Verse of the Day

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Pastor's Sermon Notes: The Damascus Disciple Sent to the Sightless Saul (Acts 9:10-22)

The Damascus Disciple Sent to the Sightless Saul
Acts 9:10-22



10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Introduction:

Review Acts 9:1-9 - The End of the Road (sermon preached 8 DEC  2013).

“The Damascus Road Experience”

Acts 9:1-30
Acts 22:3-21
Acts 26:2-23

Outline:

I.  The Instructions of the Lord to Ananias (9:10-12)
II.  The Explanation of the Lord to Ananias (9:13-16)
III.  The Obedience to the Lord by Ananias (9:17-18)
IV.  The Inauguration of the Ministry of the Apostle Paul (9:19-22)

Transition:   Here we are entering into episodes in the life of the early church involving the encounter of two men with the Lord and with each other blending the supernatural along with the natural.

I.  The Instructions of the Lord to Ananias (9:10-12)

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

1.  Double Vision (9:10, 12)
2.  Explicit Instructions (9:11)

1.  Double Vision (9:10, 12)

1)  Ananias Heard the Lord in a Vision (9:10)

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

2)  Paul Saw Ananias in a Vision (9:12)

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Compare the experiences of Peter and Cornelius in the next chapter![1]

2.  Explicit Instructions (9:11)

1)  The Address - And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas

“Derb el-Mustaqim, also Souk et-Tawil or Midhat Pasha Street”[2]

2)  The Identity - one called Saul, of Tarsus

3)  The Activity - behold, he prayeth

II.  The Explanation of the Lord to Ananias (9:13-16)

 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

1.  The Objection of Ananias to the Lord’s Instructions (9:13-14)
2.  The Clarification of the Lord to Ananias (9:15-16)

1.  The Objection of Ananias to the Lord’s Instructions (9:13-14)

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Comparison is often made to others who objected to the Lord’s commands:

1)  Moses - Ex. 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13; 6:12, 30.

2)  Samuel - 1 Sam. 16:2 - And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

3)  Solomon - 1 Ki. 3:7-8 - 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

4)  Obadiah - I Ki. 18:12-14 - 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth. 13 Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me.

5)  Isaiah - Is. 6:5 - Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
(Note: In this case the objection was not preceded by a command but followed by a question that was responded to in the affimative by the prophet.)

6)  Jeremiah - Jer. 1:6 - Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7)  Zechariah - Lk. 1:18 - And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

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

2.  The Clarification of the Lord to Ananias (9:15-16)

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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Two reasons why Ananias should go:

1)  How God is going to use Saul (9:15)

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:

2) What God is going to show Saul (9:16)

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

III.  The Obedience to the Lord by Ananias (9:17-18)

 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

1.  The Ministry of Ananias to Saul (9:17)
2.  The Effect of this Ministry upon Saul (9:18)

1.  The Ministry of Ananias to Saul (9:17)

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

The other account of this aspect of the event is found in Acts 22:12-16 -

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

2.  The Effect of this Ministry upon Saul (9:18)

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

IV.  The Inauguration of the Ministry of the Apostle Paul (9:19-22)

 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

1.  The Focus of Saul’s Testimony (9:19-20)
2.  The Response to Saul’s Testimony (9:21)
3.  The Effect of Saul’s Testimony (9:22)

From Acts 13:9 on he is referred to by his other name, Paul, except in his testimonies referring back to his conversion in chapters 22 and 26 - “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him”.

1.  The Focus of Saul’s Testimony (9:19-20) - The Deity of the Incarnate Messiah

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Gal. 1:16-18 (context 1:11-24) - 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.

2 Cor. 11:32-33 - 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

2.  The Response to Saul’s Testimony (9:21) - The Amazement of Saul’s Hearers

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

3.  The Effect of Saul’s Testimony (9:22) - The Irrefutable Nature of Saul’s Proof

22 But Saul increased the more in strength,[3] and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Conclusion:

I.  The Instructions of the Lord to Ananias (9:10-12)
1.  Double Vision (9:10, 12)
2.  Explicit Instructions (9:11)

II.  The Explanation of the Lord to Ananias (9:13-16)
1.  The Objection of Ananias to the Lord’s Instructions (9:13-14)
2.  The Clarification of the Lord to Ananias (9:15-16)

III.  The Obedience to the Lord by Ananias (9:17-18)
1.  The Ministry of Ananias to Saul (9:17)
2.  The Effect of this Ministry upon Saul (9:18)

IV.  The Inauguration of the Ministry of the Apostle Paul (9:19-22)
1.  The Focus of Saul’s Testimony (9:19-20)
2.  The Response to Saul’s Testimony (9:21)
3.  The Effect of Saul’s Testimony (9:22)

[Sermon preached 29 DEC 2013 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007)
                                                  
F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Pauline biographies:

F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).

