Note for 20250725 - Acts - Part 11 - Acts 11 - Determined
Acts
Eleven
Part 11 - Acts 11 - Determined
Acts 11:1-30 KJV
[1] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. [2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. [4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, [5] I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: [6] upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. [8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. [9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. [11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me. [12] And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: [13] and he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; [14] who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. [15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. [16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. [17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? [18] When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. [19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. [20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. [22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. [23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. [24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. [25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: [26] and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. [27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. [28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. [29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: [30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.11.1-30.KJV
Note for 20250725
This chapter starts out with Peter having to justify to the council in Jerusalem what has happened at the house of Cornelius, which he did.
Friends, there is something slightly terrifying for me in this. Yesterday, we read about how it was GOD who sent these angels to both Peter and Cornelius, that the matter was determined by GOD. And then here today, we see something that aligns more to the error of those of the synagogue than those who are led by the Holy Spirit of GOD, like Peter and Cornelius. Matters like these, and as we have also seen in the Old Testament, with the convergence of the prophets of Ahab, who was convinced by a deceiving spirit that he should go up to war. Much like we saw the council of elders, Pharisees and scribes conspire against our Lord Jesus Christ, has made me specifically weary of councils at large. But, that is me of what I have read that is written in the Word of GOD.
The evidence is contained in the fact that the Holy Spirit came upon the House of Cornelius, even to surprise Peter, who was prepared of the Lord for the matter. This made me realize that we will often stand before the likes of councils of men, to defend that which is of the Spirit. Who determines the truth then, and how do we obey, when GOD sends? What did we learn from yesterday's reading? Let me show you something:
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 KJV
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? [30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? [31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.12.27-31.KJV
1 Corinthians 14:5 KJV
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.14.5.KJV
Now let's read from today's reading:
Acts 11:28 KJV
[28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.11.28.KJV
Now, let me refresh your memory:
Revelation 19:10 KJV
[10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.19.10.KJV
John 16:13 KJV
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.13.KJV
Shall I quote all of Acts 10 to show you again how GOD determined the outcome we read of that happened in the House of Cornelius, or even here how the famine that was prophesied by Agabus did come and the church brought those in Judea relief?
Friends, we cannot ignore 1 John 4:1 either that states that we are to try the spirits if it be of GOD. So, the council does have a place, but note in Paul's list what is senior to the next. Though we should try the spirits, must it not be tried in the Holy Spirit? What is the Spirit of discernment then, shall we neglect that too? Shall we forget Romans 8:7 and give over to carnal reasoning?
Romans 8:7 KJV
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.7.KJV
Shall we heed man or GOD? Do not be mistaken, GOD is the one who determines the truth, and He shall make it manifest.
Deuteronomy 18:22 KJV
[22] When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
https://bible.com/bible/1/deu.18.22.KJV
So, here, in Acts 10 and 11, we have examples of those that obeyed GOD in the Word that he brought to them by His Angel, to save a household and to let it be known that a famine is coming, and GOD determined it by what happened. When Peter was told there are men waiting on you, they were. A household was baptized by the Holy Spirit that is of GOD, not man. Think of Philip again and the Ethiopian, had he not listened to the Holy Spirit, would that man have been baptized?
Who lays it on your heart to help someone in need? Who then is it that prophesy, you or the Spirit of GOD? Be careful rather of those that speak from their own carnal mind and heart. Reasoning is of the mind.
This indeed complicates matters for those who do not have the Holy Spirit of GOD in them, who are left over to the devices of men. Even the Word of GOD is to be received by the Spirit, right? By a truth then, when I reason with men from the Word of GOD, they must have the Word of GOD to receive me. But, if I reason by the Spirit of GOD, you must have the Spirit of GOD to receive me, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Without Christ, both reason and Spirit amounts to nothing in truth, for Christ is the Truth, the Way and the Life.
Friends, when I speak in the Spirit, those who are one with the Spirit say, "Amen" but if I speak not in the Spirit, the Spirit in you says, "Not so!" When you hear in the Spirit the truth and say, "Not so!" Then GOD will give you understanding, just like He did with Peter and the vision that he saw.
God determines the truth, He shall make the Truth manifest and expose the liar. The man that then walks after the flesh, of carnal mind and heart is not one with Christ. For GOD is a Spirit, by the testimony of Jesus Christ. Without Christ, we are condemned, for He is the Word of GOD.
Now, I understand even better what was meant by Hosea:
Hosea 4:6 KJV
[6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
https://bible.com/bible/1/hos.4.6.KJV
May GOD have mercy on us all, and do for us, as He did for Cornelius and his household.
Selah, Shalom
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Matthew 20:28 KJV
[28] even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.20.28.KJV
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