Deacons as Faith-Multipliers [2024.11.10 Morning Sermon in Acts 5:42–6:7]

Deacons are prescribed by Christ to support the ministry of the Word, by which He works powerfully in His church

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Christ's Priorities and Power in His Church [Family Worship lesson in Acts 5:42–6:7]

What does God want, and use, deacons to do? Acts 5:42–6:7 helps us prepare to hear 6:1–7 proclaimed in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God wants deacons to facilitate the worship, discipleship, and evangelism of the church, and He blesses their faithful service unto the spread of the gospel. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.11.09 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 5:42–6:7

Read Acts 5:42–6:7

Questions from the Scripture text: What were the apostles doing daily (Acts 5:42)? In what two locations? What did they not stop doing? What was still happening (Acts 6:1)? What arose? Among which two types of Jews? Why—what was happening? Who summon the multitude in Acts 6:2? What do they say is not desirable to leave? Why would they have to leave it? What do they tell the people to seek (Acts 6:3)? How many? Of what three qualities? What would the apostles appoint them to do? To what two things would the apostles keep giving themselves (Acts 6:4)? How did the congregation respond (Acts 6:5a)? How many of them? Whom did they choose? How does it describe Stephen? What is specifically noted about Nicolas? What do they do with these men (Acts 6:6)? What do the apostles do with them first? Then what? What spreads as a result (Acts 6:7a)? And where do the disciples multiply, and how much (verse 7b)? And from what specific group (and how many) do they see new converts (verse 7c)? How is this conversion described?

What does God want, and use, deacons to do? Acts 5:42–6:7 helps us prepare to hear Acts 6:1–7 proclaimed in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God wants deacons to facilitate the worship, discipleship, and evangelism of the church, and He blesses their faithful service unto the spread of the gospel.  

The Purpose of the Deacon (free the Apostles for their work). The work of an apostle was intense. Daily, they were preaching not only in the temple but also from one household to another (Acts 5:42). There was much evangelism and public preaching to do, and much discipleship and household pastoring to do. But all of the evangelizing and discipling occurred by the same basic function: teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. This is the sum of the message of the Bible. In Him is the essence of all that we are to believe about God, and He is the only ability and great reason for all of the duty that God requires of man.

To this was added the ministry of prayer, to which they also gave themselves continuously (Acts 6:4). Indubitably, this included private prayer, but the implication is that verse 4 is tied to that ministry that “did not cease” in Acts 5:42. Prayer is an act of worship, and there is a right way of doing it. The disciples of the Pharisees and of John the baptizer knew this, and so did Jesus’s disciples. 

After hearing Jesus Himself pray, the disciples had asked Him to teach them to pray as well (cf. Luke 11:1–13). Jesus not only gave them a model prayer but taught them about persistence and the laying hold of God’s good gifts—especially the Holy Spirit, Who helps us to pray according to God’s Word (cf. Romans 8:15, Romans 8:23–27). Leading in public prayer and training households in prayer was an apostolic duty that continues to be the duty of elders—teaching the men in every place to pray, among the other parts of discipling them (cf. 1 Timothy 2:8). 

But up to this point in the church, the work of the apostle had also included the Work of the Deacon. Wherever the apostles were, if someone knew of a need and had sold something in order to supply that need, the benefactor would come lay the money at the apostles’ feet (cf. Acts 4:34–5:2). 

But the number of disciples was multiplying (Acts 6:1), and as happens with finite people and increasing tasks, mistakes were made. The Jewish widows of Greek background and culture fell through the cracks in the daily distribution, while the Jewish widows of Hebraic background and culture were always taken care of. Perhaps, there was even grumbling that all of the apostles were of Hebraic background. 

The language of “serving tables” in Acts 6:2 doesn’t imply that the twelve were themselves purchasing the money and distributing the food. But even the oversight of this good work was not to be compared to the more necessary duties involved in maintaining that worship and discipleship that was the core ministry of the church (Acts 5:42, Acts 6:4, cf. Acts 2:40–43). Overseeing such an increasingly extensive and sensitive distribution was something that others were needed to do. Acts 6:3 makes plain that this new office is an office of overseeing the ministry of the church in these temporal things. 

The qualifications of a deacon were therefore similar to the qualifications of judges in God’s church ever since Exodus 18. In Exodus 18:18 and Deuteronomy 1:9–12, the same problem had arisen. There were just too many Israelites in that newly founded church, and they had too many complaints. 

So it doesn’t surprise us that the qualifications are similar. The new deacons must be men. There is a generic word for human sometimes translated “man,” but the apostles use the male-specific word in Acts 6:3. And these men were to be of good reputation—not just men who claimed to be godly, or about whom an individual had claimed that they were godly, but men about whom the wider congregation generally acknowledged that these claims were true.

In Deuteronomy 1:13, the qualifications were “wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men.” In Exodus 18:21, the list had been “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” The last three qualifications in that list cover the same character as “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” in our passage. The Spirit first and foremost gives knowledge of God, faith in Christ, and the justification and sanctification that come out of faith-forged union with Christ. The fear of the Lord, which the Spirit gives, is the beginning of that wisdom in Acts 6:3. 

The speech as a whole is gladly received (v5a) and the instruction immediately carried out. The list in Acts 6:5 is probably in order of prominence, as we will hear more about Stephen and Philip until the end of chapter 8, as the Spirit authenticates their diaconal ministry with Word and sign. Here, Stephen is called “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” Nicolas being from Antioch implies that he has a Greek culture background, and the same is probably true of Stephen, since his “home synagogue” seems to have been the one in Acts 6:9. 

