Mission to Judea & Samaria

Mission to Judea & Samaria
Acts 8-12

Acts 8 Ministry of Phillip

Mission to Judea & Samaria – Acts 8
Discussion Questions for Acts 8 Who is Philip? Where is the teaching of the gospel being done in Acts 8? Who are the Samaritans?

Growth of the church under persecution (8:1-9:31) Saul's activities (8:1-3) Persecution intensifies (8:1) Saul agreement in killing Stephen Great persecution arose that day against the church in Jerusalem Christians scattered into Judea and Samaria. The apostles stayed in Jerusalem. Stephen buried by "devout men." (8:2). Saul going from house to house putting Christians in prison (8:3)

Preaching of the word by those scattered (8:4-40) Philip and begins to work in Samaria (8:4-8) Samaritans were people who lived north of Judea and were people that were ethnically part Jewish and part non-Jewish – Jews tended to look down on them because they were not pure Jewish and they did not worship in Jerusalem Those scattered preach the word (8:4) Philip goes to Samaria to preach Christ (8:5) People hear, saw sign he preformed, many unclean spirits cast out, and paralyzed and lame healed (8:6-7) Rejoicing in the city (8:8)

Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria – Acts 8

Philip, the apostles and Simon, the magician (8:9-25) Simon, magician had been astonishing people (8:9-11) Claimed to be someone great (9) People thought he had the great power of God (10) Philip's preaching is believed by the people (8:12-13) People were being baptized (12) Simon believes Simon continues with Philip observing the signs and great miracles, being amazed

Apostles work in Samaria (8:14-25) Apostles hear that the Samaritans had received the word of God Samaritan were half Jewish and half Gentile Jews did not associate with them and look down on them (Jn. 4:9) Peter and John were sent Prayed for them and laid their hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (15-17) Simply baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Holy spirit had not fallen on them yet Act 2:38 all Christians receive the Holy Spirit at baptism (Acts 5:32) Falling on is God showing that Samaritans as well as Jews are in his kingdom Acts 10: Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius – miraculous gifts

Simon's desire for gifts (8:18-24) Simon saw that the Spirit was given by the laying on of the apostles hands (Note: Philip could do miracles but he could not pass it on to other people.) Simon offers them money to have the power to give the Spirit to other (19) Peter condemns him for having the wrong attitude and tells him to repent to get forgiveness (20-24) Was Simon sincere? May not have known about what the apostles could do before he became a Christian Told to repent not be rebaptized Apostles preaching in many villages in Samaria on their way back to Jerusalem (25)

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-39) Lord tells Philip to go to the road that goes south from Jerusalem to Gaza (8:26) God does not force conversion but provides an opportunity. Philip finds and Ethiopian court official (eunuch) Official for Queen Candace of Ethiopia (Nubia with principle cities of Meroe and Napata) In charge of her treasury (very trusted) Had been worshipping in Jerusalem Believer - devout man In his chariot reading Isaiah on his way home.

Map of Jerusalem Judea Gaza Samaria Acts 8

Philip preaches in all towns as far as Caesarea (Acts 8:40)
Philip the deacon journeys to Samaria (Acts 8:5) Philip preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:9–13) Peter & John sent to impart Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14–24) Ethiopian eunuch returning from Jerusalem (Acts 8:27–28) Philip teaches & baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29–38) Apostles preach in villages of Samaria to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25) Philip caught away, found at Azotus (Acts 8:39–40) Philip sent to Gaza Road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26)

Map of Africa Gaza to Ethiopia (Nubia) Acts 8

Philip teaches the Ethiopian Eunuch The Isaiah verse was speaking of Jesus After hearing Philip's teaching he asks a question about baptism Why is the question important? It show Philip was teaching about the necessity of baptism (36) Need for belief but disputed passage (37) Philip and the Ethiopian go down it the water and he is baptized (38). After baptism Philip snatched away by the spirit and the Eunuch went away rejoicing (39) Philip kept preaching the gospel from Azotus into other cities until he came to Caesarea (40)

Things to remember from Acts 8 Christian teaching spread to Samaria Conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch through Phillip

Persecution to Conversion of Paul
Acts 9 Persecution to Conversion of Paul

Discussion Questions for Acts 9 Who were the people of “the Way” and why were they called that? Who was the persecutor of Christians who became a Christian and what mission did God give him?

