TOMS: 2 Peter 3

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 14, 2008

The major theme of this chapter is the return of Christ and the coming judgment. This passage is an exception to the "rule" of the skeptics that Christ's return is only mentioned briefly by Paul. Peter's focus is almost entirely on the Second Coming as opposed to the Rapture.

"Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.' For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished." (3:3-6)

From Peter's time until now, skeptics have debated and mocked the coming of the Lord. Peter says these people are "deliberately ignorant" of two things: the creation and the Flood. The first thing they deliberately ignore is the fact that God created this world and that He is therefore sovereign over all of it. The second thing they are deliberately ignorant of is God's judgment on sin. Basically these people ignore God.

"But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (3:7-9)

The former world passed away by water, but this world will be destroyed by fire, as Peter explains in great detail in the next section. Peter comforts his readers by reminding them that God is not limited by time like we are. Whether we are aware of it or not, God is at work, and He will perform his purpose. Our job is not to try to understand it all; our job is to remain faithful to Him.

Verse 9 is often misquoted and ripped from its context. The "promise" Peter is talking about is Christ's coming and the ensuing judgment, not salvation. Basically what Peter is saying is that God is delaying His judgment so that more people can be saved. This one verse is often used as a trump card by those who dispute the doctrine of election. They often do not even quote the entire verse, they just say, "God is not willing that any should perish." This does not do justice to the context, nor is it honest with the preponderance of scripture that teaches election.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (3:10-13)

This is an important point that should not be missed. God is going to destroy this earth and everything in it. And yet too many of us, myself included, spend all of our time worrying about our lives here and how we are going to make it and what our future here on earth is going to be like. What a shame. We have the opportunity to lay up treasure in heaven, and yet we waste our time with stuff down here on earth.

"Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. knowing this beforehand,You therefore, beloved, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (3:14-18, ESV)

This is an important fact that too many people ignore. When God gave us the Bible, He did not give us a systematic theology book. He gave us a book of stories, poetry, letters and other literary forms that form a cohesive whole. God chose to preserve His word this way. One of the problems sinful man has is that often he brings his own ideas to the scriptures. When he does, he can find something in the Bible that seems to confirm his erroneous beliefs. Not everyone who does this is intentionally trying to twist the scripture. Often they are well-meaning people who sincerely believe something. But they do not seek God's wisdom to help them understand the Bible. Instead they rely on their own intellect or the ideas of others they trust.

TOMS: 2 Peter 2

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 12, 2008

Peter continues the thought about the sufficiency of scripture, but takes it in a new and very important direction.

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." (2:1-3)

We always need to keep a sharp eye out for false teachers, even among those we consider good people. We always need to base our beliefs on the Word of God, not some man's teaching. When Peter says that these teachers deny the Master who bought them, there are two possibilities: one is that they are genuinely saved but have been carried away by false doctrine, or that they claim to be bought by the Master, but they are not truly born again. I think there are probably false teachers characterized by both, but I would say the vast majority would be the latter- those who claim to know the Lord but they have deceived themselves and are now deceiving others through their homespun teachings.

"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment." (2:4-9)

Peter here gives examples both of the mercy and judgment of God. God must deal with sin, as he did with the demons who fell, the world during the flood and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the last two cases, God preserved righteous men from destruction, Noah and Lot. These two men were far from perfect, but they believed God, and He saved them.

"Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, trained in greed. insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness." (2:10-16)

Man may be the most unaware of God of any of His creatures. Peter says even the demons do not curse God to His face, but men do all the time. I hope you don't know too many people like the ones Peter describes here, but I do know a few. Mankind can become so absorbed by sin that he gets the warped idea that life is not worth living unless he is indulging in drink or sex or some other kind of sin. Notice that Peter says that some of these people are eating with the church. Apparently the recipients of this letter were not doing right by removing some members who had shown themselves not to have any spiritual desires whatsoever.

