fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
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Post by fearnot on Feb 17, 2019 17:19:38 GMT -5
Acts 7: 44-50
Stephen talks about the tabernacle of testimony, pointing out at least 2 things to the Sanhedrin.
One being that because the tent moved from place to place it showed that
God is not worshiped in one particular place,
Secondly, at the same time they were also carrying on idolatrous worship.
It lasted until the time of David, who asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob, but Solomon built the house for God..
But they were guilty of worshiping the building, rather than God,the temple had become an idol.
Infinite God could not be confined to anything created by man.
The Sanhedrin had a relationship based entirely on external things, and to them that was the only way to be a member of God's family .
The true temple is in Heaven. God is unmeasurably greater and waaay beyond a temple made by man .
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 18, 2019 12:09:47 GMT -5
ACTS 7: 51-54
Stephen now directs His last statements to the Sanhedrin.
Pointing out that they like those Jews of old meant God had to contend endlessly and continually with a disobedient people and their continual opposition to God.
The Sanhedrin had the same rebellious nature and hardened hearts.
They were no better than Gentiles uncircumcised in heart and their ears. They, by their own choice, resisted the God the Holy Spirit.
They were doing just as their fathers did,
all their worship was external (from the temple to the rituals),
and
who also persecuted and killed the prophets.
These ancestors killed the prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah (Jesus),
but they ( The Sanhedrin ), had (along with others),
actually had Jesus killed.
Stephen was accused of blaspheming the Law,
but the Sanhedrin did not keep it (tho ordained by angels).
At this they were cut to the quick,in a fit of rage they began gnashing their teeth at him
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 19, 2019 12:34:36 GMT -5
Acts 7:55-60
Stephen had been faithfully, courageous and truthful
and then he has a vision of God and Jesus.
Though they stoned Stephen,
(like an enraged mob of ruffians)
he actually prayed for them
He died praying.
And it mentions that Saul (Paul) was there.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 19, 2019 12:48:59 GMT -5
Great!
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Post by Cindy on Feb 20, 2019 11:23:35 GMT -5
we may get a 'new',
to us,
(refurbished)
Chromebook next month.😊 Acts 7: 44-50
Stephen talks about the tabernacle of testimony, pointing out at least 2 things to the Sanhedrin.
One being that because the tent moved from place to place it showed that
God is not worshiped in one particular place,
Secondly, at the same time they were also carrying on idolatrous worship.
It lasted until the time of David, who asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob, but Solomon built the house for God..
But they were guilty of worshiping the building, rather than God,the temple had become an idol.
Infinite God could not be confined to anything created by man.
The Sanhedrin had a relationship based entirely on external things, and to them that was the only way to be a member of God's family .
The true temple is in Heaven. God is unmeasurably greater and waaay beyond a temple made by man .
ACTS 7: 51-54
Stephen now directs His last statements to the Sanhedrin.
Pointing out that they like those Jews of old meant God had to contend endlessly and continually with a disobedient people and their continual opposition to God.
The Sanhedrin had the same rebellious nature and hardened hearts.
They were no better than Gentiles uncircumcised in heart and their ears. They, by their own choice, resisted the God the Holy Spirit.
They were doing just as their fathers did,
all their worship was external (from the temple to the rituals),
and
who also persecuted and killed the prophets.
These ancestors killed the prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah (Jesus),
but they ( The Sanhedrin ), had (along with others),
actually had Jesus killed.
Stephen was accused of blaspheming the Law,
but the Sanhedrin did not keep it (tho ordained by angels).
At this they were cut to the quick,in a fit of rage they began gnashing their teeth at him
Acts 7:55-60
Stephen had been faithfully, courageous and truthful
and then he has a vision of God and Jesus.
Though they stoned Stephen,
(like an enraged mob of ruffians)
he actually prayed for them
He died praying.
And it mentions that Saul (Paul) was there.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 20, 2019 13:21:36 GMT -5
part of the reason I didn't mention the last thing was getting tired doing the virtual keyboard sigh
LOL
When you said great,
I thought yeah!
But then
I thought
I knew it was too good to be true
haha
I am kind of glad I didn't do the last verse,
because I might have missed getting your uplifting post,
about the lack of description about any pain or screaming due to pain by Steven!
Thank you again!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 20, 2019 15:26:24 GMT -5
What you wrote about
Stephen 's death was so helpful.
In addition this from a commentary:
" From a human perspective, one might look at the death of Stephen, truly a might man of God,
as "premature" and as a horrible tragedy.
But his death was not premature, for he fully accomplished the work the Father had planned for him to accomplish.
God's perspective of the value of one life is not the same as our perspective, for we seen only in time, while God sees in eternity".
ACTS 8:1-4
And Saul approved of Stephen's execution.
Then began a great persecution against the church.
Which resulted in many Christians fleeing elsewhere and thus spreading the gospel widely.
However the apostles stayed.
Devout men buried Stephen,but as for Saul, he made havoc of the church, denoting a brutal cruelty of continually and forcibly, dragging off believers, irrespective of gender .
Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
Here is another quote that 'spoke' to me (much like what you have been saying right along:
"God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives.
Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.
To live with your "thorn" uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification.
It is true healing for the spirit.
It is a supreme victory of grace.
The healing of your sinful person thus goes forward, even though the healing of your mortal body does not". (J. I. Packer)
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Post by Cindy on Feb 21, 2019 10:29:54 GMT -5
part of the reason I didn't mention the last thing was getting tired doing the virtual keyboard sigh
LOL
When you said great,
I thought yeah!
