From the Heavens to the Heart and back again by Gary Rose

Memories of Long Ago

 

Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven"

 

A Linux Distribution: Heavenward

 

I grew up loving music. My earliest memories are of "Sixteen Tons" and later on, a variety of Elvis Presley hits like "Wooden Heart" and "Love me Tender". Later on, I enjoyed songs from the Rock and Roll era like the Beatles and Three dog Night. I am not sure exactly when I was introduced to "Stairway to Heaven" but believe it or not, I think it wasn't until the 21st century. Anyway, I now think it that "Stairway to Heaven" is the greatest Rock and Roll song of all time.

 

There has been much controversy over "Stairway to Heaven's" true meaning, but I think its message is primarily aimed at greed, religious "buy your way" into heaven mentality and the "god" of reason within western culture. Why was it written?  I feel that it is a modern parable that has as its goal a message that will cause the hearers to genuinely seek God and not the western false gods of capitalism, reason and buying salvation with our contributions.

 

 The Bible says...

John 14 ( World  English  Bible )

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 

 

This verse alone is enough to show that Jesus is the one and only way to heaven.

 As for me, I grew up on a farm and loved looking at the sky and eventually my thoughts turned to God and years later, I was baptized into Christ in 1977. Today, I use my computer to help others find their way to Heaven by means of this blog, my Composite Bible and Composite Bible Reports and a new Linux distribution which I call "Heavenward". To this very day, I am still thinking of Heaven and hope that eventually I will be granted entrance. 

 

 Hope to see you there!

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" Cornelius And His Household (10:1-48; 11:1-18) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_06.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

Cornelius And His Household (10:1-48; 11:1-18)

INTRODUCTION

1. Up to this point, the gospel had been somewhat limited in its outreach...
1. It had spread throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria - Ac 9:31
2. But other than the Samaritans (who were half Jewish), it had gone only to the Jews
2. With the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household" the first Gentiles are saved...
1. A conversion noted not only because they were the first Gentiles
2. But also because of the miraculous events that precipitated the conversion
1. An angel appearing to Cornelius
2. Peter's vision, followed by the Spirit's instruction
3. The Spirit falling upon Cornelius, his family, and close friends
4. Cornelius and his household speaking in tongues
3. As in the case of Saul of Tarsus, we have more than just one account of the conversion...
1. There is Luke's description - Ac 10:1-48
2. There is Peter's description, as he is called to defend his actions - Ac 11:1-18
4. Important questions are raised as we consider the events of this conversion...
1. Exactly when did the Spirit fall upon Cornelius and his company?
2. What was the purpose of the Spirit falling upon them?
3. Were they saved when the Spirit came upon them, or later when they were baptized?

[These are some of the questions I intend to answer as we examine the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household". Since we have two accounts, let's consider them together as we start with...]

1. A HARMONY OF THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS AND HIS HOUSEHOLD
1. THE ANGEL APPEARS TO CORNELIUS...
1. Cornelius, a centurion, is a very religious man - Ac 10:1-2
2. The angel appears to him - Ac 10:3-6
1. With an announcement that his prayers and alms have been noticed by God
2. With instructions to send for Peter; please note:
1. The angel said, "He will tell you what you must do." - Ac 10:6
2. As Peter recounts it, "...who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved." - Ac 11:14
3. Cornelius then sends two servants and a devout soldier to Peter - Ac 10:7-8
2. PETER HAS A VISION...
1. While the three men are traveling toward Peter, he has a vision - Ac 10:9-16; 11:4-10
1. It involves a sheet descending from heaven, containing all sorts of creatures
2. A voice tells Peter to "kill and eat"
3. Peter objects, for he has never eaten anything common or unclean
4. The voice tells him, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
2. Three times the vision is repeated
3. THE SPIRIT TELLS PETER TO GO WITH THE MESSENGERS...
1. The men from Cornelius arrive as Peter contemplates the vision - Ac 10:17-18; 11:11
2. The Spirit tells Peter to go, "doubting nothing, for I have sent them" - Ac 10:19-20; 11:12
3. Peter receives the men and takes six with him as they go to Cornelius - Ac 10:21-23; 11:12
4. PETER ARRIVES AT CORNELIUS' HOUSE...
1. Cornelius has gathered his family and close friends - Ac 10:24
2. Peter deflects an attempt by Cornelius to worship him - Ac 10:25-26
3. Peter explains his presence a violation of Jewish custom, but now understands "I should not call any man common or unclean" - Ac 10:27-28
4. Asked by Peter to explain why he was called, Cornelius recounts the appearance and instructions of the angel - Ac 10:29-32; 11:13-14
5. Cornelius and his household were ready "to hear all things commanded you by God" - Ac 10:33
5. AS PETER BEGINS TO SPEAK, THE SPIRIT FALLS UPON THE LISTENERS...
1. At this point, we need to carefully note the actual sequence of events
2. Luke's record gives attention to the sermon first, and then the Spirit coming upon the Gentiles - cf. Ac 10:34-44
1. But Luke also says that "while Peter was still speaking... the Holy Spirit fell"
2. From this we do not exactly when the Spirit fell
3. It could have been at the beginning, in the middle, toward the end, of his sermon
3. Peter, however, explained what happened "in order from the beginning" - Ac 11:4
1. He describes the events as they happened
2. He says "as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them" - Ac 11:15
4. So we learn from Peter that the Spirit actually came upon the Gentiles at the BEGINNING of the sermon!
5. With the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles, they began speaking with tongues, which amazed Peter and his Jewish companions - Ac 10:45-46; cf. Ac 2:4,6,8,11
6. PETER'S SERMON TO THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS...
1. He begins with a full perception that God shows no partiality - Ac 10:34-35
1. A perception started with the vision of the sheet and unclean beasts
2. A perception continued with the Spirit's instruction to go with the messengers
3. A perception made clear with the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles - Ac 11:15-17
2. Peter then proceeds to proclaim Jesus Christ - Ac 10:36-43
1. As Lord who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power - Ac 10:36-38
2. Who was killed, but then raised from the dead and seen by eyewitnesses who knew Him well - Ac 10:39-41
3. Who has commanded the apostles to proclaim Him as ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and dead - Ac 10:42
4. Through Whom remission of sins is offered to those who believe - Ac 10:43
7. PETER COMMANDS THEM TO BE BAPTIZED...
1. How could anyone forbid water to those who had received the Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47; cf. Ac 11:17-18
2. So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48