The ordination of a deacon is seen in Acts 6:6. Now, it’s not money that is laid before the apostles but men who are laid before them. Their last “distribution” with respect to material goods is officers who will oversee their use.

Then the apostles pray. It is not enough hat these would be men in whom the Holy Spirit has already done work. The work depended upon the Spirit’s continued work in them and ongoing work through them. 

The gift of the Holy Spirit’s specific empowering, calling, and helping them was then signified in the laying on of hands (cf. Acts 8:17, Acts 9:17, Acts 13:2–3, Acts 19:5–7; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2). 

The success of a deacon is seen in Acts 6:7. His goal is not merely to see the money distributed wisely but to see God’s blessing upon the work that he has freed up the minister of the Word to do. The Word of God spread. The number of disciples, which was already a multitude, now multiplied greatly. From among the priests, who had been arch enemies, a great many became obedient to the faith. This is the goal unto which a deacon labors.

Who are to oversee the management of the earthly things of the church? What kind of men should they be? What should they especially be trying to do for the ministry of the Word and prayer? What are they hoping that the result of all of this would be?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for redeeming us and taking care of us, body and soul. Please promote the care of our souls in the church by freeing up the pastors for prayer and the ministry of the Word. Unto this end, please give us good deacons, in Jesus’s Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation” 

The Words of This Life [Family Worship lesson in Acts 5:17–41]

How great is the power that is at work in believers? Acts 5:17–41 helps us prepare to hear 6:1–7 proclaimed in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God works by His own almighty power in the church.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.11.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 5:17–41

Read Acts 5:17–41

Questions from the Scripture text: Who rose up in Acts 5:17? Who were with him? With what were they filled? What did they do in Acts 5:18? Who did what in Acts 5:19? What did the angel say to do (Acts 5:20)? How did they respond in Acts 5:21? What did the priest/Sadducee party do in verse 21? Who else was with them? What did they send for? Who came in Acts 5:22? What didn’t they find? What did they do? How did they report finding the prison (Acts 5:23)? And the guards? But then what happened? What three parties does Acts 5:24 specify? What do they wonder? What does someone come say in Acts 5:25? Who go in Acts 5:26? In what manner do they bring them? Why? Before whom do they set them (Acts 5:27)? Who leads questioning? What does he ask (Acts 5:28)? With what does he say they have “filled Jerusalem”? What did he accuse them of intending? Who answer in Acts 5:29? What do they say? What do they call God in Acts 5:30? What had He done? But what do they say the council has done? But then to where did God raise Jesus? To be what? To give what two things to whom? Whose witnesses are the apostles (Acts 5:32)? Who else is witnessing? To whom has God given the Holy Spirit? How did the council feel about this answer? What do they plot to do? Who stands up in Acts 5:34? What party does he belong to? What job does he have? What do the people think of him? What does he first command to be done? Whom does he address in Acts 5:35? To what does he tell them to take heed? About what? Of what does he remind them in Acts 5:36-37? What had happened in those cases? What does Gamaliel say to do to the apostles (Acts 5:38)? What will happen if the plan or work is of men? What cannot happen if it is of God (Acts 5:39)? What would they be doing in that case? How did the council respond (Acts 5:40)? But what did they do to them anyway? What did they command them? What do the apostles do in Acts 5:41? With what emotion? Rejoicing over what? 

How great is the power that is at work in believers? Acts 5:17–41 helps us prepare to hear Acts 6:1–7 proclaimed in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God works by His own almighty power in the church.

God’s Strength. God can use what the wicked do to accomplish what His hand and His purpose have predetermined (cf. Acts 4:28). And God can overrule by the hand of an angel (Acts 5:19) what the combined hands of the entire priestly/Sadducee party try to do (Acts 5:17-18).  

God’s Servants. Why are the apostles back preaching in the temple the next day (Acts 5:25)? Because the angel (messenger of God) who broke them out had told them to (Acts 5:20). Again in Acts 5:29, they say “we ought to obey God rather than men” (cf. Acts 4:19; Acts 1:8, Acts 5:32, cf. Luke 24:48).

God exercises almighty strength through weak servants whom He gives courage and faithfulness. And He gives them the joy and honor of fellowship in His suffering (Acts 5:41, cf. Matthew 5:11–12;  1 Peter 4:12–16). 

God’s Salvation. The gospel is for sinners. A most amazing thing in this passage is the object of salvation specified in Acts 5:31, “… to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” The flesh would say, “these murderers of Christ (Acts 5:28b, Acts 5:30) and opposers of the apostles (Acts 5:18, Acts 5:28a, Acts 5:33) ought to be punished!” But the apostles of Christ follow His lead in proclaiming repentance and forgiveness to those who are presently persecuting them!

The apostles respond to the council’s hatred with grace. The council responds to the apostles’ graciousness with more hatred (Acts 5:33). 

God’s Spy. Sometimes the Lord places and uses unlikely people. One might think of Hushai, whose counsel foils Ahithophel (cf. 2 Samuel 16–17), or the city clerk in Ephesus that God uses to disperse that crowd (cf. Acts 19:35–41). In this case, it’s one of the most respected members of the Pharisee party (Acts 5:34a, cf. Acts 23:6) making the very point about God’s strength and God’s servants that the Spirit makes throughout this passage: the council is in danger of fighting against God!

God is inexorably applying Christ’s salvation to those who deserve His vengeance. And He’s giving to those whom He redeems the honor and joy of being junior (infinitely) partners in this glorious work!  

Whom do you know who opposes you for Christ’s sake? What does it look like to love them with the gospel anyway? Even if they never convert, what honor and joy may you have?