But then
I thought
I knew it was too good to be true
haha
I am kind of glad I didn't do the last verse,
because I might have missed getting your uplifting post,
about the lack of description about any pain or screaming due to pain by Steven!
Thank you again!!!  you're welcome! I love the way Luke wrote about Stephens death, because it shows how very peaceful it actually was. He simply said, "he fell asleep".
What you wrote about
Stephen 's death was so helpful.
In addition this from a commentary:
" From a human perspective, one might look at the death of Stephen, truly a might man of God,
as "premature" and as a horrible tragedy.
But his death was not premature, for he fully accomplished the work the Father had planned for him to accomplish.
God's perspective of the value of one life is not the same as our perspective, for we seen only in time, while God sees in eternity".
ACTS 8:1-4
And Saul approved of Stephen's execution.
Then began a great persecution against the church.
Which resulted in many Christians fleeing elsewhere and thus spreading the gospel widely.
However the apostles stayed.
Devout men buried Stephen,but as for Saul, he made havoc of the church, denoting a brutal cruelty of continually and forcibly, dragging off believers, irrespective of gender .
Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
Here is another quote that 'spoke' to me (much like what you have been saying right along:
"God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives.
Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.
To live with your "thorn" uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification.
It is true healing for the spirit.
It is a supreme victory of grace.
The healing of your sinful person thus goes forward, even though the healing of your mortal body does not". (J. I. Packer)
I like that quote too! It's a very good one!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 21, 2019 14:49:15 GMT -5
Acts 8: 5-8
Philip,
( Not the apostle, like I thought, but the one, like Stephen, who were originally chosen to serve tables)
went down to the city of Samaria,
showing Christ is for everyone (The Jews hated the Samaritans ).
He preaches to them about Jesus.
But wonder of wonders,
"The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip"
However they also
"saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them,
and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed"
It seems like there may have been many who were demon possessed.
And then verse 8 has that word 'joy'!
V. 8 "So there was much joy in that city".
The good news of Jesus (to the converted),
brings joy (tho circumstances have not changed or maybe are even worse).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 22, 2019 11:22:08 GMT -5
ACTS 8:9-13
Wiersbe comments that
"It is a basic principle in Scripture that wherever God sows His true believers, Satan will eventually sow his counterfeits"
and in this case, it was a sorcerer/ magician/wizard named Simon. It seems that he had power, the kind Satan gives (but this is not a good thing, and the end if not repented will lead to eternal sorrow).
I am thinking that he was more than an illusionist,( a man who had perfected sleight of hand),
but rather, he was able to use use witchcraft, in order to perform magical spells, that harnessed occult forces and/or evil spirits, to invoke supernatural powers.
His source of power was demonic.
Thus Simon, thought of himself as Great, and boasted as such. He 'tooted' his own horn, displaying the attitude of pride.
He did not glorify God, but himself, which is like satan.
His demonic powers had people (deceived) from all walks of life saying:
This man is what is called the great power of God.
The attention he garnered, had been going on for a long.
BUT...
"when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike"
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 23, 2019 12:24:03 GMT -5
ACTS 8:14-19
It says Simon believed, but what did he actually believe in?
Was it in what Philip preached ( the good news about Jesus) or in the miracles Philip performed?
There have been times, when I have thought a miracle would be great, but... the down side, is people often tend to focus only on the miracle, and miss the real point.
And just because he followed Philip doesn't mean he was saved, Judas followed our Lord also, but was not saved.
I am wondering if perhaps he followed Philip because he saw Philip as a better magician, and he wished to garner Philip's secrets?
Perhaps, Simon may even had an intellectual (head knowledge) of Jesus, but I don't think he was converted, changed,or saved. The word 'believe' does not necessarily mean commitment.
A person can profess belief and get baptized,yet not have their heart right before God. They live, think and act as they always have. They are not a born again believer.
Tho he was baptised, it didn't save him (I don't think), because baptism doesn't have power to take away anyone's sin, only Jesus can.
His interest and intentions stayed the same...it was the miracles,
and, he even offered money,
so that, he might purchase the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit.
We don't hear that he asked for the Holy Spirit to transform him,help him repent, or speak of Jesus etc.
Peter said to Simon,"...your heart is not right before God"
Peter's seemingly 'harshness', was evidence to this concerning Simon, I think.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
“Many will say to Me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Matthew 7:21,22
I am wondering if because this was the beginning of spreading the gospel if perhaps God withheld the Spirit until the coming of Peter and John?
Nor do I think the apostles hands possessed some kind of supernatural power.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 24, 2019 12:36:12 GMT -5
ACTS 8:20-23
I already mentioned Peter's seemingly harsh reply to Simon wanting to buy the Holy Simon. It's a bit amazing that Simon could even think God the Holy
Simon would be like some product you could buy or sell.
And when Peter said
"You have no part or portion in this matter..."
I think it seems to mean,that Simon is a non-believer,which is further confirmed when he adds:
"Your heart is not right before God"
I think it's a case of it being continually not right.
Simon had a continual .preoccupation with the material
Even so, Peter offers Simon hope:
" Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you".
God could forgive Simon's greedy unholy desire to buy the Holy Spirit. Still it leaves one wondering if he did.
When Peter says 'if possible ', that has to do with
Simon's heart which is very questionable because Peter
adds
"you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity"
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Post by Cindy on Feb 25, 2019 10:29:29 GMT -5
I'm sorry I didn't get over here last Friday. I did try, but it took a half hour to load the chat page and then an hour to make it post my reply. Then my internet got even worse so I couldn't do anything. It's still acting up due to very high winds here. (at least that's what I assume the problem is)Acts 8: 5-8
Philip,
( Not the apostle, like I thought, but the one, like Stephen, who were originally chosen to serve tables)
went down to the city of Samaria,
showing Christ is for everyone (The Jews hated the Samaritans ).
