It's right at that time that newsletter stuff is due again and I was looking for inspiration this morning. While checking my junk email box I stumbled on an ad for Deering Banjo's that provided me a bit of help. In what I realistically know to be a sales ad, Barry Hunn (who is the Worldwide Sales Manager for Deering wrote this gem.
“One of the most healing aspects of creating music is that it is a healthy vehicle to bring us closer to our inner self. It can put us in touch with the creative part of us, or perhaps, the most central part of us, that often gets diverted when the pressures of our daily lives lead our attention away from the core of who we are. Isn’t that wonderful? By merely sitting and strumming the banjo, playing songs or just improvising with a few chords or rolls, we focus our ears, our hands, our hearts and attitudes on that beautiful sparkling banjo sound, bringing us back to our creative self, the happiest part of being human.”
While I recognize the often exaggerated tendency of musicians and artists to spiritualize their work, I will say I agree with much of what he wrote. (The full article is at http://www.deeringbanjos.com/DeeringProductPages/Music_Beyond_Technique.html)
It really is all about the joy. I would add that being creative opens us up to realize the signature of the Creator upon us. Joy and an appreciation for beauty are what makes us human and separates us from the call of Satan and the world to be merely efficient animals.
Why am I inspired by this? Because last night I requested from session the opportunity to take a day of rest on Monday December 1, since, the day after Thanksgiving, on which I would be off, is already on my day off, and I discovered, it also falls on Light Up Night, when I'll be working at that event. Also this busy time of year is when I'm thinking about Budgets, giving, that I am told is down, Filling Leadership posts on Session, Deacon's and Trustees...and also the incredible opportunities for ministry we have even while trying to figure out how best to use our resources to do them. It is a time when it is tempting to think in terms of “human resources”, “economic realities” and “efficiency.” In short it is tempting to become the Devil's own efficient animal.
Yet at the same time we start a new season, with a pause in our schedule to give Thanks. To sit at the table with family and friends and enjoy food and remember that we are not just animals but people, who love one another, even with our imperfections, and give thanks too the God who created us, and gives to us gifts, that while they are resources, are also a joy to use. Leadership slots become Opportunities to worship through service. Giving becomes offerings of Thanks and a chance to enthusiastically imagine what God will allow us to do together in the coming year.
And all in all, I look to this season where, having given thanks, we prepare to celebrate that Christ came into the world to release us from slavery and make us the human creations God made us to be, no longer sin trapped “animals” but his own people. Wow! Don't forget this. Celebrate! These are Holy-Days to remember God's amazing gifts.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sunday Nov 9, 2008
Acts 9:32-43
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
NASU
Acts 9:32-43 Exposition
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Turning from Saul to Peter we now see Peter traveling through those regions that were enjoying this new season of peace. It says he is going to the “saints” at Lydda. His visit is significant because he is beginning to do the work of strengthening the saints in the regions where the Church exists. Our role is to grow the church but it is also to equip and edify those who are in the church. Again we also see the reliance of the believers on one another, visiting groups of existing saints and using that place to do the work that they came to do. The church at large is connected to one another and we should receive with joy a brother or sister from another place who is a fellow “saint” in Christ.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.
Most likely Aeneas is one of these “saints” at Lydda and if so it shows the care of the Apostle for the saints offering such aid as he was enabled to the man who was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up.
Our duty to the Saints is to offer them immediately and fully any aid we are able to give. Peter, having worked miracles before had no reason to doubt that he could, offer healing through Jesus Christ. Notice he says Jesus Christ heals you. It was not Peter but Christ who healed Aeneas. He also expected Aeneas to make his bed once standing, significant because he was not to expect a relapse and the need to lie on his sickbed again. We, not having worked miracles as regularly as Peter, may hesitate to b e so bold as to declare a sick brother or sister well, yet we should be bold to pray for their healing and expect that God has the power to do what we would ask. Otherwise why should we pray at all. Like Peter, we too should not hesitate to offer whatever help we can. If only prayer, then we should pray immediately and in faith. If friendship, love, comfort or help then freely and as much as we can.
