Wednesday: Iconium
Under the instigation of the Jewish leaders in Antioch, the local authorities incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town (Acts 13:50). The disciples, however, were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). The missionaries then headed to the city of Iconium.
Image © Standard Publishing from GoodSalt.com
Read Acts 14:1-7. What was the result of Paul and Barnabas’s activities in Iconium?
In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas continued their practice of addressing first the Jews before turning to the Gentiles. Paul’s sermon in Antioch (Acts 13:16-41) offers the main reason behind the Jewish priority in their ministry: the election of Israel, with all that it involved (Rom. 3:2; Rom. 9:4-5), and God’s fulfillment of His promise of a Savior from David’s lineage. Despite the fact that many Jews were rejecting the gospel, Paul never lost hope of a substantial Jewish conversion.
In Romans Chapters 9-11, Paul makes it clear that “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel” (Rom. 9:6, NIV) and that it is only because of God’s mercy that some of the Jews believe at all. God has not rejected His people, but “at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Rom. 11:5, NIV). Paul continued to preach the gospel to Gentiles, though he believed that one day more Jews would come to faith in Jesus.
“Paul’s argument in Romans Chapters 9-11 offers a further explanation of the mission strategy he pursues in the narrative of Acts and confronts every generation of Christians with the theological importance of bearing witness to unbelieving Jews.”—David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), p. 401.
The situation was not much different from that in Antioch. The first reaction of both Jews and Gentiles to Paul’s gospel was highly positive, but again the unbelieving Jews, possibly the leaders of the local Jewish community, stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the missionaries, causing a division among the people. As the opponents were planning to attack and lynch Paul and Barnabas, the two missionaries decided to leave the town and move to the next one.
| More than just hearing the gospel, Jewish people need to see it lived among those who profess the name of Jesus. If you have Jewish acquaintances, what kind of witness are you presenting to them? |
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The lesson author asks the question:
That is a fair question, particularly now that many Jews are probably best described as cultural Jews and don’t see themselves as religious. In a wider sense, do our unchurched friends know we are Christian because we speak "Jesus talk", or because we act like Jesus?
But here again, Maurice, what does it mean to "Be Like Jesus?" Jesus did not need a Saviour but we do. Also, EGW said that "The closer we come to Jesus, the more faulty we appear in our own eyes because we see our imperfections in broad and distinct contrast to His Perfect Nature." She also says that "We can never equal the pattern" So again, what does it truly mean for us to Be like Jesus?
Did Jesus give us an example of how to live? Then that is what it means to live like Jesus. Not to earn our salvation, but because we are saved. Care for the sick, befriend the lonely, listen to those who are troubled, encourage the discouraged. The essence of Christianity is practical, Pete. It is not a resolution of theological semantics.
Pete, read the whole quote from Ellen that you have shared only a very small portion of. You can find it here: RH February 5, 1895, par. 7.
I would also suggest you read Early Writings, pg 71, and the chapter "The Shaking" beginning on page 269. What do you conclude when you read all these in their context?
The remnant are shown in scripture to be free of all sin when Jesus comes. This does not mean they will know it or publish it. They will only feel unworthy, but will believe in the promises of God and be found "faultless" by Him. The scriptures are clear. Do we believe?
Pete, to supplement Maurice's excellent suggestions, may I suggest that "to be like Jesus" means to be in that state of blessedness Christ described as the principles of His Kingdom in Matt 5:3-12:
Those who are part of His Kingdom will recognize their utter helplessness to do anything to save themselves. They will be "poor in spirit." They will mourn for the sins that caused their Savior's death. They will be "meek," ready to honor others above themselves. They will hunger and thirst for righteousness. They will be merciful and pure in heart. They will be peacemakers. And because they are so different from the world, they will most likely be ridiculed and persecuted.
Even though expelled from Antioch by the Jewish leaders, Paul and Barnabas continue to minister to the Jews in the synagogue.
This is the transformation achieved only by the Holy Spirit to love your enemy.
This message was preached to both Jews and gentiles that salvation is by Jesus Christ alone.
The message they preached encouraged the people to believe in the message.
The message clearly presented Jesus and his ministry of birth, life, death and resurrection.
when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
When Jesus was commissioning the Disciples/Apostles, He was clear that they preached to Jews first, Jews second, and Jewish relations third (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria) before they reached the "Gentiles" with the Gospel. I therefore believe that the action of the Apostles to continue preaching to a Jewish audience despite the persecutions coming from the Jews, was largely God's will and the Holy Spirit enforced it. This may have been God's design, to vindicate the character of God, and make His Judgment against Israel righteous, and just: that they had the opportunity at a "second chance". This is always God's formula for dealing with His erring children; and the same applies to us Christians today. God will never render a judgment against us until we have had the full opportunity to repent and be saved.