"These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: 'The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.'" (2:17-22, ESV)

These people proclaim themselves liberated, but they are enslaved by their own lusts. Peter says to be especially careful of those who have professed to know the Lord but return to their sin. Peter says here that it is impossible for someone to be genuinely born again and live an utterly wicked lifestyle. Something has to happen in their life. When it doesn't, they are truly worse off than they ever were, because they think they have religion and therefore they are fine. It is a dreadful responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. It is our responsibility, but it is not our responsibility to save them or even to pronounce them saved. God and the confirmation of the Spirit have to do that. Too many Christians motivated by a misguided zeal for numbers or not having a deep enough understanding of what salvation really is, have unfortunately shipwrecked many lives of people, telling them now they are saved and going to heaven because they went through a ritual. This in no way takes away our responsibility to witness, but we should be more careful not to try to fast-talk people into making a profession or leading people to think that parroting a ritual makes them a Christian. God gives the increase; our job is to faithfully proclaim the entire gospel, including the parts that may offend some people. If you offend someone with the truth, at least they see where they are and could respond positively the next time. Sugar-coating the Gospel does more harm than good.

TOMS: 2 Peter 1

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 11, 2008

Today we start with a new epistle, 2 Peter. Peter is more specific in this epistle, pointing out a lot of particular issues in the church he is addressing.

"Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1:1-8)

There is so much in this passage, but I did not want to divide it up, so we will have to backtrack a little bit. The most important thing for us to note is the contrast between what is already done and what is yet to be. Peter says very clearly in verses 3 and 4 that God through the Holy Spirit has given us all we need to be complete in Him. We get all of the Holy Spirit when we are saved; there is no need for a second blessing or an additional work of grace. As far as our standing with God is concerned, we are complete at the moment of salvation.

But note the following verses. Yes, God has given us everything we need in the Holy Spirit, and yes, we are recipients of all the promises and are partakers of the divine nature. But now we need to add to our faith. I have heard extended studies on all these things we are supposed to add to our faith, and I am sure you have, too. My purpose is to get you to realize the paradox here: we are complete in Christ, but yet we have so far to go. Here is what makes the Christian life so difficult for many to grasp. People often fall for man-made theories that there is some sort of secret to becoming a mature Christian. Multitudes of authors and preachers have become rich selling books and sermons about some sort of "secret" they have discovered. The fact is there is no secret. We start with everything we need: we don't need to add any more from God at some later point in our lives. Then from there it is a daily walk of slow progress. It just take hard work and applying ourselves.

"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things." (1:10-15)

Peter's "secret"- to coin a phrase- for spiritual growth is very simple: diligence. Diligence is all that God asks of us. 

I had never noticed before what Peter said about him being near death, "as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me." Of course you remember that Jesus told Peter that when he was old, he would be led by others to a place he did not want to go. I guess he could sense himself getting old and needing help to get from one place to another.

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (1:16-21, ESV)

Of course Peter is referring to the Transfiguration when he talks about seeing the glory of Christ and hearing the voice from heaven. But Peter says that the Word of God is a more sure proof of Christ's deity and power than even experiencing that magnificent sight. This is a comfort to us who will never experience a physical interaction with the Lord Jesus in this life. We can read for ourselves and know for sure that what we are reading is true. How do we know it is true? Because of inspiration. Peter insists that no one came up with the word on his own, as so many skeptics even today assume, but the Holy Spirit carried the writers along and superintended their work, even when they did not understand what they were writing.

TOMS: 1 Peter 5

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 10, 2008

This final chapter of Peter's first epistle has a lot of simple instructions about how to conduct ourselves in the church and in life in general.

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." (5:1-4)

This is an important instruction for pastors and church leaders. Church leaders are responsible to the Lord for the way they lead their congregation. Thankfully, most church leaders are aware of their responsibility and do a wonderful job. However there are those who violate these instructions from Peter. They domineer their congregations, demanding obedience in the smallest detail, not merely submission to the position. Sadly, others use their office for personal gain or simply for career advancement. 

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (5:5-10)

We have briefly discussed the concept of elders in the first century church before. Let us just suffice it to say that the elder was viewed as an office in the church, so in context this is talking about following the leadership of the church, and not simply obeying people older than you, which is how most people take it today.