35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Our treatment of one another in the church is significant for when it is done well it draws others toward Christ. Obviously this was more dramatic when a miracle is involved to confirm the supernatural power of Christ and to authenticate the ministry of the Apostles. Yet still it is significant that our light as we shine it draws attention to our Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Faussett's Bible dictionary tells us of Tabitha, “TABITHA, Aramaic, corresponding to Hebrew tsebiah, "a female gazelle," Dorcas (Acts 9:36), the emblem of beauty. The Christian woman at Joppa, "full of good works and alms deeds" (as making coats and garments for poor widows,”
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
It is a reminder of the later command of Peter, in 1 Peter 3:3-4
And let not your adornment be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. NASB
Tabitha's beauty is in her service to others.
37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.
Her sickness and death occasions the sending of people to Peter, presuming he might do something for her.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them.
The people at Joppa must have believed that Peter could do something for Tabitha since they implored him to come with such urgency. Peter likewise responds to their urgency by going with them. We as well should respond to requests with similar urgency. We should give all we can and if we seem to be unable to help, turn to God in immediate and urgent prayer and turn to our gifts, talents, and connections with others to seek help where it may be given.
When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.
Dorcas' (Tabitha's) character is shown by the love that the believers showed to her, that they spoke to Peter of all she had been doing. Their weeping was genuine as they mourned the loss to them of such a great woman of faith.
40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
This miracle was not public like others. Notice Peter sent them all away and turned to the Lord in Prayer. His response to do something was immediate. His action was not. He first sought the direction of the Lord. The request to make a difference for someone who was dead was perhaps overwhelming to Peter. Claiming no power of his own and without making any claims as to what he would do, he retreats from them for private prayer. Then as he was assuredly directed or freed by the Spirit to do, he spoke to the lifeless body as though she were alive telling her to get up. In God's almighty power, a demonstration that life and death belong in the realm of God's power, she returns to life. She is then presented alive to those who had sought Peter.
42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
The word spread that Tabitha had been healed and this led to others in the city coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It is significant that it led to faith in the Lord and not in Peter. The word had not only speread concerning her resurrection, but also that the miracle had been done in Jesus Name; thus it led to faith in Him. Faith is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord after hearing the word concerning Him. We likewise should trust all the more in Him whenever we hear the Word accurately proclaimed about him.
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
NASU
Acts 9:32-43 Exposition
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Turning from Saul to Peter we now see Peter traveling through those regions that were enjoying this new season of peace. It says he is going to the “saints” at Lydda. His visit is significant because he is beginning to do the work of strengthening the saints in the regions where the Church exists. Our role is to grow the church but it is also to equip and edify those who are in the church. Again we also see the reliance of the believers on one another, visiting groups of existing saints and using that place to do the work that they came to do. The church at large is connected to one another and we should receive with joy a brother or sister from another place who is a fellow “saint” in Christ.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.
Most likely Aeneas is one of these “saints” at Lydda and if so it shows the care of the Apostle for the saints offering such aid as he was enabled to the man who was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up.
Our duty to the Saints is to offer them immediately and fully any aid we are able to give. Peter, having worked miracles before had no reason to doubt that he could, offer healing through Jesus Christ. Notice he says Jesus Christ heals you. It was not Peter but Christ who healed Aeneas. He also expected Aeneas to make his bed once standing, significant because he was not to expect a relapse and the need to lie on his sickbed again. We, not having worked miracles as regularly as Peter, may hesitate to b e so bold as to declare a sick brother or sister well, yet we should be bold to pray for their healing and expect that God has the power to do what we would ask. Otherwise why should we pray at all. Like Peter, we too should not hesitate to offer whatever help we can. If only prayer, then we should pray immediately and in faith. If friendship, love, comfort or help then freely and as much as we can.
35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Our treatment of one another in the church is significant for when it is done well it draws others toward Christ. Obviously this was more dramatic when a miracle is involved to confirm the supernatural power of Christ and to authenticate the ministry of the Apostles. Yet still it is significant that our light as we shine it draws attention to our Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Faussett's Bible dictionary tells us of Tabitha, “TABITHA, Aramaic, corresponding to Hebrew tsebiah, "a female gazelle," Dorcas (Acts 9:36), the emblem of beauty. The Christian woman at Joppa, "full of good works and alms deeds" (as making coats and garments for poor widows,”
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
It is a reminder of the later command of Peter, in 1 Peter 3:3-4
And let not your adornment be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. NASB
Tabitha's beauty is in her service to others.