Sample prayer:  Lord, apart from Your grace, our hearts would oppose You and all Who are Yours. But You gave Christ for us anyway. Your Spirit continues to bring to You everyone whom You have redeemed by Your almighty power. And You give us the privilege of participating with You and suffering with You. Forgive us for when we are reluctant to suffer for Your sake, or when we fear man’s infinitesimal power instead of Your almighty power. Give us courage in trouble and evangelizing love for our enemies, in Jesus’s Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH431 “And Can It Be That I Should Gain”

To the End of the Earth [2023.08.20 Morning Sermon in Acts 28:11–31]

Jesus is applying His redemption to all for whom He accomplished it.

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The Savior-King Who Has Kept His Promise [Family Worship lesson in Acts 28:11–31]

What promise does the book of Acts emphasize that God has kept? Acts 28:11–31 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the conclusion to the book of Acts demonstrates that God has kept His promise to send the gospel to the nations. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 28:11–31

Read Acts 28:11–31

Questions from the Scripture text: How long had they been on Malta (Acts 28:11)? In what did they sail? Where were they three days (Acts 28:12)? Then where and where (Acts 28:13)? What did they find in Puteoli (v14Acts 28:14)? What were they invited to do? Then toward where did they go (on foot)? Who came to them from Rome (Acts 28:15)? How far did they come? What effect did these believers from the church at Rome have upon Paul? When they finally arrived, what special treatment did the centurion give Paul (Acts 28:16)? How long did Paul take to settle in (Acts 28:17)? Whom did he then call? What does he call them? What does he tell them about his charges? And the Romans’ conclusion (Acts 28:18)? How did he explain the appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:19)? What is he careful to note? What does he explain to them as the reason for calling them (Acts 28:20)? But what do they report (Acts 28:21)? Then for what do they ask (Acts 28:22)? What do they appoint for him (Acts 28:23)? Who comes on that day? What does he explain and solemnly witness to them? What, especially, does he seek to persuade them? With what results (Acts 28:24)? Whose speaking does Paul employ as a parting word (Acts 28:25)? What does he say, with respect to those who did not believe (Acts 28:26-27)? What has been sent to whom, and how will they respond (Acts 28:28)? What do the Jews do when they depart (Acts 28:29)? How much time is covered in Acts 28:30? Where is Paul dwelling? Whom is he receiving? And what does he preach to them (Acts 28:31)? And what does he teach them? With what demeanor? And what hindrance? 

What promise does the book of Acts emphasize that God has kept? Acts 28:11–31 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the conclusion to the book of Acts demonstrates that God has kept His promise to send the gospel to the nations. 

Brethren everywhere. The trip to Rome is lined with brethren. They land at the port of Puteoli (Acts 28:13, 120 miles from Rome), and what do they find there? Brethren! Indeed, Brethren who delay them seven days in order to enjoy showing them hospitality (Acts 28:14). They make it 2/3 of the way from Puteoli to Rome, and brethren meet them at the Appii Forum. Another ten miles, and brethren meet them at the Three Inns. The implication in Acts 28:15 is that brethren keep coming out to meet them. The closer they get to Rome, the more brethren. Jesus has kept His promise to get him to Rome. And Jesus has been keeping His promise to build His church. So Paul thanked God and took courage (verse 15).

Dear reader, I hope you see your brethren in the Lord as the fruit of His faithfulness. They are kept promises from Him! Indeed, He is continually fulfilling in our lives things that He has promised to do. So let us continually give Him thanks and continually take courage.

Liberty for the gospel. Paul’s liberty for the gospel is a theme throughout the text. He is the only prisoner who is not handed over to the captain of the guard. The last four months together have left an impression upon the centurion, as must have the continual greeting parties coming from Rome. However He did it, the Lord put it in the centurion’s heart to live in his own rented house (Acts 28:30), with just a soldier guarding him (Acts 28:16). But the point of this is that the Lord gave him this liberty for the purpose of preaching the kingdom and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).

There are many sorts of liberty that we may have. I write in the USA in 2023, and I have a tremendous amount of liberty. As a pastor, shall I not use it to preach the kingdom of God and teach the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ? And as a Christian, shall you not use it to serve God as King and learn and follow all the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ? 

God keeps His promises. Paul is keenly aware that “for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:20). So, he calls the Jewish leaders to himself (Acts 28:17), even though we know that there is already a church established at Rome. His introduction sparks their interest, and they appoint a day upon which his rental home gets filled with Jews. He persuades about Christ from their whole Bible, and some refuse to believe (Acts 28:24), enough that after they leave they have a great dispute among themselves (Acts 28:29). 

But what does Paul see? Paul sees the Lord keeping His Word. This was what the Lord had said in Isaiah 6:9–10. In the same prophecy, the Holy Spirit had emphasized that the salvation of the Servant would go to the Gentiles (cf. Isaiah 42:1–9; Isaiah 49:5–6). Paul tells them so (Acts 28:29). God keeps His promises.

The Lord is with him always. He has brought him to the center of “all the nations.” For two years, the Lord brings him those whom He is making into disciples. And confidently, unhinderedly, Paul teaches them all things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. The Great Commission is being fulfilled by the authority that Jesus has in heaven and on earth. Surely He is with us always. He keeps His promises.

I don’t know what the current details of your life are, dear reader. But I do know that the Lord is keeping His promises. And I know that He is doing so especially with regard to gathering in His elect and building them up into Himself. Trust and worship and serve Him!