[The events surrounding this conversion are certainly remarkable. They evidently were intended to convey important truths. As we endeavor to glean what those truths were, here are some...]

2. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THIS CONVERSION
1. RELIGIOUS PEOPLE NEED TO BE SAVED...
1. Many people believe that if you are religious, you will be saved
1. That if you go to church, do good, etc., you have a hope of heaven
2. That you will have earned the right to enter heaven
2. Yet, though Cornelius was a man who...
1. Was a devout man
2. Feared God with his whole family
3. Gave alms generously
4. Prayed to God always ...he still needed to be told "words by which you and all your household will be saved"
3. Clearly, being religious isn't what saves you (it's the blood of Christ!)
2. THE GOSPEL IS FOR ALL...
1. Peter perceived that God is no respecter of persons - Ac 10:34-35
2. Indeed, God desires that ALL men be saved - cf. Jn 3:16; 1 Ti 2:3-6; 2Pe 3:9
-- Therefore He has not predestined some to be saved and others lost!
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE SPIRIT FALLING...
1. Some presume that the purpose was to save Cornelius and his family
1. That therefore they were saved before obeying the command to be baptized
2. But the Spirit came upon them as Peter "began to speak", before they could hear words by which they could be saved! - cf. Ac 11:14-15
2. The purpose of the Spirit can be gleaned from the following:
1. The effect it had on the Jewish brethren who were present, and Peter's response - Ac 10:45-47
2. The reaction of the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem when Peter told them what happened - Ac 11:17-18
3. Peter's explanation at the council held later in Jerusalem - Ac 15:7-11
3. The purpose of the Spirit falling on them was therefore to show Jewish brethren...
1. That God was no respecter of persons - Ac 10:34-35
2. That God was willing to grant them opportunity to repent and have life - Ac 11:18
3. That Gentiles could be saved in the same way as Jews...
1. By faith, repentance, and baptism - Ac 15:9,11; cf. Ac 2:38 with Ac 10:48
2. Which faith comes through hearing the word of God - Ro 10:17
4. THE POINT AT WHICH CORNELIUS WAS SAVED...
1. Remember that Cornelius was told to send for Peter, who would tell him:
1. "what you must do." - Ac 10:6
2. "words by which you...shall be saved." - Ac 11:14
2. From this, and from what we have already seen in other conversions...
1. Cornelius was not saved until he heard the "words" (i.e., after the sermon)
2. Cornelius was not saved until he obeyed what he was told to do
3. What were the words he was told to do?
1. Certainly they were told to believe, as implied in Ac 10:43
2. Clearly they were told to be baptized, as commanded in Ac 10:48
3. Thus Cornelius and his household were not saved until they "believed and were baptized"! - cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 8:12,13

