Category: Teaching

Posted on

Foreordained

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

( 1 Peter 1:13-21 ) KJV

foreordained: προεγνωσμένου – proginóskó

Foreordained: προεγνωσμένου – proginóskó

  • to know beforehand
  • proginṓskō (from 4253/pró, “before” and 1097/ginṓskō, “to know”) – properly, foreknow; used in the NT of “God pre-knowing all choices – and doing so without pre-determining (requiring) them” (G. Archer).
  • See also Jer 18:8-10 on the perfect harmony of divine sovereignty and human freedom.

It sounds similar to prognosis.

The foundation of the world.

a laying down: καταβολῆς – katabolé

Foundation: καταβολῆς – katabolé

  1. A laying down,
  2. depositing, sowing, deposit, technically used of the act of conception.
    • katabolḗ (from katá, “exactly according to,” down from the most general to the most specific detail, “following all the way along,” and bállō, “to cast”) – properly, a foundation, cast according to a blueprint (original design); the substructure which determines the entire direction (destination) of all that follows; the foundation-plan, upon which the entire super-structure is built; (figuratively) the beginning (founding) that purposefully designs all that follows.
    • katabolḗ (“foundation-plan”) typically relates to Christ’s incarnation, i.e. coming to earth in the flesh to be our Redeemer. This divine plan was set and sealed (guaranteed) before creation (Heb 9:26; 1 Pet 1:20; Rev 13:8). In general, (katabolḗ) refers to the basis God has established, upon which all people can know Him. This was laid down before the first ray of sunshine or drop of water touched the earth.

We have a similar idea in Hebrew in the passage Proverbs 8:24-31 where it is rendered I was brought forth.

to whirl, dance, writhe : חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי – ḥō·w·lā·lə·tî

Brought forth: חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי – cholalti

  • to whirl, dance, writhe
  • twist, writhe:
    1. in pain, especially childbirth; writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poetry), of Sarah, mother of Israel,
    2. figurative, be in severe pain, or anguish (mostly in poetry and elevated prose),
Posted on

The Sect of the Pharisees

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 39 – Acts 15:1-11

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. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 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.

( Acts 15:1-11 ) KJV

Two steps forward and one step back. There is more discussion of this event, referred to as the Council at Jerusalem, in Galatians chapter 2.

  1. Inertia
  2. Inquiry
  3. Impetus

1. Inertia

  1. a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.
  2. a property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an external force.

Pharisees got saved. That’s great, but evidently they saw the coming of Jesus Christ as not only the fulfillment of prophecy, but as the sign that they should continue just as they had been doing.

2. Inquiry

What should be done about this? How is it to be handled?

WWJD?

We have a clue in v. 10 when Peter refers to something that Jesus said.

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?

( Acts 15:10 ) KJV

This points us to Matthew 23.

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

( Matthew 23:4 ) KJV
  1. (13). for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
  2. (14). for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  3. (15). for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
  4. (16). which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  5. (23). for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  6. (25). for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
  7. (27). for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
  8. (29). because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

3. Impetus

  1. the force or energy with which a body moves.
  2. the force that makes something happen or happen more quickly.

There is a new impetus towards the law of grace, but the inertia of the Law of Moses has to be overcome.

This is what Paul had to deal with in the letter to the Galatians.

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

( Galatians 1:6-7 ) KJV

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,

( Galatians 2:16a ) KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) KJV
Posted on

Inquired and Searched Diligently

Danby House

1 Peter # 2

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

(1 Peter 1:10-12) KJV

3 Examples of Prophets inquiring and searching diligently.

  1. David and the Ark
  2. Josiah and Revival
  3. Daniel and the Return from Exile
Continue reading “Inquired and Searched Diligently”
Posted on

The Work That They Fulfilled

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 38 – Acts 14:21-28

The Return to Syrian Antioch

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

The Report to the Church at Antioch

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

  1. Confirm
  2. Continue
  3. Commend

1. Confirm

Confirming: ἐπιστηρίζω – epistérizó

  • to make stronger
  • I prop up, uphold, support, confirm, make stronger.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

( Romans 10:17 ) KJV

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

( Acts 15:40-41 ) KJV

2. Continue

Continue: ἐμμένω – emmenó

  • to abide in, to be true to, to persevere
  • I remain (abide) in, abide by, maintain, persevere in.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

( John 15:4 ) KJV

3. Commend

Commended: παρατίθημι – paratithémi

  • to place beside, to set before
  • (a) I set (especially a meal) before, serve,
  • (b) act. and mid: I deposit with, entrust to,
  • (c) I bring forward, quote as evidence.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

( Luke 23:46 ) KJV

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

( Acts 17:3 ) KJV

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

( 1 Corinthians 10:27 ) KJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

( Romans 12:1 ) KJV
Posted on

Greetings from Peter

Danby House

1 Peter # 1

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

( 1 Peter 1:1-9 ) KJV
  1. Reserved
  2. Rejoice
  3. Receive

1. Reserved

  • Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father
  • begotten us again unto a lively hope
  • To an inheritance incorruptible
  • kept by the power of God through faith

2. Rejoice

  • ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations
  • the trial of your faith
  • be tried with fire

When you experience any of the above, do what it says below:

  • greatly rejoice
  • rejoice with joy unspeakable

Are you feeling depressed and weighed down by the burdens of life? Rejoice!

