Truth or a Lie? by Gary Rose

 Like many people out there we have cable TV. This past weekend, we were deciding what to watch for primetime and decided on “Dr. Jeff, Rocky mountain vet”. The recording was a hour combination of two episodes and was labeled “new”. This identification was false; only one was new, the other one was a re-run. So, we watched the new one and deleted the recording afterward.

I don’t know about you, but I have grown very tired of being lied to. It seems that virtually everyone “spins” truth into anything they want it to be. This is especially true of the news: The right wing party distorts to the right view and the left modifies everything through the lens of “progressive-ism”. Oh, for the days of “Dragnet”, where Joe Friday used to say… “just the facts…”

I remember that in 1980 we were staying with Walt and Lillian Hewitt and I came across the “fact” that there were over 400 hundred denominations in the United States of America; today, that figure has mushroomed into the thousands. How did this come to pass?

The Bible says…

1 Timothy 4 ( World English Bible )

¹ But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

² through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

³ forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.

⁵ For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

⁶ If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

And

1 John 4 ( WEB )

¹ Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

³ and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.

⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

⁵ They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

⁶ We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

There is TRUTH and then there is a LIE. To mix the two together makes the outcome a LIE. In other words, if you speak a half truth your words are really A WHOLE LIE. This is true for everything. If you twist the truth into an ideology or mix the truth with falsehood- YOU LIE. The picture at the top does it (The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor) , the cable company does it (with program identifications) and so do the religious denominations (by accepting creeds and doctrines apart from the Bible). Let God’s word speak for itself, do not change it or add to it for in doing so, YOU LIE. Today, lying has become normal in our culture, this is WRONG! With this in mind, I remember these words from the book of Jeremiah, which say…

Jeremiah 6 ( WEB )

¹⁶ Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. ...

I pray to God that everyone who reads these words will listen to God and not someone or something else. May our country condemn falsehood in any form once again. God bless America! (with Truth, Justice and the American Way).

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_01.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41)

INTRODUCTION

1. The Book of Acts serves a unique role in the New Testament and the history of the church...
1. It picks up where the gospels leave off, and provides a backdrop for the epistles
2. It details the spread of the gospel, and expansion of the Lord's church
3. It is the only record, inspired or otherwise, of the first thirty years of the church
2. Included in the historical record of Acts are many examples of conversions...
1. In which we find the apostles and other preachers leading people to Christ
2. In some cases we can read the very sermons used to proclaim the gospel
3. We also have descriptions of what people were told to receive God's saving grace
3. The value of such examples of conversion cannot be overstated...
1. For today we can hear or see many different "gospels" being proclaimed
2. Even when the gospel facts are faithfully proclaimed, sometimes people are told to respond in a manner not found in the New Testament
-- With the help of The Book of Acts, we can make sure that the gospel facts and commands are faithfully proclaimed!
4. In this series, we shall examine several examples of conversions as described in Acts...
1. Noting the background of each conversion
2. Considering the sermons proclaimed and the responses to them
3. Analyzing the sermons and responses, seeking to glean the elements of the gospel message and what response to expect of those coming to Christ

[In this study, we start with the first example of conversion, "The 3000 On Pentecost", as recorded in Acts 2. As we begin, let's do so with...]

1. THE BACKGROUND OF THE CONVERSION
1. IT WAS THE DAY OF PENTECOST - Ac 2:1
1. An annual Jewish feast, celebrated 50 days after the presentation of the firstfruits
2. One in which Jews would travel great distances to attend - Ac 2:5
2. THE SPIRIT FELL ON THE APOSTLES - Ac 2:2-13
1. As promised by John and Jesus - Ac 1:4-5; cf. Lk 24:49
2. Accompanied by audible and visual signs...
1. A sound as of a mighty rushing wind - Ac 2:2
2. Divided tongues as of fire sitting upon each of them - Ac 2:3
3. Enabling the apostles to speak in foreign languages - Ac 2:4-11
1. Every man heard them speak in his own language - Ac 2:6,11
2. That those who spoke were "Galileans" (Ac 2:7), suggesting the apostles
1. For the apostles were from Galilee
2. Whereas the 120 disciples were from all over Palestine
4. The reaction of the crowd was mixed - Ac 2:12-13
1. Some were amazed and perplexed
2. Others mocked, accusing the apostles of being drunk
3. PETER EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED - Ac 2:14-21
1. It was too early for them to be drunk - Ac 2:14-15
2. Rather, it was a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy - Ac 2:16-21
1. Found in Joel 2:28-32
2. In which God promised to pour out of His Spirit on all flesh

[So we find a large gathering of religious people initially drawn by the miraculous events which occurred this day in Jerusalem. Having explained the meaning of the events, Peter immediately proceeded with the first recorded gospel sermon...]