37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.
Her sickness and death occasions the sending of people to Peter, presuming he might do something for her.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them.
The people at Joppa must have believed that Peter could do something for Tabitha since they implored him to come with such urgency. Peter likewise responds to their urgency by going with them. We as well should respond to requests with similar urgency. We should give all we can and if we seem to be unable to help, turn to God in immediate and urgent prayer and turn to our gifts, talents, and connections with others to seek help where it may be given.
When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.
Dorcas' (Tabitha's) character is shown by the love that the believers showed to her, that they spoke to Peter of all she had been doing. Their weeping was genuine as they mourned the loss to them of such a great woman of faith.
40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
This miracle was not public like others. Notice Peter sent them all away and turned to the Lord in Prayer. His response to do something was immediate. His action was not. He first sought the direction of the Lord. The request to make a difference for someone who was dead was perhaps overwhelming to Peter. Claiming no power of his own and without making any claims as to what he would do, he retreats from them for private prayer. Then as he was assuredly directed or freed by the Spirit to do, he spoke to the lifeless body as though she were alive telling her to get up. In God's almighty power, a demonstration that life and death belong in the realm of God's power, she returns to life. She is then presented alive to those who had sought Peter.
42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
The word spread that Tabitha had been healed and this led to others in the city coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It is significant that it led to faith in the Lord and not in Peter. The word had not only speread concerning her resurrection, but also that the miracle had been done in Jesus Name; thus it led to faith in Him. Faith is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord after hearing the word concerning Him. We likewise should trust all the more in Him whenever we hear the Word accurately proclaimed about him.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Stunned Silence
I have little to say this morning. God remains Good. While God has the power to answer our prayer, God also will give the people what they demand. May God empower the Church to boldly declare His Kingdom and His righteousness. May we lift the Name of Jesus High.
In Christ and as always on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
In Christ and as always on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Acts 9: 19-31
Acts 9:19-31
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
NASU
Acts 9:19-31 Exposition
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
Saul, after his conversion remains with the disciples in the city of Damascus. He finds fellowship with the very people he was sent to arrest and accepted by those he had opposed.
20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Saul states about immediately sharing the good news that he has now embraced. The core of His message is that Jesus is the Son of God. What would have been anathema to him before is the heart of his message, so transformed by the Spirit is his heart toward Jesus. He goes immediately to his own people to persuade them of what he has come to know.
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"
His transformation astounds them as they see that he is the very one who so hated the name of Jesus and is now boldly proclaiming Him Conversion is seen when we who previously were either indifferent or hostile to Jesus are empowered to joyfully proclaim Him Lord and speak his name with adoration.
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
The contrast grows as Saul grows in importance as one who teaches others as the the truth of Jesus Christ, “confounding” his fellow Jews with his teaching. His “proving” of Jesus is a word associated with teaching, showing and has the sense of bringing two things together, thus demonstrating the convincing and true argument to the Jews that Jesus was and is their Messiah.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
Like Jesus who was also rejected, and those who Saul persecuted before, Saul Himself finds himself the target of their rejection and plots of murder. There seems to be no answer by those who reject Christ that does not ultimately seek to fully silence the proclamation of Jesus' name. Death seems to be the chosen and convenient means the lost world chooses most frequently.
24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
As it was not in God's plan for Saul to die yet, he came to know of their plans.
25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
Saul again receives help by the hands of the church who protects him and sneaks him away.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Saul's new reputation did not precede him to Jerusalem. He was still believed there to be Saul the great persecutor and they feared what he might be looking to do.
27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas' name means “Son of Encouragement” Perhaps a nickname unless just an extremely appropriate given name. He does in face receive Saul when others feared to do so. Barnabas takes him to the Apostles that his testimony of his conversion might be tested and perhaps he may be examined so as to be approved genuine by the Apostles . How necessary is a Christian brother or sister to the new believer who needs a recommendation to the church that they in their newness might be accepted and able to enjoy the nurture and fellowship of the church.