CONCLUSION

1. So while miraculous events surrounded the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household", their salvation was no different from what we have already seen...
1. They heard the gospel of Jesus Christ
2. They were taught to believe and be baptized
-- Thus they were saved "in the same manner" as all those previously
2. As Peter said at the council, it is "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" that both Gentiles and Jews are saved - cf. Ac 15:11
1. We are saved by grace, not works - cf. Ep 2:5,8; Tit 3:4-5
2. For it is not enough to be religious...
1. Who could be more religious than Cornelius?
2. Or even the 3000 at Pentecost, or the Ethiopian eunuch?
3. The grace of God which saves does require a response, however...
1. A response of faith - Ac 10:43
2. A faith in Jesus that comes by hearing the gospel - Ac 10:42
3. A faith which expresses itself in obedience - cf. He 5:9
1. E.g., repentance and baptism - cf. Ac 2:38; 3:19; 10:48
2. Not as works of merit, but as acts of faith by which one receives God's grace

Those of us who are not descended from Israel can rejoice in what God revealed with the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household". As properly concluded by the Jewish brethren in Jerusalem:

"...God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life." (Ac 11:16)

Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" Two Households At Philippi (16:6-34) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_07.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

Two Households At Philippi (16:6-34)

INTRODUCTION

1. With "The Conversion Of Cornelius", we were introduced to an event that was not uncommon in the early church...
1. A situation where an entire family, or household, was converted
2. We have three similar cases recorded in Acts
1. The conversion of Lydia and her household - Ac 16:15
2. The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household - Ac 16:33-34
3. The conversion of Crispus and his household - Ac 18:8
2. Such households likely consisted of both family and servants...
1. Cornelius sent two of his household servants to Peter - Ac 10:7
2. He had gathered his family as well as friends to hear Peter - Ac 10:24,33
-- Some wonder whether such families included infants as well, and if so, were they were baptized too
3. As the gospel spread to Europe, the first two examples of conversion involved "Two Households At Philippi"
1. With the conversion of Lydia - Ac 16:11-15
2. With the conversion of the Philippian Jailer - Ac 16:25-40

[As we continue our study in the book of Acts, we shall examine both of these examples in this lesson, to glean whatever we can about conversion, including the issue of "infant baptism".

Let's first consider...]

1. THE CONVERSION OF LYDIA AND HER HOUSEHOLD
1. PRECIPITATED BY "THE MACEDONIAN CALL"...
1. Paul and his travel companions had been making their way through modern day Turkey, with the Spirit limiting their options - Ac 16:6-8
2. Paul has a vision of a man of Macedonian pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" - Ac 16:9
3. Taking the vision as a sign that the Lord wanted them to go there, they travel to Philippi (a chief city of Macedonia) - Ac 16:10-12
2. LYDIA AND HER HOUSEHOLD ARE BAPTIZED...
1. Paul and his companions go down to the riverside on the Sabbath - Ac 16:13
1. It was Paul's custom to find a synagogue and on the Sabbath to reason with Jews about Christ - cf. Ac 17:1-3
2. Evidently there were not that many Jews in Philippi, and no synagogue
3. But at least there were some women who met at the river to pray
2. Paul speaks to them, and Lydia heeded his word - Ac 16:14
1. She was evidently a successful business woman, yet one who worshipped God
1. Her name is Greek, perhaps a convert to Judaism
2. From Thyatira, she was seller of purple dye
2. The Lord "opened her heart" to heed the things spoken by Paul
1. In what way the Lord opened her heart is not stated
2. But she had "heard" what Paul was speaking (cf. Ac 16:13c,14a), and we know that "faith comes by hearing the word of God" - Ro 10:17
3. Through the gospel, then, one's heart can be opened to be receptive
3. She was willing "to heed the things spoken by Paul"
1. I.e., to do or obey whatever Paul had said
2. We can infer from what follows that it included baptism
3. Lydia and her household are baptized - Ac 16:15
3. SOME OBSERVATIONS...
1. Once again we see things gleaned from earlier examples of conversion
1. Very religious people are being receptive to the gospel - Ac 2,3,8,9,10
2. Baptism occurs immediately, after hearing just one lesson - Ac 2,8,10
2. In begging Paul and his companions to stay with her, she asks "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord..."
1. What evidence was there to determine whether she was faithful?
2. At the very least, there was her willingness to be baptized!
3. Did her "household" include infants?
1. Proponents of infant baptism often appeal to the example of a "household" being baptized as evidence of infant baptism in the early church
2. They say it is plausible to assume infants were present, but is that the case here?
1. Lydia was a businesswoman, with no mention of a husband
2. She was from Thyatira, possibly in Philippi only on business (though she did have a home)
3. We can just as easily assume that her household was made up of servants, or at the least, children old enough to travel
-- The burden of proof rests upon those seeking to support infant baptism, and the evidence in this case simply isn't there

[From the example of one who was evidently a truth-seeker, we now turn to the conversion of one who appears to have "stumbled" onto the gospel...]