2. THE SERMON AND ITS RESPONSE
1. JESUS IS PROCLAIMED...
1. Peter began with the life and miracles of Jesus, with which his audience was well acquainted - Ac 2:22
2. He laid the blame of Jesus' death at their feet, but said it was in keeping with God's predetermined plan - Ac 2:23
3. He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, and provided three lines of evidence - Ac 2:24-35
1. The testimony of David - Ac 2:25-31
1. Who prophesied of the resurrection of God's Anointed - Ps 16:8-11
2. Who could not have been speaking of himself, but of Jesus
-- Thus, the testimony of Scripture
2. The testimony of the twelve apostles - Ac 2:32
1. Who had to be eyewitnesses to qualify as apostles - cf. Ac 1:21-26
2. With twelve witnesses, the demands of Scripture were overwhelmingly met ("by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.")
-- Thus, the testimony of eyewitnesses
3. The testimony of the Spirit's outpouring - Ac 2:33-35
1. The outpouring of the Spirit was evidence of:
1. Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God
2. Christ receiving from the Father the promise of the Spirit
2. And so another prophecy of David was fulfilled - cf. Psa 110:1
-- Thus, the testimony of the day's events
4. Finally, Peter reached the climax of his sermon - Ac 2:36
1. The Jesus they crucified, God had made...
1. "Lord" (Ruler of all - cf. Mt 28:18)
2. "Christ" (The Anointed One prophesied in Scripture)
2. This fact they were to "know assuredly"
1. To understand, to accept as fact
2. To believe firmly
2. THE RESPONSE TO PETER'S SERMON...
1. The listeners were convicted - Ac 2:37
1. They were "cut to the heart"
2. They asked "what shall we do?"
2. Peter replied with commands and a promise - Ac 2:38-39
1. The commands to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins
2. The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, a promise for "as many as the Lord our God will call"
3. Luke then summarized what followed...
1. Peter continued to offer testimony and exhortation - Ac 2:40
2. Those who "gladly received his word were baptized" - Ac 2:41
3. 3000 souls were "added" (later, we learn it was the Lord who was adding them to His church - cf. Ac 2:47)

[With this response to Peter's sermon, the Lord's church began in Jerusalem (cf. Ac 2:42). It was an amazing day, in which 3000 souls responded to the gospel of Christ. What can be gleaned from this example of conversion?]

3. AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONVERSION
1. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PETER'S SERMON...
1. Peter's focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders
1. His explanation of the miraculous was no more than a quotation from Joel
2. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their attention to Jesus
2. Peter's theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus
1. His life and death they knew
2. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God's right hand that he sought to prove
3. His main objective: for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Messiah (Christ)
2. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
1. The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart"
1. This shows the power of God's word to convict - cf. Ro 1:16
2. While convicted, not all people will respond in the same way - cf. Ac 7:54
2. The reply to their question ("what shall we do?") is also noteworthy
1. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus expected Him to say - cf. Lk 24:46-47
2. Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15-16
3. The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission of sins"
1. The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28
2. His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins"
3. In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view toward, in order to"
1. Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of sins
2. One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ's death - cf. Ro 6:3-6)
4. Those who are baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit"
1. I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - cf. Ac 5:32
1. Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or spiritual gifts)
2. All who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6; 1Co 12:13
2. The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse 39
1. Who was promised by the Father and received by Christ - Ac 2:33
2. Who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost - Ac 2:33
3. Thus poured out, one can now receive the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism, resulting in justification - cf. Tit 3:5-7
5. Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41, 47
1. When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1Co 12:13
2. Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the universal, not local) sense
3. LESSONS FOR TODAY...
1. When preaching the gospel...
1. Our focus should be on death, burial, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ - e.g., 1Co 2:1-2; 15:1-4
2. The evidence we offer as support should be:
1. The testimony of Scripture (e.g., the Old Testament prophecies)
2. The testimony of the eyewitnesses (i.e., the apostles)
3. Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God's Anointed
2. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?", we should reply:
1. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly") - cf. Ac 16:30-31
2. Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30
3. Be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. Ac 10:48; 22:16
3. Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of the Spirit
1. The Spirit's role in the life of the Christian is important - 1Co 6:11; Ro 8:13
2. While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32

CONCLUSION

1. With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully carrying out the commission of his Lord...
1. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15
2. To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47
3. To include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the gospel - Mk 16:16
4. To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19
2. Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today?
1. Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and exaltation of Christ!
2. Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner's prayer", is that what Peter said?

