Gentile Beginnings

The Church in Jerusalem has branched out as persecution entered. It isn’t too long before God gives the Gentiles a beginning. With Saul and Peter.

We left Saul on the way to Jerusalem after escaping a plot to kill him in Damascus. His disciples let him down in a basket through a breech in the wall. Let’s rejoin him as he reaches Jerusalem and tries to enter into the Church there.

Holy Spirit, guide my journey again today. I know I ask You every day, but I NEED You every day! You bring life to the words on the page and let me see beyond them. Show me what You would have me see in this story. And what I can take from it for my own life.

♥ ♦ ♥

Saul started out walking during the nights and sleeping in the day. But the farther away from Damascus he gets, the bolder he feels. “Surely they won’t send soldiers after me” he thinks to himself.

As he walks along in the daytime, he meets several travelers along the way. He never hesitates to share the gospel with them. It is almost all he can talk about. Several come to faith in Jesus while others are all too happy to part company with him.

Saul arrival in Jerusalem doesn’t go unnoticed. Those who had been hiding the followers of the Way go into overdrive to protect their friends again. Saul approaches many people he suspected of harboring their friends. Meetings quickly break up and people scramble whenever he approaches.

“Please, I’m just trying to join the disciples of the Way” he calls out. “I am a follower myself now.”

The disciples don’t believe Saul. The last time they saw him in Jerusalem, he had a contingent of guards with him, rounding up any of the followers.

“It’s a trick. He probably has Temple guards hiding around the corner, waiting for one of us to lead him to the others.”

“He sounds sincere though.”

“So did the Pharisees when they presented Jesus to Pilot. We can’t take a chance. It would endanger the rest of the body.”

Saul is discouraged but he doesn’t give up. For three days he searches the city, trying to get someone to believe him. The most amazing thing is that, while he searches, he witnesses to those around him. He speaks boldly of Jesus and his own conversion on the road to Damascus.

Some of the disciples start to doubt their earlier assessment.

“He wouldn’t be witnessing to people about Jesus if he weren’t truly a follower now, would he?”

“It could still be an elaborate trick.”

Barnabas, who has returned from Damascus just this morning speaks up.

“No brothers. It is not a trick. Saul was teaching boldly in Damascus. He brought many to faith in Jesus and made disciples as he went. He had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus that changed everything! I have heard the story myself from his own lips as well as those who cared for him right after it.”

The disciples are amazed at the prospect. Their greatest enemy now their ally.

“What are we going to do? I’m still concerned.”

“I will take him personally to the apostles” declares Barnabas.

“You can’t do that! What if he arrests them?”

“Do you think the Lord would allow His work to be so easily crushed? Trust me and trust in Him even more.”

Barnabas finds Saul in the street, speaking about Jesus to a small group of people. When Saul finishes, he approaches him.

“Brother Saul” says Barnabas with a smile.

“Brother Barnabas” Saul exclaims with great joy.

The two embrace as brothers.

“It has been some time since I saw you” says Barnabas.

“I was beginning to wonder if I would ever see any of the brothers again. I have been trying, but they are still afraid of me. I don’t know how to convince them of the truth.”

“That is something I want to talk to you about.”

Saul gives Barnabas his full attention.

“I want to bring you to the apostles.”

“Would they actually see me? Aren’t they afraid of me also?”

“They know me and trust me. And they fear no man, for the Lord is with them.”

Saul face lights up. “I would welcome such an opportunity. Let me know when and where to meet you.”

“How about now and here” says Barnabas with a broad smile.

Saul can hardly believe it. “YES!” Then he stops. “I am not dressed for such an honor. I should bathe and be at my best.”

“No. You should be yourself. It is not your outward appearance that they will be looking at, but your heart. No amount of water can make an evil heart righteous. Just as no amount of dirt can make a righteous heart evil.”

Saul nods and the two set off with Barnabas leading the way. They arrive at an ordinary house is an ordinary suburb of Jerusalem. It isn’t too far from the market. Barnabas knocks on the door in a pattern. “Tap, tap. Pause. Tap, tap, tap. Pause. Tap.”

