is preferable over infant baptism:

First, we must never base doctrine on a narrative passage (the record of what happened), alone. Though the narrative is accurately recorded in the Bible, that doesn’t make it a doctrinal proof text unless a didactic (teaching) passage also affirms the doctrine in question.

Second, the same is doubly true if one is trying to base doctrine on a passage that is questionably not in the oldest manuscripts. (The older the manuscript, the more likely it is more accurate.)

Third, while verse 37 appears to be a great proof-text for believers baptism, it is not needed. The teaching of the New Testament on baptism supports the doctrine (and practice) of baptizing only those who have a credible profession of faith. The reason is that the New Testament clearly teaches that rituals (even biblical rituals like baptism) are only valid if the spiritual basis for the ritual is a reality. For example physical circumcision meant nothing unless one was also circumcised in heart (Romans 2:25-29). The same is true for baptism. In other words, since baptism is a symbol of identifying with Christ and the washing away of sin by His grace, unless one has received Christ and has had his sins washed away by Jesus, the symbol is not only ineffectual, but meaningless.

Here is the biblical order: (1) Get saved by God’s grace alone, received through faith alone, in Christ alone. (2) Get baptized as an outward visible symbol of the inward spiritual reality.

Let’s talk about getting baptized

Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Acts 8:36

Philip preached Christ and the gospel to the Ethiopian man beginning in Isaiah 53, where he was reading. The next thing we read is that the man was asking about baptism.

How did the Ethiopian know about baptism? We are not told. The simplest explanation is that as Philip preached he gospel, he mentioned baptism. No matter how the man knew about baptism, he responded, not only to the gospel, but to the commandment to be baptized. This man provides a good example for all believers to follow. If we are believers in Jesus, and if we know about baptism, we should seek to be baptized. Why so many believers are not baptized, and even resist baptism, is a wonder to me.

If we trust Jesus to save us, why would we not trust and obey His command to be baptized? In many places that are hostile to Christ and His people, being baptized carries a great cost. Nevertheless, even when believers in these hostile locations know that they will lose everything, sometimes even their lives, they’re baptized.

If you are born again and have been baptized, praise God!

If you are born again and have not been baptized, let’s talk about getting baptized as an important step of obedience for every believer.

Signposts

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
Acts 8:35

Philip did two things we can learn from. Philip knew that the Ethiopian did not need him. So Philip acted as a signpost, pointing the man to what he did need.

He pointed the man to Scripture. God never promised to empower our words. Our opinions and experience have no real authority. The Word of God is both powerful and authoritative! God’s Word is inspired (God-breathed, that is, His very words!). God’s Word is not the opinions of humans about God; it is God’s oracle for for humans. God’s Word, since it cannot err or change, is supremely authoritative. When speaking to people about the Lord, let us give them God’s Word, not merely ours.

He pointed the man to Jesus. “God So loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). “There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus is not only God’s only begotten Son, Jesus is the one and only Savior. Inviting people to read the Bible, go to church, or turn from sin are good suggestions, but they can not deliver salvation. People need the Lord Jesus. He alone can forgive, and He alone can save.

And don’t miss this vital point: Philip pointed the Ethiopian to Christ using the Old Testament. While every portion of scripture does not point to Christ in an equally obvious manner, the whole of the scripture is ultimately about Jesus (John 5:39). Let us realize this, remember this, and relay this to everyone we may have opportunity to speak with.

Opportunities & good questions…

So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:30-31

Philip was told to “GO,” not knowing any details beyond that. He went, saw a man in a chariot, and was told to “go” a second time. This time to “overtake the chariot.” What happened next?

Philip found that the man was reading from a scroll of the Old Testament book of Isaiah. You or I might have thought, “Cool, he’s reading the Bible—he must be a believer.” Philip instead, asked a question. "Do you understand what you are reading?" That is a great question! It is a question we can learn from.

It wasn’t confrontational. It wasn’t declarative (presenting himself as an authority to set the man straight). It was an open-ended question that opened the door to further conversation. Can you see how this is a good way to open the door when sharing our faith?

As it turned out, the man answered, admitting that he did not understand what he was reading, and revealing that he was open to learn. He was also open to continued discussion as seen by his invitation to Philip to join him in the chariot.