I have to admit: I have a hard time learning to cast all my anxieties on the Lord. I like to think of myself as an independent man, able to take care of my own problems. The Lord is showing me a lot right now about learning to depend upon Him. Some of you know, but I have been out of a job for about a week. It is so humiliating to beg around for a job. I think I am closer to finding a job, but still I am not sure. When you have no money, a lot of bad things happen, or at least they seem bad. The worst thing is when I have a lot of time to sit around and do nothing, and so I sit and stew about things. I know that I need to cast my cares on the Lord, but that is not easy. It is easier for me to hold on to them and worry about them.

The final warning in this passage is about resisting Satan. He is a real force in this world. A lot of people have this caricature of a ugly creature in a red suit running around poking people with his pitchfork. But Satan is much more subtle and smart than that. He hates all of us as God's special creation, and he is at work all the time creating all the havoc he can in God's plan. Sometimes he works through temptation to sin, and other times he works through punishment of believers. In both of these cases, Peter advises us to be strong in the Lord, who will enable us to overcome these testings.

"By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ." (5:12-14, ESV)

The meaning of "Babylon" in this final greeting is enigmatic. Most agree that this is a reference to the city of Rome. Tradition tells us that Peter became the leader of the church at Rome. We do not know much about the later ministry of Peter, since Luke's account in Acts follows Paul almost exclusively in the last half of the book. I just have a hard time with the fact that Peter proclaimed himself as an apostle to the Jews and then we supposedly find him a few years later in Rome, a city from which all Jews were kicked out. I don't know, maybe it is my own mind putting too many restrictions on historical figures.

TOMS: 1 Peter 4

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 9, 2008

"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does." (4:1-6)

This is an interesting passage. First of all, Peter says we need to have the same mind that Christ had: the mind that the suffering we endure here is worth the reward and the joy that will follow for those who endure it. Next, Peter points out that the sins of the past have no power over the believer. Several of Peter's readers came from a terrible lifestyle before they were saved. But now they want nothing to do with the sort of things their old sinful man used to enjoy. Meanwhile, their old friends cannot understand why they don't want to participate in those things. Unregenerate man is a twisted, evil being, capable of anything society or family or a sense of respectability prevents him from doing.

"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies— in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (4:7-11)

This is why we do what we do in the church: to glorify God and Christ. That is why we are sober minded, we love one another earnestly, show hospitality and use our gifts. We lose our focus way too often and get sidetracked with things that do not matter toward the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And 'If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?' Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (4:12-19, ESV)

God is faithful to his servants that he chooses to put through trials. Nowhere does God promise to keep us out of trials; on the contrary, the Bible is full of teachings about suffering and examples of believers who suffered terrible things. I really love that last verse: "Let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." That pretty much sums it up.

TOMS: 1 Peter 3

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 7, 2008

This chapter begins with a discussion of the Christian marriage relationship and teaching for women and men in general.

"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external— the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening." (3:1-6)

Peter addresses women first. First of all, he says that a believing wife should try her best to live with her lost husband and hopefully lead him to salvation. Notice the way she can lead him: by her daily life. Peter says Christian ladies should not be characterized by their sense of style or ostentatious display, but by the inner beauty of the heart. Of course this does not mean that they should not look nice or have expensive things, but a Christian lady should have a deeper sense of what is important in life than the world.

The last part of that passage is kind of strange. I think what Peter means (and I may be completely wrong) is that married women should not be afraid to follow their husband, even if he is lost. God will take care of the woman who follows His will by obeying her husband.

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." (3:7)

Of course you remember that Peter was married, so he was a voice of experience on these matters. I really can't say much about this passage, except that I am looking forward to trying to live out this verse in the near future. It does seem that the Lord takes the man's responsibility seriously, since it says here that a man's prayers will be hindered if he does not treat his wife right.

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For 'Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.'" (3:8-12)

The quote in this passage is from Psalm 34. The Lord will always honor those who follow his plan for their life. That is the main thrust of the quote and of the entire passage, the rest of which follows:

"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." (3:13-17)

God has special rewards for those who suffer in this life for serving him. That is a comfort and an encouragement for us to stay the course and not be discouraged when bad things happen.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him." (3:18-22, ESV)

This is a wide-ranging passage. First of all, Peter points out that Christ left us an example, since he suffered for things he did not commit. Then Peter goes beyond the natural world and points out that Christ defeated the forces of wickedness by his death. There are several theories as to what it means when Peter talks about the demons who sinned before the Flood. I don't know exactly what to think, but I think it does indicate that God in his grace is now hindering the work of Satan and his demons in a way that he did not before the Flood. Mankind at that time was so degenerate that Noah preached for 120 years and only converted his little family.