The door swings open and reveals a group of men gathered inside, deep in discussion. When Barnabas and Saul step into the room, the discussion stops. All eyes are on them. Everyone recognizes both men. And it is a shock to see them standing together, shoulder to shoulder.

“Barnabas” Peter says. “I see you have brought a visitor.”

“I have brought a brother.” Barnabas puts a hand on Saul’s shoulder. “Brother Peter, meet Brother Saul.”

“I recognize Saul from our earlier encounters. They were not the most pleasant.”

“I am sorry beyond words for my earlier actions. I met Jesus since our last encounter and wish nothing more than to serve Him and share His gospel with the world.”

“Please, tell us your story” says John.

Saul shares every detail of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, how the believers there took him in and taught him the truth, and how he was speaking out boldly for the Lord.

“I am witness to several of Brother Saul’s sermons and have spoken with those who took him in. His speaks the truth” Barnabas volunteers.

“Welcome Brother Saul” Peter says.

The disciples all welcome Saul with a warm embrace. From this moment on, Saul is fully accepted in the body of believers. He also steps up his teaching. He daily debates the Hellenists and they cannot counter his conclusions.

Problem is, Saul is very recognizable. The believers know him and trust him now, but the religious leaders are appalled at the change.

“He was supposed to be stamping out this ‘Way’ group. Not helping them grow!”

“Could he be trying to infiltrate them so that he can tear them down from the inside?”

“If you heard him speak you would know the answer to that. He is nearly as fanatical as Peter and John.”

“Then we have to put a stop to it. With his obvious conversion, others will be inclined to search him out and ask why. There is no limit to the followers he can generate!”

“He has to go. Permanently.”

“I hear they tried that in Damascus, but he escaped.”

“We won’t make that mistake. Have a contingent of guards begin scouring the city for him this very day” demands Caiaphas.

The order is issued and, within an hour, Temple guards are roaming the streets in search of Saul. They question everyone.

Word of Caiaphas’ effort to find Saul reaches the apostles almost before it starts. Saul is actually among them when one of the secret Brothers of the Sanhedrin appears on their doorstep.

“You have to get Saul out of here right away” he warns. “Caiaphas has an entire squadron of Temple guards out scouring the city for him. They intend to kill him.”

Peter springs into action. “I will smuggle him out of the city. Andrew, you come with me. We will get a hay cart to hide him in. Once we are out of the city, we will head to Caesarea. From there, we will put him on a boat to his home town, Tarsus. The Sanhedrin won’t be able to reach him there.”

With the plan set, Andrew goes to retrieve the appropriate cart. Saul is hidden under the hay with a blanket to allow him some protection and breathing room. Peter and Andrew dress in robes of farmers and set out for Caesarea. Saul stays hidden until they are well past the hills of Jerusalem.

“I was beginning to think I would never get out” Saul says when the cart stops and Peter lifts the covering.

“We had to be certain that no one was following us” says Andrew.

“What are you going to do with the cart now” asks Saul.

“We will take it to Caesarea and sell the hay, of course” replies Andrew.

“Of course” echoes Saul with a smile.

It takes three days for the small band to reach Caesarea. The three men enjoy their time together, as it allows them to share more deeply their experiences. Saul is in awe of the time they actually walked with Jesus. And Peter and Andrew are equally enthralled by Saul’s encounter. They have questions about the prophecy he received.

“You are to spread the gospel to the Gentiles?”

“That is what Ananias said when he came to me at the home of Judas. ‘He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel’ (Acts 9:15).”

“But Gentiles?” asks Andrew with furrowed brows.

“Remember Jesus parting words to us brother? We are to spread His word to the whole world. He didn’t stop with just Israel. He ministered to Gentiles. If He wants to send our brother here to the Gentiles, who are we to argue” Peter concludes.

It is easy to sell the cart and hay when the group reaches Caesarea. It brings plenty for Saul’s trip and supplies for Andrew’s return trip to Jerusalem. Peter has other plans. As soon as Saul is safely on his way to Tarsus Peter shares his plans with Andrew.