He preaches to them about Jesus.
But wonder of wonders,
"The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip"
However they also
"saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them,
and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed"
It seems like there may have been many who were demon possessed.
And then verse 8 has that word 'joy'!
V. 8 "So there was much joy in that city".
The good news of Jesus (to the converted),
brings joy (tho circumstances have not changed or maybe are even worse).
ACTS 8:9-13
Wiersbe comments that
"It is a basic principle in Scripture that wherever God sows His true believers, Satan will eventually sow his counterfeits"
and in this case, it was a sorcerer/ magician/wizard named Simon. It seems that he had power, the kind Satan gives (but this is not a good thing, and the end if not repented will lead to eternal sorrow).
I am thinking that he was more than an illusionist,( a man who had perfected sleight of hand),
but rather, he was able to use use witchcraft, in order to perform magical spells, that harnessed occult forces and/or evil spirits, to invoke supernatural powers.
His source of power was demonic.
Thus Simon, thought of himself as Great, and boasted as such. He 'tooted' his own horn, displaying the attitude of pride.
He did not glorify God, but himself, which is like satan.
His demonic powers had people (deceived) from all walks of life saying:
This man is what is called the great power of God.
The attention he garnered, had been going on for a long.
BUT...
"when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike"
ACTS 8:14-19
It says Simon believed, but what did he actually believe in?
Was it in what Philip preached ( the good news about Jesus) or in the miracles Philip performed?
There have been times, when I have thought a miracle would be great, but... the down side, is people often tend to focus only on the miracle, and miss the real point.
And just because he followed Philip doesn't mean he was saved, Judas followed our Lord also, but was not saved.
I am wondering if perhaps he followed Philip because he saw Philip as a better magician, and he wished to garner Philip's secrets?
Perhaps, Simon may even had an intellectual (head knowledge) of Jesus, but I don't think he was converted, changed,or saved. The word 'believe' does not necessarily mean commitment.
A person can profess belief and get baptized,yet not have their heart right before God. They live, think and act as they always have. They are not a born again believer.
Tho he was baptised, it didn't save him (I don't think), because baptism doesn't have power to take away anyone's sin, only Jesus can.
His interest and intentions stayed the same...it was the miracles,
and, he even offered money,
so that, he might purchase the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit.
We don't hear that he asked for the Holy Spirit to transform him,help him repent, or speak of Jesus etc.
Peter said to Simon,"...your heart is not right before God"
Peter's seemingly 'harshness', was evidence to this concerning Simon, I think.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
“Many will say to Me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Matthew 7:21,22
I am wondering if because this was the beginning of spreading the gospel if perhaps God withheld the Spirit until the coming of Peter and John?
Nor do I think the apostles hands possessed some kind of supernatural power.
About Acts 8:16 and them being baptized by the apostles: The verse says that they had only been baptized before in the Name of Jesus, and not in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. MacArthur says:
This verse does not support the false notion that Christians receive the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation. This was a transitional period in which confirmation by the apostles was necessary to verify the inclusion of a new group of people into the church. Because of the animosity that existed between Jews and Samaritans, it was essential for the Samaritans to receive the Spirit, in the presence of the leaders of the Jerusalem church, for the purpose of maintaining a unified church. The delay also revealed the Samaritans’ need to come under apostolic authority. The same transitional event occurred when the Gentiles were added to the church (Acts 10:44–46; cf. Acts 15:6–12; Acts 19:6). The MacArthur study Bible
Wiersbe agrees and includes an note about how this works today: It was necessary for two of the Apostles, Peter and John, to come from Jerusalem, put their hands on the converts, and impart to them the gift of the Spirit. Why? Because God wanted to unite the Samaritan believers with the original Jewish church in Jerusalem. He did not want two churches that would perpetuate the division and conflict that had existed for centuries. Jesus had given Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:13–20), which meant that Peter had the privilege of “opening the door of faith” to others. He opened the door to the Jews at Pentecost, and now he opened the door to the Samaritans. Later, he would open the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Remember too that the first ten chapters of Acts record a period of transition, from the Jew to the Samaritan to the Gentile. God’s pattern for today is given in Acts 10: the sinner hears the Gospel, believes, receives the gift of the Spirit, and then is baptized. It is dangerous to base any doctrine or practice only on what is recorded in Acts 1–10, for you might be building on that which was temporary and transitional. Those who claim we must be baptized to receive the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38) have a hard time explaining what happened to the Samaritans; and those who claim we must have “the laying on of hands” to receive the Spirit have a difficult time with Acts 10. Once you accept Acts 1–10 as a transitional period in God’s plan, with Acts 10 being the climax, the problems are solved. The Bible exposition commentary ACTS 8:20-23
I already mentioned Peter's seemingly harsh reply to Simon wanting to buy the Holy Simon. It's a bit amazing that Simon could even think God the Holy
Simon would be like some product you could buy or sell.
And when Peter said
"You have no part or portion in this matter..."
I think it seems to mean,that Simon is a non-believer,which is further confirmed when he adds:
"Your heart is not right before God"
I think it's a case of it being continually not right.
Simon had a continual .preoccupation with the material
Even so, Peter offers Simon hope:
" Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you".
God could forgive Simon's greedy unholy desire to buy the Holy Spirit. Still it leaves one wondering if he did.
