Week 4 (due Thursday 30 May):
1.
Compare and contrast the speeches of Stephen (Acts 7) and
Paul (Acts 13) and draw some conclusions?
How do these speeches function in their contexts?
2.
What has been the most powerful story to you from the
book of Acts? Why?
Both speeches contain a “history lesson” (or a summary) of Israel’s past and announce Jesus, as the fulfilment of God’s promise to dwell amongst His people once more (not as emphasized in Chap 7) and that they managed to miss this significance – and kill Him instead. The contrasts between the two speeches are quite distinct though. Stephen’s speech in Acts 7ends quite harshly, and emphasizes the leaders of Israel’s faithlessness toward God; that the inclination of their hearts was toward idolatry, and due to this, had “chosen” not to accept God’s Kingdom – despite God’s good grace and blessings toward them. Paul’s speech in chapter 13 takes a different approach, Paul points out how God (as opposed to Israel) has been faithful to Israel throughout history by fulfilling all he promised. Promises that include the Messiah, whom in their ignorance (ironically, fulfilling further prophecy and demonstrating God’s faithfulness further) they missed the time of His arrival.
ReplyDeleteWithin their context, both speeches function as a call for repentance to the Jews to recognize the arrival of God’s promised Kingdom accept Jesus as King and “join in the party” or suffer the consequences.
Good response Peter. You are correct in my judgment that Stephen's speech focused on Israel's faithlessness and Paul's speech focused on God's faithfulness. God is faithful to fulfil his covenant promises even when his people are unfaithful. Great lesson for us.
Deleteyou raised some really good point Peter. and i liked that you reffered to them in ther context when you sayed "Within their context, both speeches function as a call for repentance to the Jews to recognize the arrival of God’s promised Kingdom accept Jesus as King and “join in the party” or suffer the consequences." this is a cool way of looking at it, and by using the phrase join the party it makes the speechers seem to me that there will be rejoysing and good time somthing that every one need to know
Delete(2) The most powerful story for me in the book of Acts has always been, and still remains the conversion of Paul. I can connect with Paul’s overwhelming desire and zeal to stand up for what he believes (despite the contrary advice from his teacher Gamaliel) and to keep pushing his personal perspective. God has been forced to give me my own “Road to Emmaus” experiences on too many occasions (fortunately not as drastic as Paul’s), to shake me out of my “polluted perspective” and get me to see the world the way He wants it seen. Sometimes we can become so engrained in our thinking/belief that we can fail to recognize the aspects of God’s Kingdom that He wants promoted, unwittingly, doing harm instead of good. Paul was on the “right road” (which he had to remain on to reach his destination); he just had to walk a different way and if God needed to strike him with blindness to ensure a different walk on that road… then so be it. May we all choose to follow along the paths of peace, that Jesus took and learn to “act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.” The way He did, and the way Paul learned to do also.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peter.
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ReplyDeleteAnswer #1:
ReplyDeleteThe speech of Stephen in chapter 7 is longer than Paul’s in chapter 13. (Stephen’s speech in chapter 7 is actually the longest in the book of Acts).
The theme of Stephen’s speech is NOT ABOUT THE GOSPEL, but that God’s presence is not restricted to any one place. The speech climaxes with an attack on the temple. The theme of Paul’s speech is ABOUT THE GOSPEL – “We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers” (Acts 13:32).
Stephen’ speech talks about the faithLESSNESS of Israel while Paul’s speech talks about the “faithFULNESS” of Israel.
At the end of Stephen’s speech, his hearers boiled over with indignation at the accusation of their present idolatry while Paul’s audience at the end of his speech was eager to hear more the following Sabbath.
How do these speeches function in their contexts? Both speeches are pivotal in the narrative of Acts. Because of Stephen’s speech, a great persecution broke out that drives Hellenistic Jewish believers out of their homeland and the gospel spreads into JUDEA and SAMARIA. Paul’s speech stirred up persecution that paved the way for “the word of the Lord to spread through the whole region” of Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:49) .....and to the rest of GENTILE WORLD – Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.