Those who presume to preach in the name of Christ, should be careful to preach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the apostles preach!

Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...

"...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The 2000 At Solomon's Porch (3:1-4:4) by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_02.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The 2000 At Solomon's Porch (3:1-4:4)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we considered the conversion of "The 3000 On Pentecost"...
1. Precipitated by the outpouring of the Spirit - Ac 2:1-21
2. Where Peter proclaimed the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus - Ac 2:22-36
3. In which 3000 souls responded to the gospel commands to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:37-41
2. The next example of conversion in Acts is one often overlooked...
1. Many charts listing examples of conversions in the Book of Acts do not include it
2. Perhaps because little is said about those converted, other than "many of those who heard the word believed" - cf. Ac 4:4
3. But since our purpose includes looking at the sermons which led people to Christ, we should certainly consider...
1. Peter's second gospel sermon, proclaimed on Solomon's Porch in the temple court
2. A sermon that led 2000 more people to believe in Jesus Christ! - cf. Ac 4:4

[As we did in the previous study, let's begin with...]

1. THE BACKGROUND OF THE CONVERSION
1. PETER AND JOHN HAD GONE TO THE TEMPLE - Ac 3:1
1. Christians had been gathering daily in the temple - Ac 2:46
2. Peter and John arrived at the "hour of prayer, the ninth hour" (3 p.m.)
2. A MAN LAME FROM BIRTH HAD BEEN HEALED - Ac 3:2-8
1. Who was left daily at the gate of the temple called "Beautiful" - Ac 3:2-3
1. To ask alms from the people entering the temple
2. Who asked Peter and John for alms
2. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - Ac 3:4-8
1. The lame man expected alms
2. But Peter offered him something much better than silver or gold!
3. The miracle was immediate and total!
3. A CROWD HAD GATHERED - Ac 3:9-11
1. Drawn by the scene of the man walking, praising God; one they knew had been lame from birth - Ac 3:9-10
2. Amazed and wondering, they gathered in the porch called Solomon's - Ac 3:11

[The similarity to the events in Acts 2 are apparent. A miraculous event occurs, it attracts the attention of the people. As before, Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim Jesus...]

2. THE SERMON AND ITS RESPONSE
1. JESUS IS PROCLAIMED, AS THE MIRACLE IS EXPLAINED...
1. Peter explains the true source of the miracle - Ac 3:12-16
1. It was not by the power or godliness of Peter and John themselves
2. It was through faith in the One whom the people killed!
1. God's Servant, Jesus...
1. Whom the God of their fathers had glorified!
2. Whom they had delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate!
-- Calling Jesus God's "Servant" may be an allusion to Isa 52:13-53:12
2. The Holy One, The Just, The Prince of Life...
1. Whom they denied, asking for a murderer to be released in his stead!
2. Whom God raised from the dead, as seen by witnesses!
-- Calling Jesus by these terms emphasized His true person and power
3. It was through faith in His name that the lame man was healed; note, however...
1. It was Peter and John's faith in Jesus, not the lame man's faith
2. For the lame man had not expected a miracle, but silver or gold
2. Peter acknowledges their ignorance, but still calls upon them to repent - Ac 3:17-26
1. He recognizes that they and their rulers acted in ignorance
2. That what happened was...
1. Foretold through God's prophets
2. Fulfilling God's predetermined plan - cf. Ac 2:23
3. Yet ignorance is no excuse, so they must "repent and be converted" - Ac 3:19
4. Several reasons to so respond are given - Ac 3:19-26
1. That "your sins may be blotted out"
1. Alluding to the ancient practice of erasing mistakes made on papyrus
2. I.e., another way to describe the remission of sins through Jesus' blood
2. That "times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord"
1. Here is a positive counterpart to the remission of sins (Stott)
2. God provides more than just remission of sins, but refreshment for our spirits (Stott)
3. That God "may send Jesus Christ" (a reference to His second coming)
1. Who was preached to them before (via the prophets)
2. Whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things (of which the prophets of God had also spoken)
• As an example of the prophets who had spoken, Moses is quoted
• Others since Samuel have likewise told of these days
4. They were "sons of the prophets, and of the covenant" God made with their fathers
1. A covenant made with Abraham, to bless the world in his seed
2. A promise fulfilled by God through His Servant Jesus, Whom He raised
• Who was sent by God to bless them
• To bless them by turning them away from their sins
2. THE RESPONSE TO PETER'S SERMON...
1. A negative response by the religious leaders - Ac 4:1-3
1. They were greatly disturbed, because in preaching Jesus, Peter preached the resurrection of the dead
2. The Sadducees in particular denied the idea of a bodily resurrection - Ac 23:6-9
3. So they had Peter and John placed in custody for trial the next day
2. A positive response by many who heard - Ac 4:4
1. Many who heard the word "believed"
2. As many as two thousand men accepted the preaching of Peter!

