Acts Chapter 12

Acts Chapter 12

Acts 12:1
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

• Vex, by dictionary definition and biblical context here, means to persecute
• This refers to Herod the Great's son, Herod Agrippa I, also named "Agrippa the Great"
• His original name was Marcus Julius Agrippa(10 b.c.-44 a.d.), king of Judaea (ca. 41–44 b.c.)
• Herod the Great was the king wanting to kill the children in Israel when Jesus was a baby
• To give an idea of how brutal he was toward Christians.......he was a friend of CALIGULA
• Persecution always makes the church grow
• The persecution switches from religious Jewish leaders to government
• The purpose would have been the same: To please the exact same Pharisees and Sadducees and keep peace with the leaders in Israel

VEX, v.t. [L. vexo.]

1. To irritate; to make angry by little provocations; a popular use of the word.
2. To plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict.
   Ten thousand torments vex my heart.
3. To disturb; to disquiet; to agitate.
   White curl the waves, and the vex'd ocean roars.
4. To trouble; to distress.
   I will also vex the hearts of many people. Ezek 32.
5. To persecute. Acts 12.
6. To stretch, as by hooks. [Not in use.]

VEX, v.i. To fret; to be teased or irritated.

Acts 12:2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

• Why did God allow James to die and Peter to live?
• This is a display of God's sovereignty
• The modern "Emergent Church Movement", "Word of Faith Movement, "Prosperity Gospel" people and the "Ecumenical Church" want you to think that James lacked faith, but Peter and his prayer warriors had "faith that can move mountains" and, therefore, Peter is released, James dies
• In the context of all of Scripture, this is pure, rank heresy and is taught in no place
• God allows this for His own reasons, not ours
• See the entire book of Job. He loses all, because God allows it, and is restored by God, so that we could learn from it. Job is innocent throughout.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Hebrews 11:36-40
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Daniel 3:13-18
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Acts 12:3
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

• Again, the motive is men-pleasing, peace with men
• Killing James pleased the Jews who persecuted the Church

Acts 12:4
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

• Easter is the correct word...not Passover
• A quaternion is four troops, so this is sixteen soldiers
• Peter's Gospel was apparently doing great damage to Herod's reign, Rome's power, the Jews' religious system!

EASTER, NOT PASSOVER

The Trinitarian Bible Society Quarterly Record states:

"When Tyndale applied his talents to the translation of the New Testament from Greek into English, he was not satisfied with the use of a completely foreign word, and decided to take into account the fact that the season of the passover was known generally to English people as `Easter' ... Tyndale has ester or easter fourteen times, ester-lambe eleven times, esterfest once, and paschall lambe three times." "When he began his translation of the Pentateuch, he was again faced with the problem in Exodus 12:11 and twenty- one other places, and no doubt recognizing that easter in this context would be an anachronism he coined a new word, passover and used it consistently in all twenty-two places. It is, therefore, to Tyndale that our language is indebted for this meaningful and appropriate word"

• "Pascha", even today, can mean Easter. The Latin is "pask" or "paske"
• Herod would have celebrated Easter, not Passover
• Numbers 28:16-17
  And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.
• Leviticus 23:5-6
  In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
• Mark 14:12
  And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the Passover?
• Passover is BEFORE the Feast of Unleavened Bread, not AFTER
• The word "Passover" refers to the Passover, not the Passover plus the Feast of Unleavened Bread

Acts 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

• The prayer is fervent and non-stop
• It is possible that he would not have not known about this prayer chain
• In either case, no matter the outcome, death or freedom, they prayed.
• Remembering James was killed, it is a certainty that Peter would have followed in his footsteps

Acts 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

• When Jesus was in prison, Peter was denying him three times
• Now that Peter is in prison, having seen the Risen Christ and understood "all that the prophets have spoken" (Luke 24:25), Peter falls asleep, entering into that rest
• Peter knows that his life is not his own, and not in his own hands

1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Hebrews 4:9-11
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Acts 12:7
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

• The Angel of the LORD is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, in His Resurrected Body
• The chains fall off with us as well, when we get saved by receiving Jesus Christ as our LORD and Saviour
• If you are facing execution the next day, or soon thereafter, do you sleep, resting easy?
• If you are asleep, an angel with a lot of light comes in and then has to hit you to wake you up, how asleep were you?!
• Possibly the guards saw the light, other guards, other prisoners, and were scared

Acts 12:8
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

• Peter is no doubt half asleep at this time, groggy, confused
• Imagine the guards, moments before, who were chained to Peter, witnessing the angel here!

Acts 12:9
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

• Earlier, Peter saw a vision and thought it was not something from God, because of the implications
• Now he sees a real Angel of the LORD and doubts he even sees it, because he is, again, half asleep

Acts 12:10
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

• Chains broken, through two guard stations and a locked gate for the security of the prisoners to prevent escape, all defeated handily
• God wants you out? You are out. God wants you in? You are locked

Acts 12:11
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

• Peter is now awake, a slow riser like many of us
• "The expectation of the Jews" was that he be executed forthwith

Acts 12:12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

• This Mary is not the mother of Jesus, but rather another
• That must have been some prayer meeting, and some surprise answer!
• It says that they were still praying

PETER: A COMPARISON TO LOST SINNERS, SAVED BY GRACE

• The sinner is held captive by the Devil “at his will” (2 Timothy 2:26)
• The lost sinner is held captive by sin
• The lost sinner is asleep, in the dark
• The lost sinner is in bondage, in need of freedom from sin
• The lost sinner needs to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6)
• The Lost sinner needs to recognize he is wayward, prodigal, and come to the LORD of his own accord when he realizes his sin, to follow Him freely
• The Lost sinner needs to tell others about the Grace ofthe LORD Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:26
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Proverbs 5:22
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Hebrews 2:15
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Isaiah 42:6-7
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Ephesians 6:11-17
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Luke 15:11-24
And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Acts 12:13
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

• Rhoda's meaning derived from Greek(?) (rhodon) meaning "ROSE"
• A damsel is a young, unmarried woman

DAM'SEL, n. A young woman. Formerly, a young man or woman of noble or genteel extraction; as Damsel Pepin; Damsel Richard, prince of Wales. It is now used only of young women, and is applied to any class of young unmarried women, unless to the most vulgar, and sometimes to country girls.
With her train of damsels she was gone.Dryden.
Then Boaz said, whose damsel is this? Ruth 2.
This word is rarely used in conversation, or even in prose writings of the present day; but it occurs frequently in the scriptures, and in poetry.