I think it is clear that the reference to baptism in this passage is a reference to the spiritual baptism that all believers experience at salvation. Noah and his family were saved from the flood waters by their obedience, and we are saved from the power of Satan by our obedience to God.

TOMS: 1 Peter 2

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 5, 2008

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." (2:1-3)

Those who have "tasted that the Lord is good" here are those who are saved. Peter says that if we are saved, our desire should be to feed on the food that the Lord provides, not on malice, hypocrisy and the like. Someone who is alive and healthy will have an appetite. If your appetite is always for the carnal things of the world, you may indeed be alive, but not alive to God. It is always a dangerous thing to assume we are saved without taking inventory from time to time.

"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and 'A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do." (2:4-8)

We as believers are a spiritual body. I don't understand it all, but there is a bond between believers, even when we speak different languages, that can only be explained by the fact that we are all part of God's spiritual house. There are some who because of their theological biases try to downplay the spiritual universal aspects of our faith. I have never understood that. Certainly practical reality dictates that we emphasize service and growth through a local church, but to ignore passages like this is irresponsible.

Peter makes another important point here: the Gospel will always produce a reaction. Sometimes it is positive, and other times it is negative. Christ's message, if it is proclaimed correctly, will have people reject it outright. It is not our job to save everyone; that is God's territory. Our responsibility is to proclaim the Gospel without fear and without mixture from man's ideas.

"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (2:13-24, ESV)

This passage is pretty self-explanatory, but it should be pointed out the circumstances under which this passage was written. Remember Peter was writing this to first century Roman subjects, people to whom either already or soon to be their faith was illegal. Yet Peter tells them to be subject to visible authority in all things. Of course there comes a point when we have to say, as Peter himself did, "We ought to obey God rather than men," but in most situations it is better to submit to authority, because they are not threatening our faith, just a minor aspect of our lives. It is important to keep things in proper perspective.

TOMS: 1 Peter 1

For an introduction to this series, click here.

January 4, 2008

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith— more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire— may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1:3-9)

This is an amazing passage. It gives us a lot of confidence for the future. I cannot do it justice in the limited time and space I have here. Just know that God has given us a wonderful gift in salvation. Our faith is a gift from God, and God is pleased to bring that faith to fruition in our lives. Now sometimes that can mean some difficult things in our lives, but God is always faithful.

This is a message I need right now, to be real honest with you. There are so many things that are going right in my life, and I am thankful for them, but there are always those little irritants that create such a big deal, and it is so easy to lose heart when silly little things happen.

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look." (1:10-12)

Of course when Peter wrote this, the church was just starting, so they really were at the cusp of a new era, but even we can be thrilled about what God is doing, especially compared to His dealings with people in the Old Testament. The prophets are full of indications and predictions about the church age, but they did not fully comprehend what they were writing. Peter tells us here that they wanted to understand, but God kept it from them while they were on earth. We as Christians are part of that mystery hidden from the saints of old.

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (1:13-21, ESV)

Here is another rich passage. First of all, notice that we are to take our privileges as Christians seriously. The New Testament is full of commands to be "sober-minded," but this one probably goes into the most detail. The phrase "preparing your minds for action" is not the best translation choice, as far as I am concerned. The word picture there, which is noted in the marginal note, is to gird up the loins of your mind. It means basically the same thing, but I don't like it when translators choose to dumb down word pictures in the text. Of course "girding up" to do with a man pulling his long robe together in a sash at his waist to get ready for strenuous work or running. When people did this, they were committing to doing something.