2. THE CONVERSION OF THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER AND HIS HOUSEHOLD
1. PRECIPITATED BY THE ARREST OF PAUL AND SILAS...
1. Paul exorcises a spirit of divination from a slave girl - Ac 16:16-18
2. Her masters have Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned - Ac 16:19-24
2. THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER AND HIS HOUSEHOLD ARE BAPTIZED...
1. Events leading to the jailer's conversion - Ac 16:25-29
1. Paul and Silas are singing in prison at midnight, with others listening
2. An earthquake shakes loose the doors and everyone's chains
3. The jailer, fearing the prisoners escaped, is about to commit suicide
4. He is stopped by Paul, who reassures him that all the prisoners are present
5. Trembling, he falls down before Paul and Silas
2. The conversion of the jailer and his household - Ac 16:30-34
1. He asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved"
2. Paul responds, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household"
3. Paul then proceeds to speak the word of the Lord to him and those in his house
4. In the same hour of the night, the jailer washes the stripes of Paul and Silas, and is baptized along with all his family
5. He then brings Paul and Silas into his home, feeds them, and rejoices that he and his family have believed in God
3. SOME OBSERVATIONS...
1. This example of conversion does not teach salvation by "faith only"
1. It is common for some people to simply note verses 30-31
1. They offer this verse as containing the whole plan of salvation
2. Denying therefore the necessity of baptism
2. Of course, this verse says nothing about repentance, confessing Jesus, etc., which the Bible requires elsewhere - cf. Ac 3:19; 17:30; Ro 10:9-10
3. The context must be taken into consideration
1. Salvation requires faith, so it is natural that would be the first thing to tell someone who asks "What must I do to be saved?"
2. Without faith, one is not a suitable subject for baptism - cf. Ac 8:36-37
3. Having established the necessity of faith, Paul proceeded to speak "the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house." - Ac 16:32
1. Though not mentioned, would this not have included the need to repent?
2. What is mentioned, though, is that they were baptized immediately!
-- Clearly the "word of the Lord" included baptism - Mk 16:16
4. It is not until after he and his family were baptized, that Luke describes them as "having believed in God with all his household" - Ac 16:34
4. Taken out of context, one might use verses 30-31 to teach salvation does not involve baptism, but in the context it certainly appears to play a significant role!
2. This example of conversion reveals something about the "purpose" of baptism
1. Contrary to the doctrine of many churches, the purpose of baptism is not to make a public profession of one's faith
2. As we saw in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, baptism can occur when there is only the baptizer and the baptizee - Ac 8:36-38
3. In this case, a family is baptized in the wee hours of the morning (after midnight, in the same hour) - Ac 16:25,33
4. The purpose of baptism is hinted at by the fact...
1. It was done immediately, even in the pre-dawn hour
2. It was done whether in private or public
5. This example of conversion is consistent with the purpose expressed...
1. By Peter ("for the remission of sins") - Ac 2:36
2. By Ananias ("wash away your sins") - Ac 22:16
-- As such, you don't delay, and it doesn't matter if done in private!
3. This example of conversion provides no evidence of infant baptism
1. Again, some appeal to the mention of "household" to infer infants were included in the baptism
2. Yet the text states that:
1. Paul "spoke the word of the Lord...to all who were in his house", implying that all were able to listen and understand what was said - Ac 16:32
2. The jailer rejoiced, "having believed in God with all his household"; i.e., everyone believed, implying the ability of all to believe what they heard - Ac 16:34
3. There is nothing here to preclude what we have already concluded as necessary requirements to be a subject qualified for baptism:
1. Repentance - Ac 2:38
2. Whole-hearted faith - Ac 8:37
-- Both of which infants are incapable

CONCLUSION

1. With the conversion of "Two Households At Philippi", a wonderful church was born...
1. The church at Philippi, to which the epistle to the Philippians was written
2. A congregation that supported the apostle Paul and the preaching of the gospel throughout Macedonia and into Achaia - Php 1:3-5; 4:15-16
3. A congregation that was mindful of Paul even toward the end of his life, as he awaited trial in Rome - Php 4:10,14,17-18
-- Never underestimate the effect of the gospel in the life of a family!
2. The conversion of "Two Households At Philippi" are illustrative of what Jesus taught in two parables...
1. "The Hidden Treasure" (Mt 13:44) depicts one who stumbles onto the truth; the Philippian jailer was such a person
2. "The Pearl Of Great Price" (Mt 13:45-46) depicts one who is searching for the truth; Lydia of Thyatira was certainly seeking to please God
-- What is important to note is that the Lord knew such people existed at Philippi (cf. the "Macedonian Call"), and saw to it that they had an opportunity to hear the gospel

What kind of person are you? Whether you are one who has been on a life-long search for truth, or have simply stumbled across the gospel, are you willing to allow God to open your heart through the gospel and heed the word of the Lord?