Saul: Persecutor to Christian – A. D. 33 (9:1-31) Saul persecution of the church outside of Jerusalem (9:1-2) Saul breathing threats & murder, asked for a letter from high priest to synagogue in Damascus for permission to arrest Christians, called "the Way” – Jesus said he was the “way,” “truth,” & “life.” (Jn. 14:6) Bring them bound to Jerusalem. Jesus speaks to Saul in a bright light (9:3-9). Saul was on his way to Damascus when a bright light flashed around him and voice heard by Saul. Jesus words (9:4-6). Saul told to enter the city and he will be told what he must do. Traveling companions heard the sound but saw no one. Saul blind and was in Damascus three days blind, not eating, or drinking.

Map of Jerusalem to Damascus Acts 8

Saul is baptized and begins preaching (9:10-22) 4th century catacomb picture of Paul Lord appeared to the disciple Ananias in a vision and was told to go to the house of Judas and find Saul who is praying. (9:10-16) Paul was told in a vision that a man named Ananias will come and lay hands on him to receive his sight. Ananias knows of Saul's work and harm but God reassures Ananias Saul chosen for a purpose: take the Lord's name to the Gentiles, kings, and sons of Israel. Saul will suffer for his name.

Saul is baptized and begins preaching (9:10-22) Ananias goes to Saul (9:17-22). Ananias tells Saul he has been sent so he can regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul regains his sight and is baptized (see also 22:16). Paul was with the disciples in Damascus and began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. People were amazed at Saul's change of heart. Paul was effectively proving Jesus is the Christ. Jews plot to kill Saul (9:23-25) Watching the gates but Saul is let down in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Saul in Jerusalem – A. D. 36 (9:26-30) Acts jumps forward three years to about A.D. 36 (Gal. 1:17) Paul tries to associate with the disciples but they are afraid of him. Barnabas brought him to the apostles. Described how Paul had seen the Lord and talked to the Lord. Described how Paul had spoken out boldly in Jesus name. Paul move freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of Jesus but the Hellenistic Jews wanted to kill him. Brethren send Paul to Caesarea and the Tarsus. (also Gal. 1:21) Church enjoying peace (9:31) Continued in the fear of the Lord and comfort of Holy Spirit Continued to increase

Peter's ministry in Judea (9:32--43) Healing of Aeneas (9:32-35) Peter teaching the "saints" (true believers) in Lydda. Healed Aeneas who was paralyzed (bedridden for eight years). Said "Jesus Christ heals you“ and many who lived in Lydda and Sharon "turned to the Lord." Raising of Tabitha from the dead, Greek - Dorcas (9:36-43) Tabitha know for her kindness and charity in Joppa but fell sick and died. Disciples send for Peter & showed him all the things she made. Peter sends them out, prays and tells Tabitha to rise Called the saints and widows in and presented her alive. Word spread all over Joppa and many believed in the Lord. Peter stayed with Simon a tanner by trade.

Two things to remember in Chapter 9. Saul's conversion Peter's preaching, healing, and raising the dead

Gentiles become Disciples
Acts 10 Gentiles become Disciples

Discussion Questions for Acts 10 Who are the two main characters in Acts 10? Why are the events in Acts 10 so important to the Christian movement? What was the meaning of Peter’s vision from God?

Church to include the Gentiles (10:1-11:18) Cornelius' prayers answered (10:1-8) Centurion living in Caesarea – Centurion is a Roman commander of 100 soldiers Devout man (God fearer) – Devout is a Gentile who believes in the one God but is not a Jew Gave alms to people Prayed continually Angel appeared to Cornelius His prayers and alms (gifts of charity) came before God Told to send for Simon Peter in Joppa at Simon the tanner's house. Sends two of his servants and a devout soldier explaining everything to them.

Cornelius, the Centurion lived in Caesarea on the coast of Israel and the residence of the governor

Peter's vision (10:9-16) On the housetop the sixth hour to pray Saw a vision of something like a sheet full of unclean animals Voice tells them to kill and eat Peter replies that he has never eaten anything unclean. Voice replies what God has cleansed no longer consider unclean Happened three times

Peter goes to teach Cornelius (10:17-33) Peter perplexed about the vision Men from Cornelius arrive and Peter goes with them the next day with some disciples from Joppa (18-23) Spirit told him of the visitors and to go with them Visitors tell him Cornelius sent them Peter arrives in Caesarea to teach Cornelius Peter notes that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles but God said no one was unclean Cornelius explains why he sent for Peter Angel said his prayers had been heard and alms remembered. Told to send for Simon Peter staying at the house of Simon the Tanner which they did.