Paul was probably the very right man to preach to the jews. He had received the highest jewish education, he knew how their thinking was, their vocabulary. But now he was converted! Yes, he had a very good chance to be heard by the jews, he was a respected citizen. Although God is able to capacitate anyone, He used Saul's reputation to His will, and Saul, now Paul, let Him! Thank God for the chances we have in life! How are we responding to these chances? May God open our eyes and minds to see and understand His will for each one of us today! May we be instruments where we are! To minister to the need!
As we minister to others, may we get closer to Jesus too!
This is how the children of Israel were to share the truth about God:
Psa 67:1 May God be merciful to us, and bless us, and cause His face to shine on us. Selah.
Psa 67:2 So that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
Psa 67:3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples thank You.
Deu 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
Deu 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Deu 4:7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deu 4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
Wherever the Gospel was preached, those hearing would be divided, some accepting, and others against it. Those against it used their influence to raise up opposition, and at times, even worked to kill those who promoted the truth, exercising great hatred, as Cain did against his brother “righteous Abel”. How Satan stirs up the wrath in those who have no defense against his control over their lives, exhibiting his spirit against Christ and all who follow Him in righteousness. Satan will gain control over any who are not dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.
Jewish or not, all of those within our influence need to see the gospel demonstrated in the lives of all who profess to be followers of the Lamb of God. It is the living principles, and not merely doctrine, that constitutes being a witness.
This verse in Paul's sermon struck me: it says to me "if I have heart like God/Jesus, then I will fulfill all His will. Acts 13:22
God says in the OT and in the NT : I am God, I am perfect - be perfect like Me Matt 5:48, 1 Peter 1:15,16, Lev 20:7
All the laws God gave Israel were really explaining what it means to be like God, however it never in our own power but by submitting our will to Him and Him changing our hearts to be like His that we automatically do his will, see DoA pg 668
But to pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. "If ye love Me," He says, "keep My commandments." He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ--the "all things" to supply the need of fallen men--was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And "whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22
Act 13:22 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.
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deu 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Great Comments!
In a wider sense, do our unchurched friends know we are Christian because we speak "Jesus talk", or because we act like Jesus?
Great question to ask ourselves. Are we a thorn in other's sides because we talk Jesus, but don't live Him??? How can we expect others to want to study with us or learn more about Jesus if we are just like them? We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us daily, because that is what we truly need...more of the Spirit...constantly abiding in Jesus.
Thank you, brother Maurice. Jesus also said to "Be Perfect even as His Father in heaven was perfect." But here again, Jesus said this in the context of loving our enemy and not in the context of being "flawlessly sinless." In other words, we do not have to be impeccably free of errors or of sin to love our enemy or to "Do good and pray for those who hate us and persecute us."
Pete, is Jesus going to take souls not yet freed from sin to heaven with Himself to dwell together in the presence of God? Not sure how to understand your thought. Are there sins that the gospel, "which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes", is not able to give one victory over? When the scripture tells us "the soul that sins will die", does that mean only certain sins, perhaps the really "bad" ones? When I read scripture, the meaning seems clear, so your statement needs some explaining it would seem.
While a agree mostly with the meaning of "perfect" in this teaching of Christ, I'm not sure what "sin" you find that is allowed while still being considered "perfect" by Jesus. I would just like to see your public statement to be explained since I am unable to agree as it is stated.
The closer we come Christ, the more we will see the enormity of our sins. I am inclined to believe that none of us will ever reach a stage of growth when we can claim that we are “perfect”. “The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.” {SC 57-58}.
Scripture does not say that those who have overcome go around and say they have overcome. It simpley says "they follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth". They imitate His life.
We must also realize they will live through the time when Jesus leaves the Sanctuary after probation closes, and if they sin even once, they will be lost. These are those who will be translated to heaven without seeing the 1st death. They will be "faultless" before God. Conclude what you wish, but they must be sinless, even if they don't realize it.
The ideal of flawless perfection was the objective of Greek philosophy, not God’s theology. Instead of some absolute, the perfect character is one that expresses the love of God more fully through each living experience with God. The law of the Lord is perfect, not because it is objectively and absolutely perfect, but because when it is expressed through the love of the Lord, it converts the soul. The Christian is not perfect because he has arrived at some state of absolute perfection, but because his actions and words expressed through the love of the Lord, results in the conversion of souls for the Lord.
Perfection is not an absolute, it is the process of the Lord molding my heart, soul and mind into his image. By design, we were destined to be made in God’s image (to be more and more like him), not by our own efforts and work, but by his intimate loving work in us through his Spirit. In the Christian life, practice makes perfect—the practice of letting the Lord work through us to serve the needs of those in our lives, whether friend or foe. Perfection is all about the Way, the Truth and the Life, who was and is and will ever more be our Creator.
Just a thought.
The belief that anyone can earn salvation by their activity is totally unreliable. Romans 3:9-12, even though Philippians 2:12 says to work out our own salvation.
What is salvation? I believe it becoming a new creature with a character like Jesus through His device power