Acts 12:14
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

• She believed God had done it and that it was Peter in the flesh

Acts 12:15
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

• Not everyone was apparently as glad as Rhoda, having just prayed, now receiving the answer, they then doubt it?
• It is prudent to note that every angel visiting earth is a wingless man
• They are claiming that she saw a ghost, a spirit, not the real Peter

Acts 12:16
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

• Nothing like actual irrefutable proof from the one who they deny to settle the matter!
• Rhoda is inside, leaving Peter outside, to knock, like "Um, helloooooo???? I am still out here!"
• In all of the excitement, she may have simply run in at breakneck speed to relay the news that Peter was alive and forgot to unlatch or unlock the gate

Acts 12:17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

• Peter realized that it was now absolutely certain what had happened
• Peter had work to do
• Holding their peace was necessary because, as anyone knows, when those who believe and those who do not come together, there is often, if not always, loud controversy

Acts 12:18
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

• Just imagine the conversation, soldiers claiming others were crazy, claiming they are making up excuses, not doing their job
• It was fully known that escaped prisoners in Herod's Kingdom meant death

Acts 12:19
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

• Herod was like Nebuchadnezzar, with absolute brutal, ruthless authority
• No arrest, no trial, just asking them what happened, they tell him and....execute the guards!
• Caesarea was a vacation place at that time, so he matter-of-factly just executed the guards and went on holiday at his resort

Acts 12:20
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

• Business.....economy....
• When you need goods from someone evil, you try to make peace with them
• This implies that they were on the verge of being at war with Herod
• This peace would have included a bribe to Blastus

Acts 12:21
And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

• Politician, oratory skills
• Josephus described this event in great detail(Josephus, Antiquities, Lib. 19, Ch. 8, sect. 2).
• This defines pomp and circumstance, showiness

Acts 12:22
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

• Man worship is always common when one is famous, a good speaker
• This happens today within the church, with authors, TV and radio, internet sensations, travelling preachers
• ALL people will eventually let you down if you follow them and not God
• Herod is just one example
• The best speaker, loved dearly by all of mankind is coming around the corner; he will not last long either, just the last half of seven years of the Great Tribulation

Revelation 13:5
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Acts 12:23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

• Many scholars like to claim that this was just a natural result of trichinosis, from eating too much pork.
• Many people ate pork, many died from the parasites
• The Bible relates this event, therefore it is significant
• The Bible further states that GOD HIMSELF IMMEDIATELY SMOTE HIM (the Angel of the LORD)
• God mentions it because Herod is taking the Glory due to God ALONE, being called a god
• The Angel of Death is never sent to bring a message; He comes to kill (Genesis 19)

2 Kings 19:35
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.

The Fruit of Man Worship In the Church

While much of Dr. Ruckman's followers seem to follow him, calling themselves "Ruckmanites", I do not-I follow Jesus and could be called a Jesus-ite. but the many points he makes below are very pertinent for today:

"Refusal to give God the glory is what cost Moses his life (Deut. 3:26), and if the Lord were as hard on twentieth-century Christians in America and Europe as he was on Herod and Moses, the Sword of the Lord would be publishing an obituary column right alongside, “With the Evangelists.” Taking credit from God is a standard practice among 90 percent of the leading Christian celebrities who profess to be giving God the credit. It is true that they give Him a passing notice with their LIPS (i.e., “We give all the glory to God for what He has done.”), but practically, they take as much glory as possible; a fact which is evident by their writings and speeches, for “out of the abundance of a man’s heart his mouth speaks.” These celebrities brag about their records and “attendance” until it runs out your ears; they promote their ministries until you would think that God had nothing to do in this age but use them; and they slander or lie about every person who disagrees with their work or hinders their ministeries (or uses the Bible to point out their errors). The standard of consecration these days at most schools and churches is LOYALTY to the INSTITUTION; the word of God is no more a real issue with most of these religious executives than it is to Union Theological Seminary. The Holy Bible is NOT the final authority at most Christian schools, and if it had never been written, they could still maintain their “authority,” for they are their own authority. (It is significant that the last three “big shots” to quote Luke 2:14 to the world omitted “Glory to GOD in the highest....” Everyone of them began right where Santa Claus and the Pope begin: “PEACE ON EARTH.” You will find that the first six words of the verse were omitted in the Christmas speeches of Jack Kennedy, Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon, as well as those of Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI.)" Ruckman, Dr. Peter S. (2011-05-13). Acts Commentary (The Bible Believer's Commentary Series) (Kindle Locations 6850-6865). BB Bookstore. Kindle Edition. Acts 12:24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.

• One would normally think that the wholesale slaughter of Christians at any place and time means wiping out the Church
• God always has the last word-His church endures, grows, will prevail over the gates of hell
• This is only true for the true, real Church until the Rapture
• The Roman Church, falsely claiming Peter as the first pope, is destroyed in Revelation 18

Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

• Barnabas figures largely from here on out in the New Testament

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 14:12
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Acts 14:14
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul , heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Acts 14:20
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 15:2
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:12
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul , declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 15:22
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 15:25
It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul ,

Acts 15:35
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 15:36
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

Acts 15:37
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts 15:39
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

1 Corinthians 9:6
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Galatians 2:1
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Galatians 2:13
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Acts Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Acts 11:1
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

• Apostles, brethren, Judaea...Jewish Christians
• They would not be Gentiles, as it says they "heard that the Gentiles"
• Just receiving something that was thought not initially intended by God for them might have been enough to amaze them

Acts 11:2
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

• "They that were of the circumcision" is Jewish proselytes who would not consider Gentiles worthy of being saved
• Jerusalem would be their home base, from which the Gospel emanated outward (Acts 1:8)
• This is such a thorn in their side that they must "contend" with him (argue)

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 11:3
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