Raj, I really like the way that you picked up what Dave was actually asking in the question regarding the function of the speeches within the context (unlike me). It really adds to the power of Luke’s writing and the point that he is trying to make. Sometimes we can view things as having gone disastrously wrong, such as: in losing a great brother for “the cause” and accompanied with that; added persecution that would make life so much more difficult! It is such a clear reminder that we have not been promised a life of comfort, free from suffering in this age. Instead, our initial view of perceiving “disaster,” is wrong, God is in control (the point Luke is trying to make). God’s purposes are served with the advancing of the Gospel, it is not a catastrophe. This would also have helped to remind these early believers that God’s purposes were also served in the murdering of His Son – possibly “sparking” the thought in the believers minds that they, truly are blessed and can actually, rejoice in their suffering.
DeleteGood response, Raj. One correction: Paul's emphasis is on the faithfulness of God (at least in my judgement). You are perceptive in seeing that both speeches result in the spreading of the Gospel but in different ways. Stephen's speech provides the catalyst for spreading the Gospel outside of Jerusalem. Paul's speech provides us with a glimpse of the apostolic gospel and how it results in "the rising and falling of many in Israel." Thanks.
DeleteHehe, thanks David. I stand corrected. Yes, it should be “faithfulness of God.” I misunderstood what you said in class and unsurely wrote down “faithfulness of Israel” in my Luke-Acts notes. I used my notes in answering the blog questions, but when I checked in the morning Dea’s and Peter’s notes, I realized that it should be “faithfulness of God” not of Israel. :)
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ReplyDeleteAnswer #1
ReplyDelete• Stephen’s speech (in Acts 7) and Paul’s speech (in Acts 13) both traced the history of the people of Israel.
• Stephen’s speech is more detailed discussing idolatry; that God is not bound to an earthly temple built by human hands and that idol making leads to idol worship (7:41). Paul’s speech is more detailed in and the application of the gospel message.
• Stephen did not mention the name of Jesus but in his speech he said that God has raised a Savior for the house of Israel while Paul’s sermon talked about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Both speeches have essential functions in their contexts. After Stephen’s speech, the church went underground, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria –the gospel was spread. After Paul’s sermon, at first there was a good success, then bitter opposition from the Jews (Acts 14:2) and a second wave of persecution was planned, involving violence (Acts 14:5) that Paul and Barnabas fled to Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country where they continued to preach the good news –the church advancing to the end of the world
Thanks, Dea. You have noticed some of the differences between the two speeches. Part of the reason is that there is a different audience but also part of the difference is that each helps to advance the plot of Acts further, as you say, advancing the gospel to the end of the earth.
DeleteAnswer #2
ReplyDeleteFor me, the most powerful story from the book of Acts is the conversion of Saul or Paul. At first, his mission is to wipe out Christian converts. He even asked letters from the high priest, authorizing him to arrest any followers of Jesus in the city of Damascus. The story of his persecution to Christians and his conversion is powerful because it shows that Jesus himself wanted the gospel to go even to the Gentiles -- that would quash any argument from the early Christians that the gospel was only for the Jews. Paul's life-changing experience in Damascus road led to his baptism and instruction in the Christian faith. From then on he became a missionary, spreading the message of Christianity. He became the most determined of the apostles, even suffering physical pains and persecutions. He also wrote a large part of the New Testament. This is a good reminder to us all that no matter how bad… no sinner is beyond the reach of Jesus. Paul’s story demonstrates that God is still in control and He has the power to change lives.
Yeah, the story if Paul is an amazing one. Like you said, it goes to show God can use the most hardended and sinful people to give glory to him. It think its a reflection on the transforming nature of God when you encounter Jesus for the first time. The story shows what can happen when people have a love encounter wtih Jesus
DeleteThat's right. Paul had a bad start in his life, opposing God's plans. But God met him and made him into an amazing world changer.
Delete"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13)
We ought to do the same. Let not the past dictate your future. We were all sinners, destroying ourselves and his creation opposing God’s plans. But by the grace of God, he transformed us into saints and new creations, who like Paul are now appointed to become world changers, making things right again, restoring creation. God wants Eden back.