When Peter says 'if possible ', that has to do with
Simon's heart which is very questionable because Peter
adds
"you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity"
 . In spite of being tired though, you again did a good job!
I don't like the ESV translation of that verse. The NIV and NET are much better:
NIV | Ac 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
NET | Ac 8:23 For I see that you are bitterly envious and in bondage to sin.”
This verse is an important one, at least I think so because it shows us how terrible it is to allow bitterness to take root within us, as it makes us captive (or in bondage) to sin. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to get rid of all bitterness (as well as anger, etc.) and Hebrews 12:15 shows us that bitterness causes trouble and defiles many.
Why don't you continue with Acts for awhile, as I'm going to have to be absent for at least one day, and possibly two as I have to do our taxes. I plan to do them tomorrow. If I get them done, then I'll be in the next day. Hope you're doing well!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 25, 2019 11:50:42 GMT -5
Yes you were right.
I was tired, plus endlessly fighting with the virtual keyboard.
If I don't pay attention, it spell checks to something weird, and puts words in the wrong order etc.etc.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 25, 2019 12:42:22 GMT -5
ACTS 8:23-25
"For I see that you are bitterly envious and in bondage to sin.”
I think this verse explains that Simon was jealous because he saw Philip as a better magician, and that was a sin, highly offensive to God. Bitterness, is (I think),saying God is stingy, plays favorites, is not just etc. etc.
When Simon says: "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me"
It seems to lack true sorrow for his sin against God,
asking for forgiveness but rather, focuses only on himself. He just wanted to escape the punishment.
It is almost exactly how he viewed Philip, as tho Peter has great power.
So Peter and John, preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans, as they preceded to returned to Jerusalem.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 26, 2019 13:01:51 GMT -5
ACTS 8:26-30
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
An angel of the Lord tells Philip "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza"
"So he got up and went;"
The thing that spoke to me was the instant obedience of Philip.
I sometimes might decide I will obey, but
After
I 'need' to do something else,
like, even, take a nap.
But by delaying, we (I) might miss a great opportunity to serve the Lord,
not to mention it is disobedience.
"And there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure"
So now Philip goes from preaching to the hated Samaritans, to a gentile.
A gentile who had such a wonderful heart to know God, he traveled by chariot a great distance (1000 miles one way which at the rate of 30 miles per day would have taken over one month, more or less, is what I read).
This eunuch was returning back to Ethiopia, sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
"Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."
And "Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading"?
That seems kind of weird and bold,at first glance,
He apparently did not say:
hello, I am Philip etc.
However, this is all Spirit led.
Also, Philip ran, now, that, gives me pause( running I mean)!
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Post by Cindy on Feb 27, 2019 11:13:29 GMT -5
Yes you were right.
I was tired, plus endlessly fighting with the virtual keyboard.
If I don't pay attention, it spell checks to something weird, and puts words in the wrong order etc.etc. ACTS 8:23-25
"For I see that you are bitterly envious and in bondage to sin.”
I think this verse explains that Simon was jealous because he saw Philip as a better magician, and that was a sin, highly offensive to God. Bitterness, is (I think),saying God is stingy, plays favorites, is not just etc. etc.
When Simon says: "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me"
It seems to lack true sorrow for his sin against God,
asking for forgiveness but rather, focuses only on himself. He just wanted to escape the punishment.
It is almost exactly how he viewed Philip, as tho Peter has great power.
So Peter and John, preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans, as they preceded to returned to Jerusalem.
Later tradition presents Simon as the father of heresies, the founder of the first heretical sect, a man who deified himself. The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
ACTS 8:26-30
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
An angel of the Lord tells Philip "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza"
"So he got up and went;"
The thing that spoke to me was the instant obedience of Philip.
I sometimes might decide I will obey, but
After
I 'need' to do something else,
like, even, take a nap.
But by delaying, we (I) might miss a great opportunity to serve the Lord,
not to mention it is disobedience.
"And there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure"
So now Philip goes from preaching to the hated Samaritans, to a gentile.
A gentile who had such a wonderful heart to know God, he traveled by chariot a great distance (1000 miles one way which at the rate of 30 miles per day would have taken over one month, more or less, is what I read).
This eunuch was returning back to Ethiopia, sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
"Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."
And "Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading"?
That seems kind of weird and bold,at first glance,
He apparently did not say:
hello, I am Philip etc.
However, this is all Spirit led.
Also, Philip ran, now, that, gives me pause( running I mean)!
Did you notice that verse 37 is missing? AV | Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Some late manuscripts 37: “Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” V 37 is lacking in most manuscripts. It is clearly not a part of the original text of Acts. The variant is significant in showing how some in the early church viewed a confession of faith. The NET Bible
Acts 8:37 is included only in late Greek manuscripts. and therefore was probably not in the original manuscript. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Well, I got my taxes done, so I'm back! I hope you're doing well. How are you feeling?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2019 11:43:53 GMT -5
aww thanks for asking,
I am tired. In part, I think I am just ready for Spring.
But also just tired.
However we got some snow last night and a few flakes falling now.
I collected some snow earlier this morning, cuz I like to eat it, like a snow cone or shaved ice.
I put a cup of it in the freezer lol.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2019 12:53:00 GMT -5
ACTS 8:31-35
so the eunuch answered:
“How can I, unless someone guides me?” And (he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
Isaiah 53:7-8
7 "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?"
What stood out to me is that it is alright to ask someone
( a godly teacher, pastor or one who has studied and loves Jesus and the Word)
for help,
in understanding scripture,
(but the Holy Spirit is the final authority).