• Hanging out with Gentiles is a huge no-no as of this time
• Circumcision was a sign to Jews, differentiating them from Gentiles, a mark of national identity, especially in captivity in times of war
• We as Gentiles ARE circumcised.........just in a different way

_______________

JEWISH CIRCUMCISION: THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Circumcision was part of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:10)
• It was timed perfectly, medically, at eight days-no more, no less (Genesis 17:12)
• Everyone born into a Jewish home was to be circumcised (Genesis 17:13)
• Any violation meant removal from society (Genesis 17:14)
• A baby is immune to the pain; Abraham had to do this to EVERY MALE of ALL ages in his house (Genesis 17:23, 27)
• Abraham was 29 at the time he was circumcised (Genesis 17:24)
• The same day, Ishmael was 13 (Genesis 17:25)
• Isaac was on his eighth day (Genesis 21:4)
• Circumcision was used by Dinah's brethren Simeon and Levi to get the Hivite men (of Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan) to be sore and ripe for the revenge by for the rape of Dinah (Genesis 34:14, 15, 17, 22, 24)
• Moses, then being being a Jewish Midianite, considered himself of "uncircumcised lips" when God called him (Exodus 6:12, 30)
• Strangers were not to eat of the Passover unless circumcised (Exodus 12:44, 48)
• The Law was eight days for a male child (Leviticus 12:3)
• The fruit in any land conquered by Israel was to be considered uncircumcised for three years after they came into the land (Leviticus 19:23)
• God calls the Israelite hearts in captivity for their sins, "uncircumcised" (Leviticus 26:41)
• Joshua circumcised all of the Israelites who were born in Egypt and were never circumcised (Joshua 5:3-7)
• Samson was warned about taking a wife of the "uncircumcised Philistines" (Judges 14:3)
• He later regretted it and did not want to fall into their hands, by dying of thirst after killing a thousand of them with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 15:18)
• Jonathan called the Philistines "these uncircumcised" (1 Samuel 14:6)
• David followed this with Goliath, calling him an "uncircumcised Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:26, 36)
• King Saul himself wanted his armor bearer to thrust him through with his sword in order not to fall into the hands of "the uncircumcised" (1 Samuel 31:4, 1 Chronicles 10:4)
• When Saul and Jonathan fell, David did not want it published, lest the "uncircumcised" find out about it. (2 Samuel 1:20)
• God promises Israel that no more will the uncircumcised come unto them (Isaiah 52:1)
• God said that Israel's EARS were uncircumcised (Jeremiah 6:10, acts 7:51)
• God will one day punish both the circumcised and the uncircumcised together (Jeremiah 9:25)
• In Jeremiah 9:26, God calls the Muslim countries around Israel, (Egypt, Jordan, Arabia) as well as Judah, uncircumcised (Jeremiah 9:26)
• Israel was told they would die just like the uncircumcised, at the hand of the uncircumcised, for acting like they were God (Ezekiel 28:10)
• Egypt also would be taken down by the uncircumcised in Russia, Assyria, Arabia, Asia Minor, etc. (Ezekiel 31:18, 32:19, 21, 24-31)
• Israel was rebuked for bringing in the uncircumcised in heart and flesh into God's house (Ezekiel 44:7, 9)
• The apostle Paul circumcised Timothy for the sake of the Jews, not because of salvation (Acts 16:3)
• Paul said to be in your condition, circumcised or uncircumcised, when you get saved, because it is not necessary for salvation (1 Corinthians 7:18)
• He encountered the same legalistic Jewish thing, but did NOT circumcise Titus (Galatians 2:3)
• Paul said circumcision, in regards to salvation and the Law, was meaningless (Galatians 5:2-3)
• Paul also called it "a show in the flesh" for their own glory, those who would have another be circumcised as a believer (Galatians 6:12-13)
• He counted his own circumcision as dung (Philippians 3:5)
• Paul said that the LORD Jesus Christ circumcises us in our hearts (Colossians 2:11)

Genesis 17:10
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

Genesis 17:12
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Genesis 17:13
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:14
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Genesis 17:23
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

Genesis 17:24
And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Genesis 17:25
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Genesis 17:26
In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.

Genesis 17:27
And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

Genesis 21:4
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Genesis 34:14
And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:

Genesis 34:15
But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;

Genesis 34:17
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

Genesis 34:22
Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.

Genesis 34:24
And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.

Exodus 6:12
And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

Exodus 6:30
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

Exodus 12:44
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Exodus 12:48
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Leviticus 12:3
And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

Leviticus 19:23
And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

Leviticus 26:41
And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Joshua 5:3
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Joshua 5:5
Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised.

Joshua 5:7
And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.

Judges 14:3
Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

Judges 15:18
And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

1 Samuel 17:26
And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1 Samuel 17:36
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

1 Samuel 31:4
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

2 Samuel 1:20
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

1 Chronicles 10:4
Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

Isaiah 52:1
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Jeremiah 6:10
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Jeremiah 9:25
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Jeremiah 9:26
Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.

Ezekiel 28:10
Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 31:18
To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 32:19
Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

Ezekiel 32:21
The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Ezekiel 32:24
There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 32:25
They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that be slain.

Ezekiel 32:26
There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:27
And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:28
Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.

Ezekiel 32:29
There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 32:30
There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 32:32
For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain with the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 44:7
In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.

Ezekiel 44:9
Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.

Acts 7:8
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Acts 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Acts 11:3
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Acts 15:1
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

Acts 16:3
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Romans 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Romans 4:12
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Galatians 2:3
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

Galatians 5:2
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Galatians 5:3
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:13
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Philippians 3:5
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

_______________

OUR GENTILE CIRCUMCISION

Romans 2:25-29
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

_______________

Acts 11:4
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

• Rehearsing is rehashing, recounting, relating, reciting, revisiting all over again

REHEARSE, v.t. rehers.'

1. 1. To recite; to repeat the words of a passage or composition; to repeat the words of another.
   When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul. 1 Sam 17.
2. To narrate or recount events or transactions. There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord. Judg 5. Acts 11.
3. To recite or repeat in private for experiment and improvement, before a public representation; as, to rehearse a tragedy.

Acts 11:5-16
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: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. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 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; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
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.