How long has Jesus been keeping His promise to build His church? How sure are you that He will continue to do so? How does this give you confidence to serve Him? To speak for Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, for two thousand years, You have kept Your promise to build Your church. You kept that promise until You proclaimed peace to us, who had been very far off indeed. We thank You and praise You, Who are still keeping Your promises, and Who are still surely with us always, even to the end of the age. Grant that we would have confidence in You to trust You and worship You and serve You, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH424 “All Authority and Power” 

Living in God's World as Those Who Belong to God [2023.08.13 Morning Sermon in Acts 27:1–28:10]

Those who belong to and worship God live as those who are protected by God, heard by God, and employed by God.

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How Faith Sees God, Trouble, and Neighbors [Family Worship lesson in Acts 27:1–28:10]

What do Christians do for their unbelieving neighbors? Acts 27:1–28:10 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that with their neighbors, Christians act as those who belong to God, praying and laboring for their neighbors’ earthly and eternal good. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 27:1–28:10

Read Acts 27:1–28:10

Questions from the Scripture text: What was decided in Acts 27:1? Who is going with Paul? Who was delivered with him? To whom?  What did they enter in Acts 27:2? Where did they sail? Who was sailing with Paul and Luke (cf. Acts 19:29)? Where did they land in Acts 27:3? How was Julius treating Paul? By giving him liberty to do what? What route did they take to end up where by the end of Acts 27:5? What did Julius find there (Acts 27:6)? What did he do? How was the sailing going now (Acts 27:7)? Where did they have to reroute until ending up where by the end of Acts 27:8? What had been spent (Acts 27:9)? Why was sailing dangerous? What did Paul do? What did he observe (Acts 27:10)? By which two people was the centurion more persuaded (Acts 27:11)? Who else gave the same advice (Acts 27:12)? Why? Where did they hope to winter? What happened, to which they supposed what (Acts 27:13)? What did they do? How soon did what happen (Acts 27:14)? What couldn’t the ship do (Acts 27:15)? What did they do? Where did they end up in Acts 27:16? What could they barely do there? What precautions did they take in Acts 27:17? Then what the next day (Acts 27:18)? And the next (Acts 27:19)? What don’t they see for how long (Acts 27:20)? What happens all this time? What do they give up? What weren’t they doing Acts 27:21? What does Paul stand up to do? What does he say that they didn’t do before? But what does he urge them to do now (Acts 27:22)? What does he say won’t, and will, be lost? Who had stood by him (Acts 27:23)? How does he describe God? What does he do unto God? What did the angel tell Paul not to do (Acts 27:24)? What must happen to him? What has God granted (bequeathed, lavished upon) him? What command does Paul now repeat (Acts 27:25, cf. Acts 27:22a)? Whom does he believe? What does he believe? What does he conclude must happen (Acts 27:26)? How long has the storm gone in Acts 27:27? What was happening to them? What did the sailors sense, when? What data supported this in Acts 27:28? What did they fear (Acts 27:29)? What did they do? For what did they plead? What were the sailors trying to do in Acts 27:30? What does Paul say to whom (Acts 27:31)? What do the soldiers do (Acts 27:32)? What does Paul implore them to do in Acts 27:33? How long had they fasted? For what purpose does he urge them to eat (Acts 27:34)? What does he then take (Acts 27:35)? What does he do in the presence of them all? How does he show that he’s distributing it to them, too? How many ate (Acts 27:37)? How much did they eat (Acts 27:38)? What did they do with the rest of the wheat? What time came in Acts 27:39? What did they note about the land? What did they hope to do? What did they now get rid of (Acts 27:40)? Then what did they do? Where did they end up running aground instead (Acts 27:41)? With what result? Now what did the soldiers plan to do (Acts 27:42)? Why? Who stopped them (Acts 27:43)? Why? What did he command instead? And what were the rest of them supposed to do (Acts 27:44)? What were they able to do (Acts 28:1)? What did they find out? What does Acts 28:2 note about the natives’ kindness? What did they do for them? Who was helping do what in Acts 28:3? But what happened? Who saw this (Acts 28:4)? What did they conclude? But what did Paul do (Acts 28:5)? And what happened (Acts 28:6)? Then what did they conclude? Who had an estate in that region (Acts 28:7)? What did he do? What difficulty did he face (Acts 28:8)?  But what did Paul do? With what result? Then what happened (Acts 28:9)? And what was done for how long (Acts 28:10, cf. Acts 28:11)?

What do Christians do for their unbelieving neighbors? Acts 27:1–28:10 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that with their neighbors, Christians act as those who belong to God, praying and laboring for their neighbors’ earthly and eternal good. 

Walking by faith, not by sight. In the Christian life, there is always more than meets the eyes. So, as holy Scripture teaches us, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). To the eye of sight, it looks like Paul is bound and that his life is constantly in danger from shipwreck (Acts 27:20), from soldiers who don’t wish to lose prisoners (Acts 27:42), from venomous snakes (Acts 27:3), etc. But to the eye of faith, Paul “must bear witness at Rome” (cf. Acts 23:11) and “must be brought before Caesar” (Acts 27:24), because the eye of faith “believe[s] God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). 

Faith not only believes God’s Word but believes that it is God Who is at work in His world. So when Julius treats Paul kindly in Acts 27:3, it is because God Himself is treating Paul kindly. And when Julius gives him liberty, it is because God Himself is giving Paul liberty. And when the sailing is with difficulty in Acts 27:7-9, it is still because God is treating Paul with love and ordering all things according to His will. And the same even with the great storm in Acts 27:13-20.

Other people don’t always listen to us. Paul’s good counsel in Acts 27:10 was rejected. But the Christian always has the ear of God, always has the intercession of Christ, always has the service of the angels. God doesn’t always do what we say, because we do not always say rightly. But He always lavishly grants whatever is good! So, whether the Lord stands by Paul and the whole island of Malta honors him (Acts 28:10), or the Lord stands by Paul when his own children in the faith abandon him (cf. 2 Timothy 4:14–17), he may always be sure that the Lord stands by him. 