Anyway, he was reading about the silence of the
LAMB , and did not know who it was referring to.
And so Philip explains Servant’s (Jesus) humble submission to an unjust death.
Although, it only mentioned 2 verses, I think Philip may have explained all of
Isaiah 53 and many other scripture verses, that spoke of the good news of Jesus.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 28, 2019 12:23:43 GMT -5
ACTS 8: 36-40, 9:1-2
It wasn't until I read a commentary, that I got one aspect of this verse:
"As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
They were in the desert and Lo God provides water for baptism!
And so he was.
"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing"
Again, joy 😊
But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Preaching the good news of Jesus, is to go on.
Now, we move onto Saul/Paul, who was convinced that Stephen’s message proved that the new faith was a great threat, so he goes to the high priest, with the intent of devoting himself to stopping it with great zeal and hate filled passion.
And so he asked for letters from him to the synagogues giving Saul power over the Jews of Damascus, and authority to arrest the Christian 'dangerous 'heretics'... if he found any belonging to the Way (they in the beginning still went to the synagogue, so that would be where Saul, would find many believers).
Jesus said: "“I am THE WAY
(not 'A' way, as in one of many
but
THE ONLY WAY).
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Post by Cindy on Feb 28, 2019 12:34:33 GMT -5
aww thanks for asking,
I am tired. In part, I think I am just ready for Spring.
But also just tired.
However we got some snow last night and a few flakes falling now.
I collected some snow earlier this morning, cuz I like to eat it, like a snow cone or shaved ice.
I put a cup of it in the freezer lol.
ACTS 8:31-35
so the eunuch answered:
“How can I, unless someone guides me?” And (he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
Isaiah 53:7-8
7 "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?"
What stood out to me is that it is alright to ask someone
( a godly teacher, pastor or one who has studied and loves Jesus and the Word)
for help,
in understanding scripture,
(but the Holy Spirit is the final authority).
Anyway, he was reading about the silence of the
LAMB , and did not know who it was referring to.
And so Philip explains Servant’s (Jesus) humble submission to an unjust death.
Although, it only mentioned 2 verses, I think Philip may have explained all of
Isaiah 53 and many other scripture verses, that spoke of the good news of Jesus.
Then,“for his life was taken up from the earth.” Again some think this may be about His death, or it could be abut His being "lifted up" in exaltation which was symbolized in His Ascension.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2019 12:31:23 GMT -5
Exactly with real maple syrup, I am a New Englander after all 😋😊❤
My mom told me that when she was a child in Canada,
and the adults would tap the maple trees, they would be there (and her brothers and sisters)
and put the just tapped maple syrup onto their snow!
Wow that must have been the best yet! 😮😋😊❤
Ha-ha-ha
I will have to tell Leonard you said that
He will faint
snicker snicker
He shudders when I do that!
A Chicago city raised boy (roll eyes)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2019 12:52:23 GMT -5
Wait...
Yep I lost another post sigh
Yesterday's
And what is more discouraging,
is not even the time spent on it,
but doing it on this virtual keyboard arrrgh
Oh well,
I will do it again
I suppose that is not necessarily a bad thing
I am just always bummed at first,
Still, I need to remember MacArthur would often read the same passage for a loooong time.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2019 13:31:22 GMT -5
Acts8:36-
I am going to write this entirety different,
tho I liked yesterday's better,
I am still a little bummed.😕
Hummm, water in the desert
Just in time, for the eunuch to be baptized.
A miracle?
Some would say no,
but
I think it surely, at least, shows God's hand at work.
The eunuch asked
"Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
Since I am struggling with the virtual I will paste a quotes concerning this:
"It (being baptized my words explaining what it is lol)
is the biblical pattern for declaring your faith before the world.
To neglect baptism is to bring into question the reality of your faith, for who is truly saved that is so ashamed of Jesus Christ that he refuses to be baptized?
Be assured that baptism has no power to save you.
If you go into the waters of baptism as an unbeliever, you will come out as an unbeliever. Baptism is for believers, those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ". Phil Newton
Another commentator said:
"What prevents me from being baptized? - Nothing of course,
except a personal desire to be baptized."
So that's what happened, and and the eunuch no longer saw him (Philip), but went on his way rejoicing.
Quote: (a quote filled post today sorry, tomorrow more of me 😊)
"there was much rejoicing in that city," now there is rejoicing in the desert!
Indeed, the response of a saved soul that receives the Gospel is rejoicing .
And so he returns to Ethiopia as the first foreign missionary to the continent of Africa.
And this was all the result of a man (Philip) who was willing to be led and used by the Spirit. "Because of Philip's sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit, the Eunuch was saved and the gospel then began to go to the uttermost parts of the earth." (Arnold)
John MacArthur - Joy is a mark of a true believer"
"Phil Newton:
"on went on his way rejoicing - And he should! When you know that God has saved you from the penalty and guilt of your sins, that He has redeemed you, that He has made you a new creature, that He has adopted you into His family, you ought to be rejoicing!
Continual and consistent joy in the Lord characterizes those who have been born of God. One of the quickest ways to spot a Christian in a crowd is by seeing his joy in the Lord.
This does not mean that he has a silly grin on his face all the time, but that the very countenance of his life demonstrates that deep within his being the Spirit of God dwells in him.
God Himself, who is the fountain of all joy, inhabits this person. He cannot help but be joyful. Oceans of joy billow within him, for Christ, his all in all, dwells in him. A true faith rests in Christ alone. A true faith delights in open confession through baptism.
A true faith continues to rejoice in the Lord, not for a few days or weeks, but through year after year after year."