One thing to remember in verse sixteen is that, although Peter is referring to Matthew 3:11, he omits (very important) the part of "and with fire", which was reserved for the Jewish apostles, on the Pentecost.

Isaiah 44:3 (KJV)
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Acts 11:17
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?

• The implied answer to this question is, "I was nobody to question God!"
• The "like gift" spoken of here is the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 11:15-16)

Galatians 2:11-15
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

• There can be no other explanation for them as to what happened
• This is God the Holy Spirit in action, since the fleshly reaction would have been,
  "No way! This has never been the case! Gentiles? Are you kidding me?"

Acts 11:19
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.

• Persecution makes the church stronger, and makes it scatter
• This was how to fulfill Acts 1:8
• Acts 1:8 prophecy, Acts 8:1 fulfillment

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 8:1
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 11:20
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.

• CYRENE: In Libya,the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region. It is why eastern Libya is named Cyrenaica today.
• Had by this time been there over two centuries, with philosophers schools and Greek and Libyan philosophers
• CYPRUS: Today it is the Republic of Cyprus, which is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is the third largest, third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and is a part of the European Union. LOCATION: South of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt and east of Greece.
• ANTIOCH: In Syria,founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals, Seleucus I Nicator who named it after his father Antiochus. This is part of the Seleucid Dynasty, most notable is Seleucus Callinicus (246-226 B.C.), and Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.). Huge part of the ancient spice trade, the silk trade, it was a rival to Alexandria, Egypt. It is where Hellenistic Judaism came from and Antioch is also called "The Cradle of Christianity" because that is where "they were first called Christians at Antioch" (v.25)
• Antioch has a prominent place in Acts, mentioned sixteen times. four verses in this chapter
• This entire area, these three cities, is where the Byzantine texts of the Textus Receptus come from.
• Missionaries from Antioch also translated the first Latin texts

Acts 6:5
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Acts 11:19
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.

Acts 13:1
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Acts 13:14
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Acts 14:19
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Acts 14:26
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Acts 15:22
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 15:23
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Acts 15:30
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Acts 15:35
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 18:22
And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Acts 11:21
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

• Not much to add
• God is with them
• Many believe
• They turn to the LORD: REVIVAL!

Acts 11:22
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.

• The ears of the church means people, not a building.
• In the entire New Testament there is no building called a "church"

Acts 11:23
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.

• Grace guides godly exhortations
• Grace builds and binds together the Church

Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

• Revival had broken out
• Very few people in Scripture are called "a good man" by name

BARNABAS: A GOOD MAN

2 Samuel 18:27
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Psalms 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalms 112:5
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Luke 23:50
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

John 7:12
And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Romans 5:7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

_______________

Acts 11:25
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

• It is located on the southern, central coast of Turkey today
• Saul is not called Paul yet
• Tarsus is Saul's hometown
• Antony and Cleopatra met there

Acts 11:26
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.

• It is often claimed in mainstream Christian circles that this was a derogatory word for followers of Christ
• This is why we have to avoid accepting something because someone is a "big name" or who wrote many books, has a big church, etc.

Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Acts 11:27-28
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 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 Caesar.

• And it happened. The fact that it came to pass meant it was authentic
• Today we have more prophecy of future events than at every other times in history-Matthew to Revelation, not even counting the Old Testament
• These prophecies start in Genesis right through, numerous and about a short time of history-the Last Days, from about 1948 to the present, into the seven year Great Tribulation

Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

• Determined....."we must do this"
• No reliance on government programs, just the Church and her benevolence
• "Every man according to his ability" tells us that some are poor, some OK, some rich, not all "blessed by God with prosperity", not expecting something in return, being content with what they had
• There is no coveting displayed here, neither selfishness

Luke 3:14
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

1 Corinthians 7:21-24
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Acts 11:30
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

• True leaders can be trusted with other people's money, always
• This could be Gentiles believers helping Jewish believers

Acts Chapter 10

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
- Luke 2:32

The book of Acts is a transitional book, from which we do not and can not draw our doctrines, and very few of our practices. It transitions from Jew to Gentiles, very awkwardly, because of religious tradition. The Gentiles were eager; it was the religious Jews such as Peter who resisted giving the Gospel to the Gentiles. But Jesus foretold He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not destroy it.

Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

• Caesarea was the Roman capitol city for that area.
• Caesarea was built by Herod, and named after Caesar.
• Being a "Centurion" means he was over 100 men
• A "band" is what we call today a troop, or battalion.
• This is the farthest fulfillment of Acts 1:8, "the uttermost part of the world"
• This is also, "to the Gentile"......
• He was also a Jewish proselyte, so he was seeking God even before getting saved

Acts 17:27
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

CAESAREA

Matthew 16:13
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Mark 8:27
And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

Acts 8:40
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts 9:30
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Acts 11:11
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

Acts 12:19
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Acts 18:22
And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Acts 21:8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Acts 21:16
There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Acts 23:23
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

Acts 23:33
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

Acts 25:1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Acts 25:4
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Acts 25:6
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

• Faithful, fearful, generous giver, prayer warrior
• Being devout is one thing, but this is being devout towards God, with the inward heart reflected by the outward actions
• "All his house" means he led all of them in his house on their walk

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Acts 10:3
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

• This is about three in the afternoon
• Angels and God nearly always greet first by saying the person's name to get attention
• Righteous Lot, Gideon, Manoah's wife were a few exceptions
• Whenever God was going to use someone mightily and used an angel to call them, He started with their name

Acts 10:4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

• Angels speak for God, evidenced here by Cornelius calling him "Lord", as he recognized the source of the angel and his visit
• This angel of God is obviously the LORD Jesus Christ Himself, or why else respond when He is called "LORD"?
• Cornelius also knew who this was, as he did not ask who it was, like Saul (Paul) did

Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

GOD HEARS THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Genesis 16:11
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.

Genesis 21:17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Genesis 29:33
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.