Only God knows, but perhaps you will save not only yourself, but your whole family as well...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Athenians (17:16-34) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_08.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Athenians (17:16-34)

INTRODUCTION

1. Our next example of conversion is another often overlooked...
1. It is the conversion of "The Athenians", two of whom are specifically mention by name
2. Yet they are usually not listed in charts showing examples of conversion
3. Again, it likely because little is said, other than that they "believed" - Ac 17:34
2. But our purpose in this series is to also consider the sermons which led people to Christ...
1. In this case we have a remarkable sermon by the apostle Paul
2. A sermon proclaimed not to Jews or even Gentile God-fearers (like Cornelius), but to pagan philosophers and polytheists
3. So our focus in this lesson will be more on the sermon itself, with attention to...
1. How Paul addressed those who did not know the God of Israel
2. The themes Paul addressed in this sermon

[We begin our study with a look at...]

1. THE SETTING OF THE SERMON
1. PAUL HAD JUST ARRIVED IN ATHENS...
1. Following a hasty departure from Berea - Ac 17:13-15
2. Provoked by the idolatry rampant in the city, he began preaching at every opportunity - Ac 17:16-17
1. Reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and Gentile worshipers
2. Reasoning daily with any who happened to be in marketplace
2. HE ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF SOME PHILOSOPHERS...
1. In particular, certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers - Ac 17:18
1. Some of which viewed him as a proclaimer of foreign gods
2. Because Paul was preaching of Jesus and the resurrection
2. They brought him to the Areopagus and invited him to speak - Ac 17:19-21
1. A rocky hill about 370 feet high, not far from the Acropolis and the Agora (marketplace) in Athens - Holman Bible Dictionary
2. As Luke explains, it was a place where Athenians and visitors spent their time discussing any new idea or thing that came along
3. Not having heard the doctrine of Christ, they wanted to know more

[With such an invitation, you can imagine that Paul was delighted to accommodate them...]

2. PAUL'S SERMON AT THE AREOPAGUS
1. THE THEME: THE GOD THEY DO NOT KNOW...
1. Acknowledging their religious devotion, he made mention of one altar in particular - Ac 17:22-23a
1. An altar with the inscription: "To The Unknown God"
2. So devout, they sought to worship a god they did not know
2. He used this as an opportunity to preach concerning the True God they did not know! - Ac 17:23b
2. THE MAIN POINTS...
1. God is the creator of the universe - Ac 17:24
1. He made the world, He is Lord of heaven and earth
2. As such, He does not dwell in temples made with hands - cf. 1Ki 8:22-30
2. God is the sustainer of life - Ac 17:25
1. He gives to all life their breath and what they need - cf. Jm 1:17
2. Therefore God is not worshipped as though He needs it
3. God is the ruler of all the nations - Ac 17:26-27
1. He has created every nation and determined their rise and fall - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17
2. Everything is designed to prompt men to seek God, who is not far from any of us
4. God is the Father of mankind - Ac 17:28-29
1. From God we come; and in Him we live, move, and have our very being
2. Therefore we should not think that God is like any idol of gold, silver or stone
5. God is the Judge of the world - Ac 17:30-31
1. What ignorance He may have overlooked in the past, such is no longer the case
2. He now commands all men everywhere to repent
3. Why? Because of the coming Judgment, in which...
1. God will judge the world in righteousness
2. God will judge the world through Jesus Christ - Jn 5:22, 26-27; 12:48
4. As proof such will occur, God raised Jesus from the dead
-- These five points are from John Stott's book, The Spirit, The Church, And The World
3. THE RESPONSE...
1. The mention of the resurrection provoked a response - Ac 17:32
1. Some mocked (to many philosophers, the idea of a bodily resurrection is foolishness)
2. Others were more cordial, offering to listen again at another time
2. But as Paul left, some joined him and believed - Ac 17:33-34
1. Specifically mentioned are Dionysius the Areopagite, and Damaris, a woman
2. Others also joined Paul and believed
3. SOME OBSERVATIONS
1. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PAUL'S SERMON...
1. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23
1. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected
2. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26
2. Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience - Ac 17:23-27
1. They believed in supreme beings, but didn't know the True God
2. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he began with the nature of God; we too should take into consideration where one is spiritually
3. Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29
1. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point
2. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority accepted by others (when in harmony with God's Word)
4. Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31
1. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. Ac 2:38; 3:19
2. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel message
5. Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31
1. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising Jesus
2. Indeed, if Jesus did rise from the dead, it is proof of:
1. The existence of God
2. The truthfulness of all of Jesus' claims
3. The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
3. This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic for the resurrection of Jesus
2. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
1. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34
1. Some mocked what they heard
2. Some put off making a decision until later
3. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed
-- Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last!
2. Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34
1. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?
2. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?
3. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed
1. It involved a complete reception of the message preached
2. It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism)
4. Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here
1. "There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272
2. "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.)
3. "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.)