3. Receive

  • salvation of your souls.
Posted on

Supposing Him to be Dead

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 37

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

( Acts 14:8-20 ) KJV

Paul is revered as an idol and then makes the ultimate sacrifice, or at least is willing to, but God isn’t done with him yet.

  1. Deified
  2. Disillusioned
  3. Destroyed

1. Deified

When Paul and Barnabas performed a miracle the people wanted to lift them up as idols, gods or deities. The people of the region were so accustomed to idolatry that they would worship anything or anybody. They think that Paul and Barnabas are people who they can relate to. In their rush to judgment they conclude that Paul and Barnabas fit the template that they want to believe in.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

( John 5:19 ) KJV

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

( James 4:4 ) KJV

2. Disillusioned

Paul is careful to correct their misunderstanding. He makes it clear that he was not the one who had the power to make the miracle happen, the power is that of the God of heaven through the name of Jesus Christ. Now he is going to show them that their idols are worthless.

Remember Stephen? They accused him of trying to oppose Moses. He retaliated by recounting the history of the Jews opposition to Moses.

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

( Acts 6:11, 14 ) KJV

Stephen gives at least 10 examples of the Jews opposing Moses in a short history of the Children of Israel, then he says:

51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

( Acts 7:51-53 ) KJV

3. Destroyed

Paul wasn’t the person that the people wanted him to be. They wanted to worship him as a god, he wanted to point them to a knowledge of the one true God. In their disillusionment it was easy for people to convince then that they should destroy Paul.

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

( 1 John 3:13 ) KJV

But Paul’s work was not done.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

( Acts 9:15 ) KJV

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

( Romans 11:29 ) KJV

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

( Philippians 1:6 ) KJV

Having God’s call upon our lives doesn’t make us indestructible or immune to the dangers of this world (as Paul found out). However it does mean that it may be a bumpy ride until we get finished.

Posted on

They Were Ware

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 36

1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel.

( Acts 14:1-7 ) KJV
They Were Ware

Commemorate 9/11

Ask for testimonies.

FILE – In this Sept. 11, 2001 file photo the twin towers of the World Trade Center burn behind the Empire State Building in New York after terrorists crashed two planes into the towers causing both to collapse. The government is preparing to release a once-classified chapter of a congressional report about the attacks of Sept. 11, that questions whether Saudi nationals who helped the hijackers with things like finding apartments and opening bank accounts knew what they were planning. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday July 15, 2016, that the release of the 28-page chapter is “imminent.” (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)

They Were Aware That They Were in Danger

Thanks to 9/11 we are much more aware of this than we ever were.

There are physical dangers, but there are spiritual dangers.

  1. Resist
  2. Reflect
  3. Run

1. Resist

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

( 1 Peter 5:8-9 ) KJV

2. Reflect

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

( Ephesians 5:15-21 ) KJV

3. Run

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

( hebrews 12:1-2 ) KJV

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

( Philippians 2:16 ) KJV

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

( 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ) KJV
Posted on

The Prayer of Faith

Danby House

James # 15

The Prayer of Faith

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Restoring a Sinner

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

( James 5:13-20 ) KJV

Remember 9/11/2001

FILE – In this Sept. 11, 2001 file photo the twin towers of the World Trade Center burn behind the Empire State Building in New York after terrorists crashed two planes into the towers causing both to collapse. The government is preparing to release a once-classified chapter of a congressional report about the attacks of Sept. 11, that questions whether Saudi nationals who helped the hijackers with things like finding apartments and opening bank accounts knew what they were planning. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday July 15, 2016, that the release of the 28-page chapter is “imminent.” (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)
Posted on

Making Things Happen

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 35

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47* For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51* But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

( Acts 13:42-52 ) KJV
Making Things Happen

Making Things Happen

  1. Progress
  2. Persecution
  3. Perseverence

1. Progress

Paul states their mission and calling.

5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

( Isaiah 42:5-7 ) KJV

The people respond.

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

( 1 Corinthians 3:7 ) KJV

2. Persecution

The establishment is jealous.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

( John 15:18-19 ) KJV

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

( Matthew 10:23 ) KJV

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

( Matthew 10:14-15 ) KJV

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

( Luke 9:5 ) KJV

3. Perseverence

Persevere for the work:

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

( Psalms 126:5-6 ) KJV

Persevere for yourself:

God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

( Romans 2:5b-7 ) KJV
Posted on

Antioch in Pisidia

Open Door Baptist Church

Acts # 34

13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30 But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

( Acts 13:13-41 ) KJV
Antioch in Pisidia

13

Paul wanted to go East, further away from home. John Mark wanted to go home. John departed. Fast forward to Acts 15:36-40

Their journey began at Antioch in Syria, they found themselves at Antioch in Pisidia, modern day Turkey. There is more than one Antioch. Like there is more than one London.

  • London, England
  • London, KY
  • London, OH
  • London, Ontario

Incidentally there is only one Minehead.

  • When Paul is given an opportunity to give his testimony he, knowing his audience, starts all the way back at the patriarchs.
  • This is a very different approach to the one Peter took with Cornelius in Acts 10:34-43
  • Also Paul, when he preaches to gentiles, for instance in Athens, in Acts 17:22-30

It’s like the reason why I hate dating, having to start over from the beginning and explain myself. I’d rather just not bother.