Exodus 16:9
And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

2 Kings 19:4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

Psalms 6:8
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Psalms 6:9
The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

Psalms 28:6
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

Psalms 66:19
But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Psalms 116:1
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Isaiah 37:4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

Numbers 11:1
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Numbers 12:2
And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

Deuteronomy 1:34
And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

Deuteronomy 5:28
And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

Deuteronomy 26:7
And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

1 Samuel 7:9
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.

1 Kings 17:22
And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

Psalms 34:6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 78:21
Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Acts 10:5
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

• Joppa was 28 miles from Caesarea, so about 19 hours by horseback, straight through
• Peter in chapter nine was there for Tabitha (Dorcas) who he had raised from the dead

Acts 10:6
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

• Simon Peter was with Simon the tanner, and evidently near good fishing!
• A tanner prepares animals' hides for things such as clothing, bags, tents, vellum, etc.

Acts 10:7-8
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

• A devout man with a devout soldier, and godly combination
• A devout man is who you send when God asks you to "Send men"

Acts 10:9
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

• This is about twenty eight miles distance, a day for Peter to return back from (v. 23-24)
• Peter is praying on the roof at noon time, lunch time.
• In Peter's two epistles, he only mentions prayer (pray, prayer, prayers, praying) three times, but apparently he was a man of prayer
• Paul mentions the words around ten times that much, but wrote more than ten times the words.

Acts 10:10
And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

• When you are hungry, what do you dream of?
• When you are hungry, do you eat, wait to eat and stay awake, or fall asleep?

Acts 10:11
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

• A lunch wrapped in a tablecloth...who needs a table?
• This sheet represents the Church

Acts 10:12
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

• This is food he has never eaten, but seen in the markets in Jerusalem
• Creeping things, fowls-insects, lizards, raptors, shellfish perhaps, even pigs (Leviticus 11)
• This is Gentile food, not kosher for any Jew of the day
• The animals (beasts) represent the Gentiles
• This is ONE vessel (sheet), many many Gentiles into really two different groups (Jew, Gentile)

1 Corinthians 10:32
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Acts 10:13
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

• God is giving the OK to a new way-Gentiles
• God's dietary laws were for their health and obedience was also, but there is health and there is legalism
• There is health, legalism, logic, reason and then there is emotions, feelings, personal preferences

1 Timothy 4:3-5
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Acts 10:14
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

• Peter was a Jew, and Jews had no real dealing with Gentiles, then as now, with exceptions
• The book of Acts is a purely transitional book, from which we do not draw our doctrine any more than we do from the Old Testament, but which has lessons in early church history.
• The transition is from a purely Jewish focus to the Church focus, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile

