Acts 13:13-51 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia

Paul and Barnabas' main strategy during their first missionary journey was to visit the synagogues and preach to the Jews. They would come in and sit down to wait for an opportunity to speak. It was up to the rulers of the synagogue to offer them an opportunity to speak, but due to the many things that were happening (signs and wonders), people were curious and would give them an opportunity to encourage the people. Then, they would capitalize on the opportunity to present the Gospel message.

How can I spark curiosity in people about my faith? One way is to pray that God will work signs and wonders where I am, whether through me or through others associated with me, so that people will be moved to ask. Signs and wonders should continue to be part and parcel of the Gospel and I should not give up on it. Just because signs and wonders are not as prevalent today as they were in the day of the Apostles does not mean that I should harden my heart towards the possibility that God can do something that impacts our community. I don't have to think of fire and brimstone coming down from heaven. It can be as simple as the answer to a prayer I utter on behalf of an unbeliever.

Paul and Barnabas went to the Jews first because they knew they could have an audience due to their relationship with them. Paul was well known in his time among his peers and he used his influence to bring the Gospel. I need to work on my circle of influence to build bonds of friendship that will bring out the curiosity in people. Unfortunately, I must confess that most of my time is devoted to the church and I am always surrounded by believers. If I am to make an impact in my community, I must find ways to connect with the community, not only as a church, but personally, I must make the effort to have a circle of unbelieving friends in my community.

The content of Paul's message begins with the common history the Jews share of how God brought them out of Egypt. As he recounts their history going through prophets and kings, he points out that God had spoken to the nation about a Savior who would be a descendant of David. He also points out that John the Baptist, as well respected as he was, was not the one to fulfill this prophecy. Jesus is the one who fulfilled the Scriptures who died and resurrected and in whose name they proclaim forgiveness of sins. Paul quotes verses from Psalm2, 16 and Isaiah 29, 55 pointing at Jesus as the Christ and urging them to respond with repentance. I must learn to make connections with people where they are in their spiritual journey. I must also learn to bring them along to understand that Jesus is the Savior of their lives using meaningful connections with their background and experience.

Since the Jews opposed the Gospel message, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles who received it with great joy and many believed. When unbelief sets in a person's heart, there is only so much I can do. I must be willing to move on to find fertile soil for the Word of God. I'm not talking about giving up on people, but making sure I don't spend all my time with a person who has had plenty of opportunity to respond and has decided to put it off. I must be led by the Holy Spirit to discern when to move on and when to stick it out.

Unfortunately, I must be ready for opposition and persecution as I go about sharing the good news. Paul and Barnabas were driven out of the district by devout men and women to Judaism.  Despite the circumstances, they were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. The Apostles considered persecution an honor and a privilege. It was not a reason to be discouraged or depressed. It was a joyous occasion to be persecuted for the name of Jesus. Will I rejoice when persecuted? Will I rejoice when opposed?

Father, help me believe that signs and wonders are still for today and to have an open heart to see you work in my community. Give me opportunities to build a circle of influence among the unchurched. Teach me to build relationships that create curiosity for the faith. Teach me how to connect with people and bring them to the cross. Fill my heart with joy as I am obedient to your mandate whether people respond or not. Amen

Acts 5:12-16 Many Signs and Wonders Done

A sign is an event that points to the reality, presence, and power of God especially as it is related to the Gospel. A wonder is an unexpected, remarkable event that causes admiration in those who witness it. So when the Scripture speaks of signs and wonders, it is speaking of supernatural events that clearly testify to the reality of God and his kingdom causing admiration in those who either experience or witness them. Signs and wonders were never a goal or achievement to pursue. Signs and wonders are the means to preach the Gospel to an unbelieving world. It is a means to convince them of the reality of God and his Son Jesus as the one who died and was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven. Signs and wonders are not human accomplishments, but they are manifestations of God's power in the name of Jesus.

The impressive part of all this is that signs and wonders were "regularly done" by the apostles. I somehow thought that signs and wonders were supposed to be a rare occurrence, but it was not during the days of the apostles. It was a regular and common experience among them. Have I settled for a Gospel that lacks signs and wonders? Am I supposed to believe that signs and wonders were reserved for the Apostolic era and not for the rest of Church history? Why is my expectation so low when it comes to the move of the Spirit among God's people? Isn't the same Spirit who filled the Apostles living in us today?

The phrase "none of the rest dared join them" is not describing the fears of the other believers who were not apostles. It is describing the fears of the people who would not dare join lest they truly believed. The testimony of the Book of Acts as a whole teaches us that the power to perform signs and wonders was not just on the Apostles, it was operative in the disciples as well. The Apostles may have been the center of attention for signs and wonders, but it was not exclusively upon them. My preconceived notions of signs and wonders get in the way. I must set them aside and open my mind and heart to the reality of God working among unbelievers. But I must believe! It begins with me. If I think it is a thing of the past, how can I minister to those who are in need?

Wow! Peter's shadow was used as a means for the Spirit to heal people. That is amazing! I believe God moves according to need and according to faith. These people were coming out in faith seeking a healing. You don't see that today. Maybe there is the issue of why there isn't healing today like in the days of the Apostles. God has not changed, but the Church has and also the unbelieving masses of today. In those days, due to need, people had no other options for healthcare and therefore, were more open to the healing ministry of the Church. But also, I have to admit that the Church's expectations concerning healing have changed. We don't pray as much for healing anymore.

Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help my unbelief. May I open my heart to what you can do among the unbelieving people of this world. May I make myself available to be a conduit of your power to operate in people's lives to promote your kingdom. Amen.