[The power of the gospel to convict the hearts of men continues to be seen, though with some the effect appears to be a hardening of their hearts. As we focus on the sermon and its response, what can we glean from this example of conversion?]

3. AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONVERSION
1. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PETER'S SERMON...
1. Again we note the Christ-centeredness of Peter's preaching
1. As in his sermon on Pentecost
2. While explaining the miracle, he directs their attention to Jesus, not the sign
2. Again Peter's main theme is the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus - Ac 3:13-15
1. The One they killed, God raised from the dead
2. The One they killed, God has glorified
3. Yet Peter also introduces a new element...
1. The coming of Jesus from heaven!
2. Jesus is coming again! - Ac 3:20-21
4. The sermon's climax is the call to "repent therefore, and be converted" - Ac 3:19
1. From this we learn that repentance and conversion are not same thing
1. Otherwise, Peter was redundant
2. I.e., he would have been saying "repent and repent"
2. Repent (metanoeo) means "a change of mind"
1. True repentance is brought on by "godly sorrow" - 2 Co 7:9
2. Such repentance then leads one to "salvation" - 2Co 7:10
-- Thus they were being called to change their minds regarding Jesus and their sinful ways
3. What is meant by "be converted"?
1. The NKJV and KJV suggest a passive act, but the Greek is aorist active imperative, implying there is something we must do
1. The key idea is to "turn" or "return"
2. The NIV has "turn to God" and the NASB has "return"
-- But how does one turn to God?
2. Compare Peter's word's Ac 3:19 with Ac 2:38
1. "Repent" (Ac 2:38) and "Repent" (Ac 3:19)
2. "Be baptized" (Ac 2:38) and "Be converted" (Ac 3:19)
3. Could Peter be referring to baptism when he says "be converted"?
1. When one submits to baptism, they so do with an appeal for a clear conscience - cf. 1Pe 3:21
2. In baptism they are calling upon the name of the Lord - Ac 22:16
-- Therefore I believe the call to "turn" likely involved baptism
5. The blessings promised are similar to those found in the first sermon
1. There is the forgiveness of sins...
1. Described as the "remission of sins" in the first sermon - Ac 2:38
2. Described now as having one's sins "blotted out" - Ac 3:19
2. There is the positive counterpart to the remission of sins...
1. Described as "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in the first sermon - Ac 2:38-39
2. Described now as "the times of refreshing...from the presence of the Lord" - Ac 3:19
3. I understand Peter to refer to the same thing...
1. I.e., the Spirit as a gift to the Christian - Ac 5:32; Ga 4:6; Ep 1:13-14
2. Whom Jesus promised as a refreshing blessing - Jn 7:37-39; cf. also Jn 4:10-14
6. In this sermon we find a warning
1. In the first sermon Peter pleaded with the people to "be saved from this perverse generation" - Ac 2:40
2. Now we find a reason why, with Moses' prophecy: "every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people" - Ac 3:23
2. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
1. As mentioned in the introduction, little is said, other than many "believed" - Ac 4:4
2. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?
1. Did they not also "repent"?
2. Did they not also "turn"?
3. I think it fair to conclude that the term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed
1. That it involved a complete reception of the message preached
2. That it included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, turning, baptism)
3. That just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in the first sermon, but is fairly inferred, so also with baptism here
3. LESSONS FOR TODAY...
1. When preaching the gospel...
1. We must not lose the Christ-centeredness of our focus
1. That includes preaching his death, resurrection and glorification
2. That Jesus provides more than just the forgiveness of sin; but as the Prince of Life, He is the source of every spiritual blessing from above - cf. Ep 1:3
3. That preaching Christ includes preaching His return from heaven, for He is coming again!
2. The clarion call of the gospel is one of repentance!
1. Faith and baptism are certainly important even essential
2. Yet repentance was an important theme of preaching by:
1. John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-2
2. Jesus - Mt 4:17; Lk 13:3,5
-- And now by the apostles - Ac 2:38; 3:19; cf. Lk 24:47; Ac 20:21
2. When people respond to the gospel, we should expect to see...
1. A change of mind (repentance), brought about by "godly sorrow" - cf. 2Co 7:9-10
2. A change of life, as they "turn" from their sins and "turn" to God - cf. 2Co 7:11
1. Implied by the word "converted" (turn)
2. A process that involves their baptism into Christ, in which they die to sin and rise to walk in newness of life - cf. Ro 6:3-7
-- All of which can be summarized as having "believed"!