Galatians 3:27-29
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

*******************************

THE GENTILES

• Gentiles divided out and called out through tongues at Babel, before Abraham (Genesis 10:5)
• The Gentiles were prophesied to come to Jesus, our Ensign (Isaiah 11:10)
• Jesus was to bring forth judgment to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:1)
• Israel was to be a light to us (Isaiah 46:6, 49:22)
• Gentiles were to be Israel's inheritance(Isaiah 54:3)
• The Gentiles will come to Israel during the time of Christ on earth (Isaiah 60:5,11)
• The Gentiles will serve Israel during that time (Isaiah 60:16)
• The Gentiles will serve Israel with food during that time (Isaiah 61:6)
• Israel will be revered by the Gentiles (Isaiah 61:9)
• The Gentiles will see the righteousness of Israel (Isaiah 62:2)
• The Gentiles will treat Israel like a child nurtured of its mother (Isaiah 66:12)
• Israel will glorify God to the Gentiles in the Millennial Kingdom (Isaiah 66:19)
• God called the Gentiles to destroy Israel (Jeremiah 4:7)
• The rain dances and idols of the Gentiles can not change the weather and bring showers of rain (Jeremiah 14:22)
• Gentiles prophesied to come to the LORD (Jeremiah 16:19)
• The day of the LORD is a day of judgment of the Gentiles (Jeremiah 46)
• Gentile Babylonians took Israel captive (Lamentations 2:9)
• God drove the nation of Israel into the Gentile Nations (Ezekiel 4:13, Hosea 8:8)
• In the end, it will be Israel versus the Gentiles (Joel 3)
• Israel was scattered among the Gentiles, over an over really (Micah 5)
• The Gentiles have always invaded and tried to destroy Israel (Zechariah 1:21)
• The LORD promised His Name would be great among the Gentiles (Malachi 1:11)
• Jesus came to the land of the Gentiles (Matthew 4:15)
• Gentiles worry about God supplying their needs (Matthew 6:32)
• The Gospel was NOT to the Gentiles first, according to Jesus(Matthew 10:15)
• The Apostles were prophesied to be a witness of Jesus before Gentiles (Matthew 10:18)
• Jesus, as the Servant of God the Father, will show judgment to the Gentiles (Matthew 12:18)
• The Gentiles will come to Jesus for salvation (Matthew 12:21)
• Jesus was prophesied to be and was delivered to the Gentiles (Matthew 20:19, Luke 18:32)
• Gentiles love power (Matthew 20:25, Mark 10:33)
• The Master/Servant heart of Gentiles is to be master (Mark 10:42, Luke 22:25)
• Jesus is the light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47)
• The Church Age is the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24)
• The apostles thought Jesus was going to the Gentiles when He said, "Whither I go ye cannot follow"(John 7:35)
• The Jews, Gentiles and Roman leadership were all against Jesus (Acts 4:27)
• The Jews were given Gentile land as their home (Acts 7:45)
• Paul was chosen to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15)
• The Jews were astonished when Gentiles received the Holy Ghost, just like them (Acts 10:45)
• Word spread to Judea that the Gentiles were getting saved (Acts 11:1)
• After hearing this news, the Jews glorified God (Acts 11:18)
• The Gentiles wanted to hear the Gospel the next Sabbath, after the Jews heard it in the synagogue (Acts 13:42)
• Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles when the Jews rejected the Gospel (Acts 13:46)
• The Gentiles were glad and glorified God when they heard the Gospel was for them (Acts 13:48)
• The Gentiles were used as a pawn by the Jews to stir up hatred against the apostles (Acts 14:2,5)
• Paul and Barnabas spread the news to Antioch, Phenice, Samaria how the Gentiles were saved also (Acts 14:27, Acts 15:3)
• The salvation of Gentiles was ordained by God (Act 15:7)
• The Gentiles were accepted as co-heirs in Christ (Acts 15:12)
• It was acknowledged that this is a fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 15:17)
• The believing Jews were then told not to give the Gentiles in the Church problems (Acts 15:19)
• The Gentiles were told they were not under the law by letter to Antioch (Acts 15:23)
• Paul surrendered converting the Jews to a Gentile ministry in Corinth as a tent maker (Acts 18:6)
• Paul was prophesied to be delivered to the Gentiles by the Jews at Jerusalem (Acts 21:11)
• At Jerusalem, Paul spoke of the Gentile ministry with the other apostles (Acts 21:19)
• Gentiles were not required to perform the offerings of Jews (Acts 21:25)
• Paul was directly commissioned from the LORD Jesus Christ to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21, Acts 26:17, 20, Acts 28:28)
• The light of the Gospel was to spread to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23)
• Paul wanted to have fruit among the Gentiles (Romans 1:13)
• Gentiles are after Jews, in order (Romans 2:9-10)
• The Gentiles were not given the Law (Romans 2:14)
• The Gentiles blaspheme God (Romans 2:24)
• The Gentiles are just as much sinners as the Jews (Romans 3:9)
• In the Church, God is the God of both Jew and Gentile (Romans 3:29)
• We are called with Jews to show God's Glory in our weak flesh (Romans 9:24)
• We got the Gospel after the Jews stumbled on it (Romans 11:11)
• The fall of the Jews became our riches, blessings (Romans 11:12)
• Paul was the Gentile apostle, and spoke directly to them (Romans 11:13)
• The Church age is the Gentile period, after which (when it is full) the focus returns to Israel (Romans 11:25)
• This fulfilled Deuteronomy 32:43 (Gentiles, "the nations") and God expects glory and worship from this (Romans 15:9-11)
• The Messiah would rule, reign and we would trust in Christ (Isaiah 11:20, Romans 15:12)
• Paul was the Minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Romans 15:16)
• Paul completed this task obediently (Romans 15:18)
• The Gentiles were to give an offering, like the Jews were to give a tithe (Romans 15:27)
• The Gentile churches specifically called out (Romans 16:4)
• Gentiles in the Church called out for fornication like that of unbelieving, heathen, pagan Gentiles without (1 Corinthians 5:1)
• Gentiles sacrifice to devils (1 Corinthians 10:20)
• There is the Church, the Jew, the Gentile-all separate (1 Corinthians 10:32)
• Gentiles are idolaters (1 Corinthians 12:2)
• Gentiles and Jews the same in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:3)
• Paul shared his Gentile Gospel to the Jews at Jerusalem (Acts 19:21, Galatians 2:2)
• Paul claimed to be used by Jesus like Peter to the Jews, toward the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8)
• Paul rebuked Peter for requiring the Gentiles to walk as Jews (Galatians 2:14)
• Gentiles are are not Jewish sinners by their nature, but are still known as sinners by nature, like all people (Galatians 2:15)
• The Church is a fulfillment of part of the Abrahamic Covenant (Galatians 3:14)
• Unsaved Gentiles are "uncircumcised, in the flesh" (Ephesians 2:11)
• Paul was a prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1)
• The Gentiles in the body the Gentiles are fellow heirs, of the same body, partakers of his promise in Christ through accepting the Gospel (Ephesians 3:6)
• Paul considered it a gracious privilege to be able to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles(Ephesians 3:8)
• Gentiles unsaved walk in vanity (Ephesians 4:17)
• The Church is a glorious, rich mystery of the Old Testament (Colossians 1:27)
• The Jews did not want the Gospel to go to the Gentiles (1 Thessalonians 2:16)
• By nature, Gentiles do not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:5)
• Paul was a preacher, teacher and an apostle of the Gentiles (1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:11, 2 Timothy 4:17)
• Gentiles getting the Gospel is also mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16)
• Peter wanted Christians to be Christlike in front of Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12)
• Peter characterized the Gentiles as those who displayed and practiced lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: (1 Peter 4:3)
• John commended Gaius for not taking anything of the Gentiles for his ministry (3 John 1:7)
• The Gentiles were never allowed in the temple, and had their own "Court of the Gentiles" (Revelation 11:2)

Genesis 10:5
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Judges 4:2
And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

Judges 4:13
And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.

Judges 4:16
But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.

Isaiah 11:10
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:6
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isaiah 49:6
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Isaiah 49:22
Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

Isaiah 54:3
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

Isaiah 60:3
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Isaiah 60:5
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Isaiah 60:11
Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.

Isaiah 60:16
Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 61:6
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isaiah 61:9
And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.

Isaiah 62:2
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Isaiah 66:12
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

Isaiah 66:19
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Jeremiah 4:7
The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 14:22
Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

Jeremiah 16:19
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

Jeremiah 46:1
The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.

Ezekiel 4:13
And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.

Hosea 8:8
Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.

Joel 3:9
Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Micah 5:8
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Zechariah 1:21
Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

Malachi 1:11
For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 4:15
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

Matthew 6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 10:18
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Matthew 12:18
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 12:21
And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Matthew 20:19
And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew 20:25
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Mark 10:33
Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

Mark 10:42
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

Luke 2:32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 18:32
For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

Luke 21:24
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Luke 22:25
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

John 7:35
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

Acts 4:27
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Acts 7:45
Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 10:45
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:1
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Acts 13:42
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:47
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 14:2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Acts 14:5
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 15:3
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 15:7
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles> by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:12
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 15:14
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Acts 15:17
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

Acts 15:19
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

Acts 15:23
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Acts 21:11
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Acts 21:19
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Acts 21:21
And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Acts 21:25
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Acts 22:21
And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Acts 26:17
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Acts 26:20
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:23
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Acts 28:28
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Romans 1:13
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Romans 2:9
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Romans 2:10
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

Romans 2:14
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

Romans 2:24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Romans 3:9
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Romans 3:29
Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Romans 9:24
Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Romans 9:30
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Romans 11:12
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

Romans 11:13
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Romans 15:9
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:10
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

Romans 15:11
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

Romans 15:12
And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:18
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Romans 15:27
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

Romans 16:4
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

1 Corinthians 10:20
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1 Corinthians 10:32
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 12:2
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:8
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Galatians 2:12
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Galatians 2:15
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ephesians 2:11
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:8
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 Thessalonians 2:16
Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