Thanks, Dea.
DeleteQuestion 1. I have got a different view points about Stephen’s speech (in Acts 7) and Paul’s speech (in Acts 13). I want to see from the "What are peoples response after Stephen and Paul's speech?
ReplyDeleteStephen was died by his people through thrown stones but Paul and Barnabas invited from the people for the speech again on next Sabbath.
What is the make a different results.
First of all Stephen's speech have very much detail and exactly told to then about what's going on the chosen peoples history with pointed out of their fault and faithless. It will be highlighted on 7:51-53, but when Paul's speech have got a many pointed out of God's will and his promise according to the 13:22, 29, 33, 36, 39 but it was similar messages of Gospel but Israel people rejected this and Gentiles accepted this message like as present circumstances.
Peter, I'm thankful to God for his faithfulness. If he wasn't faithful we would be in big trouble.
DeleteQuestion 1:
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference in the response of the people. The result of Stephen's speech was fury and eventually his stoning. In Acts 13 the people begged to hear more of Paul the next Saturday. A reason could be that Stephen was going into a direct attack, calling them stiff necked and prophet killing people. Where as Paul gave them more of a warning, saying that they should believe, otherwise the scripture will become true, about people who do not believe when God is moving. Another difference is that Stephen mentions the Holy Spirit, where as Paul doesn’t.
Lucas, you perceptively note that part of the difference between the two speeches and responses to each one is that Stephen "attacked" and Paul "preached the gospel."
DeleteMy favourite story going through Acts this time, was Paul journeys and adventures. Seeing the areas on the videos and maps where he travelled and being aware of the distances, showed me his passion and eagerness to preach the Gospel. He kept on, no matter if he was rejected, stoned, shipwrecked or had to change his ways on the over 400km journeys because the Holy Spirit told him to go into another direction. Furthermore it stuck out to me that Paul was both patient but wanted people to treat him with respect. Two years in prison innocent show his patience, but his appeal to Ceasar, made clear he was not okay with that. Furthermore Paul didn't want to go out of town in secret, because of unjust imprisonment but had them come in person to apologize.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I just realized we’ve been traveling for less than a month in our Luke-Acts class through Paul’s missionary journeys. We’ve been from Antioch (Seleucia) to Cyprus (Paphos), Perge, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 13:1-14:28)…and as far as Rome (Acts 27-28). Thanks, Lucas.
DeleteThanks, Lucas.
DeleteI really liked learning about Paul's journeys and adventures as well! Makes it more tangible in a sense. Crazy how much travel was involved and how much time that would have taken up seeing as there were no jet planes. Not only that but the patience part is incredible. I cannot imagine being two years in prison and completely innocent.
Delete1. Firstly both speeches give an account of Israel's history and the key men who played a role.
ReplyDeleteStephens main point is how they restricted the Holy Spirit down to next to nothing, and Pauls main point about the story of Jesus, and the forgiveness that comes with that. (13:38).
The speeches contrast, Stephen points out the unfaithfulness of Israel, while Paulo points out the faith of Israel.
They function as a speech of admonishment, and a speech of encouragement.
2. the most powerful story for me is in chapter 2, the outpouring of the spirit, the day of Pentecost. I like this story, because it shows the super natural power of the God we serve. It shows how powerful God and how much he wants to make himself known to his people.
Yeah it does, doesn’t it Nate!
DeleteI sometimes wonder if in the Church we have tried to “lessen,” or, in a sense “dumb down,” the working of the Holy Spirit. In my early years as a Christian I remember, just about every time the subject was brought up, there seemed to be “a party line” on how The Spirit was no longer at work in our times, perhaps, for fear that our “non-denominational” congregations might become Pentecostal overnight. Don’t get me wrong, I agree that particular displays of power by God were being shown over that period, so as to ensure the Gospel was unhindered, and to “stamp” God’s seal of approval; in order that everyone could see He was at work, and approving of the Apostle’s authority. Unfortunately, I feel, that because of such an “automated” defence, we have become too quick to shut down any possibility that the Holy Spirit might still be at work actively outside of personal maturity; in shaping, and “Heaven Forbid!” Even working with power, and ……. (I dare to even type the words) possibly, performing a miracle or two (should God desire it to be necessary). In so doing, refusing to recognize the incredibly important role the Spirit plays in establishing, shaping and renewing our communities.