Once in the chariot (v.32-33), Philip learned that the man was reading from Isaiah 53—a particularly messianic portion of Old Testament prophecy about Jesus. And the man asked a great question: “Who is the prophet writing about?”

We seldom get such obvious opportunities handed to us as Philip did. But let us learn to look for opportunities. And let us learn, as we’ll see next time, how to proceed with such conversations.

Of course it matters who wins the elections. But...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

If anyone should have peace, even in tumultuous times, it should be we who who follow Jesus Christ. Not only because our sins are forgiven (as if that is not enough!), but because God promises us peace, even in un-peaceful circumstances.

Of course it matters who wins the current, yet undecided, election. But our true peace must not be dependent on such temporal matters.

If your candidate(s) wins, listen: do not put your trust in people (Psalm 146:3)! All people are fallible. Eventually, all people will let us down in some way. Let your trust be in God—even if your candidate wins.

If your candidate loses, listen: no matter who sits in the White House, or in the Senate, or House of representatives, the almighty, eternal, unchanging King of kings and Lord of lords is seated on His immovable throne in Heaven!

When tempted to question what is happening, remember God’s conversation with Habakkuk (chapter 1). Habakkuk wondered aloud why God was allowing the kingdom of Judah to sink so deeply into the sinful mess they were in. “Why don’t You do something, God?” pined the prophet.

“I am doing something,” replied the Lord. “And if I told you what I am doing you wouldn’t understand or like it! I am sending the godlessly cruel Babylonians to conquer your people and your land.”

“Not them!” gasped Habakkuk. “They are worse than the worst among us.”

What Habakkuk didn’t understand was that God was using Judah’s enemies as a rod of just judgment to chastise them. It was terribly painful to live in Judah for the 70 years that followed, but it was part of God’s plan—and His plans are only always good and right!

Let us be people of peace because because our sins are forgiven, and because we know and trust the One who rules over all things, from the sparrows to those who sit in palaces!

“Go.” Now “go” again…

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Acts 8:26-28

Last time we asked the question: Am I willing to go even when the Lord doesn’t tell me everything in advance? This time consider the fact that Philip was called to leave a prosperous ministry, presumably in Samaria, to go to a place of uncertainty. He did not know exactly where he was going—only to a road in the desert. He didn’t know what he was to do there, or who he was going to encounter. He only knew that he was to “go.”

So he arose and went.

Like Abraham before Him, Philip went. What happened there when he met the Ethiopian is instructive.

He met a man from Africa, who was returning home from Israel. This man was apparently interested in knowing about the God of the Jews. We know that because, while traveling south in his chariot, he was reading a scroll containing the Old Testament book of Isaiah.

In verse 29, again the Lord tells Philip to, “Go.”

Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."

Again, Philip obeyed the command to “go.” What happened when Philip ran to the man in the chariot? Read tomorrow’s post…

“Go.” Don’t worry about the details, just “go.”

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Acts 8:26-28

God had been using Philip (one of the original seven deacons) mightily on Samaria. God wanted to use him elsewhere for an important task. God sent him to the desert area between Jerusalem and Egypt. God didn’t tell him what he was going to do there, just that he was to go. Am I willing to go even when the Lord doesn’t tell me everything in advance?

As I read this I cannot help but think of Abraham (Abram at the time). He was living in pagan “Ur of the Chaldeans” (Genesis 11:31). God called him to leave home (and everything associated with home, to go to a land “I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). In other words, “Go.” Be willing to “go,” even though you do not know where you are “going.” Am I willing to go even when the Lord doesn’t tell me everything in advance?

The challenge is not limited to geographic relocation. God can call us to “go,” when moving is not involved. Sometimes the call to “go,” may mean go talk to that lonely person.” If I go, I have no idea how it will turn out, but that isn’t for me to worry about. I merely need to “go.” “Going” may mean “Go take a meal.” “Go, serve in the church.” “Go, call or visit someone who is sick.” “Go, ask for forgiveness.” “Go share the gospel.”

Am I willing to go even when the Lord doesn’t tell me everything in advance?

Was Simon a true believer? Was His baptism valid?

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great…
Acts 8:9

Let’s consider another question from Simon’s story in Acts 8.

