Pastor's Sermon Notes: Herod Attacks the Apostles (Acts 12:1-19)

Herod Attacks the Apostles

Acts 12:1-19

 

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

 ² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

 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.

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

 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. 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. 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. 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. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 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. 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. ¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 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. ¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 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.

Introduction:

Survey the major events from Acts 1-11 bringing Herod, the Jews, the Apostles, and the Church to this point in their relationships and responses.  Consider what precipitated this sequence of events.

Outline:

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

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

 ² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

 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.

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

1.  Herod[1]

This is the grandson of Herod the Great, and the fourth of the “Herods” mentioned in the New Testament.  He had himself been imprisoned in Rome at one time.  He was educated with the Emperor, and had won a degree of favor with the Jews as he consolidated his political power.  He could trace a line of descent on his father’s side from Idumeans, “the Hellenistic name for Edom and southern Judaea” who “were always suspect…in the eyes of the Jews”,[2]and considered to be “half-Jews”.[3]

 2.  James

One of the three “inner circle” Apostles consisting of Peter, James and John.

 3.  because he saw it pleased the Jews

Herod was the consummate politician.

 4.  the days of unleavened bread

It would have been offensive to the Jews to execute someone during the feast.

5.  four quarternions of soldiers

Four squads of four soldiers each for six hour shifts, two in the cell on each side of the prisoner, and two outside the cell door, one on each side.

6.  Easter  - This is an inexcusable and indefensible bad “translation”! Indeed, it is not a translation at all, and hardly qualifies even as a dynamic equivalent due to following:  1) the inherent anachronism, 2) the covenantal discontinuity between the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of the crucifixion of Christ, and, 3) what many refer to as “Easter” corresponds neither to the Jewish Passover nor the crucifixion since it is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.  There was no such thing as “Easter” at this time, and certainly not among the Jews of the 1st century!  Any one of these objections would be sufficient to rule out this translation.  Therefore, in agreement with all translations since the 1611 KJV, “Passover” is the only valid English rendering!  Furthermore, what many find offensive about the term is its Old English basis in ancient idolatrous beliefs.[4]  This would have been equally offensive to both the first century Jews still observing the Passover, and the early Christians. This is one of those times when I am reading the King James translation publicly when I do not hesistate to correct it![5]

The stage is now set for an episode that has been described as “…one of the most delightful and engaging narratives in all of Acts”, the two scenes of which are “related with consummate artistry….a vivid, almost comic touch….entertaining….and also a decidedly dramatic effect.”[6]

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

 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. 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. 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.  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. 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.

Picture this!

1.  The opening scene (12:6)

2.  The angelic smiting (12:7a-c)

3.  The angelic instuctions (12:7d-8) - 5 instructions: 

1)  Arise up quickly (12:7d)

2)  Gird thyself (12:8b)

3)  bind on thy sandals (12:8c)

4)  Cast thy garment about thee  (12:8f)

5)  follow me (12:8g)

4.  The assumed vision (12:9)

5.  The four passages (12:10)

1)  the first ward

2)  the second ward

3)  the iron gate

4)  the first street

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

 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. 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. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 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. 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. ¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 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.

If you were going to fabricate a myth about the legitimacy of Christianity would you have made the believers seem so foolish and unbelieving? 

This is not about the wonderful faith and perceptive responses of the saints!  Certainly not!

This is about the victorious and undeniable power of the risen and ascended Christ on behalf of His people.  He is building His Church!  He will build His Church!  The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!

Consider the various elements of this wonderful event:

1.      Peter pondering between the prison and the house (12:11)

2.      Peter’s arrival at the house (12:12)

3.      Peter’s knock at the door of the gate (12:13)

4.      Rhoda did not open the gate (12:14)

5.      The response to Rhoda (12:15)

6.      Peter left standing before the gate (12:15)

7.      Peter still knocking at the door of the gate (12:16)

8.      The brethren finally opening of the door of the gate (12:16)

9.      The instructions of Peter (12:17)

This passage really reads well in a dramatized paraphrase, or when actually acted out in a dramatic presentation!

Note:  Verse 17 has been referred to as a key verse in this section.

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.

The James referred to by Peter is the brother of the Lord, as James, the brother of John, had already been martyred (12:2).  This James would continue to play a prominent role in the Jerusalem Church.

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

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

1.  The Excitement of the Soldiers (12:18)

2.  The Execution of the Soldiers (12:19a-d)

3.  The Evacuation of Herod (12:19e-f)

1.  The Excitement of the Soldiers (12:18)

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

This is an almost comical understatement.  It raises three questions:

1)  Hadn’t this happened before at least once?