Working  wisely by faith. Of course, believing that God is at work in His world is not an excuse to act neglectfully or foolishly but a help to act wisely and prudently. For now, it is not merely the mechanics of sailing and meteorology that suggests that you shouldn’t sail at the wrong time (Acts 27:10). Nor is it merely the mechanics of psychology that suggests you should take heart (Acts 27:22, Acts 27:25) or the mechanics of biology that suggests you should take nourishment when about to be physically taxed (Acts 27:33). 

Faith sees God as working through physics and meteorology and biology. Faith sees everything that happens in the world as personal and providential. And since God has appointed means by which He works, responsibility and diligence and wisdom and prudence become opportunities to trust Him Who made the world this way, and to depend upon Him in acting consistently with how He made things, and to accept His generous invitation to be participants in His work by walking in wisdom.

Praying for good to the God Who is good. And since providence is personal, faith also prays to God for that which the naturalist or humanist cannot hope for. The others had given up hope in Acts 27:20, but what did Paul do? He prayed! The angel tells him in Acts 27:24 that that “God has granted you all those who sail with you.” Paul had prayed not only for himself but for everyone on board. Those whose folly had gotten him into this position, other prisoners who were probably guilty of their crimes, soldiers who would have been ready to execute him if convenient… Paul had prayed for everyone!

And he prayed not as the unbelieving pray. Many even who profess faith in Christ are unbelieving and pray as those hoping against hope or groveling for scraps. Paul had prayed to God as one who belongs to God. Paul had prayed to God as one who worships God. He prayed with the confidence of fellowshipping and worshiping. And God lavished his request upon him. Again, Paul prays for all in the presence of all, when he has not only encouraged but now feeds the whole ship (Acts 27:33-37). 

Then in Malta, his concern is more than just for himself. Even at this stage of his life, the man whom many attend in his declining physical ability is found gathering sticks and laying them on the fire for the protection of all from the rain and from the cold. Paul had confidence in the Lord that the viper in Acts 28:4 could not kill him, because he must appear before Caesar, and surely he knew that the cold and rain could not take him either. His concern was for his brothers and neighbors. And this concern overflows one more time into prayer with Publius’s father (Acts 28:8), and another multitude of times with the whole rest of the island (Acts 28:9).

Walking in wisdom as those who wish others to be with us and with God. Finally,  faith desires company. It desires others to take heart. It desires others to be wise. It desires others to come to belong to the God to whom we belong. It desires others to come to worship the God that we worship. For, it is more powerful to belong to this God and to worship this God, than even if one could be a so-called “god” like those the world imagines (Acts 28:6). So faith desires what God desires and prays and labors to see it come about, all in dependence upon the Lord Himself.

What providence has God been personally giving you in His kindness? How do you describe Him to others? How do you think of Him for yourself? For whose earthly and eternal good have you been asking God? 

Sample prayer:  Father, we thank You that we may believe You that all will be just as You have told us. You are the God to Whom we belong and Whom we worship. Grant that we would be people of prayer for the earthly and eternal good of those around us. And grant that good for which we pray, as we ask it through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH238 “Lord, with Glowing Heart I’d Praise Thee”

The Great Reality of Your Life [2023.08.06 Morning Sermon in Acts 25–26]

The great reality in everyone's life is Jesus: a righteous judge, but a resurrected Redeemer.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Your Most Important Reality: Jesus the Resurrected Redeemer [Family Worship lesson in Acts 25–26]

What is the most important reality in your life? Acts 25–26 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the most important reality in each one of our lives, whether we embrace or engage it or not, is the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 25–26

Read Acts 25–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Where does Festus go in Acts 25:1? Who address him about what (Acts 25:2-3)? Why? But how does he answer (Acts 25:4-5)? How long does he take to go back (Acts 25:6)? How soon does he act? What do the Jews do (Acts 25:7)? What are they unable to do? Who answers for Paul (Acts 25:8)? How? What does Festus request in Acts 25:9? How does Paul’s answer hint at the injustice of what’s going on (Acts 25:10)? What does he do in Acts 25:11, and how does Festus reply (Acts 25:12)? Who else come in Acts 25:13? What does Festus eventually do (Acts 25:14)? Whom does he say has done this (Acts 25:15)? What difficulty does he present (Acts 25:16-21, Acts 25:26-27)? What does he imply about himself in Acts 25:20 that he suggests Agrippa can help with? How does Agrippa respond (Acts 25:22)? In what way does he arrive (Acts 25:23)? How does Festus present the case in Acts 25:24-25? Who assumes leadership of the proceeding (Acts 26:1)? How does Paul respond initially (Acts 26:1-3)? How does he describe his early life (Acts 26:4-5)? To what does he skip in Acts 26:6-7? Upon what does he focus from his charges (Acts 26:7-8)? When did the resurrection become not a theory but the most significant reality in his life (Acts 26:8-18)? Whom was Paul obeying, and what was Paul doing (Acts 26:18-20, Acts 26:22-23)? And what did the Jews do (Acts 26:21)? What does he emphasize about Christ in Acts 26:22-23? What does Festus think about the first-risen from the dead and light to the nations (Acts 26:24)? So upon whom does he now focus (Acts 26:24-27)? What does he focus upon about Christ in the end of Acts 26:26? To where does Paul point for interpretation of Christ’s suffering and resurrection (Acts 26:27)? How does Agrippa respond (Acts 26:28)? What does Paul desire from Whom, for whom (Acts 26:29)? How do Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice respond to this (Acts 26:30-31)? And what is Agrippa’s concluding counsel (Acts 26:32)? 