"But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea".
Yesterday, I went on to Chapter 9,
but I think I will start with it anew tomorrow.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2019 13:46:39 GMT -5
Weird
I found it
But above
That happened once before
Oh well here is yesterday's post
Now I have done it 2 times
ACTS 8: 36-40, 9:1-2
It wasn't until I read a commentary, that I got one aspect of this verse:
"As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
They were in the desert and Lo God provides water for baptism!
And so he was baptized.
"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing"
Again, joy 😊
But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Preaching the good news of Jesus, is to go on.
Now, we move onto Saul/Paul, who was convinced that Stephen’s message proved that the new faith was a great threat, so he goes to the high priest, with the intent of devoting himself to stopping it with great zeal and hate filled passion.
And so he asked for letters from him to the synagogues giving Saul power over the Jews of Damascus, and authority to arrest the Christian 'dangerous 'heretics'... if he found any belonging to the Way (they in the beginning still went to the synagogue, so that would be where Saul, would find many believers).
Jesus said: "“I am THE WAY
(not 'A' way, as in one of many
but
THE ONLY WAY).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Mar 2, 2019 11:50:29 GMT -5
should get 'new to me ' computer Thursday.
Do you always (ONLY when writing a post)
see a written in red in the address box (then the FH address)
above
saying:
not secure
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Mar 2, 2019 13:56:45 GMT -5
ACTS 9: 3-5
I liked the way pastor Dr.John MacArthur talked about verse 3
"Saul met the Savior and went from physical light to physical darkness and from spiritual darkness to spiritual light!
He went from being the hit-man from hell to being the holy man from heaven.
God had opened the eyes of his heart and shut the eyes in his head!"
Then Jesus, said: ""Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
To say his name 2 times is to really get his attention, I Think.
To persecute the Church, is to persecute Jesus.
J Vernon McGee, said this:
" Jesus may be saying the same thing to some Christians today. Although they profess to know and to love the Lord, He asks, "Why are you persecuting Me?" They would protest, I'm not persecuting You, Lord; I love You!" Then the Lord would answer, "Then why do you criticize Mr. So-and-So so severely? Why are you so opposed to those who are giving out the Word of God today? Why is it that you have become a hindrance instead of a helper?"
Saul falls to the ground! And right oh so.
Saul is confused and doesn't know with Whom he is speaking to exactly.
And He said,"I am Jesus whom you are persecuting"
Imagine, Saul's broken heart, and all he have devoted his life to with zeal (at the least), was a total waste, but really way way worse!
As one commentator said:
"Stop and ask yourself - What am I working for?
For time or for eternity?
For the earthly or the heavenly?
For the material or the spiritual?
For the profane or the profound?
For what passes away or what lasts always?
Perhaps you need a "Damascus Road Revival," so that you might realign your life priorities while you still have time! Don't be a "Saul," instead be "Paul!"
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 3, 2019 16:35:25 GMT -5
ACTS 9: 6 -8
Then Jesus tells Saul, "get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do"
Now, instead of doing whatever Saul chose, he is told what to do, he no longer is the captain of his fate.
Saul has gone from a legalistic religion to a relationship with Lord Jesus.
Saul's companions saw the light stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one, but only Saul saw Jesus. However, Saul was blinded by the light,but his spiritual eyes were opened .
Another commentator wrote:
"How ironic is this entire experience when compared with the experience of Stephen when he was being stoned.
Jesus appears here in Acts 9 to one (Saul/Paul)
who witnessed the stoning,
and heard Stephen describe his vision of Jesus,
but who himself could not see the vision.
Now this same man is struck down by the glory of the Lord (rather than by stones)
and he sees a vision of the glory of Jesus....
Saul's conversion by Jesus is in essence an answer to Stephen's prayer! The Lord did in fact not hold it against Saul that he was an approving witness to Stephen's illegal stoning! We need to always pray without ceasing, for we know not in what incredible ways God might answer our prayers (even short ones like Stephen's!)"
So he was lead by the hand, and brought into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
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Post by Cindy on Mar 4, 2019 12:22:04 GMT -5
Exactly with real maple syrup, I am a New Englander after all 😋😊❤
My mom told me that when she was a child in Canada,
and the adults would tap the maple trees, they would be there (and her brothers and sisters)
and put the just tapped maple syrup onto their snow!
Wow that must have been the best yet! 😮😋😊❤
Ha-ha-ha
I will have to tell Leonard you said that
He will faint
snicker snicker
He shudders when I do that!
A Chicago city raised boy (roll eyes)
Wait...
Yep I lost another post sigh
Yesterday's
And what is more discouraging,
is not even the time spent on it,
but doing it on this virtual keyboard arrrgh
Oh well,
I will do it again
I suppose that is not necessarily a bad thing
I am just always bummed at first,
Still, I need to remember MacArthur would often read the same passage for a loooong time.
Acts8:36-
I am going to write this entirety different,
tho I liked yesterday's better,
I am still a little bummed.😕
Hummm, water in the desert
Just in time, for the eunuch to be baptized.
A miracle?
Some would say no,
but
I think it surely, at least, shows God's hand at work.
The eunuch asked
"Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
Since I am struggling with the virtual I will paste a quotes concerning this:
"It (being baptized my words explaining what it is lol)
is the biblical pattern for declaring your faith before the world.
To neglect baptism is to bring into question the reality of your faith, for who is truly saved that is so ashamed of Jesus Christ that he refuses to be baptized?
Be assured that baptism has no power to save you.