The aim of girding up our minds is to be holy. Holiness is both a command and a state of being. The former is mostly in view here. As we grow in the knowledge of God, we will become more like Him, and therefore more holy. If you do a study of the word "holy" in the New Testament, you will find that we as Christians are called holy because we are saved, and then we are commanded to be holy, as in this passage. I would submit that these are two types of holiness. One is reckoned to us because we are saved, and is part of justification. The other is something that God gives us as we grow in him. That is part of sanctification. It is true that God does most of the work of sanctification, but that does not mean it happens by accident. God does not force Himself on an unwilling person, but He will work in the life of the believer so that they want Him to work in their life. Holiness is never something we achieve by our own effort.

Secondly, I have always noticed a phrase in this passage that most preachers seem to overlook. Peter says we were redeemed by the blood of Christ, and not by "corruptible" things like silver and gold. I don't know about you, but I have never thought of silver and gold as being corruptible, and I can guarantee you most of Peter's readers didn't either. But compared to Christ, even things like silver and gold are worthless. That is what a wonderful gift we have.

I kind of feel like I have been out of the habit of writing this blog and am kind of skimming the surface, but hopefully I will get back into the swing of things really soon.

TOMS: Acts 15

For an introduction to this series, click here.

June 15, 2007

Here is another important chapter for the history of the church. Gentiles were joining the church in droves, and things were getting a little testy between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews saw the Gentiles as newcomers, and they should adapt to Jewish ways. The Gentiles were excited about their new faith, but they resented being told they needed to be circumcised (that would annoy me too) or that they needed to stop eating "unclean" foods.

The Apostles and other church leaders were not sure what to do. These things were tearing the church apart. We will discuss this a little bit more later, but even Paul and Peter butted heads over this issue. So they called Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem where the rest of the Apostles were, to discuss the matter. Luke tells us there were a contingent of believing Jews who were Pharisees who demanded that all new Christians should be circumcised. Finally it was Peter who stood up and put the issue to rest: 
"Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (15:7-11)

James, the half-brother of Jesus, who was the leader of the Jewish church at Jerusalem, proposed a compromise: "Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues." (15:19-21)

The Apostles agreed and sent out a letter to all the churches to that effect. There are a few people who believe that this letter is binding upon Christians today. I think that last sentence sheds some light on what James and the Apostles were expecting when they sent out that letter. The church was still made up of Jews, at least a large percentage, and so to keep from making offense and creating division in the church, these things should be observed. Today, the church is established as its own religion and there is no need to avoid offending potential converts from another faith. They will have to get over that themselves if they want to join.

I like the fact that the Apostles had to sit down and discuss an issue like this and come to a solution. They were not infallible (like the Catholic church claims Peter was) and they tried to develop these doctrines, with the Lord's help of course, as they went along.

The end of this chapter gives us another glimpse into the fallibity of the Apostles: "Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." (15:37-40, ESV)

Mark had left Paul and Barnabas in chapter 14, and Paul apparently held that against him, at some level, and did not want to bring him along as they left Jerusalem. But Barnabas wanted to bring him along. Now of course Mark would go on to write one of the four Gospels, so it is not like we can say Paul was right and Barnabas was just soft-hearted. But we also cannot say that Paul was wrong and that Barnabas was right. I think if you asked Mark years later about this incident, I think he would tell you they were both right. He needed to know that he had let Paul down, and there are consequences that follow. But he also needed the encouraging voice of Barnabas to keep him from leaving the faith discouraged.

TOMS: Acts 12

For an introduction to this series, click here.

June 12, 2007

This chapter is primarily about the rescue of Peter from prison. But the chapter begins with the execution of James. This James was the brother of John, not the James who wrote the epistle of James, who was Jesus' half-brother. The James who was killed was the James of Peter, James and John, the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. Despite his lofty status in Jesus' ministry, this is the only time he is mentioned in Acts. But we can assume that James did a good job of leading the church in his own way, he was just not the visible leader that Peter, Paul and John were. I think we can learn a lot from James. He remained faithful and all he got for it in this life was an execution. That's not a very happy message, but God had a different plan for James than He did for Peter or John.