W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B. Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul: Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.

Richard B.Gaffin, Jr., "Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center on Westminster Theological Seminary at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].

Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St. Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].
Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).

Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New York: Harper & Row, 1964).

Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus : The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).

*John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York: Doubleday, 1969).

W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).

Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).

Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).

*James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 7 FEB 2013].

*Note: the two titles marked with asterisks are recommended for entry level students of the life of Paul.

The Three Parallel Accounts of Saul’s Conversion in Acts
Acts 9:1-30; 22:3-21; and 26:4-23

I.  The Background to the Conversion of Saul
Acts 9:1-2
Acts 22:3-5
Acts 26:4-12
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.


4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

II.  The Confrontation with the Lord - The Conversion of Saul on the Damascus Road
Acts 9:3-9
Acts 22:6-11
Acts 26:13-18
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 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. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.


6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

III.  The Ministry of Ananias - The Healing and Baptism of Saul
Acts 9:10-18
Acts 22:12-16
Acts 26
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.



IV.  The Aftermath of the Conversion of Saul - The Inauguration of his Ministry
Acts 9:19-30
Acts 22:17-21
Acts 26:19-23
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 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. 21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 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.





[1] Acts 10:1-6, 10-17.
[2] Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), pg. 446.
[3] “…most interpreters and many translators follow a manuscript of the fifth century that adds after “grew stronger” the phrase “in the word,” thus relating Saul’s increasing strength to his preaching.  The expression could refer to both Saul’s physical recovery and to his increasing confidence and ability of proclaiming Jesus as Messiah.” Schnabel, op. cit., pg. 453. 
The extant documentation for this reading consists of the following: 
1)  two Greek lettered uncials - C (5th c., omission of preposition) and E (6th c.);
2)  a Greek numbered miniscule - 467 (15th c.);
3)  three copies of the Old Latin version - h (5th c.), l (7th c.), and p (12th c.); and,
4)  the Codez Glazier, a version in the Middle Egyptian (Mesokemic) dialect of Coptic (5th c., with a slight variation). 
Sources:  Eberhard Nestle, Erwin Nestle, Barbara Aland, Kurt Aland, Johannes Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini, and Bruce M. Metzger, Novum Testamentum Graece, 27th ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1898, 1993), pg. 347; Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament: A Companion Volume to the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament (third edition), corrected ed. (Stuttgart, Germany: United Bible Societies, 1971), pg. 365; and F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952), pg. 204.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Pastor's Sermon Notes: He Took Not On Him The Nature Of Angels (Hebrews 2:5-18)

He Took Not On Him The Nature Of Angels
Hebrews 2:5-18


5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Introduction:

The book of Hebrews is usually included in a list of the General Epistles of the New Testament, but in many respects this book stands as unique in the inspired Word of God.

This sermon was born in a meditation on verse 16a - For verily he took not on him the nature of angels.

There is a translation issue here in the beginning of verse 16 that involves literal versus dynamic equivalent approaches to translation, and supplied words not in the original text may be indicated by italics or brackets.  The truth of the understanding presented in the King James Version translation and obscured in some modern translations (HCSB, RSV) is defended by John Owen in his treatment of verse 16. [1]  Surprisingly, several modern translations that are well over on the dynamic equivalent side of the translation spectrum (ESV, NIV, NLT) do not expand on what is meant here as they do in many other places, but render it quite literally.