Nathan, thanks. Like I mentioned to Raj, I think Stephen's speech focuses on Israel's unfaithfulness and Paul's speech focuses on God's faithfulness. God will be faithful to his covenant promises even when his people stumble and fall. That is encouraging!
DeleteQuestion 2. I think everything are great and powerful story because it is Spirit work, but if I need to choose only one I would like to take away with healed crippled beggar story because it is good for understand with my past experienced. Before start my story I want to ask to you "How much believe and trust about miracles in Bible?" because we can accept as mush as we know so we need to faith for the following our religion with our seen.
ReplyDeleteLong time age one of my school teacher had car accented than he was spent more than 3 month at hospital. When he was back to home he need to practice for walk, even was been walked over 40 years. This is fact but crippled beggar never been walk, he crippled from the birth but he was walking and jumping and praising God. so I knew how much great miracle of this story and I would like to sat to my SPBC friends " I am respecting yours" because we are believe Jesus Christ with out seen of any special miracles.
and I like very much Peter and John's confessions. Peter said "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk". W hat do we have now?
We need to fulfilled by name of Jesus Christ instead of silver and gold than give to someone for their salvation because we are called for that mission better than others.
Dear Peter Kang, I’m not actually sure if the comment I’m about to make is appropriate to our topic, but this particular story reminds me of my favorite show, “Lost.” Lost’s plot is that there is a plane crash until this mysterious island. Many crazy events take place on this island, it has it’s own agenda. Anyway, there is this character, John Locke, who has been paralyzed for several years (someone tried to kill him and pushed him out of an eighth story window). He gets on the plane paralyzed, after the crash, however, he finds his legs work again and he can walk! He believes the Island has healing powers (and many other characters believe the same thing.) As the show progresses we find the island has a godlike power behind it. Maybe that’s all based after this story, who knows? These are my thoughts.
DeleteYes, Peter1. It looks like a miracle, but it isn't. I think God is drawing big, big, huge picture and your teacher,you, me and even all our friends are the parts of this picture.
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ReplyDeleteWhat has been the most powerful story to you from the book of Acts? Why?
ReplyDeleteThe most powerful story for me in the book of Acts is not among the obvious ones. For me it is the story of the imprisonment at Philippi in chapter 16:25 – “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” I imagined the scene: Paul and Silas in the dark inner dungeon, fast in the stocks, their backs still bleeding and smarting from the stripes. Their companions of criminals and outcasts of society were asleep and all things were still and quiet. In the midnight hour and in a most loathsome and uncomfortable condition, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. Prisoners heard them. It appears that their prayer was not merely mental; nor was their singing hymns only a making melody in their hearts, but were both vocal. (It might be chiefly for the sake of the prisoners, that they both prayed and sang in this manner, that they might hear and be converted; or at least be convicted of the goodness of the cause, for which Paul and Silas suffered).
This story shows that singing can be a tool for evangelism. This story amused me because I know something particular that Paul and Silas, Jesus and His apostles (Matthew 26:30) and I have in common – we sing.
Dear Raj, what a powerful description to follow up your favorite powerful story. Every moment of this story is so glorious. The fact they are in prison and they are able to keep singing and praying for comfort. How curious the other prisoners had to have been witnessing this. If I were in a miserable place like prison and heard the commotion of Paul and Silas, I would absolutely want to know more about what motivates them and give them a light in such dark times. What a brilliant final remark sharing you and the boys have a common ground of singing. So true!
DeleteYeah, this is also an amazing story in the book of Acts. I can’t imagine Paul and Silas being stripped, beaten and placed in stocks in the inner cell and despite this worse situation, they still praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened. This reminds me that in dismal situation, it is still possible to praise God. It really depends on how we react to any situation. Whatever our circumstances, we should still praise God… and sing. Our positive outlook might be an instrument that others may come to know Christ.