Peter was also in prison with James. As the most visible leader of the church at that time, he was quite a prize for Herod, who was desperate for something he could do to get on the good side of the Jews. When he killed James, he saw that he really pleased the Jews, so he decided to do the same thing to Peter. But of course God had a different plan for Peter. And so the night before he was to be executed, Peter was sleeping (which is a miracle in and of itself) and an angel came to him and woke him up and led him out of the prison. Luke reveals a funny observation: "He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision." (12:9)

Then of course he comes to the house where the church is praying for him. I have heard lots of preachers say that the believers didn't have faith because they didn't believe it was really Peter when he came to the house. I don't know. I wouldn't be too hard on them. The main reason is you can be sure they weren't expecting a miracle like that. They were probably praying that Herod would have a change of heart and announce his release, or at least a delay of his sentence. I think the answer  to their prayer didn't fit their plan, so they assumed it wouldn't happen that way. But of course the Lord always defies our expectations.

The chapter ends with a very strange story: "Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last." (12:20-23, ESV)

I don't know what this really has to do with anything, but it is an interesting story.

TOMS: Acts 11

For an introduction to this series, click here.

June 11, 2007

Peter came back to Jerusalem after opening the door of faith to the Gentiles and promptly gets himself in trouble. The people in Jerusalem could not understand how Peter could fellowship with Gentiles. There will always be people who find fault and criticize every new thing. But at least most of them seemed to respond positively after Peter told his story: "When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, 'Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.'" (11:18)

I guess at some level there is nothing wrong with skepticism. We all have beliefs and assumptions about life, about God, about just about every other topic you can think of, without knowing all the facts. The real problem begins when you don't do what the Jerusalem church did here. When you hang on to your worldview, your opinion, whatever, when there is solid evidence from a creditable source to disprove what you think, you need to be open-minded enough to admit you were wrong. Some folks have a hard time with that, don't they?

Meanwhile other Christians, instead of criticizing, took advantage of the new open door: "Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." (11:19-21) These people took advantage of the new situation and began preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.

The end of this chapter has a section that is very strange: "Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." These were true prophets, foretelling the future with the help of the Lord. Lots of people today say that when prophecy is mentioned in the New Testament that it is a reference to preaching. But that is simply not the case. Prophecy of the future was another miraculous work of the Spirit during this time.

Other than that, there really isn't a whole lot in this chapter to talk about.

TOMS: Acts 10

For an introduction to this series, click here.

June 10, 2007

My computer monitor fizzled last week, so I went most of the week without a computer. No computer, no blog. But we're back now!

This chapter is one of the crucial passages in all the Bible. It tells the story of how Gentiles were brought into the Church. We are not sure exactly when this took place, but we assume it was at least a couple of years, perhaps longer, after the church began. For all of the church's existence up to this point, it was a Jewish religion. Kind of an offshoot of Judaism. The Apostles really had no idea that God planned to bring Gentiles into the family of Christ, even though there are hundreds of passages in the Old Testament about Gentiles coming to know the Lord.

Anyway, the story starts out by introducing us to a Roman centurion by the name of Cornelius. Here was a man who had been influenced somewhat by the Jews. He "feared God" which means he probably made sacrifices to God and possibly attended the synagogue. We are told that he prayed and gave alms. Then he saw a vision of an angel, appearing to him and telling him to send for a man named Peter.

Meanwhile Peter was seeing a vision of his own. He saw a vision of all kinds of unclean animals and a voice from heaven that said "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." (10:13) Peter refused, saying "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." (10:14) God responded with "What God has made clean, do not call common." (10:15) Of course God was trying to introduce Peter to a new concept: that Gentiles were going to be welcome in the new church.

Peter learned his lesson well: "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection." (10:28-29) It was this moment that expanded the church to what it is today. The Apostles really had no idea what they were starting, but they just let the Lord lead.

Luke records that the people who believed began to speak in tongues: "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God." (10:44-46, ESV) This passage more than any other demonstrates the true purpose of the gift of tongues. The gift was to demonstrate to the Jews that the church, and secondarily the expansion of the church to include Gentiles, was a legitimate work of God. Once there was no need to vindicate God's work, there was no need for the gift. 

I have a lot of questions and doubts as to whether any of the gifts described in the New Testament are for the church today. I know there are lots of people who try to differentiate between the gifts, saying that some are for today and some ceased, but nowhere in the Bible will you find that there was a difference between the gifts. Paul and the other New Testament writers treat them all the same. 