“I am going to go along the coast and preach the word. This is what I feel the Spirit drawing me to do. Andrew, you return to Jerusalem and let the brothers know where I am.”

“I could go with you” Andrew offers.

“No. I appreciate the offer, but this is something I need to do alone.”

“But Jesus always sent us out two by two.”

“I am not alone brother. The Holy Spirit is with me, wherever I go.”

Andrew sighs and shrugs his shoulders. There is no arguing with Peter when his mind is made up.

Andrew returns to Jerusalem, teaching in the towns he passes along the way. It takes him a full week to reach the home of the apostles.

Peter took his time as he made his way down the coast. After a week, he arrives at Lydda. The believers openly welcome him and enfold him into their community. Together, with the saints of Lydda, Peter continues to share the gospel.

One day, Thomas, one of the believers in Lydda, asks Peter for help.

“There is a man here who needs the healing touch of the Lord.”

“Why have you not prayed for him” asks Peter.

“His need was just brought to our attention this morning. His wife asks that the apostle Peter pray for him.”

“Show me where he is.”

Thomas and Peter go to the home of Aeneas. They are welcomed in by his wife, Dina.

“Shalom” she says as she bows before them. “Thank you for coming.”

Peter puts his hand on her shoulder. “We are not worthy you bowing before us. Only Jesus is. We come in His name though. Show us to your husband.”

Dina leads the two men over to where her husband lies. “He has not been able to move from that bed for eight years” she tells them.

“I was paralyzed in an accident” Aeneas tells them. He points to his legs. His muscles are clearly withered from disuse.

Peter smiles down at him and stand right beside him. “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed” (Acts 9:34).

The muscles in Aeneas’ legs immediately fill out, his nerves knit together again and Aeneas rises from his bed! Aeneas begins dancing around the room and praising God. He grabs Dina and twirls her with him until the two of them are out of breath.

Peter and Thomas watch, smiling. They too praise the Lord.

Aeneas becomes a literal ‘walking testimony’ of the power of Jesus name. He is well known in both Lydda and Sharon. And his healing brings MANY to belief in Jesus. They come to hear the miracle and stay for the message of the gospel.

News of Peter’s presence in Lydda soon makes its way to Joppa. The believers in both towns rejoice together. Visitors from Joppa frequent Peter’s teachings in Lydda. Encouragement flows between the congregations on a regular basis.

In Joppa, there is a woman who is a cherished member of that body of believers. Her name is Tabitha. She has a heart as big as the sea itself. She is always helping anyone in need, in whatever way she can. One of her most cherished contributions is making tunics for the widows. She sews each with love and care, charging nothing for her time or supplies. And they are always beautiful!

Tabitha becomes ill. She doesn’t want to bother anyone with her trouble, so she hides it. Within a week of becoming ill, she dies. One of the widows, who was bringing a tunic to ask Tabitha to repair it finds her. Tabitha is slumped over her sewing when the widow arrives. She tries rousing her, but it is no use.

The widow cries out in mourning and is heard by some of the believers. They rush to her side and find Tabitha’s body. Mourning wail erupt in the street. Several of the widows gather to care for Tabitha’s mortal remains. Weeping, they wash her body. Before they can wrap it for burial, one of the believers has an idea.

“We need to send for Peter. He healed Aeneas. Maybe he can do something for Tabitha.”

“Go to him quickly! Bring him back here. I will have the women put her in her upper room.”

The man takes off running. There is no time to waste. He is at the home where Peter is staying in two hours.

“Please, I need to see the apostle Peter” he tells the man who opens the door.

Peter hears his name and the urgency in the man’s voice. He makes his way to the door.

“I am Peter. What is the matter?”

“Please! Come with me to Joppa. One of our most cherished women has died. If you can do anything for her, we will be eternally grateful.”

Peter and the man set off for Joppa that very moment. Because they are not running it takes a little longer to arrive. Peter is taken to Tabitha’s house straight away. As he enters, he sees a large group of women weeping.