CONCLUSION

1. With this example of conversion, Peter continues to fulfill the commission of his Lord...
1. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15-16
2. To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47
2. We saw that not all responded in the same way...
1. Yes, 2000 heard the word and believed
2. But some religious people with their preconceived ideas were resistant to the gospel
-- Sadly, many people today reject the apostolic preaching of the gospel for similar reasons

I pray that such is not the case with you; that as we study the preaching of the apostles and responses to it, your heart will be open to the Word of God. Especially to this key verse in our study:

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Ac 3:19)

 

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Samaritans (8:4-25) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_03.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Samaritans (8:4-25)

INTRODUCTION

1. With the preaching of the gospel and its reception by many, the Lord's church grew rapidly in Jerusalem...
1. 3000 souls were added after the first gospel sermon - Ac 2:41
2. Following the second sermon, the number grew to about 5000 - Ac 4:4
2. What was the gospel message that sparked the conversion of so many?
1. One that centered on Jesus Christ, proclaiming His death, resurrection, exaltation, and eventual return!
2. A message that expected the following response from those who heard...
1. Faith in Jesus as both Lord and Christ - e.g., Ac 2:36
2. Repentance from sin - e.g., Ac 2:38; 3:19
3. Turning to God, with baptism for the remission of sins as the first step - e.g., Ac 2:38,41; 3:19
3. Preaching this message was not without controversy...
1. Some took issue with the message of Christ's resurrection - Ac 4:1-3
2. Persecution against the church in Jerusalem became progressively worse
1. Peter and John were at first simply threatened - Ac 4:21
2. Soon after all the apostles were beaten - Ac 5:40
3. Then Steven was stoned to death - Ac 6:8-7:60
3. Steven's death led to widespread persecution, and the dispersal of many Christians from Jerusalem - Ac 8:1-3
4. But as Christians were scattered abroad, so was the gospel!
1. The Christians went everywhere, "preaching the word" - Ac 8:4
2. Among those was the evangelist Philip, whose preaching provides us with two examples of conversion
1. "The Samaritans" - Ac 8:4-25
2. "The Ethiopian Eunuch" - Ac 8:26-40

[In this study, we shall examine "The Samaritans", whose example of conversion and follow-up is one of the more challenging ones found in the Acts...]

1. THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS
1. PHILIP'S MINISTRY AT SAMARIA - Ac 8:4-13
1. He preached Christ to them - Ac 8:5
2. Multitudes heeded the things he spoke - Ac 8:6a-12
1. Having heard and seen the miracles which he did
1. Such as casting out unclean spirits, healing the paralyzed and lame
2. Though previously they had been impressed by a sorcerer named Simon
2. They believed Philip as he preached about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ
3. They were baptized, both men and women
3. Even Simon the sorcerer was converted - Ac 8:13
1. He too believed and was baptized
2. He continued with Philip, amazed at the miracles and signs Philip was doing
2. THE FOLLOW-UP BY PETER AND JOHN - Ac 8:14-25
1. The apostles sent Peter and John upon hearing of the conversion of the Samaritans - Ac 8:14
2. Peter and John imparted the Spirit to the Samaritans - Ac 8:15-17
1. While the Samaritans had been baptized, they had not received the Spirit
2. Through prayer and the laying on of the apostles' hands, they received the Spirit
3. This power to impart the Spirit became a stumblingblock for Simon - Ac 8:18-24
1. He sought to buy the ability to impart the Spirit - Ac 8:18-19
2. Peter rebukes him strongly, and calls upon him to repent - Ac 8:20-23
3. Simon asks Peter to pray for him - Ac 8:24
4. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages in Samaria on their return to Jerusalem - Ac 8:25

[The example of the Samaritans' is really quite remarkable, and for several reasons. This is the first preaching of the gospel to those not fully Jews (Samaritans were half-breeds, and disdained by most Jews; cf. Jn 4:9). But also because of the questions that are raised, some of which I hope to address as I offer...]