Maybe I have struggles with this topic because I don't see any sort of gift in my life. I also must say I have never heard any truly Biblical teaching on the subject that makes me want to believe in it. All I have ever heard is that gifts are an outworking of one's personality. The teaching either consists of stories demonstrating how different people approach life in the church differently or I am handed a bad "personality test" and then told what my gifts are based on the results. I'm sorry, but it's not miraculous when everybody has a different personality. When Paul tells the Corinthians to desire the best gifts, is he telling them to change their personality? Most teachers today would say no, but by their teaching Paul is telling the Corinthians to perform an impossibility. I don't know. I know God can change people's outlook and approach to life. I've seen it happen. Is that changing someone's personality? Perhaps it is. I would appreciate any feedback.

TOMS: Acts 5

For an introduction to this series, click here.

May 30, 2007

This chapter starts out with the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This is a very strange story, and I think the significance of it has to do with establishing the church. God wanted a pure church, and He decided to make an example out of two people who seemingly made such a little deception. But there is no category of sin with God. I think the most important verse in this section is verse 11: "And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things." Why else would God do this, if not to make them an example? There's people who do lots worse in churches today, and nothing happens to them. But one day, God will hold them accountable for their deceit and pride.

The next section seems almost unbelievable: "And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed." (Acts 5:14-16) This was the high point of miracles in the church. Peter apparently was doing more spectacular miracles than Jesus did. But the problem you run into is when people assume that this is the natural order of the church for all time, when clearly this is not the norm. There are a few that claim to perform miracles in this day and age, but many of those have been proven to be frauds or they are healed of depression or some sort of thing that people can't see. God never promised to maintain the special gifts He gave to the church for all time. These miracles were given primarily as a sign to the Jews that the church was a legitimate work of God.

An even bigger miracle happened next, when the Jewish leaders arrested the apostles and then an angel freed them. They were furious when they found the apostles not in jail but back in the Temple teaching. They brought them before the Council and after hearing another sermon from Peter about how they crucified the Lord, they were ready to kill them.

But then a voice of reason speaks up: "But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, 'Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!'" (5:34-39, ESV)

It is interesting to note that Gamaliel had a certain pupil by the name of Saul. He will become more significant in the coming chapters.

Humanly speaking, Gamaliel could be credited with saving the church. Of course God would never allow the church to be destroyed, but this was as close as the devil ever got to wiping out the church. John's Gospel tells us that God allowed the high priest to prophesy while he was speaking in the council. Probably this is another example of how God used an unwilling and likely unwitting vessel to carry forth His plan.

TOMS: Acts 4

For an introduction to this series, click here.

May 29, 2007

This chapter carries forward the story of the early church. The Jewish leaders were afraid of what was happening. They thought they were rid of Jesus and the threat He posed to their religion and way of life. And then here come His disciples, proclaiming the Resurrection and claiming that Jesus had established a new faith. They weren't afraid of stooping  to murder to get rid of Jesus; they were beginning to think they would need to do something similar to His disciples.

The miracle Peter and John performed had all of Jerusalem in an uproar. They were all talking about what they did and how they claimed to do it in the name of Jesus. The men of the council had Peter and John arrested and brought them in, demanding to know what they were doing. Peter preached them a short sermon, ending with this: "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (4:11-12)

I'm sure the members of the council were furious with Peter and John, but they kept their cool for the time being. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (4:13) The leaders could not think of anything to say publicly against the disciples. They had an irrefutable miracle standing in front of them, and even those who did not believe in Jesus were excited about the things that were happening. They did command them to stop teaching in the name of Jesus, but Peter and John pretty much said they were going to ignore the command and preach anyway.

The disciples came back from their grilling and continued to praise God for what He was doing in their midst. And they prayed for boldness to continue the work.

The chapter ends with an introduction of Barnabas. Luke reiterates the conditions in which the church lived, how they had all things common. I don't know how this worked. Obviously God was blessing them, but we are not told how long they kept this up, whether it was a few months or a year or several years. Eventually, famine and persecution ravaged the church in Jerusalem to the point that we find many of Paul's epistles where he mentions a huge ongoing project to raise money for the saints there. I have heard some people say that the failure of this communal experiment is proof of the folly of such living. Don't be so sure about that. We do know there was a serious famine in Judea that affected everyone. And Jerusalem was not exactly the best place to proclaim Jesus and keep a good job or gain influence in society. The Christians were severely persecuted there, which meant they were already in a financial hole when the famine struck.