CONCLUSION

1. Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all...
1. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience
2. Where we end must always be the same:
1. Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance
2. With Jesus as the only way to salvation!
2. When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are...
1. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men
2. Repentance from sin
3. Baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood

One's reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:

• Rejection ("some mocked")
• Reluctance ("others said, we will hear you again on this matter")
• Reception ("some men joined him and believed")

In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_10.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our survey of "Conversions In The Book of Acts", we have considered the following examples of conversion...
1. The 3000 on Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
2. The 2000 at Solomon's Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
3. The Samaritans - Ac 8:4-25
4. The Ethiopian Eunuch - Ac 8:26-40
5. Saul Of Tarsus - Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18
6. Cornelius And His Household - Ac 10:1-48; 11:1-18
7. Two Households At Philippi - Ac 16:6-34
8. The Athenians - Ac 17:16-34
9. The Corinthians - Ac 18:1-11
2. There were others that we might have considered, but did not...
1. Those at Antioch of Syria - Ac 11:19-21
2. Sergius Paulus on the island of Paphos - Ac 13:4-12
3. Those at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:13-48
4. Those at Iconium, Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:1-20
5. Those at Thessalonica and Berea - Ac 17:1-12
6. Apollos, who was taught by Aquilla and Priscilla - Ac 18:24-28
3. But in those we examined, I shared the following observations:
1. The gospel message was one that focused on Jesus...
1. Who died for our sins
2. Who was raised from the dead
3. Who is both Lord and Christ, returning again one day to judge the world
2. The response expected of those who heard was one of...
1. Faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (which included confessing that faith)
2. Repentance of one's sins
3. Baptism for the remission of sins
4. Before we conclude this series, I wish to examine one more case of conversion...
1. It is the last example of conversion in Acts (with the possible of exception of some in the audience when Paul spoke at Rome - Ac 28:23-24)
2. It is unique for several reasons, one of which is that it describes a "re-baptism"

[I am referring to "The Twelve Disciples Of John", recorded in Ac 19:1-10. As we begin this study, let's review the Biblical record...]

1. THE CONVERSION OF TWELVE "DISCIPLES"
1. PAUL'S ARRIVAL IN EPHESUS...
1. He had just started his third journey - Ac 18:22-23
2. At the end of his second journey, he had made a quick stop at Ephesus - Ac 18:19-21
3. True to his word, he returned to Ephesus - Ac 19:1
2. PAUL MEETS TWELVE "DISCIPLES"...
1. He finds some "disciples", who were twelve in number - Ac 19:1b,7
2. Upon questioning, he learns they were disciples of John the Baptist - Ac 19:2-3
1. He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed
1. As explained in the conversion of "The Samaritans" (Ac 8:4-25), I believe the phrase "receive the Holy Spirit" to be a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit
2. As an apostle, Paul had the ability to impart spiritual gifts - Ro 1:11; 2Ti 1:6
3. Assuming the "disciples" to have been baptized into Christ, he desired to give them gifts from the Spirit (such as the gifts of tongues and prophesy, cf. 1Co 12:10)
2. Their immediate answer sparks another question from Paul
1. They had not heard about a Holy Spirit
1. They must not have known much of John's own teaching, for he taught about the Holy Spirit - cf. Mt 3:11
2. They clearly could not have been properly baptized into Christ, for it is a baptism into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! - cf. Mt 28:19
2. So Paul inquires into their baptism
1. He learns that it was John's baptism
2. Some have suggested that these 12 may have been converted by Apollos before Apollos himself learned the truth - cf. Ac 18:24-25
3. THE TWELVE ARE "RE-BAPTIZED"...
1. Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance, he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him - Ac 19:4
2. The twelve are then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5
1. This would be the baptism commanded by Jesus - Mt 28:18-20
2. And the baptism expected of all would-be disciples of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16
3. Following their baptism, Paul laid hands on them and the Spirit imparted gifts of tongues and prophesy - Ac 19:6-7

[Such was the beginning of a very successful period for the gospel (cf. Ac 19:8-10). Again we see what was considered the normal response of one who wished to become a disciple of Jesus (faith and baptism).