2. SOME OBSERVATIONS
1. CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS...
1. The gospel message preached by Philip
1. We are told that he preached "Christ" - Ac 8:5
1. This undoubtedly included Christ's death, resurrection, etc.
2. I.e., the same things Peter preached about Christ in Acts 2 and 3
2. We are told that he preached "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" - Ac 8:12
1. What things concerning "the kingdom of God"?
1. John, Jesus, and the apostles had earlier taught the kingdom was "at hand" - cf. Mt 3:1; 4:17; 10:7
2. Later, Paul and John wrote of the kingdom as present - Col 1:13; Re 1:9
-- As the expression "kingdom of God" literally means the "reign of God", it is likely that Philip spoke of the rule and reign of God now present in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ - cf. Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36; 5:31
2. What things concerning "the name of Jesus Christ"?
1. Most likely that repentance and remission of sins were now being proclaimed in His name - Lk 24:47
2. And from the response of the Samaritans, we conclude that included whatever Jesus commanded - cf. Ac 8:12 with Mk 16:16
2. The response of the Samaritans
1. Note first that they "heeded the things spoken by Philip", implying obedience on their part - Ac 8:6; cf. He 5:9
2. Later we are told that they "believed" and "were baptized" - Ac 8:12
1. Like Peter, Philip faithfully fulfilled the Lord's commission - Mk 16:15-16
2. Heeding the things spoken by Philip therefore included baptism
2. CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF SIMON THE SORCERER...
1. Was Simon truly converted?
1. Many deny that he was, because of what happened afterward
2. But Luke (the author) says Simon "also believed"
1. I.e., he believed just as the others did
2. Therefore his faith was just as real as the rest of the Samaritans
3. While there may be many fanciful traditions concerning Simon outside of the Bible, the indication of Scripture is that his conversion was sincere
2. Simon is an example of how fallen Christians can be restored
1. He was told to "repent" and "pray" - Ac 8:22
2. When a Christian sins, therefore, he needs not to be baptized again, but to repent and pray, confessing his sins- cf. 1Jn 1:9
-- Simon reveals how quickly Christians can be overtaken in sin, but also how they can obtain forgiveness and be restored!
3. CONCERNING THE FOLLOW-UP BY PETER AND JOHN...
1. Many questions are raised by what we read...
1. Why is it that the Samaritan's received baptism by Philip, but not the Spirit?
2. What does it mean "that they might receive the Holy Spirit"?
3. What did the apostles have that Philip did not?
-- The challenge is to reconcile what we read here with what is revealed elsewhere
2. As I seek to understand this passage, the following observations are made...
1. Whatever Luke meant to "receive the Holy Spirit"...
1. It required the apostles' laying on of hands
1. Philip could not impart it, making it necessary for the apostles to come
2. Simon could see that it was through the apostles' laying on of hands the Spirit was given - Ac 8:18
2. It was something visible or audible
1. It caught Simon's attention, who sought to buy the ability to impart it
2. It was clearly something miraculous (perhaps speaking in tongues)
-- But was it actually the Spirit Himself, or something the Spirit gives?
2. Elsewhere we learn that one receives the Spirit upon obedience to the Gospel
1. As indicated in Ac 2:38; 5:32; 1Co 12:13; Ep 1:13-14; Ga 4:6
2. Whose indwelling is necessary to being a Christian - Ro 8:9-11
-- Since the Samaritans had been baptized (Ac 8:12,16), I believe it is fair to assume that they had received the Spirit Himself as any Christian would
3. Therefore I offer the following explanation...
1. The expression "receive the Holy Spirit" is a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit
1. Metonymy - A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated
2. E.g., as in Washington for the United States government or of the sword for military power
-- What the Samaritans had not received, then, were any miraculous spiritual gifts that the Spirit bestowed - cf. 1Co 12:1-11
2. The apostles had the ability to impart spiritual gifts
1. Paul hoped to impart such a gift to the Romans - Ro 1:11
2. He had imparted such a gift to Timothy - 2Ti 1:6
3. The ability to impart spiritual gifts was limited to the apostles, which explains:
1. Why Philip could perform miracles, but not pass the ability on to others
1. The apostles had laid hands on him earlier - Ac 6:5-6
2. Like Steven, Philip could then do miracles - Ac 6:7; 8:6-7
2. Why it was necessary for Peter and John to come
1. If spiritual gifts came simply by praying, why send for Peter and John?
2. It took an apostle for the spiritual gifts to be imparted
4. It was this ability to impart spiritual gifts that Simon wanted to buy!
1. He was not content to receive a spiritual gift
2. He wanted that apostolic ability to impart spiritual gifts! - Ac 8:19

