INTRODUCTION.
This second part of the study on Simon Peter is again only a synopsis of major
points, and the selected passages are grouped generally by chapters from Acts,
demonstrating how Peter responded to being "sent" by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter is the most prominent leader in the Jerusalem church with chiefly
believers who were Jews or proselyte Jews, but the Holy Spirit uses Peter to
confirm extension of the gospel directly to Samaritans and to gentiles outside
the territory of Jerusalem and Judaea. Saul of Tarsus, or Paul, enters the
narrative in chapter 8; and after Paul's conversion the narrative includes Peter
only into chapter 15. The balance of Acts focuses on Paul, who did not become an
apostle until after Christ's resurrection, when the Lord confronted him. All
Bible text is taken from the 1769 KJV bible.
PART II - PETER: A PILLAR IN THE EARLY CHURCH.
Acts chapter 1, 1769 KJV.
Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where
abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas,
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and
Judas the brother of James.
Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men
and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy
Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to
them that took Jesus.
Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that
the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John,
unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a
witness with us of his resurrection. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the
lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
COMMENTS: The eleven apostles (minus Judas Iscariot the betrayer who had
hanged himself) are individually named in the text as they met in the upper
room. And in those days, Peter took the lead in the group and used a scriptural
reference to start the process of selection of Matthias to become the twelfth
apostle in the place of Judas. Verse 15 indicates that the disciples were
numbered as 120 names at the time of the selection of Mathias, not a large
group. Verses 21 through 25 define the requirement that the candidate must be
one who had been with the disciples from the baptism of Jesus by John until
Jesus was taken up, so this new appointee would be a first-hand witness of all
that Jesus had begun to do and teach.
Acts chapter 2, 1769 KJV.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at
Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this
was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because
that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said
unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known
unto you, and hearken to my words:
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added to them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued
steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread,
and in prayers.
COMMENTS: The crucifixion and resurrection was followed by approximately forty days that the
resurrected Christ appeared at various times, and the next events followed soon
after that because Christ was the Passover lamb, and Pentecost was fifty days
after Passover. On the day of Pentecost all the apostles were filled with the
holy Spirit and they began to speak in many languages as the Spirit gave them
speaking ability. When the diverse crowd of people heard the message spoken
clearly in each of their own languages they were greatly puzzled because the men
speaking were from Galilee. In verse 14 Peter begins with the prophet Joel to
explain this unusual event of the apostles' ability to speak in multiple
languages, then quotes from the Psalms to explain that Jesus is the king to sit
on David's throne, who was to come through resurrection (which resurrection the
apostles had witnessed), and then declares that Jesus is now exalted by God as
Lord and Christ (Messiah). Peter's message touched the hearts of these devout
Jewish travelers in Jerusalem from many regions, and they asked Peter and the
other apostles what they should do in response. Peter gives his answer in verse
38 above. At that time about three thousand were added to the church and they
were taught by the apostles.
Acts chapter 3, 1769 KJV.
Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of
prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb
was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called
Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter
and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his
eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them,
expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have
I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
rise up and walk.
Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the
people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly
wondering. 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of
Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by
our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham,
and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son
Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he
was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and
desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life,
whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name
through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea,
the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence
of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did
also your rulers. 18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth
of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 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; 20 And he shall
send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must
receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by
the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
COMMENTS: Peter and John were together in this passage that details the
miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple in Jerusalem. Peter did not
credit himself for this healing, but instead used the undeniable miracle as a
tool to expound about Jesus, the resurrected Christ. Peter called for his
audience to repent and be converted so their sins can be blotted out when the
times of "refreshing" come. It was important that the audience understand the
need that each one had to be forgiven of their sin. He also told them that Jesus
is presently in heaven, but will return in the times of "restitution" as spoken
by the holy prophets, and this points to the reward for those converted.
Acts chapter 4, 1769 KJV.
Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the
people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of
the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed
done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto
you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth
this man stand here
before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any
other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and
perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they
took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether
it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge
ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all
that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant to your servants,
that with all boldness they may speak your word, 30 By stretching forth your
hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy
child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke
the word of God with boldness.
COMMENTS: Because the priests and Sadducees were disturbed that Peter and
John were preaching about Jesus and the resurrection, they apprehended them for
questioning. It should be noted that the sect of the Sadducees did not believe
in resurrection, unlike the sect of the Pharisees. Peter, being filled with the
Holy Spirit, delivered quite an impressive brief discourse. Then the text states
that the interrogators realized these were not highly educated men, but they
took note that they had been with Jesus. This would be startling because the
speech seemed to be of those tutored by a master teacher, but these religious
leaders had rejected their teacher Jesus, claiming that he blasphemed God . So,
after some conferencing, they commanded Peter and John that they not teach or
even speak in the name of Jesus. Peter continued his boldness by stating that
the leaders should judge whether it is more important for the apostles to obey
(harken to) them, or to obey God. Since the healing of the man was so
astonishing, the leaders decided to let Peter and John go free. After Peter and
John reported to the other disciples, they gave praise to the Lord, and prayed
for continued power to heal and do other signs in the name of Jesus. Then the
place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit, and preached the word of God with boldness.