Anyway, Luke records that "Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostle's feet. (4:36-37, ESV) Barnabas would become a significant figure over the next few years, and this is how we first get to know him.  Here is Barnabas giving to the church, which probably desperately needed the money. No wonder he was called a son of encouragement. Barnabas' name was changed that day. His given name, Joseph, is never recorded again in Scripture after this gift to the church.

TOMS: Acts 3

For an introduction to this series, click here.

May 24, 2007

This chapter starts out with Peter and John healing the lame man. He was lame from birth, and he sat by the gate of the Temple asking for donations. Peter simply says, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" (3:6) Now we cannot do this today. This was a special time in the history of the church. There was no New Testament scripture. All the church had was the Apostles. They were fighting a major uphill battle in trying to establish Christianity. God chose to allow the Apostles to perform miracles so that their legitimacy before God could be established in the eyes of those who were willing to acknowledge it.

A vast majority of the miracles in the Bible occurred in three eras: Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha and Christ and the Apostles. Moses and Joshua were leading the Jewish nation out of bondage and establishing a new nation. Elijah and Elisha were trying to bring back an apostate nation. Christ and the Apostles were establishing a new religion.

The second half of the chapter is a sermon by Peter. This passage is very indicative of Peter's typical sermon to the Jews. "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus," (3:17-20, ESV)

Peter said it didn't matter if they had crucified Jesus. God still wanted them to repent of what they did and turn to Him for salvation.

TOMS: Acts 2

For an introduction to this series, click here.

May 23, 2007

This is a controversial chapter and one of the main reasons the whole book of Acts is misunderstood.

This chapter begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He came down and manifested Himself as "mighty rushing wind" and as a tongue of fire that appeared on every believer. Then they all began to speak in other languages.

Here is something I had never noticed before: the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is what drew the crowd that day. I always pictured this first part of the chapter happening the night before or something, or at least in a private setting. But look at the text: "And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, 'Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?'" (2:6-8)

So the commotion created by the Holy Spirit is what drew the crowd to hear God's word. And yet some of them were skeptical, saying, "They are filled with new wine." (2:13) At this, Peter responds and defends his brothers: "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day." (2:15) I've always thought that was a funny remark. This is not the argument a self-righteous tee-totaler makes. Peter basically said these people aren't drunk, it's 9 o’clock in the morning.

But Peter is not done. He preaches a very profound sermon, reaching back into the Old Testament and proving that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament. And he did this in Jerusalem, the very city where Jesus had been crucified less than two months ago.

As rich as Peter's sermon is, it's honestly not that controversial, so let's move ahead to a very controversial verse. As many in the crowd fell under conviction, they asked Peter what they needed to do. He responded: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (2:38)

It seems that Peter is equating repentance and baptism as playing equal parts in salvation, but let's step back into the first century and see what that meant to the crowd. I know I discussed this earlier when we talked about the ministry of John, but it is worth repeating. Baptism was very common among Jews at that time. The Jews were busy proselytizing Gentiles into their religion, and baptism was the symbol of their renunciation of their old religion and acceptance of a new way. Then John came and started baptizing Jews who repented. Now Peter is demanding the same thing. He is appropriating the symbol of baptism for the church. All that was and is and ever will be necessary for their salvation was for people to believe. But they would need to publicly acknowledge their change of belief through baptism. The clear teaching of scripture is that baptism is not a necessity of salvation, but it is an outward public confession of Christ and an affirmation of the believer's faith on the part of the church.

The chapter ends up with a description of how the church in Jerusalem lived: "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (2:44-47, ESV)

Some use this passage as a justification for governmental socialism or communalism within a local assembly. Like I said before, the book of Acts was never intended to be an absolute guide how the church is to be run. It is a reflection of the times and it is a record of what happened. I think the Western church has a lot to learn from the way the early church handled this, but it's written as a description instead of a command for how the church is to be run.