If you go into the waters of baptism as an unbeliever, you will come out as an unbeliever. Baptism is for believers, those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ". Phil Newton
Another commentator said:
"What prevents me from being baptized? - Nothing of course,
except a personal desire to be baptized."
So that's what happened, and and the eunuch no longer saw him (Philip), but went on his way rejoicing.
Quote: (a quote filled post today sorry, tomorrow more of me 😊)
"there was much rejoicing in that city," now there is rejoicing in the desert!
Indeed, the response of a saved soul that receives the Gospel is rejoicing .
And so he returns to Ethiopia as the first foreign missionary to the continent of Africa.
And this was all the result of a man (Philip) who was willing to be led and used by the Spirit. "Because of Philip's sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit, the Eunuch was saved and the gospel then began to go to the uttermost parts of the earth." (Arnold)
John MacArthur - Joy is a mark of a true believer"
"Phil Newton:
"on went on his way rejoicing - And he should! When you know that God has saved you from the penalty and guilt of your sins, that He has redeemed you, that He has made you a new creature, that He has adopted you into His family, you ought to be rejoicing!
Continual and consistent joy in the Lord characterizes those who have been born of God. One of the quickest ways to spot a Christian in a crowd is by seeing his joy in the Lord.
This does not mean that he has a silly grin on his face all the time, but that the very countenance of his life demonstrates that deep within his being the Spirit of God dwells in him.
God Himself, who is the fountain of all joy, inhabits this person. He cannot help but be joyful. Oceans of joy billow within him, for Christ, his all in all, dwells in him. A true faith rests in Christ alone. A true faith delights in open confession through baptism.
A true faith continues to rejoice in the Lord, not for a few days or weeks, but through year after year after year."
"But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea".
Yesterday, I went on to Chapter 9,
but I think I will start with it anew tomorrow.
Why did God do that? We need to ask that question because God never does anything without a reason. Obviously, we can't know all His reasons, but we should at least try to discern what they were. In this case, most agree that this was a powerful indication to the Eunuch that Philip was in fact God's Representative. If we recall that the miracles Jesus performed were done to show that He was the Messiah by God confirming that with the miracles. The same was true for the apostles. Their miracles were confirmation that they were sent by God and that what they were saying was approved by Him. So i think we can be pretty sure that this is also true for Philip and the eunuch. There could have been other reasons as well though. Maybe you can think of one...
But I can't leave this without saying how much this scene of Philip being snatched away and then set down someplace 20 miles away, all in the blink of an eye, is an excellent picture of what happens to us at death. One second we're here, and the next we're with our Lord in Heaven! Just as there wasn't any "time" in between those two things for Paul or the Eunuch, there won't be any time in between those things for us when this body dies.
I thought this was very interesting and important to know as well:
As you trace the expansion of the Gospel during this transition period (Acts 2–10), you see how the Holy Spirit reaches out to the whole world. In Acts 8, the Ethiopian who was converted was a descendant of Ham (Gen. 10:6, where “Cush” refers to Ethiopia). In Acts 9, Saul of Tarsus will be saved, a Jew and therefore a descendant of Shem (Gen. 10:21ff). In Acts 10, the Gentiles find Christ, and they are the descendants of Japheth (Gen. 10:2–5). The whole world was peopled by Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen. 10:1); and God wants the whole world—all of their descendants—to hear the message of the Gospel (Matt. 28:18–20; Mark 16:15). The Bible exposition commentary Weird
I found it
But above
That happened once before
Oh well here is yesterday's post
Now I have done it 2 times
ACTS 8: 36-40, 9:1-2
It wasn't until I read a commentary, that I got one aspect of this verse:
"As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
They were in the desert and Lo God provides water for baptism!
And so he was baptized.
"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing"
Again, joy 😊
But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
Preaching the good news of Jesus, is to go on.
Now, we move onto Saul/Paul, who was convinced that Stephen’s message proved that the new faith was a great threat, so he goes to the high priest, with the intent of devoting himself to stopping it with great zeal and hate filled passion.
And so he asked for letters from him to the synagogues giving Saul power over the Jews of Damascus, and authority to arrest the Christian 'dangerous 'heretics'... if he found any belonging to the Way (they in the beginning still went to the synagogue, so that would be where Saul, would find many believers).
Jesus said: "“I am THE WAY
(not 'A' way, as in one of many
but
THE ONLY WAY).
should get 'new to me ' computer Thursday.
Do you always (ONLY when writing a post)
see a written in red in the address box (then the FH address)
above
saying: not secure
Instead of HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), this website uses HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). Using HTTPS, the computers agree on a "code" between them, and then they scramble the messages using that "code" so that no one in between can read them. This keeps your information safe from hackers.
A milestone for Chrome security: marking HTTP as “not secure”
Security has been one of Chrome’s core principles since the beginning—we’re constantly working to keep you safe as you browse the web. Nearly two years ago, we announced that Chrome would eventually mark all sites that are not encrypted with HTTPS as “not secure”. This makes it easier to know whether your personal information is safe as it travels across the web, whether you’re checking your bank account or buying concert tickets. Starting today, we’re rolling out these changes to all Chrome users.
I'll have to come back and edit this post to finish it because my computer is starting to act up, sorry.
Edited to add: I tried to put the link to that about http here but had to get rid of it as that's what is messing up my computer.
ACTS 9: 3-5
I liked the way pastor Dr.John MacArthur talked about verse 3
"Saul met the Savior and went from physical light to physical darkness and from spiritual darkness to spiritual light!
He went from being the hit-man from hell to being the holy man from heaven.
God had opened the eyes of his heart and shut the eyes in his head!"