Acts chapter 5, 1769 KJV.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to
the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so
much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that
ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of
them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the
young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by
her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as
heard these things.
Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto
Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed every one. 17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they
that were with him, (which is the sect of
the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the
apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by
night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand
and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Acts 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and
the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye
should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your
doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the
other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The
God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him
hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give
repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of
these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that
obey him.
Acts 5:40 And to him {Gamaliel} they agreed: and when they had called the
apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name
of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and
preach Jesus Christ.
COMMENTS: In the first eleven verses of chapter 5, a husband and wife fell
dead at the feet of Peter when he confronted them with their deception, which
Peter labeled as more serious than lying to men, because it was a direct affront
to the Holy Spirit. This event brought great fear upon the church and all others
who heard about it. In verses 16 through 20, word spread and people came from
surrounding areas and were healed of various illnesses. The reaction by the
priests to this growing activity was to arrest the apostles and place them in
prison, but the angel of the Lord released them and sent them back to the temple
to preach. The ruling council had them apprehended again and reminded the
apostles they had been commanded not to teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and
the other apostles say that they must obey God rather then man (Which Peter had
essentially said earlier before to the council). As they addressed the council,
they spoke of Jesus in the fulfillment of scripture, and said they must tell of
things they had witnessed. They also spoke of the Holy Spirit given to those who
obey God. Gamaliel advised the council to consider carefully before taking
measures too drastic for the situation. So the apostles were flogged, ordered
again not to preach Jesus, and were released. Verse 42 above tells us that the
apostles still believed it is better to obey God than man because they did not
cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
[NOTE: chapters 6 and 7 are omitted due to content exclusive of Peter.].
Acts chapter 8, 1769 KJV.
Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all
scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the
apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great
lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into
every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they
that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 5 Then Philip
went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the
people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing
and seeing the miracles which he did.
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they
were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For
as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the
Holy Ghost.
COMMENTS: Chapters six and seven describe the selection of seven other men to
supplement the work of the apostles, then two of those seven are given very
special coverage in the scripture. Chapter eight then opens with a comment about
Saul (Paul) after Stephen was killed by stoning. A great persecution broke out
against the church at Jerusalem, and the apostles remained in Jerusalem, but
many saints were scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria. Those who were
scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Philip, who was not one of the
twelve apostles, had a very effective ministry among the people in Samaria. When
the apostles at Jerusalem heard about the spread of the word in Samaria, they
sent Peter and John there, and certain of those people received the Holy Spirit
at that time, thus confirming the authenticity of their conversion. This spread
of the gospel was now expanding beyond Jerusalem and Judaea as Jesus had said
would happen. Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts chapter 9, 1769 KJV.
Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and
declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken
to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And
he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went
about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to
Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and
Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 32 And it came to pass, as Peter
passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at
Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed
eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus
Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard
that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not
delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come,
they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him
weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was
with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and
turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when
she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and
when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was
known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
COMMENTS: The end of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9 cover events
with Philip the evangelist, and with the conversion of Saul (Paul). Barnabas had
to bring Paul to the apostles because they did not believe his conversion and
they were afraid of him. After a time though, Paul was accepted by the apostles
and moved among them. Paul spoke boldly about the Lord apparently beginning to
reach other than just the Jews, because the text tells us that the Grecians
became so opposed that they planned to kill him. But the brethren got Paul away
from Jerusalem to the port city of Caesarea, and sent him from there to Tarsus.
With one of the major persecutors of the church now converted, but also removed
from the region where so much uproar surrounded him, the church in Judaea,
Galilee, and Samaria flourished during a time of calm. As Peter "passed
throughout all quarters", in the western part of Israel in the name of Jesus he
healed a man who had palsy for many years. Messengers from nearby Joppa urgently
ask him to come because Dorcas had died. The Holy Spirit then used Peter to even
bring someone back from death. As this became known throughout all Joppa,
according to the scripture many believed in the Lord. Once again a miracle
worked through Peter, brought glory to Jesus and brought conversion of souls.
Acts chapter 10, 1769 KJV.
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of
the band called the Italian [band], Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and
call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called
two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him
continually; 8 And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent
them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh
unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Acts 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But
Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or
unclean.
Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for
Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether
Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on
the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Acts 10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went
away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the
morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he
had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in,
Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter
took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works
righteousness, is accepted with him.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it
is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him
give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him
shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision
which believed were astonished,
as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the
gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify
God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be
baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
COMMENTS: Cornelius, a gentile, saw a vision from God and sent to Joppa for
Peter. Meanwhile, Peter received a sign in a vision from heaven 3 times, and
then was directed by the Lord to take the gospel message as requested by some
gentiles at Caesarea. Peter and a small group of circumcised believers from
Joppa witness the Holy Spirit coming upon gentiles with a visible and audible
manifestation for confirmation to them as Jewish witnesses. In Acts 8, the
gospel had been confirmed in Samaria, which was important because the Jews and
Samaritans (Jews who were intermarried with gentiles) had very strong dislike
for one another. Now, Peter the apostle has been used of God to confirm
acceptance also of the gentiles into the body of Christ. It should be noted also
in verses 25 & 26 that Peter made it very clear that he was only a man, and thus
should not be worshipped for even miraculous things he did, because all glory
must go only to the Lord.