Peter teaches (10:34-43) Peter states he understands that God welcomes everyone from every nation who fear God and does what is right. Notes that word was sent to the Sons of Israel to preach peace through Jesus Christ WHO IS LORD OF ALL. They know about what took place in Judea and Galilee after the baptism of John Preached about Jesus God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power Went about doing good Healing the oppressed of the devil God was with Him

Peter teaches (10:39-43) Peter says they are witnesses of the events and His death Witness this resurrection on the third day. Not everyone saw him but those who had been with him did. Reason for the witness of the resurrection: to be able to tell people that it is Jesus who God appointed to be judge over the living and the dead. – Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16) Notes that all prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him has received the forgiveness of sins.

Cornelius and those with him believe (10:44-48). While Peter will still speaking the Spirit fell upon the ones listening. The Jews were amazed. Gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the gentiles also. They spoke in tongues (languages) exalting God. Peters reaction: Cannot refuse them baptism because they have received the Holy Spirit just as they had. Told them to be baptized in the name of Jesus. They stayed a few days.

Two important events in Chapter 10 Peter's vision to call no person unclean. Gentiles able to become Christians.

New Church Planted in Antioch
Acts 11 New Church Planted in Antioch

Discussion Questions for Acts 11 Who took issue with Peter teaching the Gentiles (Cornelius)? What convinced those who opposed Peter to accept the Gentiles? What city do we see a church planted that had Gentiles in it? What were the disciples (followers of Jesus) first called in the city of Antioch?

Peter defends the Gentile ministry (11:1-18) Apostles and Christians in Judea heard about the Gentiles accepting God's word (11:1) Peter in Jerusalem, defend Gentiles becoming Christians They are concerned because he went to the uncircumcised and ate with them. Eating with them was not permitted since they eat unclean foods Peter points out that they are no longer to be considered unclean. Peter explains the events that led to their conversion. Vision in Joppa, Spirit told him to go with men from Caesarea Six brethren went with him.

Peter defends the Gentile ministry (11:1-18) Peter reports Cornelius’ description of angel's message Angel told Cornelius Peter to speaks words for people to be saved (14) Holy Spirit fell on them just as did on the apostles Peter remembered the word of the Lord; John baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Peter reason if God gave them the same gift who was he to stand in God's way. Reaction of the Christian Jews Glorified God God has granted to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life. Peter stresses divine action in all these events.

Church at Antioch Planted (11:19-21) Previously the scattered had preached to the Jews only. Men of Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch and taught the Gentiles (11:20-21) Preached the Lord Jesus, the hand of the Lord was with them and a large number believed. Antioch - third largest city behind Rome and Alexandria. 500,000 to 800,000 in population and know for its lax morality.

Church in Antioch of Syria – Acts 11

Persecution & Expansion A.D. 33 - 47
Disciples first called “Christian” at Antioch (Acts 11:26) Barnabas and Paul sent to Judea with famine relief (Acts 11:29–30) Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with John Mark (Acts 12:25) Agabus & other prophets from Jerusalem warn of famine (Acts 11:27–28) Herod back in Caesarea and dies in A. D. 44 (Acts 12:19–23) Herod kills James, imprisons Peter who was delivered (Acts 12:1–19) Disciples from Cyprus & Cyrene preach to Gentiles in Antioch (Acts 11:19–20) Barnabas sent to Antioch (Acts 11:22–24) Barnabas goes to Tarsus, brings Paul to Antioch (Acts 11:25–26) Christians scattered by persecution after Steven’s death (Acts 11:19–21)

Jerusalem hears of this event and sends Barnabas to Antioch (11:22-24) Barnabas (from Cyprus) witnessed the grace of God. He encouraged to remain true to God. Good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. Barnabas brings Saul to Antioch (11:25-26) Saul was found in Tarsus, his home town Met with the church in Antioch for one year. Taught a considerable number of people. Disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Antioch church assist in famine relief to the Jews – A. D. 47 (11:27-30) A prophet Agabus came from Jerusalem and indicated by the Spirit there would be famine all over the world. This took place in the reign of Claudius (AD 41-54). Extrabiblical writings note famine suffer A.D Disciples gave in proportion as they had means for the relief of the brethren in Judea. Barnabas and Saul were sent with the contribution to the elders. First mention of elders in Acts

Two important events to remember for chapter 11. Peter's defense of Gentiles right to salvation. Church began in Antioch among the Gentiles (Greeks).