CONCLUSION

1. The conversion of the Samaritans is simple and straightforward...
1. We learn that when Christ is preached, believed, and heeded, people will be baptized - cf. Ac 8:5-6,12
2. What we read in verse 12 is as simple and direct as the commission under which Philip preached:

   "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized." - Ac 8:12

   "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved" - Mk 16:16

2. The follow-up of the Samaritans may be challenging...
1. It has been described as one of the most extraordinary passages in Acts
1. It has been used to teach all sorts of conflicting doctrine related to confirmation, sanctification, and spiritual gifts
2. We must be careful not to draw conclusions that are contrary to the rest of the Scriptures
2. But we can still glean important lessons concerning conversion
1. Conversion requires that one "heed" (obey) the Word of God
2. Such obedience involves believing and being baptized
3. Conversion does not remove the temptation to sin
4. When we fall, restoration does not require re-baptism, but repentance and prayer

In our next study, we shall follow Philip as he is led by the Spirit to teach just one individual, a queen's treasurer who is on his way home from a journey to Jerusalem...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40) by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_04.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40)

INTRODUCTION

1. The conversions we have noted so far have involved large numbers of people...
1. The 3000 at Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
2. The 2000 on Solomon's Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
3. The multitudes in Samaria - Ac 8:5-13
2. In each case, the gospel message was basically the same...
1. Christ is proclaimed
2. Responses called for included faith, repentance and baptism
3. Now we have the opportunity to examine the conversion of just one person...
1. A queen's treasurer, a eunuch from Ethiopia
2. A very religious man, who had traveled a great distance to worship God
4. With the account of the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"...
1. We not only have the opportunity to confirm what we have already learned
2. We can also glean a few more points regarding Biblical conversions

[Let's start with a reading and review of the basic facts related to this conversion...]

1. THE CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
1. PHILIP IS SENT TO THE EUNUCH - Ac 8:26-29
1. An angel of the Lord tells Philip to go toward Gaza - Ac 8:26
2. On the way there is a man sitting in his chariot - Ac 8:27-28
1. A eunuch of Ethiopia, in charge of the treasury of Queen Candace
2. Returning home from having gone to worship in Jerusalem
3. Reading from the prophet Isaiah
3. The Spirit tells Philip to overtake the chariot - Ac 8:29
2. PHILIP PREACHES JESUS TO HIM - Ac 8:30-35
1. Hearing the eunuch reading Isaiah, Philip asks if he understands - Ac 8:30
2. The eunuch asks Philip to help him - Ac 8:31-34
1. He expresses a need for someone to guide him, and invites Philip to sit with him
2. The scripture under consideration is Isa 53:7-8
1. Which speaks of one led as a sheep to the slaughter
2. Which describes one whose life is taken from the earth
3. The eunuch asks if Isaiah was speaking of himself, or of someone else
3. Beginning with that Scripture, Philip preaches Jesus to him - Ac 8:35
3. THE EUNUCH IS BAPTIZED - Ac 8:36-40
1. The eunuch expresses a desire to be baptized - Ac 8:36-37
1. Seeing some water along the way, he wonders what would hinder him from being baptized
2. Philip replies that if he believes with all his heart, he may
3. The eunuch confesses his faith in Jesus as the Son of God
2. Philip baptizes the eunuch - Ac 8:38-40
1. Stopping the chariot, both Philip and the eunuch go down into the water
2. Philip then baptizes him
3. When they come up out of the water, the Spirit catches Philip away
4. Though seeing Philip no more, the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing
5. Philip is found at Azotus, and continues preaching in the cities until he arrives at Caesarea

[One might properly wonder why the Spirit saw it fit to lead Luke to spend so much time describing the conversion of just one person. Clearly there must be important lessons or principles that we can glean from this historical account.

With that in mind, let me offer..]