Acts chapter 11, 1769 KJV.
Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to
Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou
wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed
the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, Acts
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John
indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on
the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they
heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath
God also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life.
COMMENTS: Upon his return to Jerusalem, Peter defended his involvement with
gentiles who had become Christians by receiving the Holy Spirit as witnessed by
circumcised believers and himself. Peter recounted his vision from heaven, and
the following events at Caesarea. As this was accepted by the Jewish saints,
they glorified God that he had granted to the gentiles repentance to life. This
"life" is the gift that God gives eternally to all who are saved by grace
through faith. The remainder of chapter 11 describes activities of scattered
Jewish saints, and brings Saul back into the story as he and Barnabas bring
relief from other churches to Judaea because of hard times in that land.
Acts chapter 12, 1769 KJV.
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter
also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without
ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him
forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two
chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the
angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote
Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains
fell off from his hands.
Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,
that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of
Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Acts 12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and
saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to
hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the
prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And
he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there
was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when
Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and
commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to
Caesarea, and there abode.
Acts 21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and
made an oration to them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice
of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him,
because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the
ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
COMMENTS: After the apostle James, the brother of John, had been killed by
Herod, Peter was arrested to become the next to be executed, partly to please
the Jews. But the Lord miraculously released Peter from prison and he reported
to the brethren that he was free. After that Peter left to go to another place.
Later, Herod was struck dead by the angel of the Lord at Caesarea as he accepted
acclaim as a god (see verses 22 & 23 above). So this murderous ruler Herod was
removed as a threat to the church, and Peter went to another place which is not
disclosed in the scripture. But the word of the Lord grew and multiplied! Peter
is not mentioned in the next two chapters of Acts, so those chapters are not
individually covered herein. Saul (or Paul) and Barnabas returned to Antioch,
and Acts chapters 13 and 14 detail their travel to establish churches in other
regions, and their eventual return to Antioch to make report, after which they
remained there for some time.
Acts chapter 15, 1769 KJV.
Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with
them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should
go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among
us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and
believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a
yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able
to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we
shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave
audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had
worked among the Gentiles by them.
COMMENTS: Certain men came to Antioch from Judaea and taught that it was
necessary to be circumcised after the manner of Moses to be saved. Paul (a
Pharisee) and Barnabas ( a Levite), had very strong dispute and dissention with
these men over this matter. As a result, the church sent Paul, Barnabas, and
others to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem to have the question settled.
This is an indication of the authority and respect attributed to the apostles
and elders who remained at Jerusalem. Having not heard about Peter since his
brush with death at the hands of Herod, we find that he is still in Jerusalem
probably decades now after the resurrection of Christ. Peter finally stood up
during the continuing contentious debate. He once again described how he had
been used to carry the gospel to gentiles who believed, and how God had given
them witness of the conversion of the gentiles by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter continued by saying that God put no difference between gentile and Jew,
because he purified their hearts by faith. He also said, we believe that through
the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. After this,
we hear no more about Peter through the remainder of the book of Acts. The
apostles agreed that gentiles do not need circumcision to be saved, and a letter
was sent back with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to confirm the judgment of the
apostles and elders in this matter so important to bringing Jews and gentiles
together.
--- REFLECTIONS IN PRAYER ---
Lord, I praise you for the ability you gave the apostles to establish a
foundation for your church in Jerusalem,. This is the city of David, the place
you chose for your temple, and the very city where you were rejected by the
Jewish religious leaders. But then you became the sacrificial lamb of God that
takes away the sin of the world. In the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter became a
leader among the apostles, using scripture as the foundation for his decisions,
and directing praise to you and not to himself. May I follow this example, using
scripture as the basis for my decision processing, and directing all praise to
Christ Jesus. Thank you Lord for building your church on the foundation of the
prophets and apostles, and for opening the way for gentiles such as I, to
partake of the inheritance in your kingdom. Use me Lord to continue spreading
the word of life, and to encourage others in the kingdom to do likewise. As the
zeal of Peter was harnessed and directed by your Holy Spirit to fulfill your
will, may I also be completely surrendered to your will and purpose for my life.
Thank you Lord that I know in those times when I fall short in my love for
others whom you have not rejected, you will be gracious to correct me as you did
with Peter when he found it difficult to completely accept the gentiles as part
of your church. May many more be brought to repentance for conversion and the
removal of sin, in preparation for the time of refreshing when Jesus will return
from heaven for the restitution as spoken by the prophets. I rejoice Lord that I
will be part of that restitution, and only because of your mercy and grace!
Amen.
Published on MPNHome.net 7 September 2005
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