The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism": Under what circumstances should one be baptized again? Here are some thoughts regarding this question...]

2. IS "RE-BAPTISM" EVER NECESSARY?
1. OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE TWELVE DISCIPLES...
1. They had been previously "baptized"
2. Their baptism, however, was lacking in some way
1. Even though it was immersion
2. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4
3. But baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 10:48; 19:5
1. That is, by His authority
2. Which would have been a baptism into the name of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19
3. Because their first baptism LACKED AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT, "re-baptism" was necessary!
-- May we not conclude that if an earlier baptism lacks some essential element, then "re-baptism" is necessary?
2. WHEN "RE-BAPTISM" IS APPROPRIATE...
1. There are four "essential elements" of Bible baptism
1. The proper MODE: a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3; Col 2:12
2. The proper AUTHORITY: in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5
3. The proper PURPOSE: remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16
4. The proper SUBJECT: penitent believer - Ac 2:38; 8:37; Mk 16:16
2. When just one of these "essential elements" was lacking, "re-baptism" was commanded
1. In Ac 19:1-5, the proper AUTHORITY was lacking
2. Even though their previous baptism had the right MODE, PURPOSE, and SUBJECT
3. Some cases where "re-baptism" would seem appropriate
1. If we were baptized by SPRINKLING OR POURING, for the proper mode is immersion
2. If we were baptized by THE AUTHORITY OF ANYONE OTHER THAN JESUS, for the proper authority is Jesus Christ
3. If we were baptized AS A PUBLIC CONFESSION OF FAITH (thinking that we were already saved), for the proper purpose is the remission of sins
4. If we were baptized BUT WERE NOT PENITENT BELIEVERS, for a proper subject is one who believes "with all their heart"
1. E.g., when one is baptized just because their friends are doing it
2. E.g., Because their spouse, fiancé or parents are pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God)
4. But let me be sure to clarify:
1. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an essential element...
1. It is not really "re-baptism!"
2. For in the strictest sense, that person is finally being baptized scripturally for the FIRST time!
2. When one has been scripturally baptized ONCE...
1. There is never a need to be baptized again!
2. Once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism:
1. The blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins
2. As we REPENT and CONFESS our sins to God in prayer - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9

CONCLUSION

1. The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" certainly illustrates that one can...
1. Be religious
2. Have undergone some baptismal experience ...and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ!
2. One can rest assured that they are a true disciple of Jesus when their baptism had...
1. The right MODE - immersion
2. The right AUTHORITY- Jesus Christ
3. The right PURPOSE - remission of sins
4. The right SUBJECT - penitent believer
-- Lacking any of these "essential elements", one should consider being baptized again in order to "make your calling and election sure"
3. If we desire to truly be disciples of Jesus Christ, then let's make sure...
1. We proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as preached by His apostles in the first century A.D.
2. We have responded to that gospel in the same manner as those who heard the good news preached in its purity and simplicity

I pray that this study, "Conversions In The Book Of Acts", has been beneficial toward that end.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Corinthians (18:1-11) by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/conversions-in-acts/cia_09.html

"CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Corinthians (18:1-11)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following his limited success at Athens, Paul went to nearby Corinth...
1. An economic center of Greece, known for its immorality
2. It became an important focus of Paul's ministry
1. Where he stayed a year and a half on his second missionary journey
2. Where he visited once and possibly twice on his third journey
3. A well-known church was established, the recipient of at least two epistles by Paul
2. The establishment of the church is described in Ac 18:1-11 in which we read of...
1. Paul's work in the local synagogue
2. The conversion of many Corinthians, including the ruler of the synagogue
3. We also read something about their conversion in 1Co 1:14-17...
1. Where Paul expresses thanks for personally baptizing just a few of the Corinthians
2. In which some have concluded that Paul was declaring the non-essentiality of baptism
4. In this study we shall examine the conversion of "The Corinthians"...
1. Once again, to glean what we can about the gospel's message and response
2. To determine whether Paul was actually demeaning the importance of baptism in his epistle to the Corinthians

[Turning to Ac 18:1-11, let's review Luke's account of...]