This verse is the first of sixteen verses about a man in Samaria named Simon. His story is a sober warning to those who would seek spiritual gifts and prominence with the wrong motives. Simon saw God doing great things through the hands of the Apostles, and wanted to be able to do great things himself. His desire was not for the glory of God, but for self promotion. In the end (v.20-23), Peter sharply rebuked Simon.

In verse 13 we read that,  “Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized…” Was Simon a true believer? Was his baptism valid?

We must be careful about absolute judgments because (a) we cannot see a person’s heart, and (b) no believer is sinless—even when baptized! However, when we see not only Simon’s desire for greatness in the eyes of people, and the sharp words of rebuke he received from Peter, we have some clear indicators. While Simon may have gotten saved later, it is doubtful that he was at this time.

Here are three lessons from this:

First, a person can “believe” and not be saved. A superficial belief is not a saving belief. Consider three sub-points: (a) When one is truly born again, one wants to see Christ exalted, not oneself. (b) Believers should understand that the power of God cannot be bought with money (v.19-20). (c) Peter’s words to Simon do not sound like words one would address to a true child of God: Peter told Simon that he had “neither part nor portion in this matter,” that his “heart is not right in the sight of God,” and Peter spoke of Simon “perishing.”

Second, the good news (v.22 & 24) is that Peter called Simon to repent. As long as we are alive, we can trust Christ and repent. I hope Simon did.

Third, the entire “health, wealth, and prosperity” doctrine is being peddled in the name of Christ by people who love fame and fortune, yet “have neither part nor portion” in Christ and the gospel. Their hearts are “not right in the sight of God.”  Unless they “repent therefore of this wickedness,” and “pray to God” that He might forgive them, they will likely perish, being “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." 

Simon’s story remains important to this day.

“Do you seek great things for yourself? “

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great…
Acts 8:9

This verse is the first of sixteen verses about a man in Samaria named Simon. His story is a sober warning to those who would seek spiritual gifts and prominence with the wrong motives. Simon saw God doing great things through the hands of the Apostles, and wanted to be able to do great things himself. His desire was not for the glory of God, but for self promotion. In the end (v.20-23), Peter sharply rebuked Simon. I’d like to point out a few noteworthy issues in this account and in the next blog post.

In this opening verse (v.9) we are already tipped off that Simon sought to be “someone great.” Many people are more than happy to occupy positions in the background, preferring not to be seen, or even noticed. Some long for the limelight. Many others are somewhere between these two extremes.

When a person naturally loves recognition and the applause of people, interest in spiritual things often is yet a new arena in which to be a star. Having been involved in theater since the age of eleven, I loved the stage. When I got saved at age nineteen, I began teaching the Bible rather quickly. There were two reasons for this:

(1) Having been raised in the church, I knew the Bible quite well, even before I was saved. Once I was saved, I finally understood the scriptures because I finally knew the Master!

(2) I had always had what some would call a “leader-type” personality.

Once I began teaching the Bible I was in the spiritual limelight. I wish I could say it never went to my head, but it did. People told me they enjoyed my teaching, and I had to wrestle with the difference between performing on stage and being a teacher, serving the Lord. The Lord knew just how to work in me. He saw that I did not get every opportunity I wanted. He placed me on the shelf for a time, allowing me to learn just how unimportant, and even unneeded I was. It was through a few bitter disappointments that the Lord began to make me usable.

The Lord brought me to Jeremiah 45:5 “Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them…” Let all who seek great things for themselves beware. Ministry is not about seeking great things for ourselves. It is about wanting to glorify God and serve His people.

The greatest joy of all!

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:5-8

Last time we considered what it took to get Phillip to go to Samaria (the home of the people most hated by the Jews) to preach Christ. This time, let’s consider the result of Phillip’s “missionary journey.”

Multitudes of the people heeded the gospel message. Our responsibility is to speak the gospel. Only God can open peoples’ hearts and minds. He will not do His part if we do not do our part. But if we do our part, He will do His. Will everyone be saved? Not usually—but some will! Oh Lord, embolden our hearts and loosen our tongues!