DeleteThanks Sam and Dea for your comments. True, most of the times, our out of the ordinary, good and godly things that we do are what makes others curious and check on our faith.
DeleteGood point, Raj. Singing can be a great tool for evangelism. I agree that they were singing and praying "out loud."
DeleteRaj I do not know of any type of worship more moving than songs to and of the Lord. Sometimes I feel light headed and full of joy when I hear choral work. I'm sure people can be converted through this type of prayer.
Delete(1) Steven’s speech in Acts 7 is strictly history of the promise up through their unfaithfulness (in what was their present) and a brief mention of the coming Righteous One. Paul’s speech in Acts 13 begins with a long story- short, sum of the Jews history of the promise through the fulfillment of said promise the savior Jesus. The Jesus that has been persecuted because the people and rulers did not recognize him. They share the fact that the speeches serve as a reminder of the promise and the chosen nation not keeping their end of the bargain. Stephen ends reproaching their disrespect resulting in being stoned. While, Paul take the approach that the Gentiles are still going to be save because he gives great detail about what the Lord and his son have done for them. He lets the jealous Jews know that they have brought this upon themselves, the gentile crowd goes crazy, so the Jews dismissed him from their region, but Paul and Barnabus left feeling pretty giddy. The context of these speeches function as confrontational.
ReplyDelete(2) The story of Saul’s conversion amazes me! Going from a brutal man to the Paul we know and love is very relatable in some senses, but then you hear of the flashing lights, the Lord’s booming voice, and complete blindness. That is the kind of calling people want- for God just to tell call directly. I won’t imagine being blinded as Saul was, what a wake up call. Powerful! There’s no way his conversion story didn’t convert others or plant a seed at the least. He continued to go on to do such glory for God, it just makes you realize there’s still hope for humanity.
I like your keen observation that both speeches in chapter 7 and 13 are confrontational.....Powerful indeed is the story of Paul.
DeleteYes, Sam, confrontational but in different ways. Stephen confronts their perpetual rejection of God and their favouring to worship something other than God, this time the Temple. Paul confronts but in a challenge to respond in faith to God's continuing work in bringing Israel's story to its grand climax in Jesus.
Delete(2) I really like that story too Sam I think and I’m shore that this story not only changed lives back then but it is still changing lives today as there is also the point that he was killing Christians and God could still use him to save people and forgive all the evil that he did. This can also be an example as to how we sometimes act to non-Christians when we see them doing things that are wrong. How will they know they are doing anything wrong when the world says that what they are doing is ok? Maybe we need to be the blinding light in a way, I'm not saying go around poking people’s eyes out but let them know that God cares for them and want them to know Him.
DeleteI love Saul's conversions story too! It's cool that he even changed his name. I dont know why haha. Crazy how much a person can go through and come out! God is so good in the sense that he gave Saul a huge wake up call and also gave him the give of salvation! His story is definitely one of the better testimonies I've heard :)
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ReplyDeletein the book of Acts ch 7,13 contain two speeches in chapter 7 we see the speech of Steven and in 13 Paul's. these two speeches have contrasting aspects to them we see in Steven's speech there is an empersis on rejection of God and His silected mane caricatures as well as a large section on the story of Egypt and the history of the patriarchs all the way to the rejection of Jesus, which there is only a little section on Him. some of the languge used has an ecowe of idolitry showing were the sin he was adressing lays. as for Paul's speech in ch 13 there is a more up beet and hope in God reveled Paul focuses on the achevments on God's story eg the wonders God did in the desit the providing of Judgers, king's and the savyour Jesus Christ. there is a time frame from the story of Israel that Paul uses to show God's always providing for his people and empersizes the story of Jesus Death Berile and resurrection and the Hope of the living God as victer over death. from this it can be seen that the audaince that they were speeking to were different and each speach was taler to the needs of the audance
ReplyDeleteGod sucses
time frame
jesus fufilment
victoryus
good news
acceptance
living God
forgivness
the most moving story for me in the book of acts is the story of Saul's convertion in chapter 9. it is my faveret becouse it shows me the need to open your/ my mind but know what is wright. here we see Saul persequting Christians as he truly beleved that what he was doing was what God whanted him to do as he saw christian's as somthing tanting the Jewish belefs and this would bring disarster on Gods people as seen in Numbers 25. Saul may have been trying to save his people just like Joshua killing the jew and moabit. however becouse he did do this God haniged to uses his life to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles this also shows God uses every thing for Good and can forgive and accept every one into the Kingdom of God nomater there past
ReplyDeletethanks, Andrew
DeleteIn Stephen’s speech he ends by saying that the people are just like their fathers because they too resist the Holy Spirit. Stephen also says that they are not obeying the law and that the people are very stiff necked. While Paul says very similar things he does not end in harsh words toward the people. Paul says that their sins can be forgiven. Also by obeying they can avoid the prophesies of the prophets. The end result of Stephen’s speech is he getting stoned to death. While the end of Paul’s the people ask him to continue speaking the next Sabbath. Both men were telling the people that they needed to change. Paul let the people know that God is faithful while Stephen reminded the people they were being unfaithful.