NASB - For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. [2]  Note: Lit take hold of angels, but He takes hold of

ESV - For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [3]

HCSB - For it is clear that He does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. [4]

NIV - For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. [5]

NLT - We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. [6]

RSV - For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. [7]

ASV - For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham. [8]

Darby - For he does not indeed take hold of angels by the hand, but he takes hold of the seed of Abraham. [9]

YLT - for, doubtless, of messengers it doth not lay hold, but of seed of Abraham it layeth hold, [10]

An important Old Testament passage from the Prophet Isaiah that is directly related to this passage is found in Is. 41:8-10 -  

8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

The truth taught here in these verse involves several serious doctrinal issues not often grappled with involving the following subject areas:

1.  Angelology (the study or theology of angels),
2.  Christology (the study or theology of Christ),
3.  Anthropology (the study or theology of man), and,
4.  Soteriology (the study or theology of salvation).  

Very few books in the New Testament develop these doctrines like the book of Hebrews does.

Outline:

I.  Why the Incarnation?  The Purpose or Reason for the Incarnation

II.  What is the Incarnation?  The Essence or Nature of the Incarnation

III.  Who are the Focuses (Foci) of the Incarnation? The Objects or Beneficiaries of the Incarnation

Transition:

Let us consider these questions, and strive to understand the implications of the answers the context supplies.  Certainly we need look no further than the immediate context in Hebrews 2:5-18 for enlightenment concerning the answers to these questions.

I.  Why the Incarnation?  (Cur Deus Homo [11])  The Purpose or Reason for the Incarnation

1.  2:9 - for the suffering of death

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

2.  2:10 - to be perfected through sufferings

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

3.  2:11 - to be united to those he sanctifies

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

4.  2:14 - to destroy through death the devil, who has the power of death

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

5.  2:15 - to deliver those subject to bondage through fear of death

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

6.  2:17 - that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest and make reconciliation for the sins of the people

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Thomas F. Torrance on Robert Bruce and “incarnational redemption”:

“…he expounded another, and no less essential, main aspect of Christ’s atoning reconciliation.  And this is what he had to say about it: -
            “…He delivered us from the disorder and rotten root from which we proceed….our nature in Him was full sanctified by that same power.  And this perfect purity of our nature in His Person covers our impurity….His purity covers our impurity.”
            If Bruce thought of the satisfaction of Christ as freeing us from our actual sins, it is clear that he thought of His perfect purity in incarnation and birth as covering our original sin, or as sanctifying our human nature.  This stress upon incarnational redemption in Christ Bruce sandwiched in between his accounts of Christ’s active and passive obedience, for it belongs to the very heart of His saving work.  And so he summed it up by saying that all these, namely, perfect satisfaction, perfect purity and perfect righteousness are to be found in Christ perfectly….We are given to share not only in the benefits of His death on the Cross and in His righteous fulfilment of the Will of God, but also in His sanctified human nature so that we are sanctified in the purity of His Incarnation through union with Him in His humanity.” [12]

II.  What is the Incarnation?  The Essence or Nature of the Incarnation

1.  2:7, 9 - made a little lower than the angels

7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

2.  2:11 - united to those he sanctifies

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

3.  2:14 - partake of flesh and blood

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

4.  2:16 - take on the seed of Abraham

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

5.  2:17 - made like His brethren

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Mankind and angelic beings have in common that they are created beings, and they may fall due to sin.  However, the differences between men and angels appear to be particularly significant in the light of Hebrews 2:16 -

1.  Man was created in the image and likeness of God.  Angels were not.

2.  Man can die.  Angels cannot.  Man is mortal.  Angels are not mortal.

3.  Man is redeemable.  Angels are not redeemable.  Redemption requires death, therefore it is not possible for angels to be redeemed.

The incarnation has been referred to in theology as the assumptio carnis, Latin for “the assumption of the flesh”.

Thomas F. Torrance:

“Thus his very act of becoming man is itself and act of reconciliation.” [13]

“…the assumptio carnis means also that God has joined himself to us in our estranged human life in order to sanctify it, to gather it into union with his own holy life and so lift it up above and beyond all downward drag of sin and decay, and that he already does simply by being one with man in all things.  Thus the act of becoming incarnate it itself the sanctification of our human life in Jesus Christ, an elevating and fulfilling of it that far surpasses creation; it is a raising up of men and women to stand and have their being in the very life of God, but that raising up of man is achieved through his unutterable atoning self-humiliation and condescension.” [14]

III.  Who are the Focuses (Foci) of the Incarnation? The Objects or Beneficiaries of the Incarnation

1.  2:10 - sons

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

2.  2:11 - the sanctified…brethren

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

3.  2:12 - His brethren…the Church

12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

4.  2:13, 14 - the children God gave Christ

13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

5.  2:15 - those in bondage

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

6.  2:16 - the seed of Abraham

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

7.  2:17 - brethren…the people (sinners)

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

8.  2:18 - those who are tempted

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Transition:

What lessons can we take away from these truths?