2)  Will it happen again?

3)  Does it always happen?

1)  Hadn’t this happened before at least once?  Yes.

Christ’s tomb - Mt. 27:62-28:12

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65  Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. 1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.  11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Apostles - Acts 5:17-25

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, ²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. ²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. ²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, ²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. ²⁴ Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. ²⁵ Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

2)  Will it happen again?  Yes.

Paul and Silas at Philippi - Acts 16:19-40

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.  35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

3)  Does it always happen?  No.

James was not delivered from the sword. 

Many others, especially prophets, were not delivered in the past, most recently Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). 

Nor is there any record of deliverances of those arrested by Saul, miraculous or otherwise.

Acts 22:4 - And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 22:19 - And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

Acts 26:10 - 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.

Paul himself is a prisoner throughout the last seven chapters of Acts, and remains so until his martrydom which occurred following the closing events recorded in Acts.

Whether of not deliverance from persecution and martyrdom occurs is entirely contingent upon God’s sovereign will.  It is never an issue whether He can provide such deliverance.  All things are possible with Him.  None can stay His hand.  His power is limitless.  The only issue in any given circumstance is whether such deliverance is His will or not.  “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42)

2.  The Execution of the Soldiers (12:19a-d)

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.

Does this seem fair?  It wasn’t their fault, was it?

Deny the supernatural, rule out the almighty power of God, and you inevitably create more problems than you solve!  There is a very severe price to be paid for unbelief in God’s sovereign power!

3.  The Evacuation of Herod (12:19e-f)

And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Why would Herod leave Judea after this?  We are not told, and can well imagine.  However, his days are numbered.  He will get no further.

Conclusion:

A previous question was asked that if you were going to fabricate a myth about the legitimacy of Christianity would you have made the Christians seem so foolish and unbelieving? 

This question was followed up with an assertion.  This is not about the wonderful faith and perceptive responses of the saints!  Certainly not! This is about the victorious and undeniable power of the risen and ascended Christ on behalf of His people.  He is building His Church!  He will build His Church!  The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!

Not imagine this as volume two of legal document along with the Gospel according to Luke, and presented at Paul’s trial in Rome in his defense.  Now all the powers that be at Rome have the explanation for Herod’s final trip to Caesarea, and his death soon thereafter.  And still they do not fear to execute the Apostles of the all-powerful ascended Christ.

Zech. 4:6 - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Cor. 1:23-31 - 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Cor. 2:6-8 - 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Outline:

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

[Sermon preached 23 MAR 2014 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).

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[1] For further information on Herod consult the following sources:

E. M. Blaiklock, “Herod”, in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, gen ed. Merrill C. Tenney, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963, 1964, 1967), pp. 348-352.

Frederick Fyvie Bruce, “Herod”, in The New Bible Dictionary, eds. J. D. Douglas, F. F. Bruce, J. I. Packer, R. V. G. Tasker, and D. J. Wiseman (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962), pp. 521-523.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The Classic Bible Dictionary, ed. Jay P. Green, Sr. (Lafayette, IN: Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1988), pp. 524-528.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1915 ed., ed. J. Edwin Orr (Albany, OR: Ages Software, 1999); on International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online at http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/H/herod.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Arthur Cayley Headlam, “Herod”, in A Dictionary of the Bible,  Dealing with its Language, Literature, and Contents, Including the Biblical Theology, ed. James Hastings, 5 vols. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d.; 1988 reprint ed. of 1898 orig. by T&T Clark, Edinburgh), 2:353-362; on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/hastings/dictv2/Page_353.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Harold W. Hoehner, “Herod, Herodian Family”, in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, eds. W. A. Elwell and B. J. Beitzel (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), pp. 964-972.

Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, trans. F. H. Cave and C. H. Cave (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969; from Jerusalem zur Zeit Jesu, 3rd ed., Gottingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1962), pp. 11-12, 94, 98, 331-334, 366-367.

A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament: The Sarum Lectures 1960-1961 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1963; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2004).

Edwin M. Yamauchi, “Archaelogy and the New Testament”, in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, gen. ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 1, Introductory Articles (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), pp. 649-652.

[2] J. R. Bartlett, “The Moabites and Edomites”, in Peoples of Old Testament Times, ed. D. J. Wiseman (Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1973), pp. 243-244.