What is the most important reality in your life? Acts 25–26 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the most important reality in each one of our lives, whether we embrace or engage it or not, is the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. 

An uncomfortable reality for Paul: the injustice of men. Several times throughout these two chapters, we read that Paul had done nothing to deserve death (Acts 25:11, Acts 16–21, Acts 24–27) or even chains (Acts 26:31–32). And yet, the Jews are still determined either to have him executed by Rome or to trick Festus into transporting Paul so that they could ambush him and kill him. 

People aren’t righteous; they aren’t just; they aren’t fair. This is an uncomfortable reality for all believers.  If we are hoping that we will have, in this life, a situation where people and their kindness or justice don’t let us down, then our false hope will let us down. 

Thankfully, that was not Paul’s hope! It was uncomfortable, or unpleasant, but it was not discouraging. Rather, because his hope was in something that would actually hold up (the resurrected Christ!), he was able to take his circumstances as an opportunity to fulfill his purpose (serve that resurrected Christ!). 

The most important reality for Paul: the resurrected Christ. Whatever Paul had said (during the hearing summarized briefly in Acts 25:7–8) Festus had heard primarily as an affirmation that Jesus is alive (Acts 25:19). Then, when Paul answers for himself before Agrippa, he gives only a one-sentence (!) summary of his upbringing and life as a Pharisee (Acts 26:5). But then, he takes several long sentences to summarize his predicament as “being judged for the hope of the resurrection” (Acts 26:6–8).

How did Paul come to have such a hope for that resurrection, which God had previously promised? He met the resurrected One! He had been diligently (Acts 26:9) and violently (Acts 26:10) and persistently (Acts 26:11) against Him and the testimony of Him. But then the resurrected One had met him (Acts 26:12-15) and enlisted him (Acts 26:16-18).

This resurrected Christ went from being an idea (that Paul was living his life to destroy) to being the King of Light, Whom Paul now lived his life to serve. 

Either we are still kicking against the goads—as Paul had done (Acts 26:14), and now Festus (Acts 26:24) and Agrippa (Acts 26:28, Acts 26:30-31) also do—or we have acknowledged that the Creator has become a Redeemer, by living for Him as our resurrected King. 

The most important reality for All: the resurrected Christ that Paul preaches. But what is the King doing? 

This question is answered by the substance of what Paul has been sent to declare (Acts 26:18): 

• He is turning people of all nations from the darkness of living in ignorance of Him (or opposition to Him) to the light of living in the knowledge of Him. 
• He is turning people of all nations from being under the power of Satan (believing the lie that they can be independently powered or purposed) to God Himself (dependent upon our Creator not only for all resources but for purpose in life). 
• He is bringing people out from under guilt and instead into forgiveness. 
• He is bringing them out from being those who are unable to obtain anything lasting by their own power, into being those who are being given everything in heaven and earth as their inheritance in the Son. 
• He is bringing people out from being those who are common and impure to those who are consecrated unto God through faith in Christ. 

And all of this, the Lord Jesus does as “the first to rise from the dead” (Acts 26:23). 

He suffered in our place in order to be able to DO all of those things for us. And now, by His servants, the first-Risen DECLARES to us what He has done that we might believe in Him. How your life goes, now and forever, depends entirely upon how you respond to Him:

• You could be religious without Him, and meet the fate of the Jews. 
• You could disregard all of this as ungrounded in reality, and meet the fate of Festus. 
• You could be almost persuaded, and an almost-Christian, whose life is really just business as usual, and meet the fate of Agrippa. 
• Or, you could meet the Resurrected One in His Word, by His Spirit Who gives you faith to know Him. And you could live in His service, with your whole life being a testimony that your Creator is your Resurrected Redeemer, and He gives your life all of its power and all of its purpose. And not just your life as a testimony, but also giving you opportunities to verbalize this testimony. 

Paul wished that “All” would become like him in this. Won’t you now be like him even in his desire that all would also be like you in the knowledge of Christ? 

Or will you just shrug off another devotional, another sermon, and go back to business as usual in your ordinary (perhaps religiously flavored) life? 

What was the most important thing in your day yesterday? What is the most important thing in your day today? What is the most important thing in this week? What are you most hoping for right now, in this season of your life? What do you spend most of your time doing? What do you see as your purpose in those activities? What do your honest answers to these questions indicate about which side of the last couple paragraphs you are actually on?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You that You have given light in Christ, freedom in Christ, forgiveness in Christ, inheritance in Christ, and consecration in Christ. Grant that, by Your Spirit, Christ would be all of our life, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Freed from Fear by Faith in Christ [2023.07.30 Morning Sermon in Acts 24]

Faith in Christ frees us from all fears, unto all true living.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

2023.07.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 14:21–28

Read Acts 14:21–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What had they done in Derbe (Acts 14:21)? What did they make by this preaching? How many? To where do they return? What are they doing (Acts 14:22)? To whom? Strengthening what of theirs? In what were they exhorting them to continue? Through what must they enter the kingdom? How many? Whose kingdom? How sure is this entering? Through where did they pass to where in Acts 14:24? Then what did they do where (Acts 14:25)? Before going down to where? From there, where did they sail (Acts 14:26)? What had been done to them there? For what? What is the status of the work? What do they do when they come (Acts 14:27)? What do they do with the gathered church? Whom do they say has done the work? How do they describe what He did? What did they do after this report (Acts 14:28)?