Then Jesus, said: ""Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
To say his name 2 times is to really get his attention, I Think.
To persecute the Church, is to persecute Jesus.
J Vernon McGee, said this:
" Jesus may be saying the same thing to some Christians today. Although they profess to know and to love the Lord, He asks, "Why are you persecuting Me?" They would protest, I'm not persecuting You, Lord; I love You!" Then the Lord would answer, "Then why do you criticize Mr. So-and-So so severely? Why are you so opposed to those who are giving out the Word of God today? Why is it that you have become a hindrance instead of a helper?"
Saul falls to the ground! And right oh so.
Saul is confused and doesn't know with Whom he is speaking to exactly.
And He said,"I am Jesus whom you are persecuting"
Imagine, Saul's broken heart, and all he have devoted his life to with zeal (at the least), was a total waste, but really way way worse!
As one commentator said:
"Stop and ask yourself - What am I working for?
For time or for eternity?
For the earthly or the heavenly?
For the material or the spiritual?
For the profane or the profound?
For what passes away or what lasts always?
Perhaps you need a "Damascus Road Revival," so that you might realign your life priorities while you still have time! Don't be a "Saul," instead be "Paul!"
Yes!!!!! Very good! If there's one thing God hates it's when we say bad things about another Christian, whether we know them or not! I'm not talking about false teachers or heretics now, but about others who are truly born again. We may not "like" them, but we are to "love" them as part of our family. John is very clear about this: “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.” (1 John 2:9–11) When we gossip (remember, that's saying something bad about another believer in order to make ourselves look good or make us feel like we're better then they are) it's no different then saying those same things about Jesus. I remember posting an article years ago on our old board about a pastor who asked his congregation to give up facebook for sometime. (can't remember how long). People said horrible things about that pastor in their posts, simply because they didn't like him asking his congregation to do that. They even questioned his salvation! I tried at the time to warn them to stop and told them what Jesus and John says as well as other verses, but they wouldn't listen. They just kept right on doing it. It made me feel sick. This wasn't some well known pastor either. No one had heard of him before and what information the article had about him was simply that he was a conservative, and "old fashioned" because he relied solely on the Bible to determine how to live, and preached the Bible for what it says, instead of giving inspirational speeches.
it's easier for us to think of this by saying To persecute the Church, is to persecute Jesus, but for some reason it's harder to realize that it's also saying that for someone to persecute me for my faith, is the same as to persecute Jesus. When someone mocks my faith, makes fun or me, or says something to indicate that I'm just a bit silly and old fashioned, or maybe just plain stupid, etc, that person is persecuting Christ as well.
ACTS 9: 6
Then Jesus tells Saul, "get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do"
Now, instead of doing whatever Saul chose, he is told what to do, he no longer is the captain of his fate.
Saul has gone from a legalistic religion to a relationship with Lord Jesus.
Saul's companions saw the light stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one, but only Saul saw Jesus. However, Saul was blinded by the light,but his spiritual eyes were opened .
Another commentator wrote:
"How ironic is this entire experience when compared with the experience of Stephen when he was being stoned.
Jesus appears here in Acts 9 to one (Saul/Paul)
who witnessed the stoning,
and heard Stephen describe his vision of Jesus,
but who himself could not see the vision.
Now this same man is struck down by the glory of the Lord (rather than by stones)
and he sees a vision of the glory of Jesus....
Saul's conversion by Jesus is in essence an answer to Stephen's prayer! The Lord did in fact not hold it against Saul that he was an approving witness to Stephen's illegal stoning! We need to always pray without ceasing, for we know not in what incredible ways God might answer our prayers (even short ones like Stephen's!)"
So he was lead by the hand, and brought into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Mar 4, 2019 12:46:03 GMT -5
ACTS 9:9-10
"And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank"
I am guessing this fast included lots of prayers to Jesus that he just saw.
I liked this by a commentary I never heard of before:
"
Bruce Barton
He went storming out of Jerusalem in a huff; he came stumbling into Damascus in humility (Acts 9:8-9).
He went to arrest Christians; he ended up being arrested by Christ (Acts 9:1-5).
He began the trip determined to wipe out the message of Christ; he ended the trip devoted to the cause of taking that message to the ends of the earth (Acts 9:19-22).
He went from being a persecutor to being a persecuted one (Acts 9:23-25).
"Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
Jack Andrews on a vision - The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision. Many are skeptical of “visions” from the Lord and rightly so. Many cults and false religions have been started by false visions God’s primary way of speaking today is through His Spirit and through His Word! God can and does give visions but His visions will not contradict His word or blaspheme His Son, or mock His Spirit.
"Here I am, Lord." Reminded me of Samuel.
Spurgeon on Ananias' response of "Here I am, Lord." - He was ready. He did not ask, "What for?"
A commentator wrote:
"God called an unknown disciple named Ananias for this task. This has been true throughout church history. Consider this list of "nobodies":
John Staupitz: The man who helped lead Martin Luther to Christ.
John Egglen: Instrumental in the conversion of C. H. Spurgeon.
Edward Kimball: Just a shoe salesman . . . who happened to be D. L. Moody's spiritual mentor.
Mordecai Ham: A little-known evangelist who preached the night that Billy Graham yielded his life to Christ".
Sorry this is short.
Lost post because we got refurbished Chromebook and Leonard lost it trying to get new up and running and needed mine and lost everything I worked on.
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you're welcome! I love the way Luke wrote about Stephens death, because it shows how very peaceful it actually was. He simply said, "he fell asleep". 
. In spite of being tired though, you again did a good job! 
!!