[3] Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, trans. F. H. Cave and C. H. Cave (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969; from Jerusalem zur Zeit Jesu, 3rd ed., Gottingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1962), pg. 331-334; citing Flavius Josephus, Antiquitates, 14. 403, ed. B. Niese, (Berlin, 1885-1894; 1955 reprint); English trans. H. St. J. Thackeray et al., 9 vols., in Loeb Classical Library (London, 1926-1966).  See Antiquities of the Jews, IV:15:2, on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/j/josephus/works/ant-14.htm#EndNote_ANT_14.28a [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[4] See “Ēostre” on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[5] Other sources on this issue: Doug Kutilek, “As I See It”, 11:10 (OCT 2008), on The King James Only Resource Center at http://www.kjvonly.org/aisi/2008/aisi_11_10_08.htm [accessed 24 MAR 2014]; Fred Butler, “Easter, Passover and the KJV”, on Fred’s Bible Talk at http://www.fredsbibletalk.com/fb024.pdf [accessed 24 MAR 2014]; and Fred Butler’s blog post, “The King James Only Easter Bunny Trail” (5 APR 2012), on Hip and Thigh at http://hipandthigh.blogspot.com/2006/04/king-james-only-easter-bunny-trail.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[6] John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992), pg. 276.

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Double Vision - Cornelius in Caesarea and Peter in Joppa (Acts 10:1-23)

Double Vision: Cornelius in Caesarea and Peter in Joppa

Acts 10:1-23

                
 

¹  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 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. 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. 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. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: ⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. ⁷ 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; ⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 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: ¹⁰ And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 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: ¹² Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. ¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. ¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. ¹⁶  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 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, ¹⁸ And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. ¹⁹ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. ²⁰ Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 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? 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. 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.

Introduction:

At the end of chapter nine we left the Apostle Peter in the house of Simon the Tanner in Joppa where he had performed a miracle of resuscitation of the dead after traveling from Jerusalem and performing a previous miracle of healing in Lydda.  This set the stage for a further movement geographically and miraculously to open the door to the Gentiles, and to usher in the third and final major movement in The Acts of the Ascended Christ through the Holy Spirit by His Apostles (Acts 1:8).

Outline:

I.  The Vision of Cornelius in Caesarea (10:1-8)

II.  The Vision of Peter in Joppa (10:9-16)

III.  The Connection Between Peter and Cornelius Established (10:17-23)

Transition:   

There is miraculous electricity in the air on the coast of Israel.  A positive visionary terminal presents itself first in Caesarea. Then a negative visionary terminal is established to the south in Joppa.  Finally a connection is successfully established between them in order for the fireworks to begin!

I.  The Vision of Cornelius in Caesarea (10:1-8)

¹  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 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. 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. 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. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: ⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. ⁷ 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; ⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

1.  The Identification of Cornelius (10:1-2)

2.  The Vision to Cornelius (10:3-6)

3.  The Delegation from Cornelius (10:7-8)

This is the “positive terminal”, the positive vision, in this connection that is to be made.

1.  The Identification of Cornelius (10:1-2)

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

1) His military profession

2) His exemplary devotion

See also verse 22!  Cornelius is in every respect the perfect choice, made by God, to be a bridgehead for the Gospel of the New Covenant by the Apostles to the Gentiles.

Cornelius is a believer, a believing Gentile, or “God-fearer”, and an “Old Testament saint”.

Cornelius must not be thought of as unregenerate, or unconverted.

Cornelius must not be thought of as carnal, or unspiritual.

Cornelius must be considered in the same light as the Ethiopian eunuch, the 3,000 who responded to the preaching on the Day of Pentecost, Anna, Simeon, etc.  All of them looked for the Messiah, since they believed their Bibles, the Law and the Prophets, or what we refer to as the Old Testament.  Each of them just needed to hear the Gospel of the New Covenant, the Good News proclaiming the Advent, Death, Burial, Resurrection and Ascension of the Messianic King in order to be baptized into the Body of Christ.

2.  The Vision to Cornelius (10:3-6)

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. 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. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: ⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Here is an amazing thing that should grip our hearts!

This has never been revealed to us by an angelic vision, but is it true of us nevertheless?

3.  The Delegation from Cornelius (10:7-8)

⁷ 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; ⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

II.  The Vision of Peter in Joppa (10:9-16)

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: ¹⁰ And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 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: ¹² Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. ¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. ¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. ¹⁶  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

1.  The Context of Peter’s Vision (10:9-10)

2.  The Content of Peter’s Vision (10:11-12)

3.  The Conversation of Peter’s Vision (10:13-15)

4.  The Conclusion of Peter’s Vision (10:16)

This is the “negative terminal”, the negative vision in the connection that God is establishing.