How does the first great missionary conclude? Acts 14:26–28 looks forward to the devotional in the midweek meeting. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the first great missionary journey concluded with strengthening follow-up, the ordaining of a presbytery, and return/report to the sending church. 

Strengthening follow-up, Acts 14:21-22. The description of the ministry in Derbe is succinct: they preached the gospel and made many disciples. They then follow up with all of the disciples that the Lord had made in the area “strengthening [their] souls” (Acts 14:22). This strengthening had two components. First, they exhorted them to continue (to remain, abide, persist) in the faith. This exhortation would be necessary if the “only” opposition that we were facing was our own remaining sin. But it is all the more necessary because of the truth about the reality of the Christian life in this world.

The telling of that truth is the second part of the strengthening. It may not sound strengthening to say that we will have many tribulations. But, it would be far worse to tell someone that the Christian life will be easy, if it will actually be full of tribulations. And, it is a great encouragement to know that these tribulations come in the wisely, lovingly determined providence of God. Furthermore, the word translated “must” does refer to something that is absolutely necessary. If they are believers, if they are disciples, then they must enter the kingdom of God. It is certain. He Who started the work will complete it. Glorious encouragement!

Ordaining of a presbytery, Acts 14:23. Why wait to appoint elders until there were congregations (“church” in verse 23) in four cities, and possibly several in each? One reason is so that the elders of the congregations in the regions will have a mutual accountability, and none of them will have primacy. When we get to chapter 15, we will find elders on the same footing as apostles in the general synod/assembly that occurs. Mutual accountability and collaboration by a plurality of elders in a region had already been established, apparently, in Judea. 

And mutual accountability and collaboration by a plurality of elders in a region was established here as the form of church government among the congregations of the first great (apostolic!) missionary journey. A second reason is related: because it is God’s way of shepherding His church. These elder appointments are not because the churches are in the care of the elders, but because they are in the care of God Whose appointed method is the elders. Thus we see the praying to the Lord, fasting before the Lord, and commending them to the Lord in Whom they had believed (Acts 14:23). This began as the Lord’s work (cf. Acts 14:26 and “commended to the grace of God”), and it would continue as His work in their absence.

Returning and reporting, Acts 14:24-28. They had been commended to God’s grace in Antioch in Acts 13:2–3. Undoubtedly, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and the congregation there had been praying for them and would be eager to learn how things went. Now, Paul and Barnabas make their way back, preaching as they go (Acts 14:25). They gather the congregation together in Acts 14:27, and report. Note that it was not a report on what they had done but about “all that God had done with them” (verse 27). He was the One Who “opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” The implication is that the congregation was gathered for worship, and testimony to what God had done was offered unto the glory and praise of the God Who did it. When we send and pray, we are participants in ministry. And, when the Lord blesses it, we have the privilege of participating in praising Him for that ministry.

What tribulations are you going through? How does this passage strengthen you in them? How has Jesus chosen to shepherd His church on earth? Whom has He specifically selected for you? In whose ministry are you participating? For what sort of fruit do you hope to participate in praising God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the mission of Your saving work that has extended to saving us. Grant that we would have strength to persist in the faith and to participate in Your mission work. Make us to submit to Your Word and Your ways in Christ’s church, which we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

Freed from Fear by Faith in Christ [Family Worship lesson in Acts 24]

When a believer is on trial by unbelievers, who is really imprisoned? Acts 24 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers have liberty in Christ regardless of circumstance, while unbelievers are imprisoned by sin regardless of circumstance. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.07.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 24

Read Acts 24

Questions from the Scripture text: How long after Acts 23:35 does Acts 24:1 take place? Who come down from Jerusalem? To do what? How does Tertullus begin (Acts 24:2-4)?  What sorts of words does he use to describe Paul in Acts 24:5? What accusation does he actually make in Acts 24:6? Whom else does he accuse (Acts 24:7)? What claim does he make in Acts 24:8-9? How does Paul’s beginning in Acts 24:10 compare to Tertullus’s? How does he make his case in Acts 24:11-12? What does he claim in Acts 24:13? What does he say that he does and that he believes (Acts 24:14)? What hope does he say that he has (Acts 24:15)? Whom does he say shares this hope? What does this tell us about the “elders” in Acts 24:1 (cf. Acts 22:8)? How would this have sounded to many Gentiles (cf. Acts 17:32)? What does Paul say proceeds from his hope (Acts 24:16)? What does he state as his purpose in Jerusalem? And how was he conducting himself (Acts 24:18)? Who are both the accusers and the only other eye-witnesses (Acts 24:18-19)? What does he suggest is the only thing that present company could testify about (Acts 24:20-21)? What did Felix know about (Acts 24:22a, cf. Acts 9:2; Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23; Acts 22:4)? For whose testimony is he waiting (verse 22b, cf. Acts 22:26–30)? What does he do though, for Paul, after this first hearing (Acts 24:23)? Whom does Felix bring in Acts 24:24? What do they want to hear about? What three things does Paul reason about, when he tells about faith in Christ (Acts 24:25)? Hos does Felix begin to feel? But what does he do? What was he hoping for (Acts 24:26)? What does he do “more often” out of this motive? For how long does this occur (Acts 24:27)? Who follows Felix? What does Felix now do, and why? 

When a believer is on trial by unbelievers, who is really imprisoned? Acts 24 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers have liberty in Christ regardless of circumstance, while unbelievers are imprisoned by sin regardless of circumstance. 