Conclusion:

The lessons of “incarnational redemption” are prominent in Romans 7:18-8:14 -

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

How do we know that this is true?

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

God sent “…his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin…”

[Sermon preached 22 DEC 2013 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

Robert Bruce, The Mystery of the Lord’s Supper: Sermons by Robert Bruce, ed. Thomas F. Torrance, 2nd ed., (Edinburgh: Rutherford House, 1958), esp. pp. 23-27, s.v. “Introduction: Robert Bruce of Kinnaird”.

“Robert Bruce preached these sermons on the sacrament in 1589 at Giles Cathedral where he was a successor to John Knox. He gives us a powerful conception through the Lord’s supper of the saving work of Jesus Christ.”
Source:  Ligonier at http://www.ligonier.org/store/mystery-of-the-lords-supper-paperback/ [accessed 14 JAN 2010].

From the back cover: 

“Robert Bruce was one of the most influential and spiritual ministers of the Gospel that Scotland has ever known. Successor to James Lawson and John Knox at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, it was his leadership that gave the Reformation in Scotland the stability and permanence it had previously lacked.

Modern Scotland, and to a great extent modern America, is the beneficiary of his labours.
           
His famous Sermons on the Sacraments were delivered in 1589. Behind the teaching of Bruce on the Lord's Supper lies a powerful conception of the person and saving work of Christ. In this work Robert Bruce has left us a legacy, which, in the words of the editor of the 1614 edition, is 'worthy to be written in letters of gold'.

This edition of Bruce's work has been translated and edited by Thomas F. Torrance, one of Scotland's most respected theologians of the modern era.”

James A. Haldane, Notes Intended for an Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Newport Commentary Series (Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press, n.d.; 2010 reprint from 1860 original ed. owned by C. H. Spurgeon), pp. 55-91, esp. pp. 85-87.

John Owen, An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, ed. W. H. Goold, 7 vols. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n.d.; 1980 reprint of 1855 ed. by Johnstone & Hunter, London), Vol. III: Hebrews 1:1-3:6, pp. 319-486; esp. pp. 453-462.

Thomas F. Torrance, Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ, ed. Robert T. Walker (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008), esp. pp. 58-67, s.v. “The Word made flesh”.



End Notes:

[1] John Owen, An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, ed. W. H. Goold, 7 vols. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n.d.; 1980 reprint of 1855 ed. by Johnstone & Hunter, London), Vol. III: Hebrews 1:1-3:6, pp. 453-462.
[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (Heb 2:16). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Heb 2:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. 2009 (Heb 2:16). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The New International Version. 2011 (Heb 2:16). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Heb 2:16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[7] The Revised Standard Version. 1971 (Heb 2:16–17). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[8] American Standard Version. 1995 (Heb 2:16). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[9] Darby, J. N. (1996). The Holy Scriptures: A new translation from the original languages (Heb 2:16). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.
[10] Young, R. (1997). Young’s Literal Translation (Heb 2:16). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[11] Anselm of Canterbury, “Cur Deus Homo” trans. James Gardiner Vose, “Anselm’s Doctrine of the Incarnation and Atonement: A Translation of the Cur Deus Homo”, Bibliotheca Sacra 11:44 (OCT 1844), pp. 729-776; and 12:45 (JAN 1845), pp. 52-83; on Biblical Studies at http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/bsac/1854_729_vose.pdf, and http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/bsac/1855_052_vose.pdf respectively [accessed 23 DEC 2013].
[12] Thomas F. Torrance, “Introduction: Robert Bruce of Kinnaird”, in Robert Bruce, The Mystery of the Lord’s Supper: Sermons by Robert Bruce, ed. Thomas F. Torrance 2nd ed., (Edinburgh: Rutherford House, 1958), pp. 25-26, citing Bruce’s sixth sermon on Isaiah 38 (1591).
[13] Thomas F. Torrance, Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ, ed. Robert T. Walker (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008), pg. 65.
[14] Torrance, op. cit., pg. 66.