1. THE CONVERSION OF THE CORINTHIANS
1. PAUL'S ARRIVAL IN CORINTH...
1. He meets up with Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:1-2
2. Of the same trade (tentmakers), Paul stays with them - Ac 18:3
2. PAUL'S MINISTRY AT CORINTH...
1. He goes to the synagogue, as was his custom - Ac 18:4; cf. Ac 17:1-3
1. He "reasons" with the people, as he did with...
1. Those at Thessalonica - cf. Ac 17:2
2. Those at Athens - Ac 17:17
3. Those at Ephesus - Ac 18:19; 19:8-9
4. Felix the governor - Ac 24:25
5. Festus and Agrippa - Ac 26:25
-- The gospel is designed to appeal to the mind as well as the heart! - cf. Mt 22:37
2. He "persuades" both Jews and Greeks...
1. As he did at Thessalonica - Ac 17:4
2. As he did at Ephesus - Ac 19:8
3. As he came close to doing with King Agrippa - Ac 26:28
-- Again, the gospel appeals to the reasoning processes of the mind
2. When Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is constrained to preach even more - Ac 18:5
1. He "testified" to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ - cf. Ac 20:21,24; 23:11; 28:23
2. Such testimony likely involved:
1. Using the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament - Ac 17:2-3
2. His eyewitness testimony as an apostle - cf. Ac 26:16
3. Rejection by some of the Jews sends him to the Gentiles - Ac 18:6-7
1. Just as it did at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:45-46
2. In Corinth, Paul has only to go next door, to the home of Justus
4. The gospel bears fruit in Corinth - Ac 18:8
1. Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believes with all his household - cf. 1Co 1:14
2. Many of the Corinthians believe and are baptized
5. Encouraged by the Lord in a vision, Paul stays for a year and a half - Ac 18:9-11

[With Luke's description, we see a similarity with what we have read before. Upon hearing the gospel, those persuaded both believe and are baptized (cf. Ac 8:12; 18:8). This is certainly in keeping with the commission of our Lord (cf. Mk 16:15-16).

But often people will use Paul's comments in 1Co 1:14-17 to say that baptism has nothing to do with conversion (salvation). Is that true? Let's take a close look at...]

2. PAUL'S COMMENTS TO THE CORINTHIANS
1. THE CONTEXT...
1. The church at Corinth was badly divided - 1Co 1:10-11
2. People were aligning themselves as followers of different men (perhaps based upon who baptized them) - 1Co 1:12-13
3. Paul illustrates the absurdity of calling themselves after men with several rhetorical questions
1. "Is Christ divided?"
2. "Was Paul crucified for you?"
3. "Were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
-- The implied answer to each question was "NO!"
4. But notice what else is implied by each question...
1. Christ is not divided
2. It was Christ (not some man) who was crucified for you
3. You were baptized, not in the name of some man, but in the name of Christ!
-- So the context itself implies what we read in Ac 18:8 ("...many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.")
2. PAUL'S COMMENTS...
1. "I thank God that I baptized none of you except..." - 1Co 1:14
1. Paul should be understood in light of the context
2. Since some of the Corinthians were dividing over who may have baptized them, Paul was grateful that he had not PERSONALLY baptized many of them
3. His reason?
1. Not because he did not consider baptism important
2. But as he states himself: "...lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name." - 1Co 1:15
4. The Corinthians had been baptized - cf. Ac 18:8; 1Co 1:13
1. As a result of Paul's preaching, by the way
2. But not many by Paul personally, for which he was later thankful!
2. "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." - 1Co 1:17
1. Are we to understand Paul to say that he did not preach baptism?
1. Clearly he did to Lydia and the Philippian jailor - Ac 16:14-15; 32-33
2. Clearly he did to the Corinthians - Ac 18:8
3. He taught baptism as the means by which one puts on Christ - Ga 3:27
4. He taught baptism as the means by which one dies to sin - Ro 6:1-7
2. Rather, we are to understand that Paul was emphasizing his function as apostle
1. He was sent to preach the gospel (which includes the command to be baptized - Mk 16:15-16)
2. It was not his primary function to perform the baptisms of those who responded to the gospel!
1. Though he did in some cases - 1Co 1:14,16
2. But he was often accompanied by others (e.g., Silas, Timothy, Luke), and they were likely the ones to handle the physical act of immersing people
3. In view of what later occurred at Corinth, he is simply thankful that his involvement in the act of baptizing others was rather limited
-- Such was the point of Paul's comments, and they should not be understood as Paul demeaning the value or place of baptism in the process of conversion!

CONCLUSION

1. The conversion of "The Corinthians" confirms what we have seen in previous examples of conversions in the book of Acts...
1. The gospel concerning Jesus as the Christ was proclaimed
2. Those "persuaded" by the gospel message believed and were baptized immediately
2. The conversion of "The Corinthians" also stands out because of the impact the gospel had in their lives...
1. As mentioned, the city of Corinth was known for its immorality
2. Many of the members of the church had lived immoral lives - cf. 1Co 6:9-11a
3. Yet through their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Paul could write:

   "But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1Co 6:11)

Such is the power of the gospel of Christ to the obedient believer. Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified"? Let the conversions in the book of Acts show you how!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022