Acts 12:1-3 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
 
AS we’ve noted, the early church’s story describes a time of fruitful harvest and peace. Then it moves to accounts of persecution and death as in Stephen’s and now James’ executions. James’ martyrdom seems to coincide with the church’s growth in Antioch. Government rulers can affect the church one way or another. We all live under such authorities who can persecute the church or allow it to prosper. We must pray and strive for godly leaders to permit the church to grow under the Spirit’s direction.
   The persecuting leader in Jerusalem was Herod Antipas I. He is the grandson of Herod the Great, who ruled Jerusalem when Jesus was born. He is another in a long list of Herods who ruled different regions of Israel. Herod Agrippa I died in 44 A.D. So we know James’ tragic death was within 10 years after Jesus’ ascension.
   We can never truly understand the ways God works to direct some to martyrdom and some to a long life of service. The brothers James and John illustrate both. James’ death was a very different outcome than he and John had envisioned for their lives. Mark 10:35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with.”
   Jesus told James and John that to share in his glory they must first share in his suffering. James died for the gospel, suffering the same cup of suffering Jesus had suffered. John suffered persecution and torture throughout his long life. The suffering cup is a common drink for Jesus’ disciples.
   How do we respond to such a price for our faith? We begin by focusing on Jesus. Your salvation is the reason for his suffering. He has experienced the extreme humiliation and agony of a rejected life and tortuous death, so we may know the joy of our salvation wrapped in his eternal glory.
   Always direct your eyes to your eternal home: Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.  
   Discipleship’s cost is a bargain for heaven’s eternal glory. 

Acts 11:22-26 News of (God’s work in Antioch) reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
 
WOULD God describe you as a “good person”? This is how the Spirit-inspired text describes Barnabas. But does this conflict with Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good – except God alone.”
   Jesus’ point in his teaching was to direct us to the commands about our relationship with one another. Mark 10:19 “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” Our good God has graciously established the law to reveal the right way, the good way, of living in harmony with each other. Because Barnabas is full of the Spirit, he diligently strived to obey God’s good commands.
   That’s why the church leaders sent Barnabas to Antioch. The apostles, who are the personal witnesses of Jesus’ good ministry, trusted Barnabas to correctly represent them in Antioch. Barnabas possessed the character to relate with all people. He was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord.
   Barnabas was also good because he was full of faith. Barnabas knew he needed to help expand God’s work in Antioch. So he went to nearby Tarsus to get Saul. Barnabas had been instrumental in helping Saul gain the apostles’ confidence (Acts 9:27). Together the two of them could teach great numbers of people. Barnabas loved the Lord, and the text indicates he genuinely loved God’s people. We note this is where “Christian” began to describe Jesus’ followers. Is it because Barnabas and the others were good at representing the Christ to the Jews and Gentiles?
   To be good is to pursue God with wisdom and faithfulness. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35a “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him.” Know God’s commands. Then release the good into the world. Let your words and ways reflect God’s good commands. Barnabas wasn’t perfect, and none of us are. But we can help people know God is good as we strive in faith to live in the Spirit’s power.
 
Remember Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law… 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  
   

Acts 11:1-2 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
 
WHY did the church ruling body in Jerusalem criticize, even judge Peter for his ministry to Gentiles? Tthese men confessed faith in Jesus, who had ministered to many Gentiles: Mark 3:8 When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Did they not understand the Scriptures such as Isaiah 42:1 42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.”  
   There is a fundamental truth in our relationship with Jesus: We must continue to learn. Peter’s new ministry was the Spirit’s method to help them Jesus’ disciples understand. The Spirit made good use of Peter’s gift to speak and confirm the gospel is for the Gentiles:
 
Acts 11:4 Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 The I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ 8 I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. 11 Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
 
The Spirit has granted clarity to the speaker and to the listeners. When the church does not understand, it is good and right the listen to what God is teaching and commanding. It is good to watch what he is doing. This is the only way we can more fully live into his will.