2. SOME OBSERVATIONS
1. CONCERNING PROSPECTS FOR THE GOSPEL...
1. The Ethiopian eunuch was a very religious man
1. He had traveled a great distance to worship in Jerusalem
2. He was reading from the Scriptures when Philip found him
2. In fact, most examples of conversions involved very devout people
1. The 3000 at Pentecost, who had traveled to observe the feast day
2. Later, we will study the conversions of such people as:
1. Paul, the Pharisee zealous for the Law
2. Cornelius, the devout Gentile who feared God and prayed always
3. Lydia, a woman who met every Sabbath to pray with others
3. From this we can glean the following...
1. Just because one is religious does not mean they are saved!
2. Religious people are often good prospects for the gospel!
1. They already fear God and respect His authority
2. As such, they simply need to be shown "the way of God more accurately" - cf. Ac 18:26
3. Those who are truly seeking God's will, will one day have an opportunity to hear the gospel and obey it!
-- This does not discount the fact that rank sinners are often receptive (cf. the Corinthians, 1Co 6:9-11), but good people are usually more open to the Word
2. CONCERNING WHAT IT MEANS TO PREACH JESUS...
1. From Isaiah's "quotation" (Isa 52:13-53:11), we know it involves teaching:
1. How Jesus died for our sins - cf. 1Co 15:1-3
2. How Jesus has been exalted by God - cf. Ac 2:36; 3:13; 5:30-31
2. From the Eunuch's "question" (Ac 8:36), we know it includes stressing:
1. The importance of baptism
1. Why did the eunuch ask, "What hinders me from being baptized?"
2. Perhaps because Philip told him...
1. What the Lord had said - Mk 16:15-16
2. The purpose of baptism, as expressed by Peter and Paul - Ac 2:38; Ro 6:3-4; 1Pe 3:21
-- As we have seen and will see, baptism is the expected response when one believes in Jesus
2. The immediacy of baptism
1. Why did the eunuch asked to be baptized right then ("See, here is water.")?
2. Perhaps because baptism's purpose is such that one does not want to delay
1. It is "for the remission of sins" - Ac 2:38
2. It is to have one's sins "washed away" - Ac 22:16
3. It is an appeal for a clear conscience - 1Pe 3:21
-- Indeed, in every example of conversion found in Acts, people were baptized immediately, after just one lesson!
3. From Philip's "qualification" (Ac 8:37), we know it requires explaining:
1. The necessity of faith in Jesus
1. One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God - Jn 8:24; 20:30-31
2. Without faith, God won't do His work in our baptism - cf. Col 2:12
2. The necessity of whole-heartedness in our faith
1. God has always required whole-heartedness - cf. Mt 22:37
2. Without it, even those saved are in danger of falling away - cf. He 3:12-14
-- Unless "you believe with all your heart", you are not a proper subject for baptism!
3. CONCERNING BAPTISM...
1. We see that baptism involves water
1. When the eunuch was baptized...
1. "...both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water" - Ac 8:38
2. "...he baptized him" - Ac 8:38
3. "...they came up out of the water" - Ac 8:39
2. Later, we see the same truth expressed by Peter - cf. Ac 10:47-48
2. We see that baptism involves a burial in water
1. Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water - Ac 8:38
1. If sprinkling satisfies the meaning of baptism, it seems strange that Philip would need to go down into the water
2. Why get wet, when all he needed to do was get a handful of water?
2. Baptism means "to immerse", and such requires the baptizer to get in the water with the one being baptized
3. Later, Paul describes baptism as a "burial" - cf. Ro 6:3-4; Col 2:12
3. We see that baptism is NOT a public confession of one's faith
1. Some say that the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess one's faith in Christ
1. Especially those who deny that baptism is for the remission of sins
2. Seeking to provide a reason for baptism, they offer this as an alternative
3. But the Bible nowhere says this is the purpose for baptism!
2. If the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess one's faith...
1. Why did Philip baptize the eunuch?
1. There was no one else around to witness the baptism
2. They were all alone in the desert
2. Why didn't Philip answer the eunuch's question differently?
1. He wanted to know what would hinder him from being baptized
2. If baptism is a public confession of one's faith, we would expect Philip to say he must wait until they get to town, find a church, etc.
3. But the purpose of baptism is such that it can be done...
1. In public or in private
2. With thousands present, or with just the one doing the baptizing
-- Later, we will see that the conversion of the Philippian Jailor also involved a baptism in relative privacy

CONCLUSION

1. With the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch", we are impressed with the simplicity of salvation...
1. With a simple presentation of the gospel, one can be saved after just one lesson
2. Whether it is preached to large crowds or to just one person, the gospel is indeed God's power to save! - cf. Ro 1:16
2. When the gospel of Jesus is truly preached...
1. The death of Jesus for our sins will be stressed
2. The importance of baptism as commanded by Jesus will be mentioned as well
1. Such that people will want to know "what hinders me from being baptized?"
2. Such that people will want to baptized immediately
3. The purpose of baptism will be properly understood, knowing that one can be baptized in private just as well as in public
4. The necessity for a whole-hearted faith in Jesus will be emphasized, otherwise one simply gets wet in baptism!

Was your conversion anything like that of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"? When someone "preached Jesus" to you, were you compelled to ask:

"See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" - Acts 8:36

If not, have you considered why not? Could it be that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not shared with you in its fullness...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022