28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
His place with the Apostles gave him the freedom, for a while, to speak in Jerusalem and proclaim the Name of Jesus there.
29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
He set out to debate with the Hellenists, Jews who had adopted many gentile ways and accommodated much of the Greek and Roman culture. Yet even among these “Liberals” of their day he found no acceptance, and even more plots of murder. It shows that among those who oppose Christ, even the most tolerant and accommodating will not tolerate or accommodate Jesus as Lord or those who proclaim Him.
30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
Again Saul is protected by the church and spirited away by them. His value and calling must have been evident to them, even if simply as a brother in Christ, for them to work together for his protection.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
For whatever reason God permitted that the Church would enjoy a time of freedom from persecution. Yet in this time and not as in our present day, this freedom was employed in the best way, to grow and strengthen the church. Today it is the church under persecution that is growing and the church at ease that is in decline. May we choose to use what freedom we have, while we have it to also grow and strengthen Christ's Church. Perhaps it was the recent nearness of persecution that inspired them to remain dilligent.
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
NASU
Acts 9:19-31 Exposition
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
Saul, after his conversion remains with the disciples in the city of Damascus. He finds fellowship with the very people he was sent to arrest and accepted by those he had opposed.
20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Saul states about immediately sharing the good news that he has now embraced. The core of His message is that Jesus is the Son of God. What would have been anathema to him before is the heart of his message, so transformed by the Spirit is his heart toward Jesus. He goes immediately to his own people to persuade them of what he has come to know.
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"
His transformation astounds them as they see that he is the very one who so hated the name of Jesus and is now boldly proclaiming Him Conversion is seen when we who previously were either indifferent or hostile to Jesus are empowered to joyfully proclaim Him Lord and speak his name with adoration.
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
The contrast grows as Saul grows in importance as one who teaches others as the the truth of Jesus Christ, “confounding” his fellow Jews with his teaching. His “proving” of Jesus is a word associated with teaching, showing and has the sense of bringing two things together, thus demonstrating the convincing and true argument to the Jews that Jesus was and is their Messiah.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
Like Jesus who was also rejected, and those who Saul persecuted before, Saul Himself finds himself the target of their rejection and plots of murder. There seems to be no answer by those who reject Christ that does not ultimately seek to fully silence the proclamation of Jesus' name. Death seems to be the chosen and convenient means the lost world chooses most frequently.
24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
As it was not in God's plan for Saul to die yet, he came to know of their plans.
25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
Saul again receives help by the hands of the church who protects him and sneaks him away.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Saul's new reputation did not precede him to Jerusalem. He was still believed there to be Saul the great persecutor and they feared what he might be looking to do.
27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas' name means “Son of Encouragement” Perhaps a nickname unless just an extremely appropriate given name. He does in face receive Saul when others feared to do so. Barnabas takes him to the Apostles that his testimony of his conversion might be tested and perhaps he may be examined so as to be approved genuine by the Apostles . How necessary is a Christian brother or sister to the new believer who needs a recommendation to the church that they in their newness might be accepted and able to enjoy the nurture and fellowship of the church.
28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
His place with the Apostles gave him the freedom, for a while, to speak in Jerusalem and proclaim the Name of Jesus there.
29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
He set out to debate with the Hellenists, Jews who had adopted many gentile ways and accommodated much of the Greek and Roman culture. Yet even among these “Liberals” of their day he found no acceptance, and even more plots of murder. It shows that among those who oppose Christ, even the most tolerant and accommodating will not tolerate or accommodate Jesus as Lord or those who proclaim Him.
30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
Again Saul is protected by the church and spirited away by them. His value and calling must have been evident to them, even if simply as a brother in Christ, for them to work together for his protection.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
For whatever reason God permitted that the Church would enjoy a time of freedom from persecution. Yet in this time and not as in our present day, this freedom was employed in the best way, to grow and strengthen the church. Today it is the church under persecution that is growing and the church at ease that is in decline. May we choose to use what freedom we have, while we have it to also grow and strengthen Christ's Church. Perhaps it was the recent nearness of persecution that inspired them to remain dilligent.
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