There are actually two negatives in the account of this vision. Wait for it!

1.  The Context of Peter’s Vision (10:9-10)

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

2.  The Content of Peter’s Vision (10:11-12)

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

3.  The Conversation of Peter’s Vision (10:13-15)

¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. ¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. ¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

See Romans 14:14!  This is the entire point of the vision. It does not have primary reference to food items, although the removal of the Mosaic Law’s dietary restrictions is a reality.

4.  The Conclusion of Peter’s Vision (10:16)

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

III.  The Connection Between Peter and Cornelius Established (10:17-23)

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, ¹⁸ And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. ¹⁹ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. ²⁰ Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 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? 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. 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.

1.  The Arrival of the Delegation (10:17-18)

2.  The Announcement of the Delegation (10:19-20)

3.  The Anecdote of the Delegation (10:21-22)

4.  The Accompaniment of the Delegation (10:23)

1.  The Arrival of the Delegation (10:17-18)

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

2.  The Announcement of the Delegation (10:19-20)

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

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

3.  The Anecdote of the Delegation (10:21-22)

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? 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.

4.  The Accompaniment of the Delegation (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.

Conclusion:

I.  The Vision of Cornelius in Caesarea (10:1-8)

1.  The Identification of Cornelius (10:1-2)

2.  The Vision to Cornelius (10:3-6)

3.  The Delegation from Cornelius (10:7-8)

II.  The Vision of Peter in Joppa (10:9-16)

1.  The Context of Peter’s Vision (10:9-10)

2.  The Content of Peter’s Vision (10:11-12)

3.  The Conversation of Peter’s Vision (10:13-15)

4.  The Conclusion of Peter’s Vision (10:16)

III.  The Connection Between Peter and Cornelius Established (10:17-23)

1.  The Arrival of the Delegation (10:17-18)

2.  The Announcement of the Delegation (10:19-20)

3.  The Anecdote of the Delegation (10:21-22)

4.  The Accompaniment of the Delegation (10:23)

[Sermon preached 2 FEB 2014 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).

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Peter to Joppa: Two Miracles of Healing during a Period of Church Growth (Acts 9:31-43)

Peter to Joppa: 

Two Miracles of Healing during a Period of Church Growth

Acts 9:31-43

 

Introduction:

³¹ Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. ³² And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. ³³ And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. ³⁴ And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. ³⁵ And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. ³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. ³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. ³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. ³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. ⁴⁰ But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. ⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Outline:

I.  An Abnormal Oasis in the History of the Early Church (9:31)

II.  The Healing of Aeneas at Lydda (9:32-35)

III. The Resuscitation of Tabitha at Joppa (9:36-43)

Transition:   

As the page turns, the focus changes, and one of the key persons is on the move.

In these concluding verses of the chapter we are confronted with a major personal and geographical shift in the account from Saul to Peter and from Jerusalem to Lydda and then to Joppa.  This sets the stage for the Gentile “Pentecost” in chapter ten. 

I.  An Abnormal Oasis in the History of the Early Church (9:31)

³¹ Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

1.  The Churches Had Rest - A Window Of Opportunity For Growth

2. The Churches Were Edified - Vertical Qualitative Growth (Upward)

3.  The Churches Were Multiplied - Horizontal Quantitative Growth (Outward)

[Note:  See appendices below on the text, grammar, and translations of this verse.]

1.  The Churches Had Rest - A Window Of Opportunity For Growth

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria,

2. The Churches Were Edified - Vertical Qualitative Growth (Upward)

and were edified;

3.  The Churches Were Multiplied - Horizontal Quantitative Growth (Outward)

and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

II.  The Healing of Aeneas at Lydda (9:32-35)

³² And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. ³³ And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. ³⁴ And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. ³⁵ And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

1.  The Occasion for the Healing Miracle (9:32-33)

2.  The Event of Christ’s Healing of Aeneas (9:34)

3.  The Reaction of the Saints at Lydda (9:35)

1.  The Occasion for the Healing Miracle (9:32-33)

³² And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. ³³ And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

2.  The Event of Christ’s Healing of Aeneas (9:34)

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

3.  The Reaction of the Saints at Lydda (9:35)

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

III. The Resuscitation of Tabitha at Joppa (9:36-43)

³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. ³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. ³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. ³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. ⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