1 Thessalonians 4:5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

1 Timothy 2:7
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

2 Timothy 1:11
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 4:17
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

1 Peter 2:12
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 4:3
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

3 John 1:7
Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

Revelation 11:2
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

*******************************

Acts 10:15
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

• God was to build His Church
• It was to be no longer Jew and Gentiles, but one body
• That meant no more having to go to the Jews to get saved; a focus shift, temporarily
• Gentiles were unclean in the Old Testament

Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 15:23-28
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Galatians 3:27-29
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Acts 10:16
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

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THRICE

• Three men came to Peter after this (Acts 10:19)
• Three feast a year for the Jews-the feast of unleavened bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles, or the Sabbaths, the new moons, the solemn feast(Exodus 23:14, Deuteronomy 16:16, 2 Chronicles 8:13, Exodus 34:24)
• They were to bring males to sacrifice at these three times (Exodus 23:17, Exodus 34:23)
• The ass turned from the Angel of the LORD three times under Balaam(Numbers 22:33)
• Balaam struck the ass he was riding on three times (Numbers 22:28)
• God even confronted him on this action (Numbers 22:32)
• Balaam then blessed Israel three times (Numbers 24:10)
• Delilah was denied the answer to Samson's strength three times (Judges 16:15)
• David bowed to the ground three times seeing Jonathan to get news of Saul's persecution (1 Samuel 20:41)
• Solomon offered peace and burnt offerings three times a year (1 Kings 9:25)
• Elisha stretched himself out on the woman's son three times (1 Kings 17:21)
• Three feasts: the Sabbaths, on the new moons, on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. (2 Chronicles 8:13)
• Daniel prayed three times a day with the windows opened (Daniel 6:10, 13)
• Joash smote the ground three times with the arrows in his hand , signifying deliverance from the Syrians three times and was rebuked by Elisha on his deathbed (2 Kings 13:18-19)
• PETER denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed (Matthew 26:34, 75, Mark 14:30, 14:72, Luke 22:34, 22:61, John 13:38)
• Paul was shipwrecked three times (2 Corinthians 11:25)
• Paul asked God three times to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8)

Exodus 23:14
Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Numbers 22:28
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Numbers 22:32
And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:

Numbers 22:33
And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

Numbers 24:10
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Deuteronomy 16:16
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Judges 16:15
And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.

1 Samuel 20:41
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

1 Kings 9:25
And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.

1 Kings 17:21
And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.

2 Kings 13:25
And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

2 Chronicles 8:13
Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Daniel 6:13
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

Acts 11:10
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

Exodus 34:23
Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.

Exodus 34:24
For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

2 Kings 13:18
And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.

2 Kings 13:19
And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

Matthew 26:34
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Matthew 26:75
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Mark 14:30
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Mark 14:72
And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Luke 22:34
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Luke 22:61
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

John 13:38
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Acts 10:16
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

2 Corinthians 11:25
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2 Corinthians 12:8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

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Acts 10:17
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

• Perfect timing-as in time to wake up, so that the dream becomes reality
• Three sheets to the wind, three men arrive

Acts 10:18
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

• God is never wrong; men can be, and could arrive at the wrong house
• Right house or not, you have to be polite according to customs

Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

• Just in case Peter did not believe the dream, God is about to prove it is from Him

Acts 10:20
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

• This is the most certain a person can be, perhaps.
• GO, DO NOT DOUBT, IT IS MY DIRECT WILL VISUALLY PRESENTED TO YOU HERE AND NOW

Acts 10:21
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

• Peter has the fulfillment of the dream but, just in case...
• He knows that they are here; he does not know why, or what this has to do with the dream yet-faith!

Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

• This is a repeat of verse two about Cornelius
• This is what it means to "send men to Joppa to call for Peter" (v.5)

Acts 10:23
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

• There were six men with Peter, and the three from Cornelius makes ten

JOPPA (JAFFA), TEL AVIV

• Joppa, or Jaffa, is today what we call, Tel Aviv ("the Hill of Spring”)
• One of the oldest working harbors in the world
• Tel Aviv (Ezekiel 3:15) is the largest metropolitan area in Israel
• Jonah fled here (Jonah 1:3)
• Solomon had the cedars brought here and then to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16)
• Peter had come here to raise Tabitha(Dorcas) from the dead (Acts 9:36-42)
• Joppa is on the Great sea (Mediterranean Sea), the westernmost border given to God by Israel, finally taken under David

Joshua 1:4
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

Ezekiel 3:15
Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

2 Chronicles 2:16
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Ezra 3:7
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Jonah 1:3
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 11:12
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

Acts 10:24
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

• If there is going to be some sort of news, it might as well spread
• It is certain that Peter's reputation was known well in Joppa

Acts 10:25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

• This is classic Romanism, the worship of men, dumb idols.
• There is an old saying, "Beware of anyone who falls at your feet. They can pull the rug out from under you."
• This is why Catholics think (the only reason they think) that Peter was the first pope.
• Unfortunately for them, there is no evidence Peter was anything other than a wicked sinner of a fisherman, and acknowledged as such

From an R.C.C. Web site:
"The Pope does not pretend to be God and does not seek worship that belongs to God alone. He is a man, but his vocation is to lead the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth, fulfilling the commission that Christ gave to His Apostle, Peter."

Acts 10:26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

• Peter rejected the worship, this part of the verse often omitted from any Roman Catholic references to Peter accepting worship.
• Peter even went out of his way to bend down (bow) and lift him up himself

Acts 10:27
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

• Cornelius had invited them and they came (v.24)
• It was Jesus who spoke to Cornelius originally, not Peter (v.4)
• It was Jesus who spoke to Peter originally (v.14). This was not Peters idea
• It was the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ who told Peter the three men were at the door downstairs (v.19)

SIMON PETER: MERE MORTAL MAN

• Peter was "A stone", NOT THE Stone, and certainly not THE ROCK
  John 1:42
  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

• Jesus is Our Rock, throughout Scripture
  1 Corinthians 10:4
  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
  Matthew 7:24
  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

• Was yelled at for denying that the Cross was necessary

  Matthew 16:21-23 (also Mark 8, Luke 4)
  From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

