Last week - Acts 9:1-16 - Saul's Conversion account
Today: Acts 9:17-25 - Saul receives physical healing (sight restored) and spiritual healing. Vs. 22 - Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God
Vs. 25 - Saul already has followers
The order of events??
(1) short time in Damascus (preaching in the synagogues
(2) went to Arabia (covers a large area, not exact as to where)
(3) back to Damascus (see 2 Cor. 11:32-33) is making a real stir
(4) eventually (after 3 years?) goes to Jerusalem
Acts 9:31 - "time of peace"? for THE church. Why? Saul = been out of commission for three years.
Possible answer: (according to Josephus and Philo)
In the 3rd. year of Caligula, Roman ruler (39AD?) he sent Petronius to Jerusalem (with a large army) to set up a statue of himself ... AS a God ... IN the temple! (Holy of Holies!!) with orders:
if Jews opposed ...
(1) put all to death who resist
(2) make the rest of the nation slaves
(he was finally dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa)
Acts 9:31
(1) The church was strengthened (in faith and testimony, witnessing, etc.)
(2) The church was encouraged (by the holy spirit)
(His presence with them and in a noticeable way!!!) experiencing His presence
(3) The church grew in numbers.
OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATIONS
#1. Christian conversion is a turning around.
is more than an decision to join a religious group.
== a turning ... from MY way... to HIS way!
(FROM "I direct my life" TO "HE directs my life")
hence need to present Him as BOTH Savior AND Lord!!
#2. in the new Testament model ... baptism follows conversion. (hence = believers baptism)
THIS = the NORM and the EXPECTATION
Baptism = a public declaration of decision and intent
#3. An extensive Bible Knowledge does not guarantee a mature faith (or Christian lifestyle)
Examples: Saul, Satan - both knew the scriptures inside out
Ed's definition:
Faith = Action based on Knowledge (living according to the knowledge God gives)
On one hand, James 2:17
However, Rom. 10:1-2
mature faith requires both!! - Zeal and knowledge doesn't get you saved.
#4. Your best argument, testimony, and prayer will not convert anyone.
Example: Paul - had many converts! Also, had many enemies!!
What to do?
(1) Present your best argument, testimony. - do the best with what you have and know.
(2) Pray the Holy Spirit will use it - 2 Cor. 4:3-4
(3) leave the results in God's hands
(which doesn't mean don't continue to witness, pray)
NOTE: The Gospel was offensive in Paul's day.... the Gospel is offensive TODAY!!!! - Gospel exposes our sinfulness. Shows us who we are.
Therefore, you'll have some success
AND you'll have some opposition
Now.... concerning teaching, preaching, witnessing, leading, etc.
#5. Not everyone can be a Paul = amazing leader
BUT, anyone can be a Barnabas!!
The Jerusalem Apostles didn't trust Saul!! BUT .. they trusted Barnabas!! Therefore, on his word, they accepted Paul!!!
Barnabas = an encourager, helper, promoter, supporter
Closing Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:58
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