Acts 10:44-48 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
 
LET’S begin with Jesus’ final words to his apostles as recorded in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Writing the early church’s history in Acts, Luke used Peter’s ministry to illustrate God’s plan to fulfill Jesus’ command.
   The Spirit first revealed the gospel in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 All of the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. The apostles spoke in other tongues as God’s sign of his supernatural power. Peter preached the gospel, so all could understand. And those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41) The gospel is in Jerusalem.
   Then Acts 8 reports the Spirit advancing the gospel to Samaria. Peter and John investigate. Acts 8:17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Repeating his work at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave an outward sign to the people of Samaria he was transforming lives. The gospel is in Samaria.
   Then God used Peter to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth – to the Gentiles. The Spirit instructed Peter to go to Cornelius’ home. On his arrival, Peter began to speak. And just as had happened in Jerusalem and in Samaria, the Holy Spirit unveiled God’s salvation. Once again as an outward sign, the people who had traveled with Peter heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God. Peter’s and the other Christians’ response was the same as in Jerusalem and Samaria. Acts 10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. For the third time, the Spirit had come to empower Peter’s preaching. People confessed Jesus is Lord. People were baptized. The gospel is now in Jerusalem, Samaria and going to the nations.
   Because the speaking of tongues is the Spirit’s gift on both the apostles and some believers, some believe one is not saved until he receives the gift of tongues. But the Bible is clear first of all that our salvation is not by a gift but only by faith (Romans 10:9-19). And second the Spirit gifts new believers with different gifts (See Romans 12:6-8 and other scriptures).
   The gift of speaking in tongues was the Spirit’s particular tool to help both the apostles and the witnesses know God was directing these events to advance his kingdom. We must remember all of this is God’s new revelation of Jesus’ atoning death to redeem the sins of the world. Everyone had much to learn. God was using all his tools to reveal his truth.
   How is he using you? Your church?  
 
 

Acts 10:39-43 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
 
IF you’ve been reading through Acts with us, you’ll likely read this Scripture and say, “I’ve heard this before.” You are right.
   Earlier Peter had told the Jews in Jerusalem, “You killed the author of life” (3:15); to the rulers he said, “You crucified him”  (4:10); and to the Sanhedrin he replied, “You killed him by hanging him on a tree” (5:30). And Stephen told the Sanhedrin, “You... have murdered him” (7:52). Also, on five occasions in Acts, the apostles said they were witnesses of the resurrected Christ (2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:41; 13:30-31). (from Bible Knowledge Commentary)
   The truth needed to be told. By his grace, the Lord arranged numerous circumstances for the gospel truth to be spoken. We can be sure the apostles spoke the gospel many more times. After all, it is the central message of God’s story throughout the Bible. People then and now need to hear once, twice, three times and more. We pray at some point they will say, “Yes, Lord!”
   Jesus’ messengers must repeat the truth because endless lies assault him. For example, on the day of Jesus’ resurrection the Jews contrived a lie about the disciples stealing his body. (Matthew 28:13) As the church developed, there were many false teachings attempting to reduce Jesus to a mere ghost or to reject his life entirely.
   When you know what is true, you must repeat the truth. It is very easy to feel the opposition’s assault against your faith. All types of people want to tell Christians we are fools to believe. If they can keep us quiet their noise will dominate the world.
   Be steadfast to make noise for Jesus! A lost world needs to know the way home to God. Yes, it’s often true that when we talk the good news we may feel no one listens. Be encouraged. The Lord wants you to know he has chosen people to listen to the truth. Keep talking. In the same way someone has told you, you must be God’s good news messenger.
 