Miracles happened. Some of the miracles listed were physical. When the sick are healed, they will become sick again—and all will eventually die. But the greatest miracle: spiritual salvation, is forever. Yes, we pray for the sick, and God can heal, whether by miracle or medicine. But the miracle we should most long to witness is regeneration. Oh Lord, please be merciful to those who are physically impaired, but above all, may we see the spiritually dead raised to eternal life in Christ!

There was great joy in the city. When a city’s sports team wins a championship, the people party in the streets. And the party ends, usually leaving no small amount of trash in the streets. Though a few teams win two championships in a row, most do not. But when people who are dead in sin are made alive together with Christ—that is forever, and that is cause for ceaseless joy. Oh Lord, may we experience the joy of our salvation, and may we see it in others who join us in following Jesus!

Sharing Christ with people we hate

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:5-8

God providentially used persecution of His church to scatter His church. Phillip (one of the seven original deacons in Acts 6:5-8) was “scattered” to the city of Samaria. It is doubtful that this is a reference to “the city of Samaria,” as there was no city named Samaria. Rather, Phillip went to the region of Samaria, probably to its chief city, maybe Sychar. The region of Samaria was home to the Samaritans, the people most hated by the Jews—more than any other of the Gentiles. Why? Because they were a hybrid people, a mixture of Jewish and pagan. Being removed from that time and place, we can easily miss just how scandalous going to Samaria would have been to Jews. They routinely avoided Samaria, traveling miles around it rather than taking the shorter, more direct route through it.

But God led Phillip to Samaria to “preach Christ to them” as Jesus had said we must do in Acts 1:8.: “…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

God used persecution to move the Church out of Jerusalem. What might the Lord need to do to get you and me to preach the gospel to people we might otherwise hate?

Bad is frequently the pathway to good

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
Acts 8:3-4

When Jesus issued the Great Commission, He commanded the Church to take the good news of the gospel to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), “beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The Church, which began in Jerusalem, pretty much remained in Jerusalem. So God whisked them out of the safety and security of Jerusalem—How? Persecution.

No one would argue that persecution is good. It is born in the hateful hearts of evil people. It is unleashed on the faithful flock of God. Persecution is not good. But in the providence of God, the Almighty uses even bad things for the accomplishment of His supremely good purposes. In this case in particular, He used persecution (which is bad) to scatter His people “everywhere preaching the word” (which is good).

Paul spoke of this phenomenon in which God providentially uses even what is bad to bring about good. He says (Romans 8:28), “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Clearly all things are not good, but God works “all things” (including that which is bad) “for good.” The London Baptist Confession (chapter 3, paragraph 1) puts it this way: “God [does]this in such a way that he is neither the author of sin nor has fellowship with any in their sin.  This decree does not violate the will of the creature…”

Stuffy irrelevant doctrine? Not at all! This truth is of supreme comfort to the redeemed as “we know” (Romans 8:28) that God is is in control of everything so that we need not be afraid or dismayed by whatever “bad things” we may encounter. We may therefore be comforted that God is working all things for “good.”

Death, Persecution, and Lamentation

Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Acts 8:1-2

Saul was consenting to Stephen’s death. The word translated “consenting,” means much more than a silent approval, even in a positive direction. It could well be translated: to be “gratified or pleased,” or as the NASB states: “Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.” We already know it, but Saul was an active, murderous persecutor of Christ’s Church. But God… God saved Saul and made him a chief Apostle! You never know what God may do!

Persecution arose. This was the starting gun that began the race to erase the Church by those who hated Christ. The persecution first came from the Jewish religious leaders for religious reasons. Only later did it come from the Roman civil authorities, for political reasons. But both reasons were for the sake of control. Persecution has always come from either or both: religion or the state, and always for the sake of control. Why? Because the Church of Jesus Christ must ultimately obey Christ rather than religion or politics.

A great lamentation was made. It is common in these days to not have “funerals,” or even “memorial services.” Instead, even Christians frequently have “celebrations of life.” In scripture, deaths were times of mourning. We not only mourn the loss of a deceased loved one, but everyone in attendance is brought face to face with the reality of mortality. This makes funerals possibly the best times to preach the gospel. The gospel is a comfort to the redeemed, and a warning to the lost. If you are alive when I die, nice words about my life are fine (if there are any to be said); lamentation is appropriate if you happen to love me. But most importantly someone must preach the gospel, comforting the elect, and calling the lost to faith and repentance!