ReplyDeleteI really love chapter 28 of Acts. It is a chapter that I feel like I can visualize very well, almost like a movie. I see this very awkward moment where Paul is bitten by a viper and everyone is staring at him thinking he’s a murderer and also waiting for him to keel over. Then when he doesn’t they go to the opposite extreme and say he’s a God. Besides that, I love the ending of the chapter where Paul gives a summary to as what has happened to him and also his views. Then the book ends happily with Paul boldly and without hindrance preaching of God’s kingdom. The “without hindrance” part really gets me. I love how after everything Paul has gone through he just keeps going. It is such an encouragement to me that this man put his entire being into preaching the kingdom of God. Powerful.
Great - have you noticed the people when witnessing something unusual, will totally flip flop if the answer does not please them or is not obvious. eg The Apostles at Penticost "These men are drunk" They do not want to believe miracles, even if seen with their own eyes.
Deletethanks, Telah! I love the ending of Acts, too. It is so motivating and empowering.
DeleteThe differences between Stevens speech in Ch 7 and Paul's in Acts 13
ReplyDelete• Stephen is defending himself before the Sanhedrin. Paul is preaching the Gospel and Salvation through Christ.
• Stephen is in Jerusalem talking to the High Priest, elders, Jews, Believers and some gentiles. Paul is talking to Elders, Jewish and Gentile believers.
• Stephen is giving the Sanhedrin a message of reprimand. Paul is in the Pisidian Antioch Synagogue giving a message of Salvation
• Stephen gives a history reminder and accuses the Israel of persecuting and murdering prophets and Jesus. Paul also gives a history lesson, but mostly about Jesus, his condemnation by the Jews, his death and resurrection.
• Stephen accuses them of always resisting the Holy Spirit and lastly Jesus Christ the Righteous one. They have received the law put in place but have not obeyed it. Paul states forgiveness of sins is through Jesus, through him everyone who believes is justified. Despite this Jesus was condemned and crucified.
Both speeches are designed to spread the word. Stephens accusations cost him his life, making him the first martyre for Christianity. The first persecutions of Christians starts here in front of Saul and believers flee to the outer areas, Juda and Samaria. Even though Paul's speech in Antioch is well received, some God fearing woman of high standing and the leading men of the city stirred up persecution again Paul and Barnabas and they are expelled from the region. Like Jerusalem, persecution causes the Gospel to spread. Gods plan for salvation is rolling along with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel being spread first through the Jews and then to the Gentiles. just as Jesus requested
• The overall theme of Stephen's sermon is he idol worship any faithlessness of Israel.
• The overall theme in Paul's sermon is God's faithfulness to his people and righteiusness.
Nicely put, Sylvia. You have noticed several differences between the two speeches. Thanks.
DeleteThe most powerful story for me in the Book of Acts is the coming of the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine being in that room with all the other 120 praying for the helper to come as promised. I would have been scared out of my wits when the Holy spirit arrived with a Hiss and a Roar in tongues of flame. Amazed I would have stood and watched the transformation of those simple men as they were gifted from above. Men who were uneducated could now speak many languages, could now speak with great wisdom and knowledge. All of a sudden they understood clearly all that Christ had taught them.
