Short Reflection from Acts 11-20

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (GP&C) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

ACTS 11:30

"This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."

This is the first time the word "elders" (referring to church leaders) appears in the New Testament. Btw, every time it appears in plural form. That's why I believe a biblical church should strive to have a plurality of elders. Of course, if a church can't have one, it doesn't mean it is a non-biblical church.

I have checked all its occurrences in my Bible software. A few times, we see it in the singular, like John the elder, and we know that's because it is referring to a specific, particular elder. But when addressed to church leadership, it's always plural!

Another observation: even the Apostles submit to the elders. Let no council, no association, no synod, nobody dictate the local church elders to do this and that!

 

ACTS 12: 17, 25

“But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, ‘Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.’ And he departed and went to another place.”

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.”

Another observation on church leadership from ACTS 12

James the apostle is dead. Peter is arrested by Herod and freed by the angel. v17. Peter reports to James (the brother of Jesus who wrote the epistle). v25 Barnabas and Paul come back to Jerusalem. Obviously to report their missionary work. Because James is already the head/leader of the church of Jerusalem. We see all these in Acts 15 particularly v19.

Interestingly, James (and not the Apostles or the missionaries) is the leader!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟙𝟛:𝟜𝟚

"As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath."

I wish to see this in my ministry or in my lifetime. People hungering for the glorious truth of the Gospel!

 

ACTS 14:2

"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren."

Yes, that phrase is in the Bible. The Bible acknowledges that there are people who poisoned others' minds. In reflection, is gossiping not a kind of poisoning other's heart to think ill of that person?

I cannot remember how many times I have poisoned people's minds, which I surely must have done a lot. But I still remember and am affected today because some had poisoned my mind to doubt some individuals! Friends, let us not allow ourselves to be busybodies! It often seems to be the case that minding others' business is more harmful to self than harming them!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟙𝟝:𝟙𝟙

"But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are."

Peter's Gospel like the Paul's Gospel is the Gospel of Grace. Not the observance of Law since none has the ability to obey perfectly. Grace is for those who can't obey perfectly.

 

ACTS 16

I love the spirit of Paul! I pray God will help me develop such an attitude!

Paul faced opposition from within, he compromised because that was better. And the result was the churches were strengthened.

Then Paul faced opposition from without, and after many days of endurance, he confronted them with the power of the gospel.

Then he was beaten, stopped, and imprisoned, but Paul's heart was full of songs unto God. When it was time for his release, he dared to confront the injustice of the magistrates.

# Compromising, endurance, prayerfulness in the midst of opposition and suffering. And the courage to confront injustice. #

 

ACTS 17:9

"So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go."

What kind of security? I don't know for sure. But when I read the letter to Thessalonians, it looks like it is to ban Paul from coming to the town again!

Forbid it, Lord, to let such happen. But this is sobering to think through. What if godless people threaten to kill some group of people if we attempt to reach out to them?

To me, it looks easier to lay down my life than to let others die in the cause of the gospel. I don't know for others.

 

ACTS 18: 11

“And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

The description of Paul’s ministry of 1 and a half years is teaching the word of God. Gospel Ministers (pastors) must be primarily known for teaching the word of God.

 

ACTS 19:10

"And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks."

Only 2 years and the whole of Asia heard the word!!!

I have been to some places and stayed for more than 2 years. It's humbling to even think of Paul!

 

𝔸𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝟚𝟘:𝟛𝟝

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Helping. Giving. Working.

Those who have continues to work and help the poor. After all, not everyone has the same skills to work nor has the potential to earn much.