Acts 10:27-33 Talking with Cornelius, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
 
WHEN the Gentile, Cornelius, welcomed Peter into his home, Peter took a big faith step into a new mission field. The brothers who traveled with him from Joppa would quickly report Peter’s action to the church in Jerusalem. Many would see this work among the Gentiles as an abomination before the LORD. Gentiles were unclean, impure in the law’s sight.
   But God had awakened Peter to understand the true meaning of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The world is not just the Jews. The world is God’s creation throughout the globe. Mankind’s sin at Babel (Genesis 11) caused God to send his people into all regions of the earth. But in his grace, God promised Abram in Genesis 12:3 “and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” The cross became the center point of God blessing the world with Jesus’ redemptive death, resurrection and ascension. “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
   Peter now understands what God is doing: Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
 
When Peter said to the Gentiles, “You know.” he indicated the news of Jesus’ life was common knowledge among all people in Judea. Jesus’ life was such a magnificent display of God’s glory on earth, all spoke of Jesus’ work. Even if they did not believe he is the true Son of God, people talked about him! And this is still true of all the world today.      
   Let’s pray people will know how the true Jesus. They will faithfully respond to his salvation.
 

Acts 10:21-26 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius, the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
 
MEN are doing God’s business. A divine messenger had spoken to Cornelius. Cornelius obeyed the instructions and sent men to find Peter. The Holy Spirit had also spoken to Peter. Peter had a very personal relationship with the Son of God. He had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, expressed deep devotion to his rabbi, felt the sting of Jesus’ rebukes, experienced the great grief of his sin and rejoiced as Jesus restored him to ministry. Peter had celebrated the high emotions to speak the Spirit’s authority to transform people’s lives into Jesus’ salvation. Was he greater than Cornelius and his servants?
   Peter knew his place in God’s kingdom. Responding to Cornelius’ devotion to him, Peter replied, “Stand up! I am only a man myself!” With these words, the Holy Spirit helps us all understand the essential truth of our relationship with God and with one another. Who we are is from God. Paul said it this way: We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
   God uses many people to expand his kingdom. Sometimes those church leaders and specially gifted people become prideful. In some cultures, people who preach and teach the Bible are elevated to a special place of privilege. Is this appropriate?
   Yes, it is good to honor those God has anointed to the gift of preaching and teaching. But we must remember each person in the church is gifted to a particular work. We should honor one another as the Lord loves those called to use the different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:8) As Jesus’ chosen body we must live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)
   When the Spirit calls you to service, respond in the same way Jesus served his church. Be humble. Be aware. Jesus has called you. He’ll show you what to do. Your task is to faithfully and humbly respond.  

Acts 10:17-20 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon, who was known as Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
 
PETER was thinking. He didn’t know how to respond to heaven’s vision of all animals on a sheet and God’s command, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” (Acts 10:13) His response in verse 14, “Surely not, Lord!” rejected God’s word. Instead of getting up, he remained seated in his room. What was he to do? This new word from God confused him. He didn’t like it. Was Peter possibly considering how he would avoid God’s command?
   Then the Spirit spoke specific directions to Peter. “Get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter was done thinking and wondering. Once more he had heard a direct word from God. Peter is an experienced apostle. He knows his only choice is to do what God tells him to do, even when he doesn’t understand what God is doing.  
   Being Jesus’ disciple means we listen when God talks. The Bible tells us God’s kingdom is a specific plan of action from one generation to another. God called many people into a particular work for him. Few understood completely how to do what seemed to be an impossible task. But they needed to know that their first task was to listen when God spoke. That means they heard his voice with their ears and responded with their heart, mind, hands and feet. They needed to go and do what God said. Listening to God, these men and women experienced God’s power change their lives. They saw the evidence of Almighty God’s reign over his world.
   As Moses prepared to die, he sang this song to implore Israel to listen to God: Deuteronomy 32:1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.  
   These are words of worship to the holy God, who has spoken to Israel and now speaks to his church. The Bible’s evidence is certain. His words will fall like rain and abundant dew on those who listen, who get up and go, even when we are not sure where the Spirit wants us to be.
   Following Jesus is a one-step journey. One step at a time we walk on the pathway to our holy destiny. Remain faithful. Be determined. Get up each day and walk with the Spirit, who instructs you in God’s way.