I am very fond of Peter, I understand him, he is very like me in temperament. All gung-ho and enthusiastic about things until it gets tough, a bit of a coward who wore his heart on his sleeve for all to see.
I image the Apostles did look a little drunk, drunk with joy and dawning understanding of all they had been taught. I would love to have been there to hear Peter's first sermon and be moved to tears by his story of Christ's love for his people. Gone is the cowardly Peter, enter Peter a strong defender of the faith, willing to preach the good news. Never again will he deny Jesus,
I pray that I would have such courage and fortitude to stand up like Peter for my love of Jesus.
1)
ReplyDeleteStephen recounts the sacred history of the Jews from Abraham, through Moses, to Solomon and finishes by using the words of the prophets to denounce the Jews.
Paul adds Stephen's story by adding in the conquest of Canaan, the period of Judges, the preparation of John, and the coming of Jesus. He, also, finishes with a warning from the prophets.
Although Luke is the writer of the speeches in Acts, he is not their composer. That is, he does not create discourses which he places in the
mouths of speakers. He himself asserts, "I myself have accurately investigated everything from the beginning" (Acts1:1). Hence, I am assured that Luke's presentations are based on factual and faithful research. Luke presented the people as they were, precisely because he was personally acquainted with most of them. As a travel companion of Paul, he recorded the historical events relating to Paul's words and deeds.
Paul regularly appealed to the OT Scriptures.
But this characteristic does not fit Luke's style. Also, much of the content and the vocabulary of Stephen's speech is not repeated in the
rest of Acts; this feature indicates that Luke is reporting and not composing Stephen's address.
I conclude, then, that the speeches in the Acts do not appear to be Lucan creations.
2) The most powerful story to me is the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost.(2:1-13)
ReplyDeleteThe Situation is described in verse 1 that "they were all together in one place."Verse 2 adds that this was in a house in which they were seated. Because of the near context this is assumed to be the Upper Room mentioned in chapter one. The "all" would have included the 120 or so that were gathered when Matthias was chosen as the replacement for Judas. The fact they were seated shows they were not praying at that moment, for common positions for prayer among the Jews include standing, kneeling and even laying prostrate, but not sitting.
The Baptism of the Spirit (vs. 2,3) Though they knew He was coming soon and were waiting for it, the coming of the Holy Spirit still took them by surprise. The Holy Spirit manifested His coming in 3 ways in 2 events.
The first event was the arrival of the Holy Spirit and manifesting Himself in two ways.
Noise (vs. 2) was the first manifestation. Our text describes this as there suddenly coming from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind. It sounded like a strong wind bearing down upon them from out of heaven. Appearance (vs. 3) of tongues as of fire was the second manifestation. After the noise filled the house what appeared to be something like tongues of fire sat upon the heads of each one present. It was not real fire, but something else that had an appearance similar to fire. Think of this appearance more in terms of the flames of a campfire and not a single flame. This was a supernatural phenomena that manifested itself upon each one of them.
It should be noted that these two events came upon them both as a group and as individuals. The noise filled the whole house. Everyone in it was immersed in the sound. Everyone in the room also had the tongues as of fire upon them, but this was upon each one as individuals. The Holy Spirit's coming was upon the whole and upon each individual.
Filled with the Spirit and Speaking in Other Tongues (vs. 4)
The coming of the Holy Spirit also resulted in each one of them being filled with the Spirit which then resulted in the third outward sign of His coming upon thembeginning to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Before we give further explanation about the nature of this miracle or distinguish between the baptism of the Spirit and the filling of the Spirit, it is important to note that all of this is being done according to the moving of the Holy Spirit and not any specific action on their part. I stress that first because a failure to understand this has resulted in many errors regarding the Holy Spirit and His ministry. There are many people that have a foundational belief that they can get God to do what they want, and that includes directing the Holy Spirit.
God’s purpose at Pentecost was to equip His church with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit so that we would be His witnesses to all the nations, resulting in His eternal glory.
Thanks, James.
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