We have already noted that Acts 23:11 is the controlling reality behind all of Acts 21:34 (after the prophecy about Paul being bound has been fulfilled) through Acts 28:31. Within that section, chapter 24 gives us a study in contrasts. Paul is free by trust in providence as free in his conscience, as well as free in his purpose to proclaim Christ. But the Jews are slaves of man-fear, and Felix and Drusilla are slaves of their sin, while Felix is also a slave of political conditions from which he does not have a gospel-founded providential hope.

The believer freed by trust in providence and purpose in Christ. Tertullus’s syrupy over-the-top flattery (Acts 24:2-4) and despicable word choice about Paul (Acts 24:5-7) may seem intimidating, but they actually betray a weak position. He has no actual position, no actual content to deliver. Paul’s simple, forthright speech is quite the contrast (Acts 24:10ff). The law and the facts are on his side. 

But there’s something even more than that here. He sees the providence of God (Acts 24:10a) that is increasing his cheerfulness (verse 10b). He has a clear conscience before God (Acts 24:16b) that comes from hope (Acts 24:15) and obedience (Acts 24:16a). He’s not a slave to the pressure to make the situation turn out for himself, because he knows that God Who has given Christ for him is giving all things together with Christ (cf. Acts 23:11; Romans 8:32).

At the end of the passage, Paul is still in the same place after two years. We know from Roman histories outside the Bible that Felix is in hot water with Rome because of Jewish complaints against him. This explains the gift that he wants to give them in Acts 24:27. He has no hope that all things are working together for good, so he is doing whatever he feels that he needs to do to save his own skin. 

But Paul does not need to save his own skin. Providence protects him. He is immortal until his work is done. He can live with purpose. He can keep telling of Christ for two years. He isn’t in Rome yet, but he is sure to go there, because that is the good work that Christ has prepared for him to walk in (cf. Acts 23:11; Ephesians 2:10). And every believer is sure to get to every good work that the Lord has prepared for him. He is freed not only by providence, but also by purpose. He knows why he is alive. He knows why he is in every situation. He knows what his life is about.

The unbeliever a slave of sin. Felix, for his part, is a slave of sin—even though in this passage he has an accurate knowledge of Christianity (Acts 24:22), desires to hear about faith in Christ (Acts 24:24b), and gets to hear the gospel from Paul often (Acts 24:26). We know from Roman histories that Felix and Drusilla were both serial adulterers. They were slaves of their lust and unfaithfulness. And we can see that Felix was a slave of greed, hearing the gospel in hope for money (verse 26). But he was also a slave of the fear of guilt and danger that weighs upon those who are in their sins. 

“Faith in Christ” may be a desirable thing to hear about (Acts 24:24b), but there is no “faith in Christ” apart from “righteousness.” We must hear that we are guilty before a God Who demands total and perfect righteousness. We must hear that God’s righteousness would rightly destroy us. And there is no “faith in Christ” apart from “self-control.” That is to say that there is no Christianity without sanctification. Christ does in believers, by union with Him ministered to us by His Spirit, what believers cannot do in themselves. And there is no “faith in Christ” without “the judgment to come.” Christianity isn’t just a better-life-now in God’s favor and God’s help, but perfect life forever over-against dreadful torment forever. 

What is the difference here? The difference is that Felix’s aim in hearing about Christ is not Christ Himself. He doesn’t have the relief, the release, the encouragement, the joy of someone who actually has the Lord Jesus Christ. O, dear reader, be careful not to take comfort in simply liking to hear about faith in Jesus Christ. Felix had that, but he was still a slave to his sin. There are so many motives other than Christ Himself for which you might like coming to church and hearing gospel sermons: money, others’ esteem, feeling good about yourself, enjoying ideas like a novel or a show, atoning for yourself by right things, maintaining habit for a sense of equilibrium… 

Dear reader, seek from Christ to hear the gospel of Christ from a desire for Christ Himself! Hear about righteousness to hear Christ as your righteousness. Hear about self-control to hear Christ as the strength and motivation and certainty for sanctification. Hear about the judgment to come to hear Christ as both your safety in that judgment and your reward in that judgment. 

And if ever you should find yourself alarmed, do not repeat Felix’s error in the end of Acts 24:25. Yes, it is difficult to hear the preaching of Christ if you do not yet have Christ. But don’t avoid hearing sermons. And don’t avoid engaging your heart and mind in the hearing of those sermons. For it is this very preaching, which you are tempted to avoid, which is the means by which Christ gives Himself to sinners. Press on in hearing, and look to Him even to give you His Spirit and His life by which to lay hold of Him! 

Why? How do you see yourself susceptible to fearing men or craving their help or approval? How do you see yourself being free from these things? From where does this freedom come? What use are you making of your opportunities to hear the gospel of Christ? How does your desire to hear it proceed from motives that cast out fear?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving Christ to be our righteousness, and Christ to be our self-control, and Christ to be both our safety and our reward in the judgment that is to come. Give us to love to hear about faith in Chrsit and to tell about faith in Christ. Give to us to have such confidence in Your providence, and to have such a conviction of serving You as our purpose, that we live our life as those who are free in Christ, regardless of our circumstances, which we ask through Christ Himself, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

Living on the Right Side of Redemptive History [2023.07.23 Morning Sermon in Acts 23:11–35]

In the midst of ruling and overruling all things in His redemptive plan, God gives us opportunities to serve, especially through courage, kindness, honesty, and diligence.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Living on the Right Side of Redemptive History [Family Worship lesson in Acts 23:11–35]

How may we conduct ourselves as servants whom God rules in His redemptive plan, rather than hindrances or enemies that He overrules? Acts 23:11–35 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that while God rules and overrules all things in His redemptive plan, He gives us opportunities to serve, especially through courage, kindness, honesty, and diligence. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)