“I have brought Peter” the man announces.

The women rush to Peter.

“Please! Help Tabitha! Look at this beautiful tunic she made me.”

“And this one too” adds another woman.

All the women crowd in to show Peter the works of Tabitha.

Peter’s heart goes out to them. He knows that they need this woman returned to their ranks. Not for Tabitha, as she is enjoying paradise with Jesus, but for those left behind.

“Where is she” Peter asks.

“She is in the upper room” one of the women tells him and points to the staircase leading to the room.

“Wait here” Peter tells them.

Peter mounts the stairs and enters the room. After shutting the door, he kneels down beside the bed where Tabitha’s body lies. He begins to pray. “Lord Jesus, these believers need their sister returned to them. I ask you to restore her to life, that she may continue to minister to this precious body of believers. Not for her sake Lord, but for theirs. Also for the sake of all those who will believe because of her.”

Peter takes Tabitha’s hand, almost apologetically for he knows what he is asking her to surrender. In a voice filled with the authority of Jesus, Peter speaks. “Tabitha, arise” (Acts 9:40).

Tabitha’s eyes open and she sees Peter looking at her. She sits up in the bed. Peter puts out his hand and she takes it. Peter helps her to her feet and the two of them descend the stairs.

The room is FILLED with praise and even more tears! The women flock to her and surround her with love. Tabitha smiles and embraces each of them. The men in the group quickly spread the news.

Within an hour, every believer in Joppa knows of the miracle of Tabitha. Word doesn’t stop with the believers. It spreads throughout the city. MANY come to faith in Jesus as a result of this miracle.

The next day, Tabitha quietly returns to her life. Helping those in need and sewing for the widows. She is also always ready to share the story of being in the arms of Jesus for a short time.

Peter decides to stay in Joppa for a while. Simon, who is a tanner by trade, welcomes him into his home. They spend many evenings discussing the teachings of Jesus.

While Peter is in Joppa, an angel of the Lord visits a Gentile in Caesarea. His name is Cornelius, and he has been worshiping the God of Israel for many years. His whole household worships the Lord with him and he generously gives to those in need.

Cornelius longs for a relationship with God. He prays daily for the Lord to speak to his heart and lead him in his daily walk. Today, that prayer is answered.

While Cornelius is praying, a vision of an angel of the Lord appears before him.

“Cornelius” (Acts 10:3).

Cornelius blinks his eyes but when the vision remains, he stares at the angel in terror. When his mouth can finally move, he says; “What is it, Lord?” (Acts 10:4a).

The angel says to him; “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea” (Acts 10:4b-6).

Cornelius is so excited he begins calling out immediately for his servants. “Come quickly!”

Several of his servants rush into the room, uncertain what they will find. They have never heard their master sound so urgent. “What is it, my lord?”

Cornelius launches into the vision he has just received. “God spoke to ME! I almost don’t believe it, but I KNOW it is so.”

Cornelius singles out two of his most trusted servants. “You will go to Joppa and find the home of Simon the tanner. That is where the man Simon, called Peter is staying. Tell him of the vision I have had. Ask him to come with you to my home.”

Cornelius calls for one of his most devout soldiers. One who also worships the Lord. “Go with my servants. Protect them from harm and see that they reach the home of Simon the tanner safely.”

“I will not fail you, my lord.”

On the way, the servants fill in the details of Cornelius’ vision for the soldier watching over them.

“This is wonderful! The Lord has certainly heard our master’s prayers. Pray that this Peter will come with us.”

(to be continued)

I am going to stop here tonight as this is getting very long. We will see Peter’s preparation and response tomorrow. The first messenger to the Gentiles has been appointed and the first appointment with Gentiles is about to happen. God is expanding the church, in more ways than one!

Father God, THANK YOU again for reaching out to the Gentiles. Jesus reached out while He walked the earth, but they were not His priority. The house of Israel was. And it had to be that way. Their rejection of Him opened the way for the Gentiles. As You knew it would. NOTHING of Your plan is EVER left undone.