1.  The Reputation and Death of Tabitha (9:36-37)

2.  The Request to and Arrival of Peter (9:38-39)

3.  The Resuscitation and Presentation of Tabitha (9:40-41)

4.  The Report of and Response to the News (9:42-43)

1.  The Reputation and Death of Tabitha (9:36-37)

³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. ³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

2.  The Request to and Arrival of Peter (9:38-39)

³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. ³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

3.  The Resuscitation and Presentation of Tabitha (9:40-41)

⁴⁰ But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

4.  The Report of and Response to the News (9:42-43)

⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Conclusion:

I.  An Abnormal Oasis in the History of the Early Church (9:31)

1.  The Churches Had Rest - A Window Of Opportunity For Growth

2. The Churches Were Edified - Vertical Qualitative Growth (Upward)

3.  The Churches Were Multiplied - Horizontal Quantitative Growth (Outward)

II.  The Healing of Aeneas at Lydda (9:32-35)

1.  The Occasion for the Healing Miracle (9:32-33)

2.  The Event of Christ’s Healing of Aeneas (9:34)

3.  The Reaction of the Saints at Lydda (9:35)

III. The Resuscitation of Tabitha at Joppa (9:36-43)

1.  The Reputation and Death of Tabitha (9:36-37)

2.  The Request to and Arrival of Peter (9:38-39)

3.  The Resuscitation and Presentation of Tabitha (9:40-41)

4.  The Report of and Response to the News (9:42-43)

[Sermon preached 19 JAN 2014 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).

Appendix 1:  Text of Acts 9:31

TR	BYZ	MT	NA
αι μεν ουν εκκλησιαι καθ ολης της ιουδαιας και γαλιλαιας και σαμαρειας ειχον ειρηνην οικοδομουμεναι και πορευομεναι τω φοβω του κυριου και τη παρακλησει του αγιου πνευματος επληθυνοντο	Αἱ μὲν οὖν ἐκκλησίαι καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας εἶχον εἰρήνην οἰκοδομούμεναι, καὶ πορευόμεναι τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐπληθύνοντο.	✕1‌Αἱ μὲν οὖν ἐκκλησίαι✖ καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας ❐1‌εἶχον εἰρήνην ✕2‌οἰκοδομούμεναι, καὶ πορευόμεναι✖ τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ❐2‌ἐπληθύνοντο.	Ἡ μὲν οὖν ἐκκλησία καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας εἶχεν εἰρήνην οἰκοδομουμένη καὶ πορευομένη τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐπληθύνετο.

Note:  The textual issues all have to do with a difference between the Byzantine/Majority evidence for the plural forms, and the Eclectic/Alexandrian evidence for the singular forms.

Appendix 2:  Grammar of Acts 9:31

εἶχον - Imperfect active indicative 3rd person plural

οἰκοδομούμεναι - Present passive participle nominative feminine plural

πορευόμεναι - Present deponent (middle or passive) participle nominative feminine plural

επληθυνοντο - Imperfect passive indicative 3rd person plural

Appendix 3:  Translations of Acts 9:31

KJV	NASB	ESV	HCSB	NIV	NLT
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria,    and were edified;    and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.	So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace,    being built up;    and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,    it continued to increase.	So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace    and was being built up.    And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,    it multiplied.	So the church  throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace,     being built up    and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.	Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened.    Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit,    it increased in numbers.	The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria,    and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

Note:  The NIV and perhaps the NLT seem to take the KJV approach to the treatment of the two present passive participles found between the two main verbs in the imperfect indicative.  This apparent inconsistency in translating the two coupled participles when compared to other translations which treat them both as English participles (NASB, ESV, HCSB)  is seen:

1) primarily in translating the first participle as a verb, and also,

2)  in translating the second as either an English participle (KJV, NIV) in agreement with the other translations, or as a verb in a clause which is nevertheless subordinated to the first (NLT).

Perhaps a related issue is that in the case of the KJV and the NIV the first of the two participles is seen as directly associated with the first of the two main verbs, while the second is linked to the final main verb.  This appears to be indicated by the punctuation found following the first of the two, which is a a semi-colon in the KJV, and a period in the NIV.  Both of these punctuation decisions are also found in the NASB and the ESV respectively despite the differing treatment of the two participles.  Therefore in four of the six English translations considered the punctuation employed in the middle of the verse indicates a severing of the Greek participles into the two separate sentences or clauses associated with the two main verbs.  This may set the stage for a different understanding of how each of these participles function in its respective sentence or clause.