Persecution, Death, Expansion
Acts 12 Persecution, Death, Expansion

Discussion Questions for Acts 12 Why did God save Peter but not the apostle James? What kind of effect did the persecution have on the growth of the church?

Mission and Persecution – Acts 12
Persecution by Herod Agrippa I (12:1-25) Church persecuted by Herod Agrippa I (A.D ) James executed (12:2) Herod was a Jew who had grown up part of the time with the Emperor Caligula and so gained the position of king over most of Israel (A.D ). Caligula reigned A.D Current time is A.D. 44 (Claudius is reigning A.D ) Herod catered to the Jews, ostensibly followed Jewish customs and faith. Three children will occur later in Acts - Drusilla married to Felix the governor (Acts 24:24), Herod Agrppa II (Acts 25:13) and Bernice (Acts 25:13)

Family Tree of the Herod Agrippa I & II
King of Palestine 37-4 B.C. Became King of all Palestine in A.D. 41 A.D Killed the Apostle James A.D Heard Paul’s Case

Peter arrested at the Passover and put in prison (12:3-11) Herod was going to execute him after the Passover. Peter was heavily guarded. Angel struck the soundly sleeping Peter. Angel tells him to put on his sandals and cloak. Peter thought he was seeing a vision. Outside he realizes it was real and God had rescued him from Herod. Blood of Christians is the seed of the gospel. Turtullian (3rd Cent.)

Peter goes to Mary's house, mother of John Mark where Christians were praying together (12:12-17) Knock on the door in the gate, servant-girl, Rhoda answered but left Peter standing outside in her joy. People were thinking Rhoda was out of her mind but she kept insisting and thought she saw his "angel“ (messenger) Matt. 18:10 - angels of the children Heb. 1: ministers to those who obtain salvation. They were amazed to see Peter and he tells them to report these things to James and the brethren. James (the Just) = brother of Jesus now in main leadership role. Peter leaves the area to Caesarea We don't read about Peter again until chapter 15

Herod's reaction to Peter’s escape (12:18-19) No small disturbance among the soldiers on how Peter could have escaped. Herod search for him and examined the guards then executed them. Herod's death (12:20-23) Herod probably cut of trade with Phoenicians (Tyre and Sidon) for some reason not stated. Apparently they got the king's chamberlain on their side to get and audience with Herod. During his address to them they cried out the "voice of a god and not a man.“ Angle of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and died.

Herod Agrippa I death – A.D. 44 (12:20-23) The historian Josephus records the death of Herod Agrippa and it differs some but not contradictory but complimentary. Herod Agrippa I died in A.D. 44 This means the apostle James died about A.D. 44

Herod Agrippa I death – A.D. 44 (12:20-23) (343) Now, when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Cesarea, which was formerly called Strato’s Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which festival, a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of dignity through his province. (344) On the second day of which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theatre early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent at to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him; (345) and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another (though not for his good), that he was a god; and they added, “Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.” (346) Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery. Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: Complete and unabridged. Peabody: Hendrickson.

Herod Agrippa I death – A.D. 44 (12:20-23) But, as he presently afterwards looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him; and fell into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. (347) He therefore looked upon his friends, and said, “I whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. But I am bound to accept of what Providence allots as it pleases God; for we have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and happy manner.” (348) When he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly he was carried into the palace; and the rumor went abroad everywhere, that he would certainly die in a little time. (349) But the multitude presently sat in sackcloth, with their wives and children, after the law of their country, and besought God for the king’s recovery. All places were also full of mourning and lamentation. Now the king rested in a high chamber, and as he saw them below lying prostrate on the ground, he could not himself forbear weeping. (350) And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign; (351) Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: Complete and unabridged. Peabody: Hendrickson.

Church continues to grow during persecution (12:24-25) Word of the Lord continued to grow and multiply. Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem having deliver the famine relief. They brought John Mark back with them. John Mark will be involved is Barnabas' and Paul's mission trips.

Events to remember from Acts 12: Death of the apostle James about A.D. 44, same year as Herod Agrippa I died Persecution of the church but it continues to grow

Mission to Judea & Samaria

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