  Matthew 11:6
  And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

  1 Corinthians 1:23
  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

• Denied Christ three times and was yelled at by a rooster
  Matthew 26:33-35
  Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
  Matthew 26:69-75
  Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

• Peter was not the Rock upon which the Church was built, nor any popes, and said so in his first epistle

  Matthew 16:13-19
  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

  1 Peter 2:4-9
  To whom (Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:19-21) coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  Psalms 18:2
  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

  2 Samuel 22:2-4 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

• Jesus rebuked Peter for the disciples falling asleep while Jesus prayed

  Matthew 26:40
  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

• Peter drew a sword and lopped of the servant of the High Priest's ear, which Jesus (not Peter) healed on the spot
  Matthew 26:51
  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
  Mark 14:47
  And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
  Luke 22:50
  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

  John 18:26
  One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

• Peter lacked the faith to go to Jesus, walking on the water
  Matthew 14:28-31
  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

• Peter was MARRIED

  Matthew 8:14
  And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

  Mark 1:30
  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
  Luke 4:38
  And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

Acts 10:28
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

• The vision/dream of the beasts apparently still had not sunk in, as Peter was nearly still of the Jewish mindset of Gentiles being unworthy for him to visit
• He is cautiously changing now, though he still does not want it known that he is here
• In the Old Testament, God told the Jews to not take on the Gentiles(pagans, heathens) practices, nor their religion, nor their wives. However, if they were to convert to Judaism, they were to be accepted, such as Ruth.
• This is the transition from Jew/Gentile, it matters which, to Church-Jew, or Gentile, it does not matter
• This is evidence of what Peter did call Gentiles before this, "Common" and "Unclean"

Acts 10:29
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

• The dream was the appetizer; this is the setting for the entree.
• "without gainsaying" means he is not in opposition to them, not willing to contradict-he just wants to know why he is there with Gentiles

GAINSA'Y, v.t. [Eng. against.]
To contradict; to oppose in words; to deny or declare not to be true what another says; to controvert; to dispute; applied to persons, or to propositions, declarations or facts.
I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21. Acts 10:30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

• Angels coming to earth to men, outside of Revelation-always in the form of men.
• Angels visiting men in the Bible also did not have wings
• Four days to get to Peter, stay with him, bring him back to Cornelius (v. 17, 23-24)

Acts 10:31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

• If Cornelius was not saved at that time, then this answers that old question, "What about the heathen in the jungle?" since Cornelius obviously had never heard the Gospel, as evidenced by Peter when he arrived.
• If Cornelius was saved, Peter is the interlocutor for the truth of Gentiles, and Cornelius is the start of Peter's Gentile Ministry of tiny focus, as Gentile missions was for Paul.

Acts 10:32-33
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

• Cornelius may have thought Peter would delay or not come at all, because Peter is a Jew, Cornelius a Gentile.
• Again, Cornelius, saved or unsaved, is a prayer warrior who wants to know more about the God of the saved Jews, the LORD Jesus Christ
• Such knowledge would have been unattainable to a Gentile then, outside of the synagogue, which they could not enter

Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

• Peter has calculated that Cornelius would not have known who Simon Peter was, so this has to be a divine appointment, since they both heard that Peter was called to come here

GOD: NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

Romans 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

2 Chronicles 19:7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Colossians 3:25
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Galatians 2:6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

1 Peter 1:17
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

• Fear of God....faith in God, salvation through Jesus Christ
• Works of righteousness can only be done by saved people
• Works without Christ as the foundation are hay, straw, stubble, to be burned

James 2:20-26 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Acts 10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

• God sent Jesus first to Israel, not the Gentiles
• Jesus is the Word, the Living Word, sent to Israel
• Jesus is also the Prince of Peace-peace with God

John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Revelation 19:11-13
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Luke 2:11-14
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Acts 10:37
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

• John preached the baptism of repentance for sins
• At that point (Gospels, John the Baptist), it was for the REMISSION of sins, not redemption
• His preaching was for ISRAEL
• Those believers baptized did not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
• After Acts 19, this Baptism is never spoken of again, as the focus is shifted to the Gentiles

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN

Mark 1:4
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Luke 3:3
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Luke 7:29
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Acts 1:22
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:24
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Acts 18:25
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Matthew 21:25-27
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Luke 20:4-8
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

PAUL and the Baptism of John: Acts 19

Acts 19:1-7
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.

Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

• They more likely would at some point have heard of this Jesus of Nazareth
• They would not have heard of the Holy Ghost, more likely

Acts 10:39
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

• Again, the four Gospels have a purely JEWISH flavor, to JEWS, not Gentiles, as here, making the Acts book a transitional period
• This is why we must not glean our doctrine and practices from Acts, as it is a unique time

Acts 10:40-41
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

• The Resurrection was eyewitnessed by the apostles and four hundred others.
• Yet, even the apostles themselves had to have their eyes opened to see this correctly
• The idea the Jews have today and had then is only that the Messiah would come and rescue them from Rome, their oppressor and today, all of the enemies in the Middle East, Europe, elsewhere.........this looking will lead them to the anti-Christ, because they seek peace (a false peace)

THE WITNESS OF THE RESURRECTION

Luke 24:36-48
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

1 Corinthians 15:5-8
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Acts 10:42
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

• Part of the Gospel is that Jesus is coming back to judge, not bless
• The removal of hell from the Gospel message (the bad news) weakens the message that Jesus came to die on the Cross for us to save us form that hell.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 5:21-22
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

• God said He would send His Son, born a Jew
• God said the Messiah would die for the sins of Israel and all of mankind

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 53:1-6
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Daniel 9:26
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Acts 3:18
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

• These were Old Testament people, entering the New Testament covenant-receiving the Holy Ghost
• They heard the Word......of God

Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Acts 10:45-46
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

• The key part to understanding the gift of tongues is again emphasized for us in this verse, again-"they of the circumcision", "heard them speak with tongues"
• This is the transition of Jew (Messianic Jew) to Gentile (the Gentile Church)

Acts 10:47-48
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

• The implied answer is "no!"
• The Baptism with immersion in water is because they heard the Word, believed it, the Holy Ghost was now inside of them, and they were saved by the Blood of the Lamb, the LORD Jesus Christ!

Acts 8:36-38
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.